MAX3385ECAP RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX3385ECAP is a full-duplex RS232 transceiver IC manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated, designed for serial communication applications requiring 2 drivers and 3 receivers in a compact 20-SSOP surface mount package. This part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for new designs and ongoing production support. The device operates across a 3V to 5.5V supply range with a 250kbps data rate and 500mV receiver hysteresis, suitable for industrial and embedded systems requiring reliable RS232 interface functionality.

Substiute Parts

MAX3385ECAP

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 11787MAX3385ECAP Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

MAX3224CAP+

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 2190MAX3224CAP+ Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

MAX3224ECAP+

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 5514MAX3224ECAP+ Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

SP385ECA-L/TR

MaxLinear, Inc.In Stock: 3412SP385ECA-L/TR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SP385EEA-L/TR

MaxLinear, Inc.In Stock: 3917SP385EEA-L/TR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

ICL3222ECAZ

Renesas Electronics CorporationIn Stock: 1705ICL3222ECAZ Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

ICL3223ECAZ

Renesas Electronics CorporationIn Stock: 1467ICL3223ECAZ Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

ICL3225ECAZ

Renesas Electronics CorporationIn Stock: 9423ICL3225ECAZ Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

MAX3223CDB

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 2102MAX3223CDB Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MAX3385ECAP is determined by strict alignment of the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• Protocol: RS232
• Package / Case: 20-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount
• Duplex Mode: Full
• Receiver Hysteresis: 500mV
• Supply Voltage Range: 3V ~ 5.5V (minimum overlap required)
• Data Rate: 250kbps (minimum requirement)
• Operating Temperature: 0°C ~ 70°C (minimum overlap required)

Driver/Receiver Configuration: The MAX3385ECAP features a 2/3 driver/receiver configuration. Substitute parts with 2/2 configurations are functionally compatible when the application requires only 2 drivers and 2 receivers, as the third receiver is not utilized. Parts with different driver/receiver counts are listed as parametric equivalents when all other electrical and mechanical parameters align.

Compliance Considerations: Parts are grouped by product status (Active vs. Obsolete) and RoHS compliance status. Active parts with RoHS3 compliance are preferred for new designs. Obsolete parts are included for legacy system support and repair applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For New Designs (RoHS3 Compliant, Active Status):

MAX3224CAP+ and MAX3224ECAP+ are the primary recommended substitutes. Both are manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated and maintain full electrical and mechanical compatibility with the MAX3385ECAP. These parts are active products with ROHS3 compliance, ensuring long-term availability and regulatory alignment. The 2/2 driver/receiver configuration is suitable for applications not requiring the third receiver of the original part.

ICL3222ECAZ and ICL3225ECAZ from Renesas Electronics Corporation provide alternative sources with identical electrical specifications and ROHS3 compliance. ICL3225ECAZ offers higher inventory availability (9378 units) compared to ICL3222ECAZ (1628 units).

For Extended Temperature Range Applications:

SP385EEA-L/TR from MaxLinear, Inc. extends the operating temperature range to -40°C ~ 85°C, suitable for industrial and automotive environments. This part operates at 120Kbps data rate and 3V ~ 5V supply range, representing a reduced performance specification compared to the original 250kbps rating. Selection of this part requires confirmation that the lower data rate meets application requirements.

For Legacy System Support (Obsolete Status):

ICL3223ECAZ and MAX3223CDB remain available for repair and legacy system support. Both maintain ROHS3 compliance despite obsolete status. These parts should not be selected for new designs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX3224CAP+ directly replace MAX3385ECAP in existing designs?

A: Yes, for applications utilizing only 2 drivers and 2 receivers. The MAX3385ECAP provides 2 drivers and 3 receivers; the MAX3224CAP+ provides 2 drivers and 2 receivers. If the design uses only 2 receivers, the substitution is electrically and mechanically compatible. The 20-SSOP package footprint is identical, and all electrical parameters (supply voltage, data rate, operating temperature, receiver hysteresis) are matched.

Q: What is the difference between MAX3224CAP+ and MAX3224ECAP+?

A: Both parts are identical in electrical specifications and package. The primary difference is packaging format: MAX3224CAP+ is supplied in Tube packaging, while MAX3224ECAP+ is supplied in Tube packaging. Both are active products with ROHS3 compliance and equivalent inventory availability (2100 and 5490 units respectively).

Q: Why do SP385ECA-L/TR and SP385EEA-L/TR have lower data rates (120Kbps vs. 250Kbps)?

A: The SP385 series from MaxLinear, Inc. is specified at 120Kbps maximum data rate, which is lower than the MAX3385ECAP and other Analog Devices/Renesas alternatives. Selection of these parts requires confirmation that the application data rate does not exceed 120Kbps. The SP385EEA-L/TR variant offers extended temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C) suitable for industrial applications.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in the same 20-SSOP package?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts use the 20-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width) surface mount package, ensuring PCB footprint compatibility with the MAX3385ECAP. No layout modifications are required for package substitution.

Q: Which substitute part has the best long-term availability?

A: ICL3225ECAZ from Renesas Electronics Corporation is recommended for long-term availability, with 9378 units in current inventory and active product status. MAX3224ECAP+ from Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated is the second choice with 5490 units and active status.

Q: Can I use ICL3223ECAZ as a substitute despite its obsolete status?

A: ICL3223ECAZ is suitable only for legacy system repairs and ongoing support of existing designs. For new designs, active products (MAX3224CAP+, MAX3224ECAP+, ICL3222ECAZ, ICL3225ECAZ) are required to ensure long-term supply chain stability and regulatory compliance.

Q: What is the impact of RoHS compliance on part selection?

A: The original MAX3385ECAP is RoHS non-compliant. All recommended substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements for new product designs. For legacy system repairs where RoHS compliance is not a requirement, obsolete parts remain available.