SP208CA-L/TR RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SP208CA-L/TR is a full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by MaxLinear, Inc., configured with 4 drivers and 4 receivers 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 currently in active production status with RoHS compliance certification.

Equivalent and substitute parts are necessary when the SP208CA-L/TR becomes unavailable, when alternative packaging formats are required for manufacturing processes, or when enhanced operating temperature ranges and higher data rate capabilities are needed for system upgrades.

Key Parameters

Parameter	SP208CA-L/TR
Manufacturer	MaxLinear, Inc.
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers	4/4
Duplex	Full
Receiver Hysteresis	500 mV
Data Rate	120 Kbps
Voltage - Supply	4.5V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 70°C
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Package / Case	24-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
RoHS Status	RoHS Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	2 (1 Year)
Product Status	Active

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution compatibility for the SP208CA-L/TR is determined by the following critical parameters:

Protocol: RS232 (all substitutes must maintain RS232 interface standard)
Number of Drivers/Receivers: 4/4 configuration (functional equivalence requirement)
Duplex: Full-duplex operation (bidirectional communication capability)
Package / Case: 24-SSOP form factor (physical and electrical pin compatibility)
Voltage - Supply: 4.5V ~ 5.5V (power supply compatibility)
Mounting Type: Surface Mount (PCB assembly process compatibility)

Substitute parts are grouped into three categories based on operational characteristics:

Category 1: Direct Functional Equivalents (120 Kbps, 500 mV Hysteresis) Parts maintaining identical data rate and receiver hysteresis specifications with extended operating temperature ranges or improved compliance certifications.

Category 2: Enhanced Performance Substitutes (230 Kbps, 650 mV Hysteresis) Parts offering higher data rate capability and increased receiver hysteresis with extended operating temperature ranges, suitable for applications requiring improved noise immunity and higher throughput.

Category 3: Obsolete Status Parts Parts no longer in active production but electrically compatible, available from existing inventory.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Data Rate	Receiver Hysteresis	Operating Temperature	Packaging	Product Status	RoHS Status	MSL
SP208CA-L/TR	MaxLinear, Inc.	120 Kbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	RoHS Compliant	2 (1 Year)
ADM208ARSZ	Analog Devices Inc.	120 Kbps	650 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	Tube	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	1 (Unlimited)
ADM208EARSZ	Analog Devices Inc.	230 Kbps	650 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	Tube	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	1 (Unlimited)
ADM208EARSZ-REEL	Analog Devices Inc.	230 Kbps	650 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel®	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	1 (Unlimited)
HIN208EIAZ	Renesas Electronics Corporation	230 Kbps	500 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	Tube	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant	3 (168 Hours)
MAX208CAG+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	120 Kbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	Tube	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	1 (Unlimited)
MAX208CDB	Texas Instruments	120 Kbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	Tube	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant	1 (Unlimited)
MAX208ECAG+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	120 Kbps	500 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	Tube	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	1 (Unlimited)
MAX208EEAG+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	120 Kbps	500 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	Tube	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	1 (Unlimited)
MAX208IDB	Texas Instruments	120 Kbps	500 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	Tube	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant	1 (Unlimited)
MAX208IDBR	Texas Instruments	120 Kbps	500 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel®	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant	1 (Unlimited)

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Active Production Applications:

Select MAX208ECAG+ or MAX208EEAG+ when extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C) is required while maintaining identical 120 Kbps data rate and 500 mV receiver hysteresis. Both parts are in active production status with ROHS3 compliance and unlimited MSL rating, providing superior long-term availability and storage stability compared to the SP208CA-L/TR.

Select MAX208CAG+ when operating temperature range matches the original specification (0°C ~ 70°C) and active production status is required. This part maintains identical electrical characteristics with ROHS3 compliance.

For Enhanced Performance Requirements:

Select ADM208EARSZ or ADM208EARSZ-REEL when higher data rate capability (230 Kbps) and increased receiver hysteresis (650 mV) are beneficial for noise-sensitive applications. Both parts are in active production with extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C) and ROHS3 compliance. Choose ADM208EARSZ-REEL for tape and reel packaging compatibility with automated assembly processes.

For Packaging Format Compatibility:

When tape and reel packaging is mandatory for high-volume manufacturing, ADM208EARSZ-REEL provides the closest functional match with enhanced specifications and active production status.

Avoid Obsolete Parts:

HIN208EIAZ, MAX208CDB, MAX208IDB, and MAX208IDBR are obsolete and should not be selected for new designs. These parts are suitable only for legacy system maintenance where existing inventory is available.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the SP208CA-L/TR be directly replaced with MAX208CAG+ without circuit modifications?

A: Yes. Both parts maintain identical electrical specifications: 4/4 RS232 transceiver configuration, 120 Kbps data rate, 500 mV receiver hysteresis, 4.5V ~ 5.5V supply voltage, and 24-SSOP package. Pin-for-pin compatibility is maintained. The primary difference is packaging format (Tube vs. Tape & Reel) and MSL rating.

Q: What is the advantage of selecting ADM208EARSZ over MAX208ECAG+?

A: ADM208EARSZ offers higher data rate capability (230 Kbps vs. 120 Kbps) and increased receiver hysteresis (650 mV vs. 500 mV). The higher hysteresis provides improved noise immunity in electrically noisy environments. Both parts support the extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C). Selection depends on whether the application requires higher throughput or enhanced noise rejection.

Q: Is the SP208CA-L/TR compatible with applications requiring -40°C operation?

A: No. The SP208CA-L/TR operating temperature range is 0°C ~ 70°C. For applications requiring -40°C minimum operating temperature, select MAX208ECAG+, MAX208EEAG+, ADM208ARSZ, ADM208EARSZ, ADM208EARSZ-REEL, or HIN208EIAZ.

Q: What does MSL rating mean for component storage and handling?

A: MSL (Moisture Sensitivity Level) indicates the maximum time a component can be stored in standard conditions before requiring baking before reflow soldering. SP208CA-L/TR has MSL 2 (1 Year), meaning it must be used within one year of packaging opening. MAX208 and ADM208 variants have MSL 1 (Unlimited), allowing indefinite storage without baking requirements. HIN208EIAZ has MSL 3 (168 Hours), requiring baking within 168 hours of package opening.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: The SP208CA-L/TR is RoHS Compliant. All active substitute parts (MAX208CAG+, MAX208ECAG+, MAX208EEAG+, ADM208ARSZ, ADM208EARSZ, ADM208EARSZ-REEL) are ROHS3 Compliant, meeting current RoHS 3 directive requirements. Obsolete parts (HIN208EIAZ, MAX208CDB, MAX208IDB, MAX208IDBR) are also ROHS3 Compliant.

Q: Can packaging format be changed from Tape & Reel to Tube without affecting functionality?

A: Yes. Packaging format (Tape & Reel, Tube, or Cut Tape) affects only the physical delivery and handling method, not electrical functionality or pin compatibility. The 24-SSOP package dimensions and pinout remain identical across all substitute parts.

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