SP208CT-L Equivalent & Substitute Parts Reference

Part Overview

The SP208CT-L is a 4/4 full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by MaxLinear, Inc., housed in a 24-SOIC surface mount package. This component is discontinued at DiGi Electronics, making equivalent substitute parts necessary for ongoing system support and new designs. The SP208CT-L operates within a 4.5V to 5.5V supply range with a 120 kbps data rate and 500 mV receiver hysteresis, designed for industrial and commercial RS232 communication applications.

Substiute Parts

SP208CT-L
MaxLinear, Inc.In Stock: 1269SP208CT-L Datasheet
SP208CT-L
Current Part
ADM208ARZ
Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 1986ADM208ARZ Datasheet
ADM208ARZ
MFR Recommended
ADM208ARZ-REEL
Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 3480ADM208ARZ-REEL Datasheet
ADM208ARZ-REEL
MFR Recommended
ADM208EARZ
Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 2586ADM208EARZ Datasheet
ADM208EARZ
MFR Recommended
ADM208EARZ-REEL
Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 2218ADM208EARZ-REEL Datasheet
ADM208EARZ-REEL
MFR Recommended
HIN208ECBZ
Renesas Electronics CorporationIn Stock: 2362HIN208ECBZ Datasheet
HIN208ECBZ
MFR Recommended
HIN208ECBZ-T
Renesas Electronics CorporationIn Stock: 994HIN208ECBZ-T Datasheet
HIN208ECBZ-T
MFR Recommended
MAX208CDWR
Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 2440MAX208CDWR Datasheet
MAX208CDWR
MFR Recommended
MAX208CWG+T
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 6136MAX208CWG+T Datasheet
MAX208CWG+T
MFR Recommended
MAX208ECWG+T
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 1959MAX208ECWG+T Datasheet
MAX208ECWG+T
MFR Recommended
MAX208EEWG+
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 831MAX208EEWG+ Datasheet
MAX208EEWG+
MFR Recommended
MAX208EEWG+T
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 2856MAX208EEWG+T Datasheet
MAX208EEWG+T
MFR Recommended
MAX208IDW
Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 1186MAX208IDW Datasheet
MAX208IDW
MFR Recommended
TRS208CDWR
Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 5954TRS208CDWR Datasheet
TRS208CDWR
MFR Recommended
TRS208IDWR
Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 5717TRS208IDWR Datasheet
TRS208IDWR
MFR Recommended
MAX206CWG+
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 903MAX206CWG+ Datasheet
MAX206CWG+
Parametric Equivalent
MAX206ECWG+
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 713MAX206ECWG+ Datasheet
MAX206ECWG+
Parametric Equivalent
MAX208CDW
Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 739MAX208CDW Datasheet
MAX208CDW
Parametric Equivalent
MAX208CWG+
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 1398MAX208CWG+ Datasheet
MAX208CWG+
Parametric Equivalent
MAX208ECWG+
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 3437MAX208ECWG+ Datasheet
MAX208ECWG+
Parametric Equivalent
MAX236CWG+
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 1171MAX236CWG+ Datasheet
MAX236CWG+
Parametric Equivalent
MAX238CWG+
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 5984MAX238CWG+ Datasheet
MAX238CWG+
Parametric Equivalent

Key Parameters

Parameter SP208CT-L
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-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
RoHS Status RoHS Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) 3 (168 Hours)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SP208CT-L is determined by the following critical parameters:

  • Protocol: RS232 (all substitutes must support RS232)
  • Number of Drivers/Receivers: 4/4 (channel configuration must match)
  • Duplex: Full (bidirectional communication capability)
  • Package / Case: 24-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width) (physical and electrical compatibility)
  • Voltage - Supply: 4.5V ~ 5.5V (power supply compatibility)
  • Mounting Type: Surface Mount (PCB assembly compatibility)

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on operating temperature range and data rate capabilities:

Category A: Standard Temperature Range (0°C ~ 70°C) with 120 kbps Data Rate These parts maintain the original operating temperature specification and data rate of the SP208CT-L, providing direct functional equivalence.

Category B: Extended Temperature Range (-40°C ~ 85°C) with Enhanced Data Rate (120 kbps or 230 kbps) These parts offer broader operating temperature ranges and higher data rates, suitable for applications requiring extended environmental performance or higher-speed communication.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number Manufacturer Protocol Drivers/Receivers Data Rate Voltage Supply Operating Temp Package Product Status RoHS Status
SP208CT-L MaxLinear, Inc. RS232 4/4 120 kbps 4.5V ~ 5.5V 0°C ~ 70°C 24-SOIC Discontinued RoHS Compliant
ADM208ARZ Analog Devices Inc. RS232 4/4 120 kbps 4.5V ~ 5.5V -40°C ~ 85°C 24-SOIC Active ROHS3 Compliant
ADM208ARZ-REEL Analog Devices Inc. RS232 4/4 120 kbps 4.5V ~ 5.5V -40°C ~ 85°C 24-SOIC Active ROHS3 Compliant
ADM208EARZ Analog Devices Inc. RS232 4/4 230 kbps 4.5V ~ 5.5V -40°C ~ 85°C 24-SOIC Active ROHS3 Compliant
ADM208EARZ-REEL Analog Devices Inc. RS232 4/4 230 kbps 4.5V ~ 5.5V -40°C ~ 85°C 24-SOIC Active ROHS3 Compliant
HIN208ECBZ Renesas Electronics Corporation RS232 4/4 230 kbps 4.5V ~ 5.5V 0°C ~ 70°C 24-SOIC Active ROHS3 Compliant
HIN208ECBZ-T Renesas Electronics Corporation RS232 4/4 230 kbps 4.5V ~ 5.5V 0°C ~ 70°C 24-SOIC Active ROHS3 Compliant
MAX208CDWR Texas Instruments RS232 4/4 120 kbps 4.5V ~ 5.5V 0°C ~ 70°C 24-SOIC Obsolete ROHS3 Compliant
MAX208CWG+T Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated RS232 4/4 120 kbps 4.5V ~ 5.5V 0°C ~ 70°C 24-SOIC Active ROHS3 Compliant
MAX208ECWG+T Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated RS232 4/4 120 kbps 4.5V ~ 5.5V 0°C ~ 70°C 24-SOIC Active ROHS3 Compliant
MAX208EEWG+ Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated RS232 4/4 120 kbps 4.5V ~ 5.5V -40°C ~ 85°C 24-SOIC Active ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Standard Temperature, 120 kbps)

MAX208CWG+T and MAX208ECWG+T from Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated are active, in-stock alternatives that maintain the original 0°C to 70°C operating temperature range and 120 kbps data rate. Both are ROHS3 compliant with unlimited moisture sensitivity rating, providing superior reliability compared to the discontinued SP208CT-L.

For Extended Environmental Performance

ADM208ARZ and ADM208ARZ-REEL from Analog Devices Inc. extend the operating temperature range to -40°C to 85°C while maintaining 120 kbps data rate and 4.5V to 5.5V supply compatibility. These are suitable for applications requiring broader temperature operation without increased data rate demands.

For Enhanced Data Rate Applications

ADM208EARZ and ADM208EARZ-REEL support 230 kbps data rate with extended temperature range (-40°C to 85°C), offering performance headroom for future system upgrades. HIN208ECBZ and HIN208ECBZ-T from Renesas Electronics Corporation provide 230 kbps capability within the standard 0°C to 70°C temperature range, maintaining thermal compatibility with the original SP208CT-L.

All recommended substitutes are currently active products with ROHS3 compliance and superior moisture sensitivity ratings (MSL 1 Unlimited) compared to the SP208CT-L (MSL 3, 168 Hours).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a substitute part with a higher data rate (230 kbps) in place of the SP208CT-L (120 kbps)?

A: Yes. Higher data rate capability is backward compatible. A 230 kbps transceiver operates correctly at 120 kbps and lower speeds. The system will function at the lower data rate without modification.

Q: What is the difference between ADM208ARZ and ADM208ARZ-REEL?

A: Both parts are electrically identical with the same specifications. The difference is packaging format: ADM208ARZ is supplied in Tube packaging, while ADM208ARZ-REEL is supplied in Cut Tape and Digi-Reel format. Selection depends on assembly line requirements and quantity needs.

Q: Are all substitute parts pin-compatible with the SP208CT-L?

A: Yes. All substitute parts use the 24-SOIC package with identical pinout and electrical interface. Direct PCB substitution is possible without layout modifications.

Q: Why do some substitutes have extended temperature ranges (-40°C to 85°C) while others maintain 0°C to 70°C?

A: Extended temperature range parts are designed for industrial and automotive applications requiring broader environmental operation. Standard temperature range parts are suitable for commercial and office environments. Selection depends on the target application's thermal requirements.

Q: What is the significance of ROHS3 compliance versus RoHS compliance?

A: ROHS3 represents the current regulatory standard with stricter restrictions on hazardous substances. All active substitute parts meet ROHS3, ensuring compliance with current environmental regulations and supply chain requirements.

Q: Can I substitute MAX208EEWG+ for SP208CT-L in a design with -40°C to 85°C operating requirements?

A: Yes. MAX208EEWG+ supports the extended -40°C to 85°C temperature range while maintaining RS232 protocol, 4/4 transceiver configuration, and 24-SOIC package compatibility. It is electrically and mechanically compatible.

Q: What does MSL 1 (Unlimited) mean compared to MSL 3 (168 Hours)?

A: MSL (Moisture Sensitivity Level) indicates how long a component can be exposed to moisture before soldering. MSL 1 (Unlimited) allows indefinite shelf storage without moisture baking, while MSL 3 (168 Hours) requires moisture baking after 168 hours of exposure. Substitute parts with MSL 1 offer superior handling flexibility.

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