MAX3238CPWRG4 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX3238CPWRG4 is a full-duplex RS232 transceiver IC manufactured by Texas Instruments, featuring 5 drivers and 3 receivers in a 28-TSSOP surface mount package. This component is classified as discontinued at DiGi Electronics, making identification of equivalent and substitute parts essential for ongoing design support and component procurement. The part operates across a 3V to 5.5V supply range with a 250kbps data rate and 300mV receiver hysteresis, suitable for legacy RS232 communication applications requiring full-duplex operation.

Substiute Parts

MAX3238CPWRG4

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 720MAX3238CPWRG4 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

MAX3238CPWR

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 5995MAX3238CPWR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

TRS3238CPWR

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 792TRS3238CPWR Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

ICL3238EIAZ

Renesas Electronics CorporationIn Stock: 1464ICL3238EIAZ Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SP3238EEY-L

MaxLinear, Inc.In Stock: 2409SP3238EEY-L Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the MAX3238CPWRG4 is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Protocol & Channel Configuration: RS232 protocol with 5 drivers and 3 receivers (5/3 configuration)
• Duplex Mode: Full-duplex operation capability
• Data Rate: 250kbps minimum support
• Supply Voltage Range: 3V to 5.5V operation
• Package Type: 28-pin surface mount package (TSSOP or SSOP variants)
• Mounting Compatibility: Surface mount technology

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on these parameters:

Category 1 - Direct Functional Equivalents (Same Package): Parts maintaining identical 28-TSSOP packaging and all core electrical parameters.

Category 2 - Parametric Equivalents (Alternative Package): Parts meeting all electrical specifications but utilizing 28-SSOP packaging with extended operating temperature ranges.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

MAX3238CPWR (Texas Instruments) is the primary recommended substitute. This part maintains identical electrical specifications, package configuration, and operating parameters as the MAX3238CPWRG4 while holding active product status with significantly higher inventory availability (5940 pcs vs. 703 pcs). Both parts share the same base product number (MAX3238) and are fully compatible for direct replacement in existing designs.

SP3238EEY-L (MaxLinear, Inc.) provides an alternative from an active manufacturer with extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) and higher inventory levels (2300 pcs). This part maintains identical package type (28-TSSOP) and all critical electrical parameters, with receiver hysteresis of 500mV compared to the original 300mV specification.

ICL3238EIAZ (Renesas Electronics Corporation) is suitable for applications requiring extended temperature operation (-40°C to 85°C). This part utilizes 28-SSOP packaging (0.209" width vs. 0.173" for TSSOP) and features 600mV receiver hysteresis. PCB layout modifications may be required due to package geometry differences.

TRS3238CPWR (Texas Instruments) maintains full parametric equivalence but carries obsolete product status with limited inventory (745 pcs). This part is suitable only when other active alternatives are unavailable.

All substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, ensuring regulatory alignment with the original component.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX3238CPWR be used as a direct replacement for MAX3238CPWRG4?

A: Yes. MAX3238CPWR is a direct functional equivalent with identical electrical specifications, package type (28-TSSOP), and operating parameters. The primary difference is product status (active vs. discontinued) and packaging format (Cut Tape & Digi-Reel vs. standard packaging).

Q: What is the difference between 28-TSSOP and 28-SSOP packages?

A: Both are 28-pin surface mount packages with different body widths. TSSOP measures 0.173" (4.40mm) width, while SSOP measures 0.209" (5.30mm) width. PCB footprints differ and are not interchangeable without layout redesign. The ICL3238EIAZ uses 28-SSOP packaging.

Q: Why do substitute parts have different receiver hysteresis values?

A: Receiver hysteresis is a design parameter that varies by manufacturer. The original MAX3238CPWRG4 specifies 300mV, while SP3238EEY-L specifies 500mV and ICL3238EIAZ specifies 600mV. All values remain within acceptable RS232 receiver specifications and do not affect functional compatibility in standard applications.

Q: Which substitute part has the best availability?

A: MAX3238CPWR offers the highest inventory (5940 pcs) with active product status, making it the most readily available option for procurement.

Q: Can SP3238EEY-L be used in applications with the original 0°C to 70°C temperature range?

A: Yes. SP3238EEY-L supports -40°C to 85°C operation, which encompasses the original 0°C to 70°C range. The extended temperature capability provides additional design margin without compromising compatibility.

Q: What is the MSL difference between substitute parts?

A: MAX3238CPWR and SP3238EEY-L have MSL 1 (unlimited shelf life), while ICL3238EIAZ has MSL 3 (168-hour floor life after moisture exposure). MSL 1 parts require no special moisture control during storage and handling.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts (MAX3238CPWR, TRS3238CPWR, ICL3238EIAZ, and SP3238EEY-L) maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, ensuring regulatory alignment with the original MAX3238CPWRG4.