MAX3244EEAI RS232 Transceiver Interface - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX3244EEAI is a full-duplex RS232 transceiver interface circuit 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, which necessitates identification of functionally equivalent active alternatives for new designs and ongoing production requirements. The part operates across 3V to 5.5V supply voltage with a 250 kbps data rate and full receiver hysteresis of 500 mV, making it suitable for legacy serial communication applications requiring dual-voltage operation.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	MAX3244EEAI
Manufacturer	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
Product Category	Interface - RS232 Transceiver
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers	3/5
Duplex Mode	Full
Receiver Hysteresis	500 mV
Data Rate	250 kbps
Supply Voltage Range	3V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature Range	-40°C ~ 85°C
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Package / Case	28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
Product Status	Obsolete
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the MAX3244EEAI is determined by strict alignment of the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Protocol: RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers: 3/5 configuration
Duplex Mode: Full
Package / Case: 28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
Supply Voltage Range: 3V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature Range: -40°C ~ 85°C
Mounting Type: Surface Mount

Secondary Compatibility Parameters:

Receiver Hysteresis: 500 mV (allowable tolerance: 300-500 mV)
Data Rate: 250 kbps minimum (higher rates acceptable)
Moisture Sensitivity Level: 1-2 acceptable

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: parametric equivalents from Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated with identical electrical specifications and active product status, and direct manufacturer alternatives from Renesas Electronics Corporation and MaxLinear, Inc. that meet all primary substitution criteria while maintaining full functional compatibility.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Drivers/Receivers	Data Rate	Receiver Hysteresis	Supply Voltage	Operating Temp	Package	Product Status	RoHS Status
MAX3244EEAI	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	3/5	250 kbps	500 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	28-SSOP	Obsolete	RoHS non-compliant
MAX3241EEAI+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	3/5	250 kbps	500 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3243EEAI+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	3/5	250 kbps	500 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3244EAI+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	3/5	250 kbps	500 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3244EEAI+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	3/5	250 kbps	500 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3250EAI+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	2/2	250 kbps	500 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ICL3245EIAZ	Renesas Electronics Corporation	3/5	1 Mbps	500 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ICL3245EIAZ-T	Renesas Electronics Corporation	3/5	1 Mbps	500 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3243EIDB	Texas Instruments	3/5	500 kbps	500 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	28-SSOP	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3243IDBR	Texas Instruments	3/5	250 kbps	500 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
SP3243EBEA-L/TR	MaxLinear, Inc.	3/5	250 kbps	300 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	28-SSOP	Active	RoHS Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation - Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated Series:

MAX3244EEAI+ and MAX3243EEAI+ represent the most direct substitutes, offering identical electrical specifications with active product status and ROHS3 compliance. These parts eliminate obsolescence risk while maintaining full backward compatibility with existing circuit designs. The MAX3244EEAI+ variant provides the closest match to the original part number designation.

Alternative Recommendation - Renesas Electronics Corporation:

ICL3245EIAZ and ICL3245EIAZ-T (Tape & Reel packaging) provide full parametric compatibility with enhanced data rate capability (1 Mbps versus 250 kbps), active product status, and ROHS3 compliance. These parts are suitable for applications where higher bandwidth is beneficial or where Renesas supply chain preference exists.

Secondary Recommendation - Texas Instruments:

MAX3243IDBR maintains identical electrical specifications and active product status with ROHS3 compliance. This option is appropriate for designs with established Texas Instruments component qualification or supply chain relationships.

Not Recommended for Direct Substitution:

MAX3250EAI+ features a 2/2 driver/receiver configuration, which does not meet the 3/5 requirement of the original part. This part is suitable only for applications with reduced channel requirements. MAX3243EIDB is obsolete and should not be selected for new designs despite ROHS3 compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX3250EAI+ replace MAX3244EEAI in my application?

A: No. MAX3250EAI+ has a 2/2 driver/receiver configuration, while MAX3244EEAI requires 3/5. The reduced channel count makes this part incompatible with designs expecting five receiver channels. Verify your circuit requires only two receivers before considering this alternative.

Q: What is the difference between ICL3245EIAZ and ICL3245EIAZ-T?

A: Both parts are electrically identical. ICL3245EIAZ is supplied in Tube packaging, while ICL3245EIAZ-T is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) format. Selection depends on your assembly process requirements and volume handling procedures.

Q: Why does SP3243EBEA-L/TR have 300 mV receiver hysteresis instead of 500 mV?

A: SP3243EBEA-L/TR from MaxLinear, Inc. features reduced receiver hysteresis of 300 mV. This tighter specification is compatible with MAX3244EEAI applications, as 300 mV hysteresis provides superior noise immunity. Verify your circuit design does not depend on the 500 mV hysteresis specification before substitution.

Q: Is MAX3244EEAI+ the same as MAX3244EAI+?

A: No. MAX3244EEAI+ and MAX3244EAI+ are distinct part numbers from Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated. Both are active, ROHS3 compliant, and electrically equivalent to the original MAX3244EEAI. Consult the manufacturer datasheet to confirm any minor differences in packaging or lead configuration.

Q: Can I use an obsolete substitute part like MAX3243EIDB?

A: MAX3243EIDB is obsolete and should not be selected for new production designs. While it meets electrical specifications, obsolete status creates long-term supply risk. Select from active product status alternatives: MAX3244EEAI+, MAX3243EEAI+, ICL3245EIAZ, or MAX3243IDBR.

Q: What does ROHS3 compliance mean for my design?

A: ROHS3 compliance indicates the part meets Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive requirements under the current standard. The original MAX3244EEAI is RoHS non-compliant. Selecting ROHS3 compliant alternatives ensures regulatory compliance for products sold in regions with RoHS requirements.

Q: Are all 28-SSOP packages physically identical?

A: Yes. All substitute parts use the 28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width) package, ensuring identical PCB footprint and mechanical compatibility. No layout modifications are required for package substitution.

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