MAX3241EEAI RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX3241EEAI is a full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated, configured with 3 drivers and 5 receivers in a 28-SSOP surface mount package. This component is classified as obsolete, with 2200 units available in new original stock. Due to its obsolete status, identifying equivalent and substitute parts is essential for design continuity, production planning, and long-term system support.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	MAX3241EEAI
Manufacturer	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers	3/5
Duplex	Full
Data Rate	250 kbps
Voltage Supply Range	3V to 5.5V
Operating Temperature Range	-40°C to 85°C
Receiver Hysteresis	500 mV
Package/Case	28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Product Status	Obsolete
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MAX3241EEAI is determined by strict alignment of the following critical parameters:

Protocol: RS232 full-duplex transceiver functionality
Driver/Receiver Configuration: 3 drivers and 5 receivers
Package Type: 28-SSOP surface mount form factor
Electrical Specifications: Supply voltage range (3V to 5.5V), data rate (250 kbps), receiver hysteresis (500 mV)
Operating Temperature: -40°C to 85°C range
Product Status: Active status preferred for long-term availability

Substitute parts are categorized as follows:

Parametric Equivalents (Maxim Integrated family): MAX3241EEAI+, MAX3243EEAI+, MAX3244EAI+, MAX3244EEAI+ maintain identical electrical specifications and 3/5 driver/receiver configuration. These parts are active products with RoHS3 compliance.

Functional Equivalent with Reduced Channel Count (Maxim Integrated): MAX3250EAI+ provides 2/2 driver/receiver configuration in the same 28-SSOP package. This part is suitable only when reduced channel count is acceptable.

Direct Manufacturer Alternatives (Renesas Electronics): ICL3241EIAZ-T and ICL3241ECAZ/ICL3241ECAZ-T provide identical 3/5 configuration with equivalent electrical performance. These parts are active with RoHS3 compliance.

Cross-Manufacturer Alternative (STMicroelectronics): ST3241EBPR provides 3/5 configuration in 28-SSOP package with 300 mV receiver hysteresis (versus 500 mV standard). This part is active with RoHS3 compliance.

Package Variant (Renesas Electronics): ICL3241EIVZ provides identical electrical specifications in 28-TSSOP package (0.173", 4.40mm width), suitable for space-constrained applications.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Drivers/Receivers	Package	Supply Voltage	Operating Temp	Receiver Hysteresis	Data Rate	Product Status	RoHS Status	Inventory
MAX3241EEAI	Analog Devices/Maxim	3/5	28-SSOP	3V–5.5V	-40°C to 85°C	500 mV	250 kbps	Obsolete	Non-compliant	2200 Pcs
MAX3241EEAI+	Analog Devices/Maxim	3/5	28-SSOP	3V–5.5V	-40°C to 85°C	500 mV	250 kbps	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	1635 Pcs
MAX3243EEAI+	Analog Devices/Maxim	3/5	28-SSOP	3V–5.5V	-40°C to 85°C	500 mV	250 kbps	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	2140 Pcs
MAX3244EAI+	Analog Devices/Maxim	3/5	28-SSOP	3V–5.5V	-40°C to 85°C	500 mV	250 kbps	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	1206 Pcs
MAX3244EEAI+	Analog Devices/Maxim	3/5	28-SSOP	3V–5.5V	-40°C to 85°C	500 mV	250 kbps	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	2200 Pcs
MAX3250EAI+	Analog Devices/Maxim	2/2	28-SSOP	3V–5.5V	-40°C to 85°C	500 mV	250 kbps	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	2318 Pcs
ICL3241EIAZ-T	Renesas Electronics	3/5	28-SSOP	3V–5.5V	-40°C to 85°C	500 mV	250 kbps	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	5200 Pcs
ST3241EBPR	STMicroelectronics	3/5	28-SSOP	3V–5.5V	-40°C to 85°C	300 mV	250 kbps	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	6553 Pcs
ICL3241ECAZ	Renesas Electronics	3/5	28-SSOP	3V–5.5V	0°C to 70°C	500 mV	250 kbps	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	2519 Pcs
ICL3241ECAZ-T	Renesas Electronics	3/5	28-SSOP	3V–5.5V	0°C to 70°C	500 mV	250 kbps	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	2378 Pcs
ICL3241EIVZ	Renesas Electronics	3/5	28-TSSOP	3V–5.5V	-40°C to 85°C	500 mV	250 kbps	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	1244 Pcs

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitutes (Full Compatibility)

MAX3241EEAI+ and MAX3244EEAI+ are direct functional replacements from Maxim Integrated. Both maintain identical electrical specifications, 3/5 driver/receiver configuration, and -40°C to 85°C operating range. Both are active products with RoHS3 compliance, providing superior long-term availability compared to the obsolete MAX3241EEAI.

ICL3241EIAZ-T (Renesas Electronics) is a direct equivalent with identical specifications and active product status. This part offers the highest inventory availability (5200 units) among all substitutes.

Secondary Substitutes (Conditional Compatibility)

ICL3241ECAZ and ICL3241ECAZ-T are manufacturer-recommended alternatives with identical electrical specifications but restricted operating temperature range (0°C to 70°C). These parts are suitable only for applications that do not require the full -40°C to 85°C range.

ST3241EBPR (STMicroelectronics) provides 3/5 configuration with reduced receiver hysteresis (300 mV versus 500 mV). This part is suitable only when the lower hysteresis specification is acceptable for the application.

Limited Substitutes (Reduced Functionality)

MAX3250EAI+ provides reduced channel count (2/2 versus 3/5). This part is suitable only when fewer driver/receiver channels are required.

Package Variant

ICL3241EIVZ provides identical electrical specifications in 28-TSSOP package (smaller footprint). This part is suitable for space-constrained PCB layouts where the reduced package size is beneficial.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX3241EEAI+ directly replace MAX3241EEAI?

A: Yes. MAX3241EEAI+ is a direct parametric equivalent with identical electrical specifications, 3/5 driver/receiver configuration, 28-SSOP package, and -40°C to 85°C operating range. The primary difference is product status (active versus obsolete) and RoHS compliance (ROHS3 versus non-compliant).

Q: What is the difference between MAX3244EAI+ and MAX3244EEAI+?

A: Both parts are parametric equivalents with identical electrical specifications and 3/5 configuration. The difference is in packaging: MAX3244EAI+ is supplied in Tube packaging, while MAX3244EEAI+ is supplied in Tube packaging. Both are active products with RoHS3 compliance.

Q: Can ICL3241ECAZ replace MAX3241EEAI in all applications?

A: ICL3241ECAZ is a functional equivalent with identical electrical specifications and 3/5 configuration. However, its operating temperature range is restricted to 0°C to 70°C, compared to the original -40°C to 85°C. This part is suitable only for applications that do not require extended temperature operation.

Q: Why does ST3241EBPR have different receiver hysteresis?

A: ST3241EBPR is manufactured by STMicroelectronics and specifies 300 mV receiver hysteresis, compared to 500 mV for the MAX3241EEAI. This difference may affect noise immunity in specific applications. Verify that the lower hysteresis is acceptable for your system design.

Q: Is ICL3241EIVZ compatible with MAX3241EEAI?

A: ICL3241EIVZ is electrically equivalent with identical specifications and 3/5 configuration. The primary difference is the package type: 28-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm width) versus 28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm width). PCB layout modifications are required for package substitution.

Q: What is the difference between ICL3241EIAZ-T and ICL3241ECAZ-T?

A: Both are Renesas Electronics parts with identical electrical specifications and 3/5 configuration in 28-SSOP package with Tape & Reel packaging. The primary difference is operating temperature range: ICL3241EIAZ-T operates -40°C to 85°C, while ICL3241ECAZ-T operates 0°C to 70°C.

Q: Can MAX3250EAI+ replace MAX3241EEAI?

A: MAX3250EAI+ is not a direct replacement. It provides 2/2 driver/receiver configuration, compared to 3/5 for the MAX3241EEAI. This part is suitable only when reduced channel count is acceptable for the application.

Q: Which substitute offers the best long-term availability?

A: ICL3241EIAZ-T (Renesas Electronics) offers the highest inventory availability at 5200 units and is an active product with full -40°C to 85°C operating range and RoHS3 compliance.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message