SP208CA-L RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SP208CA-L is a 4/4 full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by MaxLinear, Inc., housed in a 24-SSOP surface mount package. This interface IC operates within the 4.5V to 5.5V supply voltage range and supports data rates up to 120 Kbps with a receiver hysteresis of 500 mV. The part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute components necessary for ongoing system support, maintenance, and new design implementations where RS232 communication is required.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Part Number	SP208CA-L
Manufacturer	MaxLinear, Inc.
Category	Interface
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Drivers/Receivers	4/4
Duplex	Full
Package	24-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Voltage Supply	4.5V ~ 5.5V
Data Rate	120 Kbps
Receiver Hysteresis	500 mV
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 70°C
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the SP208CA-L is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Critical Compatibility Parameters:

Protocol: RS232
Drivers/Receivers Configuration: 4/4
Duplex Mode: Full
Package Type: 24-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
Mounting Type: Surface Mount
Voltage Supply Range: 4.5V ~ 5.5V (minimum overlap required)
Data Rate: Minimum 120 Kbps

Acceptable Variation Parameters:

Receiver Hysteresis: 500 mV to 650 mV (within functional tolerance)
Operating Temperature Range: May extend beyond original specification
Product Status: Active or Obsolete (both acceptable for substitution)
Packaging Format: Tube, Tape & Reel, or Cut Tape (mechanical packaging variation)
Moisture Sensitivity Level: Variation acceptable based on application requirements

Substitute parts must maintain identical electrical interface characteristics and physical package dimensions to ensure direct PCB compatibility without redesign.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Protocol	Drivers/Receivers	Data Rate	Voltage Supply	Receiver Hysteresis	Operating Temp	Package	Product Status
SP208CA-L	MaxLinear, Inc.	RS232	4/4	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	24-SSOP	Obsolete
ADM208ARSZ	Analog Devices Inc.	RS232	4/4	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	650 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	24-SSOP	Active
ADM208ARSZ-REEL	Analog Devices Inc.	RS232	4/4	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	650 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	24-SSOP	Active
ADM208EARSZ	Analog Devices Inc.	RS232	4/4	230 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	650 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	24-SSOP	Active
ADM208EARSZ-REEL	Analog Devices Inc.	RS232	4/4	230 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	650 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	24-SSOP	Active
HIN208EIAZ	Renesas Electronics Corporation	RS232	4/4	230 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	500 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	24-SSOP	Obsolete
MAX208CAG+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS232	4/4	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	24-SSOP	Active
MAX208CDBR	Texas Instruments	RS232	4/4	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	24-SSOP	Obsolete
MAX208ECAG+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS232	4/4	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	500 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	24-SSOP	Active
MAX208ECAG+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS232	4/4	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	24-SSOP	Active
MAX208EEAG+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS232	4/4	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	500 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	24-SSOP	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitutes (Highest Compatibility):

MAX208ECAG+T and MAX208ECAG+ are direct functional equivalents manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated. Both maintain identical electrical specifications including 120 Kbps data rate, 500 mV receiver hysteresis, and 24-SSOP package geometry. MAX208ECAG+ supports extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) compared to the original 0°C to 70°C specification, providing enhanced thermal margin. Both parts carry Active product status with ROHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity rating, ensuring long-term availability and environmental compliance.

Secondary Substitutes (Extended Temperature Range):

ADM208ARSZ and ADM208ARSZ-REEL from Analog Devices Inc. provide functional substitution with extended operating temperature (-40°C to 85°C) and improved moisture sensitivity (MSL 1, Unlimited). The receiver hysteresis increases to 650 mV, which remains within acceptable tolerance for RS232 interface operation. Both parts maintain 120 Kbps data rate and identical package specifications. The REEL variant accommodates automated assembly processes, while the tube variant suits manual or lower-volume applications.

Higher Data Rate Alternatives:

ADM208EARSZ and ADM208EARSZ-REEL support 230 Kbps data rate, doubling the bandwidth of the original SP208CA-L. These parts are suitable for applications requiring enhanced communication speed while maintaining full backward compatibility with 120 Kbps legacy systems. Both carry Active status with ROHS3 compliance.

Compatibility Notes:

HIN208EIAZ (Renesas Electronics Corporation) and MAX208CDBR (Texas Instruments) are functionally equivalent but carry Obsolete product status. These parts are suitable for replacement applications where existing inventory exists but should not be selected for new designs requiring long-term component availability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can ADM208ARSZ directly replace SP208CA-L without PCB modifications?

A: Yes. Both parts use identical 24-SSOP package geometry (0.209", 5.30mm width) with surface mount configuration. Pin-to-pin compatibility is maintained. The 650 mV receiver hysteresis of ADM208ARSZ remains within RS232 interface tolerance and does not require circuit redesign.

Q: What is the difference between ADM208ARSZ and ADM208ARSZ-REEL?

A: Both parts are electrically identical. ADM208ARSZ is supplied in tube packaging for manual handling and lower-volume applications. ADM208ARSZ-REEL is supplied in Tape & Reel format optimized for automated pick-and-place assembly equipment. Selection depends on manufacturing process requirements, not electrical performance.

Q: Why do some substitutes support higher data rates (230 Kbps) than the original (120 Kbps)?

A: ADM208EARSZ and HIN208EIAZ incorporate enhanced transceiver design supporting 230 Kbps operation. These parts maintain full backward compatibility with 120 Kbps systems and can be used as drop-in replacements. The higher data rate capability provides design flexibility for future system upgrades without component substitution.

Q: Is operating temperature range a critical substitution parameter?

A: Operating temperature range is not a critical substitution parameter for direct replacement. The SP208CA-L operates 0°C to 70°C, while most active substitutes support -40°C to 85°C. Extended temperature range provides additional thermal margin and is acceptable for applications within the original temperature specification. Applications requiring operation below 0°C or above 70°C must select substitutes with matching extended temperature ratings.

Q: What does ROHS3 compliance mean for component selection?

A: ROHS3 compliance indicates the part meets Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive requirements, restricting lead, cadmium, mercury, and other hazardous materials. All active substitute parts carry ROHS3 certification, ensuring environmental compliance and regulatory acceptance in markets requiring hazardous substance restrictions.

Q: Can I use MAX208EEAG+ in applications requiring 0°C to 70°C operation?

A: Yes. MAX208EEAG+ supports -40°C to 85°C operating range, which encompasses the 0°C to 70°C specification of SP208CA-L. The extended temperature capability does not degrade performance within the narrower original temperature band and is acceptable for direct substitution.

Q: What is the significance of Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) differences?

A: SP208CA-L carries MSL 2 (1 Year), while active substitutes carry MSL 1 (Unlimited). Lower MSL values indicate reduced moisture absorption and longer shelf life without baking. MSL 1 parts provide superior storage stability and are preferred for inventory management and long-term component availability.

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