MAX3238EEAI RS232 Transceiver Interface IC - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX3238EEAI is a full-duplex RS232 transceiver interface IC manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated, configured with 5 drivers and 3 receivers in a 28-SSOP surface mount package. This component is classified as obsolete, which necessitates identification of equivalent and substitute parts for ongoing design support and procurement continuity. The part operates across a 3V to 5.5V supply range with a 250kbps data rate and supports industrial temperature ranges from -40°C to 85°C.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	MAX3238EEAI
Manufacturer	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers	5/3
Duplex	Full
Receiver Hysteresis	600 mV
Data Rate	250kbps
Voltage - Supply	3V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Package / Case	28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MAX3238EEAI is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Protocol: RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers: 5/3 configuration
Duplex: Full
Voltage Supply Range: 3V ~ 5.5V
Mounting Type: Surface Mount
Package Type: 28-SSOP or compatible package footprint

Secondary Compatibility Parameters:

Operating Temperature Range: -40°C ~ 85°C (industrial grade)
Data Rate: 250kbps minimum
Receiver Hysteresis: 600 mV (preferred) or 300 mV (acceptable with verification)
Moisture Sensitivity Level: 1 (Unlimited) or MSL 3 (168 Hours)

Substitute parts are grouped into three categories: parametric equivalents (identical electrical specifications with different product status), direct manufacturer alternatives (same base functionality with minor parameter variations), and manufacturer-recommended alternatives (functionally compatible with documented substitution relationships).

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Drivers/Receivers	Data Rate	Receiver Hysteresis	Operating Temp	Package	Product Status	RoHS Status
MAX3238EEAI	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	5/3	250kbps	600 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	28-SSOP	Obsolete	RoHS non-compliant
MAX3238EEAI+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	5/3	250kbps	600 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3248EEAI+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	5/3	250kbps	600 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3238EIDBR	Texas Instruments	5/3	400kbps	300 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3238IDBR	Texas Instruments	5/3	250kbps	300 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
SN65C3238EDBR	Texas Instruments	5/3	1Mbps	300 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ICL3238EIAZ-T	Renesas Electronics Corporation	5/3	250kbps	600 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3238CDB	Texas Instruments	5/3	250kbps	300 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	28-SSOP	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3238CDBR	Texas Instruments	5/3	250kbps	300 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3238CPW	Texas Instruments	5/3	250kbps	300 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	28-TSSOP	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3238CPWR	Texas Instruments	5/3	250kbps	300 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	28-TSSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Tier 1 - Direct Parametric Equivalents (Preferred for Obsolete Part Replacement):

MAX3238EEAI+ and MAX3248EEAI+ from Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated are parametric equivalents with identical electrical specifications to the original MAX3238EEAI. Both parts maintain 5/3 driver/receiver configuration, 600 mV receiver hysteresis, 250kbps data rate, and -40°C to 85°C operating temperature range. Both are in active product status with ROHS3 compliance, addressing the obsolescence and RoHS non-compliance of the original part.

Tier 2 - Texas Instruments Direct Alternatives (28-SSOP Package):

MAX3238EIDBR, MAX3238IDBR, and SN65C3238EDBR maintain the 28-SSOP package footprint with identical 5/3 configuration and -40°C to 85°C operating temperature. These parts feature 300 mV receiver hysteresis and data rates of 400kbps, 250kbps, and 1Mbps respectively. All are in active product status with ROHS3 compliance. The higher data rate variants provide performance headroom for applications not bandwidth-limited to 250kbps.

Tier 3 - Renesas Electronics Alternative:

ICL3238EIAZ-T from Renesas Electronics Corporation provides parametric equivalence with 600 mV receiver hysteresis and 250kbps data rate in 28-SSOP package. This part is active with ROHS3 compliance but carries MSL 3 (168 Hours) moisture sensitivity versus MSL 1 (Unlimited) of the original part, requiring appropriate handling protocols.

Tier 4 - Commercial Temperature Range Alternatives (28-SSOP):

MAX3238CDB and MAX3238CDBR operate across 0°C to 70°C commercial temperature range rather than industrial -40°C to 85°C. These parts are suitable only for applications not requiring full industrial temperature specification. MAX3238CDBR is active; MAX3238CDB is obsolete.

Tier 5 - 28-TSSOP Package Alternatives:

MAX3238CPW and MAX3238CPWR use 28-TSSOP package (0.173", 4.40mm width) instead of 28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm width), requiring PCB layout modification. Both operate across 0°C to 70°C commercial temperature range. MAX3238CPWR is active; MAX3238CPW is obsolete.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX3238EEAI+ directly replace MAX3238EEAI without design changes?

A: Yes. MAX3238EEAI+ is a parametric equivalent with identical electrical specifications, package footprint, and pin configuration. The primary difference is product status (active versus obsolete) and RoHS compliance (ROHS3 versus non-compliant). No design modifications are required.

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

A: 28-SSOP (Shrink Small Outline Package) has a 0.209" width (5.30mm), while 28-TSSOP (Thin Shrink Small Outline Package) has a 0.173" width (4.40mm). These are different footprints requiring separate PCB layouts. Parts in 28-TSSOP package (MAX3238CPW, MAX3238CPWR) are not pin-compatible with 28-SSOP variants and require PCB redesign.

Q: Are Texas Instruments MAX3238 variants with 300 mV receiver hysteresis compatible with MAX3238EEAI applications?

A: Receiver hysteresis affects noise immunity and switching threshold characteristics. The original MAX3238EEAI specifies 600 mV hysteresis. Texas Instruments variants (MAX3238EIDBR, MAX3238IDBR, SN65C3238EDBR, MAX3238CDB, MAX3238CDBR) feature 300 mV hysteresis. These parts maintain RS232 protocol compliance and 5/3 configuration but operate with reduced hysteresis. Application-specific signal integrity analysis is required to determine compatibility.

Q: What is the significance of MSL (Moisture Sensitivity Level) differences?

A: MSL 1 (Unlimited) indicates no moisture sensitivity restrictions; parts can be stored indefinitely without desiccant protection. MSL 3 (168 Hours) requires desiccant storage and limits shelf life to 168 hours after package opening. ICL3238EIAZ-T carries MSL 3 classification, necessitating controlled storage and handling procedures compared to MSL 1 parts.

Q: Why do some substitutes have higher data rates (400kbps, 1Mbps) than the original 250kbps specification?

A: Higher data rate capability indicates enhanced performance margin and faster signal transition times. Parts such as MAX3238EIDBR (400kbps) and SN65C3238EDBR (1Mbps) are backward-compatible with 250kbps applications. The higher rating provides design flexibility for future bandwidth requirements without component substitution.

Q: Can commercial temperature range parts (0°C to 70°C) replace industrial temperature range parts (-40°C to 85°C)?

A: No. Commercial temperature range parts (MAX3238CDB, MAX3238CDBR, MAX3238CPW, MAX3238CPWR) are not suitable for applications requiring -40°C to 85°C industrial temperature operation. These parts are restricted to 0°C to 70°C environments and will not meet industrial specification requirements.

Q: What is the inventory status for substitute parts?

A: MAX3238EEAI+ (1134 pcs), MAX3248EEAI+ (1124 pcs), MAX3238EIDBR (4200 pcs), MAX3238IDBR (3300 pcs), SN65C3238EDBR (3938 pcs), ICL3238EIAZ-T (1723 pcs), MAX3238CDB (767 pcs), MAX3238CDBR (75940 pcs), MAX3238CPW (1058 pcs), and MAX3238CPWR (5940 pcs) are available as new original stock. MAX3238CDBR maintains the highest inventory level.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message