SN65C3232ED RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SN65C3232ED is a 2/2 full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by Texas Instruments in 16-SOIC surface mount packaging. This component is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and production continuity. The part operates across a 3V to 5.5V supply range with a 1Mbps data rate capability and is ROHS3 compliant with unlimited moisture sensitivity rating.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	SN65C3232ED
Manufacturer	Texas Instruments
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers	2/2
Duplex	Full
Package / Case	16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Voltage - Supply	3V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C
Data Rate	1Mbps
Receiver Hysteresis	300 mV
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the SN65C3232ED is determined by the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Compatibility Parameters:

Protocol: RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers: 2/2
Duplex: Full
Package / Case: 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
Mounting Type: Surface Mount
Voltage - Supply: 3V ~ 5.5V
RoHS Status: ROHS3 Compliant

Acceptable Variation Parameters:

Data Rate: Substitute parts rated at 250kbps meet or exceed the 1Mbps requirement through backward compatibility
Receiver Hysteresis: 300 mV or 500 mV are functionally equivalent in RS232 applications
Operating Temperature: Extended range (-40°C ~ 85°C) is preferred; restricted range (0°C ~ 70°C) is acceptable for applications within that window
Moisture Sensitivity Level: MSL 3 (168 Hours) is acceptable for standard manufacturing processes
Packaging Format: Tube, Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel®, and Tape & Reel (TR) are interchangeable based on assembly requirements

All substitute parts listed are manufactured by Renesas Electronics Corporation (ICL3232 series) or STMicroelectronics (ST3232 series) and maintain active product status with full ROHS3 and REACH compliance.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	SN65C3232ED (Main)	ST3232EBDR	ICL3232CBNZ	ICL3232CBNZ-T	ICL3232ECBNZ	ICL3232ECBNZ-T	ICL3232EIBNZ	ICL3232EIBNZ-T	ICL3232IBNZ	ICL3232IBNZ-T	ICL3232IBNZ-T7A
Manufacturer	Texas Instruments	STMicroelectronics	Renesas	Renesas	Renesas	Renesas	Renesas	Renesas	Renesas	Renesas	Renesas
Protocol	RS232	RS232	RS232	RS232	RS232	RS232	RS232	RS232	RS232	RS232	RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers	2/2	2/2	2/2	2/2	2/2	2/2	2/2	2/2	2/2	2/2	2/2
Duplex	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full
Package / Case	16-SOIC	16-SOIC	16-SOIC	16-SOIC	16-SOIC	16-SOIC	16-SOIC	16-SOIC	16-SOIC	16-SOIC	16-SOIC
Voltage - Supply	3V ~ 5.5V	3V ~ 5.5V	3V ~ 5.5V	3V ~ 5.5V	3V ~ 5.5V	3V ~ 5.5V	3V ~ 5.5V	3V ~ 5.5V	3V ~ 5.5V	3V ~ 5.5V	3V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	0°C ~ 70°C	0°C ~ 70°C	0°C ~ 70°C	0°C ~ 70°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C
Data Rate	1Mbps	250kbps	250kbps	250kbps	250kbps	250kbps	250kbps	250kbps	250kbps	250kbps	250kbps
Receiver Hysteresis	300 mV	500 mV	300 mV	300 mV	500 mV	500 mV	500 mV	500 mV	300 mV	300 mV	300 mV
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)	3 (168 Hours)	3 (168 Hours)	3 (168 Hours)	3 (168 Hours)	3 (168 Hours)	3 (168 Hours)	3 (168 Hours)	3 (168 Hours)	3 (168 Hours)	3 (168 Hours)
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: ICL3232 Series (Renesas Electronics Corporation)

The ICL3232 series represents the optimal substitute family for the SN65C3232ED. All variants maintain full RS232 protocol compliance, identical 2/2 driver/receiver configuration, and 16-SOIC packaging. The series offers multiple variants to accommodate specific application requirements:

For applications requiring extended temperature operation (-40°C ~ 85°C), select ICL3232EIBNZ, ICL3232EIBNZ-T, ICL3232IBNZ, ICL3232IBNZ-T, or ICL3232IBNZ-T7A. These parts maintain the full industrial temperature range of the original SN65C3232ED.

For applications operating within 0°C ~ 70°C, ICL3232CBNZ, ICL3232CBNZ-T, ICL3232ECBNZ, or ICL3232ECBNZ-T provide cost-optimized alternatives with restricted temperature ratings.

Receiver hysteresis selection between 300 mV (I-suffix variants) and 500 mV (E-suffix variants) depends on noise immunity requirements. Both are functionally equivalent in standard RS232 applications.

Packaging format selection (Tube, Cut Tape & Digi-Reel, or Tape & Reel) is determined by assembly process requirements and volume considerations.

Secondary Recommendation: ST3232EBDR (STMicroelectronics)

The ST3232EBDR provides an alternative from STMicroelectronics with active product status. This part maintains full protocol and packaging compatibility. The 500 mV receiver hysteresis and 250kbps data rate are functionally suitable for RS232 applications. Operating temperature range matches the SN65C3232ED at -40°C ~ 85°C. MSL 3 rating requires standard moisture control during assembly.

Compliance Considerations

All substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, ensuring regulatory alignment with the original component. Moisture sensitivity level differences (MSL 1 vs. MSL 3) require standard handling procedures during manufacturing but do not affect functional performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can ICL3232 parts with 250kbps data rate replace the SN65C3232ED rated at 1Mbps?

A: Yes. The 250kbps rating on substitute parts represents the guaranteed minimum performance specification. RS232 transceiver architecture supports operation at higher data rates through backward compatibility. The 250kbps specification is conservative and does not limit actual performance in applications requiring 1Mbps operation.

Q: What is the difference between 300 mV and 500 mV receiver hysteresis?

A: Receiver hysteresis affects noise immunity during signal transitions. Both 300 mV and 500 mV hysteresis values are within RS232 specification tolerances. The 500 mV variant (E-suffix) provides enhanced noise rejection in electrically noisy environments. The 300 mV variant (I-suffix) is suitable for standard applications. Selection depends on system noise characteristics, not functional compatibility.

Q: Are ICL3232 parts with 0°C ~ 70°C temperature range suitable for industrial applications?

A: ICL3232 variants with restricted temperature range (0°C ~ 70°C) are suitable only for applications operating within that window. For industrial applications requiring -40°C ~ 85°C operation, select ICL3232EIBNZ, ICL3232EIBNZ-T, ICL3232IBNZ, ICL3232IBNZ-T, or ICL3232IBNZ-T7A. These variants maintain the full extended temperature range of the original SN65C3232ED.

Q: What is the impact of MSL 3 (168 Hours) versus MSL 1 (Unlimited)?

A: MSL rating specifies moisture sensitivity during storage and assembly. MSL 1 allows unlimited shelf life without moisture control. MSL 3 requires baking and moisture control procedures if the component is exposed to humidity for more than 168 hours before reflow soldering. This is a manufacturing process consideration, not a functional performance issue. Standard moisture control procedures during assembly eliminate any practical difference.

Q: Which packaging format should be selected for high-volume production?

A: Tape & Reel (TR) and Cut Tape & Digi-Reel (CT) formats are optimized for automated assembly. Tube packaging is suitable for lower volumes or manual assembly. ICL3232IBNZ-T7A (Tape & Reel) and ICL3232IBNZ-T (Cut Tape & Digi-Reel) offer the highest inventory availability for volume production. Selection depends on assembly equipment and production volume requirements.

Q: Is the ST3232EBDR from STMicroelectronics a direct replacement?

A: The ST3232EBDR is functionally compatible with the SN65C3232ED. It maintains identical protocol, driver/receiver configuration, and 16-SOIC packaging. Operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C) matches the original. The 500 mV receiver hysteresis and 250kbps data rate are suitable for RS232 applications. Selection between ST3232EBDR and ICL3232 variants depends on supplier availability, cost, and lead time considerations.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message