MAX3385ECWN RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX3385ECWN is a 2/3 full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated, housed in an 18-SOIC surface mount package. This part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and production continuity. The MAX3385ECWN operates across a 3V to 5.5V supply range with a 250 kbps data rate and 500 mV receiver hysteresis, designed for industrial and embedded communication applications requiring RS232 protocol support.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	MAX3385ECWN
Manufacturer	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
Category	Interface
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers	2/3
Duplex	Full
Receiver Hysteresis	500 mV
Data Rate	250 kbps
Voltage - Supply	3V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 70°C
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Package / Case	18-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the MAX3385ECWN is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

RS232 protocol compliance
Full-duplex operation
18-SOIC package footprint compatibility
Surface mount mounting type
Supply voltage range overlap (minimum 3V to 5.5V support)
Data rate capability of 250 kbps or higher

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

Receiver hysteresis (500 mV preferred; 400 mV acceptable with design verification)
Number of drivers/receivers (2/2 or 2/3 configuration)
Operating temperature range (0°C to 70°C minimum)
RoHS and REACH compliance status

The MAX3385ECWN's 2/3 driver/receiver configuration and 500 mV hysteresis are specific to this part. Direct parametric equivalents with 2/2 configuration and 400 mV hysteresis are classified as functional substitutes when supply voltage and data rate requirements are met. All substitute parts listed maintain the 18-SOIC package and full-duplex RS232 protocol.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Drivers/Receivers	Receiver Hysteresis	Data Rate	Supply Voltage	Operating Temp	Package	Product Status	RoHS Status
MAX3385ECWN	Analog Devices/Maxim	2/3	500 mV	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	18-SOIC	Obsolete	Non-compliant
MAX3384ECWN+	Analog Devices/Maxim	2/2	500 mV	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	18-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
LT1080ISW#PBF	Analog Devices	2/2	400 mV	250 kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	18-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
LT1080ISW#TRPBF	Analog Devices	2/2	400 mV	250 kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	18-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
LT1780CSW#PBF	Analog Devices	2/2	400 mV	250 kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	18-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
LT1780CSW#TRPBF	Analog Devices	2/2	400 mV	250 kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	18-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
LT1780ISW#PBF	Analog Devices	2/2	400 mV	250 kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	18-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
LT1780ISW#TRPBF	Analog Devices	2/2	400 mV	250 kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	18-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: MAX3384ECWN+

The MAX3384ECWN+ is the closest parametric equivalent to the MAX3385ECWN. Both parts are manufactured by Analog Devices/Maxim Integrated and share identical electrical specifications: 500 mV receiver hysteresis, 250 kbps data rate, 3V to 5.5V supply voltage range, and 0°C to 70°C operating temperature. The MAX3384ECWN+ differs only in driver/receiver configuration (2/2 versus 2/3) and holds active product status with ROHS3 compliance, eliminating obsolescence risk and meeting modern regulatory requirements.

Secondary Recommendations: LT1780 Series (CSW and ISW variants)

The LT1780CSW#PBF and LT1780CSW#TRPBF are suitable substitutes for applications operating within the 0°C to 70°C temperature range. These parts maintain the 250 kbps data rate and 18-SOIC package but operate on a narrower supply voltage range (4.5V to 5.5V) and feature 400 mV receiver hysteresis. Both variants are active products with ROHS3 compliance. The #TRPBF variant is supplied in Tape & Reel packaging, while #PBF is supplied in Tube packaging.

The LT1780ISW#PBF and LT1780ISW#TRPBF extend the operating temperature range to -40°C to 85°C, accommodating industrial and extended-temperature applications. These variants maintain all other electrical parameters of the LT1780CSW series.

Alternative Recommendation: LT1080 Series (ISW variants)

The LT1080ISW#PBF and LT1080ISW#TRPBF provide functional substitution with identical electrical performance to the LT1780 series but are manufactured under the LT1080 base product number. Both variants support -40°C to 85°C operating temperature and are available in Tube (#PBF) and Tape & Reel (#TRPBF) packaging.

Compliance Consideration:

All recommended substitutes hold ROHS3 compliance and REACH Unaffected status, meeting current environmental and regulatory standards. The MAX3385ECWN's RoHS non-compliant status makes transition to compliant alternatives necessary for new designs and long-term production support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the MAX3384ECWN+ directly replace the MAX3385ECWN in existing designs?

A: The MAX3384ECWN+ is a functional substitute with one key difference: it provides 2/2 driver/receiver configuration instead of 2/3. If your design uses only two drivers and two receivers, direct substitution is possible. If the third receiver is required, circuit redesign is necessary. Both parts share identical electrical specifications for supply voltage, data rate, hysteresis, and operating temperature.

Q: What is the difference between LT1780CSW and LT1780ISW variants?

A: The primary difference is operating temperature range. The LT1780CSW operates from 0°C to 70°C, while the LT1780ISW operates from -40°C to 85°C. Both share identical electrical specifications and 18-SOIC packaging. Select based on your application's temperature requirements.

Q: Why do some substitutes have narrower supply voltage ranges (4.5V to 5.5V versus 3V to 5.5V)?

A: The LT1080 and LT1780 series are specified for 4.5V to 5.5V operation, which is narrower than the MAX3385ECWN's 3V to 5.5V range. If your design operates below 4.5V, the MAX3384ECWN+ is the only suitable substitute. For applications operating at 4.5V or higher, LT1080 and LT1780 variants are acceptable.

Q: What is the difference between #PBF and #TRPBF packaging designations?

A: #PBF indicates Tube packaging, suitable for manual assembly and lower-volume production. #TRPBF indicates Tape & Reel packaging, optimized for automated pick-and-place assembly and higher-volume manufacturing. Both contain identical die and electrical performance; packaging choice depends on assembly process requirements.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. All recommended substitutes hold ROHS3 compliance status. The original MAX3385ECWN is RoHS non-compliant, making transition to compliant alternatives necessary for designs subject to RoHS regulations.

Q: Can I use LT1080ISW#TRPBF in place of LT1780ISW#TRPBF?

A: Yes. Both parts share identical electrical specifications, operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C), and 18-SOIC packaging. The LT1080 and LT1780 base product numbers represent different manufacturing lines within Analog Devices but deliver equivalent performance for RS232 transceiver applications.

Q: What receiver hysteresis difference exists between the MAX3385ECWN and LT1780 series?

A: The MAX3385ECWN specifies 500 mV receiver hysteresis, while the LT1780 series specifies 400 mV. This 100 mV difference affects noise immunity and signal threshold detection. For applications requiring the higher 500 mV hysteresis, the MAX3384ECWN+ is the appropriate choice. For applications tolerant of 400 mV hysteresis, LT1780 variants are acceptable.

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