SN75185N Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SN75185N is a 3/5 Transceiver RS232 interface IC manufactured by Texas Instruments in a 20-DIP through-hole package. This component is classified as Last Time Buy, indicating end-of-life status. The SN75185N serves as a dual RS232 transceiver suitable for serial communication applications requiring 3 drivers and 5 receivers in a through-hole form factor. Due to its Last Time Buy status, identifying functionally equivalent substitute parts with compatible electrical and mechanical specifications is essential for design continuity and procurement planning.

Substiute Parts

SN75185N

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 5482SN75185N Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SN75185DBR

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 2914SN75185DBR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the SN75185N is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

• Protocol Compatibility: RS232 protocol must be maintained
• Functional Configuration: 3 drivers and 5 receivers configuration must be identical
• Electrical Specifications: Receiver hysteresis (500 mV), supply voltage range (4.5V ~ 5.5V), and operating temperature range (0°C ~ 70°C) must match exactly
• Regulatory Compliance: RoHS3 and REACH status must be equivalent or superior
• Base Product Number: SN75185 series maintains functional equivalence

The SN75185DBR qualifies as a direct substitute based on identical electrical and functional parameters. The primary difference is packaging format: the SN75185N uses through-hole mounting (20-DIP), while the SN75185DBR uses surface-mount technology (20-SSOP). Both share the same base product number and electrical specifications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The SN75185DBR is the direct electrical equivalent of the SN75185N. Selection between these parts depends on board design requirements:

SN75185N (Through-Hole): Suitable for existing designs with through-hole PCB layouts or applications requiring through-hole mounting. Availability is limited due to Last Time Buy status.

SN75185DBR (Surface Mount): Recommended for new designs or PCB redesigns. This part maintains Active product status, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain stability. The surface-mount package reduces board footprint and is compatible with modern manufacturing processes. ROHS3 compliance and REACH Unaffected status are maintained.

Both parts meet identical electrical and functional specifications. The choice between them is determined by PCB assembly technology and design constraints, not by electrical performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the SN75185DBR directly replace the SN75185N in an existing circuit?

A: Electrical and functional specifications are identical. However, the SN75185DBR uses surface-mount packaging (20-SSOP) while the SN75185N uses through-hole packaging (20-DIP). Direct PCB substitution without layout modification is not possible. A PCB redesign is required to accommodate the different package footprint.

Q: Are there differences in electrical performance between these parts?

A: No. Both parts share identical RS232 protocol specifications, 3/5 driver/receiver configuration, 500 mV receiver hysteresis, 4.5V ~ 5.5V supply voltage range, and 0°C ~ 70°C operating temperature range.

Q: Why is the SN75185N marked as Last Time Buy?

A: Last Time Buy status indicates Texas Instruments has discontinued this product line in this specific package format. The SN75185DBR (surface-mount variant) remains in active production, reflecting industry trends toward surface-mount technology.

Q: Are both parts RoHS3 and REACH compliant?

A: Yes. Both the SN75185N and SN75185DBR are ROHS3 Compliant and REACH Unaffected, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements.

Q: What is the primary consideration when selecting between these substitutes?

A: Mounting technology and PCB design. The SN75185N requires through-hole assembly, while the SN75185DBR requires surface-mount assembly. Existing through-hole designs must use the SN75185N or undergo PCB redesign. New designs should specify the SN75185DBR for supply chain continuity.