SP208CT-L/TR RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SP208CT-L/TR is a 4/4 full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by MaxLinear, Inc., housed in a 24-SOIC package. This interface IC operates at 120 Kbps data rate with a 500 mV receiver hysteresis and supply voltage range of 4.5V to 5.5V. The part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing system support and new design implementations. Substitute parts must maintain functional compatibility across the RS232 protocol, driver/receiver configuration, and electrical operating parameters.

Key Parameters

Parameter	SP208CT-L/TR Value
Manufacturer	MaxLinear, Inc.
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers	4/4
Duplex	Full
Package / Case	24-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
Receiver Hysteresis	500 mV
Data Rate	120 Kbps
Voltage - Supply	4.5V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 70°C
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Product Status	Obsolete
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	3 (168 Hours)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution logic for the SP208CT-L/TR is based on the following critical parameters:

Primary Compatibility Criteria:

Protocol: RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers: 4/4 configuration
Duplex Mode: Full
Package Type: 24-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
Supply Voltage Range: 4.5V ~ 5.5V
Mounting Type: Surface Mount

Secondary Compatibility Considerations:

Data Rate: Minimum 120 Kbps (higher rates are acceptable)
Receiver Hysteresis: 500 mV nominal (650 mV acceptable for enhanced noise immunity)
Operating Temperature: 0°C ~ 70°C minimum (extended ranges acceptable)

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Category 1 - Direct Package Equivalents (24-SOIC): Parts maintaining identical package geometry, electrical specifications, and thermal characteristics. These include ADM208ARZ, ADM208ARZ-REEL, ADM208EARZ, ADM208EARZ-REEL, HIN208ECBZ, HIN208ECBZ-T, MAX208CDW, MAX208CWG+, and MAX208ECWG+.

Category 2 - Alternative Package (24-SSOP): SP208CA-L/TR offers functional equivalence with different package geometry (24-SSOP, 0.209", 5.30mm Width), suitable for space-constrained applications where PCB layout permits package substitution.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Protocol	Drivers/Receivers	Package	Data Rate	Receiver Hysteresis	Supply Voltage	Operating Temp	Product Status	RoHS Status
SP208CT-L/TR	MaxLinear, Inc.	RS232	4/4	24-SOIC	120 Kbps	500 mV	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	Obsolete	N/A
SP208CA-L/TR	MaxLinear, Inc.	RS232	4/4	24-SSOP	120 Kbps	500 mV	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	RoHS Compliant
ADM208ARZ	Analog Devices Inc.	RS232	4/4	24-SOIC	120 Kbps	650 mV	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM208ARZ-REEL	Analog Devices Inc.	RS232	4/4	24-SOIC	120 Kbps	650 mV	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM208EARZ	Analog Devices Inc.	RS232	4/4	24-SOIC	230 Kbps	650 mV	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM208EARZ-REEL	Analog Devices Inc.	RS232	4/4	24-SOIC	230 Kbps	650 mV	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
HIN208ECBZ	Renesas Electronics Corporation	RS232	4/4	24-SOIC	230 Kbps	500 mV	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
HIN208ECBZ-T	Renesas Electronics Corporation	RS232	4/4	24-SOIC	230 Kbps	500 mV	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX208CDW	Texas Instruments	RS232	4/4	24-SOIC	120 Kbps	500 mV	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX208CWG+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS232	4/4	24-SOIC	120 Kbps	500 mV	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX208ECWG+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS232	4/4	24-SOIC	120 Kbps	500 mV	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (24-SOIC Package):

Active product status is the primary selection criterion for new designs and ongoing production. Among 24-SOIC equivalents, MAX208CWG+ and MAX208ECWG+ from Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated are recommended as primary substitutes, offering identical electrical specifications to the SP208CT-L/TR with active product status and ROHS3 compliance. These parts maintain 500 mV receiver hysteresis and 120 Kbps data rate, ensuring drop-in compatibility.

ADM208ARZ and ADM208ARZ-REEL from Analog Devices Inc. provide extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) and enhanced receiver hysteresis (650 mV), suitable for applications requiring improved noise immunity or wider thermal operating windows. Both maintain 120 Kbps data rate and 24-SOIC package geometry.

HIN208ECBZ and HIN208ECBZ-T from Renesas Electronics Corporation offer increased data rate capability (230 Kbps) while maintaining the original 500 mV receiver hysteresis and 0°C to 70°C operating temperature range. These parts are suitable for applications where higher bandwidth is beneficial without thermal extension requirements.

For Alternative Package (24-SSOP):

SP208CA-L/TR from MaxLinear, Inc. provides functional equivalence with 24-SSOP package geometry. This substitution is applicable only when PCB layout and thermal management accommodate the smaller package footprint (0.209", 5.30mm Width versus 0.295", 7.50mm Width). The part maintains identical electrical specifications and offers active product status with RoHS compliance.

Compliance Considerations:

All recommended active substitutes carry ROHS3 compliance certification. Parts designated as obsolete (SP208CT-L/TR, MAX208CDW) should be phased out in favor of active alternatives to ensure long-term supply chain stability and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can ADM208EARZ replace SP208CT-L/TR in existing designs?

A: Yes. ADM208EARZ maintains the 4/4 RS232 transceiver configuration, 24-SOIC package, and 4.5V to 5.5V supply voltage. The higher data rate (230 Kbps versus 120 Kbps) and extended operating temperature (-40°C to 85°C) are backward compatible. The increased receiver hysteresis (650 mV versus 500 mV) provides enhanced noise immunity without affecting functionality.

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

A: Both parts are electrically identical. 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 process requirements and inventory management preferences.

Q: Is SP208CA-L/TR a suitable substitute for SP208CT-L/TR?

A: SP208CA-L/TR is functionally equivalent but uses a different package (24-SSOP instead of 24-SOIC). Substitution is valid only if the PCB layout accommodates the smaller SSOP package footprint. Electrical specifications and operating parameters are identical.

Q: Why do some substitutes have higher data rates (230 Kbps)?

A: Higher data rate capability indicates enhanced performance margin. Parts rated for 230 Kbps operate correctly at the original 120 Kbps specification. This provides design flexibility for future bandwidth requirements without component change.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: All active substitute parts carry ROHS3 compliance certification. The original SP208CT-L/TR is obsolete and does not carry RoHS certification. For new designs and production, active RoHS-compliant substitutes are required.

Q: What is the significance of receiver hysteresis differences?

A: Receiver hysteresis affects noise immunity. The original 500 mV specification is maintained by MAX208CWG+, MAX208ECWG+, HIN208ECBZ, and HIN208ECBZ-T. Analog Devices parts (ADM208 series) feature 650 mV hysteresis, providing enhanced noise rejection in electrically noisy environments. Both specifications are compatible with RS232 protocol requirements.

Q: Can I use HIN208ECBZ-T instead of HIN208ECBZ?

A: Yes. Both parts are electrically identical. HIN208ECBZ-T is supplied in tape and reel format, while HIN208ECBZ is supplied in tube format. Selection depends on assembly process and packaging requirements.

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