SN65C3232PW RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SN65C3232PW is a 2/2 full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by Texas Instruments in a 16-TSSOP surface mount package. This interface IC operates across a 3V to 5.5V supply range with a 1 Mbps data rate and 300 mV receiver hysteresis. The part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and production continuity. Substitute parts must maintain compatibility across electrical specifications, mechanical packaging, and functional performance parameters.

Key Parameters

Parameter	SN65C3232PW
Manufacturer	Texas Instruments
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers	2/2
Duplex	Full
Receiver Hysteresis	300 mV
Data Rate	1 Mbps
Voltage - Supply	3V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Package / Case	16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution logic for the SN65C3232PW is based on the following critical parameters:

Primary Compatibility Criteria:

Protocol: RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers: 2/2
Duplex: Full
Voltage Supply Range: 3V ~ 5.5V
Mounting Type: Surface Mount
Package Type: 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
RoHS Status: ROHS3 Compliant

Secondary Compatibility Considerations:

Receiver Hysteresis: 300 mV (primary part specification)
Data Rate: 1 Mbps (primary part specification)
Operating Temperature Range: -40°C ~ 85°C (primary part specification)

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Category 1: Direct Pin-Compatible Substitutes (16-TSSOP Package) Parts maintaining identical package geometry, pin count, and electrical interface. These include MAX3232EEUE+, MAX3232EEUE+T, SP3232EBEY-L/TR, ST3232EBTR, ICL3232CVZ-T, and ICL3232ECV-16Z. All operate within the 3V to 5.5V supply range and maintain full RS232 2/2 transceiver functionality.

Category 2: Package Variant Substitutes (16-SSOP Package) Parts with identical electrical specifications but different mechanical packaging: ICL3232ECAZ, ICL3232ECAZ-T, and ICL3232EIAZ. These use 16-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width) packaging and require PCB layout modification.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Protocol	Drivers/Receivers	Receiver Hysteresis	Data Rate	Supply Voltage	Operating Temp	Package	Product Status	MSL
SN65C3232PW	Texas Instruments	RS232	2/2	300 mV	1 Mbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-TSSOP	Obsolete	1
MAX3232EEUE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS232	2/2	500 mV	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-TSSOP	Active	1
MAX3232EEUE+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS232	2/2	500 mV	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-TSSOP	Active	1
SP3232EBEY-L/TR	MaxLinear, Inc.	RS232	2/2	300 mV	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-TSSOP	Active	1
ST3232EBTR	STMicroelectronics	RS232	2/2	500 mV	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-TSSOP	Active	1
ICL3232CVZ-T	Renesas Electronics Corporation	RS232	2/2	300 mV	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-TSSOP	Active	3
ICL3232ECV-16Z	Renesas Electronics Corporation	RS232	2/2	500 mV	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-TSSOP	Active	3
ICL3232ECAZ	Renesas Electronics Corporation	RS232	2/2	500 mV	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SSOP	Active	3
ICL3232ECAZ-T	Renesas Electronics Corporation	RS232	2/2	500 mV	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SSOP	Active	3
ICL3232EIAZ	Renesas Electronics Corporation	RS232	2/2	500 mV	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-SSOP	Active	3

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct PCB Replacement (No Layout Changes): Select from 16-TSSOP packaged parts: MAX3232EEUE+, MAX3232EEUE+T, SP3232EBEY-L/TR, ST3232EBTR, ICL3232CVZ-T, or ICL3232ECV-16Z. All maintain identical footprint compatibility with the original SN65C3232PW.

For Extended Temperature Range (-40°C to 85°C): SP3232EBEY-L/TR, MAX3232EEUE+, MAX3232EEUE+T, and ST3232EBTR support the full temperature range of the original part. ICL3232EIAZ provides this range in 16-SSOP packaging but requires layout modification.

For Receiver Hysteresis Matching (300 mV): SP3232EBEY-L/TR and ICL3232CVZ-T maintain the original 300 mV hysteresis specification. Other substitutes feature 500 mV hysteresis, which may affect noise immunity characteristics in specific applications.

For Active Product Status and Compliance: All listed substitutes carry Active product status and ROHS3 compliance. Moisture sensitivity varies: MAX3232 and SP3232 parts feature MSL 1 (Unlimited), while ICL3232 variants specify MSL 3 (168 Hours).

For High-Volume Availability: ST3232EBTR (129,821 pcs), MAX3232EEUE+T (30,300 pcs), and ICL3232ECAZ-T (30,400 pcs) offer the highest inventory levels for production continuity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX3232EEUE+ directly replace SN65C3232PW without design changes? A: Yes, MAX3232EEUE+ and MAX3232EEUE+T are pin-compatible 16-TSSOP substitutes. The 500 mV receiver hysteresis differs from the original 300 mV specification, but both operate within the 3V to 5.5V supply range and support full RS232 2/2 transceiver functionality across -40°C to 85°C.

Q: What is the difference between ICL3232CVZ-T and ICL3232ECAZ-T? A: ICL3232CVZ-T uses 16-TSSOP packaging (0.173", 4.40mm Width), while ICL3232ECAZ-T uses 16-SSOP packaging (0.209", 5.30mm Width). Both are Renesas products with identical electrical specifications but different mechanical footprints. PCB layout modification is required when switching between these packages.

Q: Why do some substitutes have lower data rates (250 kbps vs. 1 Mbps)? A: The SN65C3232PW specifies 1 Mbps maximum data rate. Most active substitutes are rated for 250 kbps, which is sufficient for standard RS232 communication at typical baud rates (up to 115,200 bps). Applications requiring higher data rates should confirm compatibility with specific substitute datasheets.

Q: Are ICL3232 parts suitable for -40°C to 85°C applications? A: ICL3232CVZ-T and ICL3232ECV-16Z operate from 0°C to 70°C, limiting use in extended temperature applications. ICL3232EIAZ supports -40°C to 85°C but uses 16-SSOP packaging, requiring PCB modification.

Q: What is the significance of MSL rating differences? A: SN65C3232PW and MAX3232 variants specify MSL 1 (Unlimited moisture sensitivity), allowing indefinite shelf storage. ICL3232 parts specify MSL 3 (168 Hours), requiring controlled storage conditions and bake-out procedures before reflow soldering if shelf life is exceeded.

Q: Can I use SP3232EBEY-L/TR as a drop-in replacement? A: Yes, SP3232EBEY-L/TR is a 16-TSSOP pin-compatible substitute with matching 300 mV receiver hysteresis and -40°C to 85°C operating range. It is available in Cut Tape & Digi-Reel packaging format.

Q: Which substitute offers the best inventory availability? A: ST3232EBTR from STMicroelectronics offers the highest inventory level at 129,821 pcs, followed by MAX3232EEUE+T (30,300 pcs) and ICL3232ECAZ-T (30,400 pcs).

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message