SN75C3238DBR Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SN75C3238DBR is a full RS232 transceiver IC manufactured by Texas Instruments, featuring 5 drivers and 3 receivers in a 28-SSOP surface mount package. This device operates across a 3V to 5.5V supply range and supports data rates up to 1 Mbps. The part is currently in Last Time Buy status, indicating end-of-life production. Identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to ensure design continuity and maintain supply chain reliability for applications requiring RS232 interface functionality.

Key Parameters

Parameter	SN75C3238DBR
Manufacturer	Texas Instruments
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Drivers/Receivers	5/3
Duplex	Full
Data Rate	1 Mbps
Voltage Supply	3V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 70°C
Package	28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Receiver Hysteresis	300 mV
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
MSL Rating	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the SN75C3238DBR is determined by the following critical parameters:

Core Compatibility Requirements:

Protocol: RS232
Drivers/Receivers: 5/3 configuration
Duplex: Full
Package: 28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
Voltage Supply: 3V ~ 5.5V
Mounting Type: Surface Mount

Secondary Considerations:

Data Rate: Minimum 1 Mbps (SN75C3238DBR specification)
Operating Temperature Range: Must support at least 0°C ~ 70°C
Receiver Hysteresis: 300 mV to 600 mV acceptable
RoHS Compliance: ROHS3 or equivalent

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: Texas Instruments direct equivalents and cross-manufacturer alternatives from Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated and MaxLinear, Inc. All listed substitutes maintain identical package geometry, pin configuration, and electrical interface specifications.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Drivers/Receivers	Data Rate	Operating Temp	Receiver Hysteresis	Voltage Supply	Product Status	Inventory
SN75C3238DBR	Texas Instruments	5/3	1 Mbps	0°C ~ 70°C	300 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	Last Time Buy	5383 Pcs
SN65C3238DBR	Texas Instruments	5/3	1 Mbps	-40°C ~ 85°C	300 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	Active	2964 Pcs
SN75C3238EDBR	Texas Instruments	5/3	1 Mbps	0°C ~ 70°C	300 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	Obsolete	2200 Pcs
MAX3238EAI+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	5/3	250 kbps	-40°C ~ 85°C	300 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	Active	2000 Pcs
MAX3238EAI+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	5/3	250 kbps	-40°C ~ 85°C	300 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	Active	3300 Pcs
MAX3238ECAI+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	5/3	250 kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	600 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	Active	25300 Pcs
MAX3238ECAI+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	5/3	250 kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	600 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	Active	3320 Pcs
MAX3238EEAI+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	5/3	250 kbps	-40°C ~ 85°C	600 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	Active	1134 Pcs
MAX3238EEAI+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	5/3	250 kbps	-40°C ~ 85°C	600 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	Active	11626 Pcs
SP3238ECA-L/TR	MaxLinear, Inc.	5/3	250 kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	500 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	Active	1406 Pcs
SP3238EEA-L/TR	MaxLinear, Inc.	5/3	250 kbps	-40°C ~ 85°C	500 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	Active	20890 Pcs

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: SN65C3238DBR

The SN65C3238DBR is the manufacturer-recommended substitute from Texas Instruments. It maintains identical electrical specifications to the SN75C3238DBR while offering an extended operating temperature range of -40°C to 85°C. This part is in Active product status with ROHS3 compliance and unlimited MSL rating. Selection of this part ensures design continuity with the original manufacturer's product line.

Secondary Recommendation: MAX3238EEAI+T

The MAX3238EEAI+T from Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated provides the broadest operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) and highest inventory availability (11,626 units). This part maintains full RS232 5/3 transceiver functionality with 600 mV receiver hysteresis. It is in Active product status with ROHS3 compliance and unlimited MSL rating.

Alternative: SP3238EEA-L/TR

The SP3238EEA-L/TR from MaxLinear, Inc. offers the largest available inventory (20,890 units) and extended temperature range (-40°C to 85°C). This part is in Active product status with ROHS3 compliance. The 500 mV receiver hysteresis provides intermediate noise immunity between the original specification and higher-hysteresis alternatives.

Obsolete Parts to Avoid:

The SN75C3238EDBR is marked as Obsolete and should not be selected for new designs despite functional equivalence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use MAX3238 series parts as direct replacements for the SN75C3238DBR?

A: Yes, MAX3238 series parts are pin-compatible and functionally equivalent. All MAX3238 variants maintain the 5/3 driver/receiver configuration, 28-SSOP package, and 3V to 5.5V supply range. The primary difference is data rate specification: MAX3238 parts are rated for 250 kbps versus the SN75C3238DBR's 1 Mbps rating. For applications operating below 250 kbps, this difference is not limiting.

Q: What is the significance of receiver hysteresis differences?

A: Receiver hysteresis affects noise immunity during signal transitions. The SN75C3238DBR specifies 300 mV hysteresis. Substitute parts with 500 mV or 600 mV hysteresis provide greater noise immunity but may require slightly longer signal transition times. For standard RS232 applications, these differences are not functionally significant.

Q: Are all listed substitutes ROHS3 compliant?

A: All listed substitutes are ROHS3 compliant or equivalent. The SP3238ECA-L/TR and SP3238EEA-L/TR are marked as RoHS Compliant. All parts meet REACH compliance requirements where applicable.

Q: What packaging options are available?

A: The SN75C3238DBR is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) packaging. Substitute parts are available in multiple packaging formats: Tube, Cut Tape (CT), Cut Tape & Digi-Reel, and Tape & Reel. Packaging selection does not affect electrical or mechanical compatibility.

Q: Which substitute offers the best temperature range coverage?

A: The MAX3238EEAI+T, MAX3238EEAI+, SP3238EEA-L/TR, and SN65C3238DBR all support -40°C to 85°C operating temperature range, providing the broadest coverage for industrial and extended-temperature applications.

Q: Is the SN75C3238EDBR a viable substitute?

A: The SN75C3238EDBR is functionally equivalent but is marked as Obsolete. It should not be selected for new designs or long-term supply planning. The SN65C3238DBR or MAX3238 series parts are preferred alternatives.

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