MAX3238IPW RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX3238IPW is a full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by Texas Instruments, featuring 5 drivers and 3 receivers in a 28-TSSOP surface mount package. This component is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and procurement. The part operates across a 3V to 5.5V supply range with a 250kbps data rate and is suitable for legacy serial communication applications requiring RS232 protocol compliance.

Substiute Parts

MAX3238IPW

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 3263MAX3238IPW Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

ICL3238EIAZ

Renesas Electronics CorporationIn Stock: 1464ICL3238EIAZ Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

ICL3238EIAZ-T

Renesas Electronics CorporationIn Stock: 1781ICL3238EIAZ-T Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SP3238EEY-L

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

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SP3238EEY-L/TR

MaxLinear, Inc.In Stock: 8300SP3238EEY-L/TR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the MAX3238IPW is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

• Protocol: RS232 full-duplex transceiver
• Driver/Receiver Configuration: 5 drivers and 3 receivers
• Data Rate: 250kbps minimum
• Supply Voltage Range: 3V ~ 5.5V
• Operating Temperature: -40°C ~ 85°C
• Surface Mount Technology
• RoHS3 Compliance

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on package compatibility:

Group 1 (Package-Compatible): Parts using 28-TSSOP packaging (0.173", 4.40mm Width) provide direct pin-for-pin and footprint compatibility with the MAX3238IPW.

Group 2 (Functional Equivalent): Parts using 28-SSOP packaging (0.209", 5.30mm Width) provide electrical equivalence but require PCB layout modification due to different package dimensions.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Replacement (No PCB Modification Required):

SP3238EEY-L and SP3238EEY-L/TR are the preferred direct replacements for the MAX3238IPW. Both parts maintain identical 28-TSSOP packaging, enabling pin-for-pin and footprint compatibility. SP3238EEY-L/TR is recommended for high-volume procurement due to superior inventory availability (8238 units) and active product status. Both parts are ROHS3 compliant and feature MSL rating of 1 (Unlimited), matching the original part's moisture sensitivity profile.

Functional Equivalent (PCB Layout Modification Required):

ICL3238EIAZ and ICL3238EIAZ-T from Renesas Electronics Corporation provide electrical equivalence but use 28-SSOP packaging (0.209", 5.30mm Width), requiring PCB footprint redesign. These parts are active products with ROHS3 compliance. The higher receiver hysteresis (600 mV versus 300 mV in the original) may affect noise margin characteristics in noise-sensitive applications. MSL rating of 3 (168 Hours) requires controlled storage conditions compared to the original part's unlimited rating.

All substitute parts maintain the critical 5/3 driver/receiver configuration, 250kbps data rate, 3V to 5.5V supply range, and -40°C to 85°C operating temperature specification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can ICL3238EIAZ be used as a direct replacement without PCB modification?

A: No. The ICL3238EIAZ uses 28-SSOP packaging (0.209", 5.30mm Width) compared to the MAX3238IPW's 28-TSSOP packaging (0.173", 4.40mm Width). PCB footprint redesign is required. SP3238EEY-L or SP3238EEY-L/TR provide direct pin-for-pin compatibility without layout changes.

Q: What is the significance of the receiver hysteresis difference between substitute parts?

A: Receiver hysteresis affects input threshold switching behavior. The MAX3238IPW specifies 300 mV hysteresis, while ICL3238EIAZ and ICL3238EIAZ-T specify 600 mV, and SP3238EEY-L/SP3238EEY-L/TR specify 500 mV. Higher hysteresis provides greater noise immunity but may reduce sensitivity to weak input signals. Selection depends on signal integrity requirements in the target application.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. All substitute parts listed are RoHS compliant. ICL3238EIAZ, ICL3238EIAZ-T, SP3238EEY-L, and SP3238EEY-L/TR meet ROHS3 requirements, matching the original MAX3238IPW specification.

Q: What is the difference between SP3238EEY-L and SP3238EEY-L/TR?

A: Both parts are electrically identical with 28-TSSOP packaging. SP3238EEY-L/TR is supplied in tape-and-reel format with higher inventory availability (8238 units), while SP3238EEY-L is supplied in tube packaging (2300 units). Selection depends on procurement volume and assembly line requirements.

Q: How does the MSL rating affect component handling?

A: The MAX3238IPW and SP3238EEY-L/SP3238EEY-L/TR have MSL rating 1 (Unlimited), requiring no special moisture control during storage. ICL3238EIAZ and ICL3238EIAZ-T have MSL rating 3 (168 Hours), requiring controlled storage conditions and bake-out procedures if moisture absorption limits are exceeded. This affects supply chain logistics and component shelf life management.

Q: Are all substitute parts suitable for the full -40°C to 85°C operating temperature range?

A: Yes. All substitute parts specified in this document support the -40°C to 85°C operating temperature range, matching the original MAX3238IPW specification.