MAX3238CDB Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX3238CDB is a 5/3 full-duplex RS232 transceiver in 28-SSOP surface mount packaging, manufactured by Texas Instruments. This part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and procurement. The MAX3238 series provides full RS232 protocol compliance with 250 kbps data rate capability across a 3V to 5.5V supply voltage range, suitable for legacy serial communication applications requiring direct component replacement or functional equivalence.

Key Parameters

Parameter	MAX3238CDB
Manufacturer	Texas Instruments
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Drivers/Receivers	5/3
Duplex	Full
Data Rate	250 kbps
Voltage Supply	3V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 70°C
Package	28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Receiver Hysteresis	300 mV
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
MSL Rating	1 (Unlimited)
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MAX3238CDB is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Protocol: RS232 full-duplex
Driver/Receiver Configuration: 5/3
Package: 28-SSOP with identical physical dimensions
Data Rate: 250 kbps minimum
Supply Voltage Range: 3V ~ 5.5V
Mounting Type: Surface Mount
RoHS Compliance: ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute parts are grouped into three categories based on product status and operational characteristics:

Direct Substitutes (Active Status): MAX3238ECAI+, MAX3238ECAI+T — functionally equivalent with identical electrical specifications and active manufacturing status.

Upgrade Substitutes (Extended Temperature Range): MAX3238EEAI+, MAX3238EEAI+T — maintain all core specifications with extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C) and active product status.

Manufacturer-Recommended Alternatives: ICL3238EIAZ, ICL3238EIAZ-T (Renesas), MAX3238CAI+, MAX3238CAI+T, MAX3238EAI+, MAX3238EAI+T (Analog Devices/Maxim) — all meet core substitution criteria with variations in receiver hysteresis and temperature ratings.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Product Status	Drivers/Receivers	Data Rate	Supply Voltage	Operating Temp	Receiver Hysteresis	Package	RoHS	MSL
MAX3238CDB	Texas Instruments	Obsolete	5/3	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	300 mV	28-SSOP	ROHS3	1
MAX3238ECAI+	Analog Devices/Maxim	Active	5/3	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	600 mV	28-SSOP	ROHS3	1
MAX3238ECAI+T	Analog Devices/Maxim	Active	5/3	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	600 mV	28-SSOP	ROHS3	1
MAX3238EEAI+	Analog Devices/Maxim	Active	5/3	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	600 mV	28-SSOP	ROHS3	1
MAX3238EEAI+T	Analog Devices/Maxim	Active	5/3	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	600 mV	28-SSOP	ROHS3	1
ICL3238EIAZ	Renesas Electronics	Active	5/3	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	600 mV	28-SSOP	ROHS3	3
ICL3238EIAZ-T	Renesas Electronics	Active	5/3	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	600 mV	28-SSOP	ROHS3	3
MAX3238CAI+	Analog Devices/Maxim	Active	5/3	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	500 mV	28-SSOP	ROHS3	1
MAX3238CAI+T	Analog Devices/Maxim	Active	5/3	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	500 mV	28-SSOP	ROHS3	1
MAX3238EAI+	Analog Devices/Maxim	Active	5/3	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	300 mV	28-SSOP	ROHS3	1
MAX3238EAI+T	Analog Devices/Maxim	Active	5/3	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	300 mV	28-SSOP	ROHS3	1

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Same Operating Temperature Range):

MAX3238ECAI+ or MAX3238ECAI+T are the primary direct substitutes. Both maintain the 0°C to 70°C operating range and are in active production status. The difference between these parts is packaging format: tube versus cut tape/digi-reel. Selection depends on procurement volume and assembly requirements.

For Extended Temperature Applications:

MAX3238EEAI+ or MAX3238EEAI+T extend the operating temperature range to -40°C to 85°C, suitable for industrial or automotive environments. These parts maintain all other electrical specifications and are actively manufactured.

For Hysteresis-Matched Replacement:

MAX3238EAI+ or MAX3238EAI+T provide identical 300 mV receiver hysteresis matching the original MAX3238CDB, with extended temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) and active product status.

For Alternative Manufacturer Supply:

ICL3238EIAZ and ICL3238EIAZ-T (Renesas Electronics) provide functionally equivalent RS232 transceiver performance with extended temperature range. Note the MSL rating of 3 (168 hours) versus MSL 1 for Maxim parts, which may impact moisture-sensitive storage requirements.

All substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and identical 28-SSOP package dimensions, ensuring direct PCB compatibility without layout modifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX3238ECAI+ directly replace MAX3238CDB without circuit modifications?

A: Yes. Both parts share identical 5/3 driver/receiver configuration, 250 kbps data rate, 3V to 5.5V supply range, and 28-SSOP package. The primary difference is receiver hysteresis (600 mV versus 300 mV), which does not prevent functional substitution in standard RS232 applications. Verify hysteresis tolerance in your specific application if noise immunity is critical.

Q: What is the difference between MAX3238EEAI+ and MAX3238ECAI+?

A: Both are Analog Devices/Maxim parts with identical electrical specifications except for operating temperature range. MAX3238EEAI+ operates from -40°C to 85°C, while MAX3238ECAI+ operates from 0°C to 70°C. Select MAX3238EEAI+ for extended temperature applications or industrial environments.

Q: Are packaging variants (tube, cut tape, tape & reel) electrically equivalent?

A: Yes. Packaging designations (indicated by suffix +, +T, or TR) reflect only the physical delivery format and do not affect electrical performance. Selection depends on assembly process requirements and procurement volume.

Q: Why does ICL3238EIAZ have MSL 3 instead of MSL 1?

A: MSL (Moisture Sensitivity Level) rating reflects moisture absorption characteristics during storage. MSL 3 requires storage in controlled humidity (168-hour limit before reflow), while MSL 1 has unlimited shelf life. This does not affect electrical performance but impacts storage and handling procedures.

Q: Can I use MAX3238CAI+ as a substitute for MAX3238CDB?

A: Yes, with the caveat that MAX3238CAI+ has 500 mV receiver hysteresis versus the original 300 mV. This provides intermediate noise immunity between the original and 600 mV alternatives. Operating temperature remains 0°C to 70°C, matching the original part.

Q: Is the 28-SSOP package identical across all substitute parts?

A: Yes. All listed substitutes use 28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm width) surface mount packaging with identical pinout and physical dimensions, enabling direct PCB replacement without layout changes.

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