SN65C3232EPW RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SN65C3232EPW is a 2/2 full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by Texas Instruments, housed in a 16-TSSOP surface mount package. This component is classified as obsolete, with 2,598 units currently in stock. The part operates across a 3V to 5.5V supply range and supports data rates up to 1 Mbps with a receiver hysteresis of 300 mV. Due to its obsolete status, identifying functionally equivalent substitute parts is essential for design continuity and long-term component availability.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	SN65C3232EPW
Manufacturer	Texas Instruments
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers	2/2
Duplex	Full
Data Rate	1 Mbps
Receiver Hysteresis	300 mV
Voltage - Supply	3V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C
Package / Case	16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Product Status	Obsolete
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SN65C3232EPW is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Compatibility Criteria:

Protocol: RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers: 2/2
Duplex: Full
Package / Case: 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
Voltage - Supply: 3V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature Range: -40°C ~ 85°C (or compatible subset)
Mounting Type: Surface Mount

Secondary Consideration Parameters:

Data Rate: 1 Mbps (minimum requirement)
Receiver Hysteresis: 300 mV (nominal)
RoHS Status: ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level: 1 (Unlimited)

Substitute parts are grouped into three categories based on their relationship to the main part:

Parametric Equivalent - Identical electrical specifications and package, differing only in packaging format (tube vs. reel)
Direct Manufacturer Equivalents - Active production parts from alternative manufacturers meeting all core electrical and mechanical requirements
Manufacturer Recommended Equivalents - Active production parts with minor parameter variations (hysteresis, data rate, operating temperature range, or package size) that remain functionally compatible within typical application constraints

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Product Status	Data Rate	Receiver Hysteresis	Operating Temperature	Package	Inventory
SN65C3232EPW	Texas Instruments	Obsolete	1 Mbps	300 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-TSSOP	2,598
SN65C3232PW	Texas Instruments	Obsolete	1 Mbps	300 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-TSSOP	75,450
MAX3232EEUE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	250 kbps	500 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-TSSOP	2,100
MAX3232EEUE+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	250 kbps	500 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-TSSOP	30,300
SP3232EBEY-L/TR	MaxLinear, Inc.	Active	250 kbps	300 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-TSSOP	30,194
ST3232EBTR	STMicroelectronics	Active	250 kbps	500 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-TSSOP	129,821
ICL3232CVZ	Renesas Electronics Corporation	Active	250 kbps	300 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	16-TSSOP	1,811
ICL3232CVZ-T	Renesas Electronics Corporation	Active	250 kbps	300 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	16-TSSOP	1,424
ICL3232ECAZ	Renesas Electronics Corporation	Active	250 kbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SSOP	1,270
ICL3232ECAZ-T	Renesas Electronics Corporation	Active	250 kbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SSOP	30,400
ICL3232ECV-16Z	Renesas Electronics Corporation	Active	250 kbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	16-TSSOP	1,992

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Obsolete to Active Transition):

The SN65C3232PW represents the closest parametric equivalent, maintaining identical electrical specifications and the same 16-TSSOP package. However, as both parts are obsolete, long-term availability is limited. For sustained production, transition to an active product status part.

For Active Production Parts with Full Temperature Range (-40°C ~ 85°C):

SP3232EBEY-L/TR (MaxLinear, Inc.) - Maintains 300 mV receiver hysteresis matching the original specification. Highest inventory availability at 30,194 units.
MAX3232EEUE+T (Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated) - Largest inventory at 30,300 units. Operates at reduced data rate (250 kbps) and elevated hysteresis (500 mV), acceptable for most RS232 applications.
ST3232EBTR (STMicroelectronics) - Highest inventory at 129,821 units. Meets all core requirements with 250 kbps data rate and 500 mV hysteresis.

For Restricted Temperature Range Applications (0°C ~ 70°C):

Renesas Electronics ICL3232 series parts (CVZ, CVZ-T, ECV-16Z variants) are suitable only when operating temperature does not extend below 0°C or above 70°C. The ICL3232ECAZ and ICL3232ECAZ-T variants use a 16-SSOP package (0.209", 5.30mm Width) and require PCB layout modification.

Compliance Considerations:

All substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and EAR99 export classification. Moisture sensitivity levels vary; the original part specifies MSL 1 (Unlimited), while Renesas parts specify MSL 3 (168 Hours), requiring controlled storage and handling procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use MAX3232EEUE+ or ST3232EBTR as a direct replacement for SN65C3232EPW?

A: Yes, both parts are functionally compatible. They maintain the 2/2 full-duplex RS232 configuration, 16-TSSOP package, and -40°C ~ 85°C operating range. The reduced data rate (250 kbps vs. 1 Mbps) and elevated receiver hysteresis (500 mV vs. 300 mV) do not affect compatibility in standard RS232 applications operating below 250 kbps.

Q: What is the difference between 16-TSSOP and 16-SSOP packages?

A: The 16-TSSOP measures 0.173" (4.40mm) in width, while the 16-SSOP measures 0.209" (5.30mm) in width. These are not pin-compatible and require different PCB footprints. ICL3232ECAZ and ICL3232ECAZ-T use the larger 16-SSOP package and cannot be used as drop-in replacements without PCB redesign.

Q: Why do some parts have lower data rates (250 kbps vs. 1 Mbps)?

A: Data rate specifications reflect the maximum supported communication speed. Parts rated at 250 kbps operate correctly at lower speeds and are suitable for applications not requiring the full 1 Mbps capability. Standard RS232 applications typically operate at 9.6 kbps to 115.2 kbps, well below both specifications.

Q: What does MSL 3 (168 Hours) mean compared to MSL 1 (Unlimited)?

A: Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) indicates the maximum time a component can be exposed to ambient conditions (30°C, 60% relative humidity) before requiring baking. MSL 1 parts have unlimited shelf life under standard conditions. MSL 3 parts must be used within 168 hours of opening the moisture barrier bag. Renesas parts require controlled storage and handling procedures.

Q: Which substitute part has the best inventory availability?

A: ST3232EBTR from STMicroelectronics offers the highest inventory at 129,821 units, followed by MAX3232EEUE+T at 30,300 units and SP3232EBEY-L/TR at 30,194 units. These three parts provide the most reliable long-term supply for production applications.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes, all listed substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and are classified as EAR99 for export purposes, matching the original SN65C3232EPW specifications.

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