SP208EA-L RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SP208EA-L is a 4/4 full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by MaxLinear, Inc., housed in a 24-SSOP surface mount package. This interface IC is designed for serial communication applications requiring bidirectional data transmission with four independent drivers and four independent receivers. The part is currently discontinued at DiGi Electronics, necessitating identification of functionally equivalent alternatives from active manufacturers including Analog Devices Inc., Maxim Integrated, Texas Instruments, and Renesas Electronics Corporation.

Key Parameters

Parameter	SP208EA-L
Manufacturer	MaxLinear, Inc.
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Drivers/Receivers	4/4
Duplex	Full
Data Rate	120 Kbps
Supply Voltage	4.5V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C
Package	24-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Receiver Hysteresis	500 mV
RoHS Status	RoHS Compliant
MSL Rating	2 (1 Year)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SP208EA-L is determined by the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

Protocol: RS232
Drivers/Receivers: 4/4 configuration
Duplex: Full
Package: 24-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
Supply Voltage: 4.5V ~ 5.5V
Mounting Type: Surface Mount

Compatible Variation Parameters:

Data Rate: 120 Kbps or higher (backward compatible)
Operating Temperature: Must encompass or match -40°C ~ 85°C range
Receiver Hysteresis: 500 mV or 650 mV (both acceptable for RS232 applications)
RoHS Status: RoHS Compliant or ROHS3 Compliant
MSL Rating: Variations acceptable based on application requirements
Packaging Format: Tube, Tape & Reel, or Cut Tape formats are interchangeable for the same die

All substitute parts listed maintain identical electrical functionality and pinout compatibility with the SP208EA-L within the RS232 interface standard.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Data Rate	Receiver Hysteresis	Operating Temp	Product Status	Packaging	RoHS Status	MSL Rating
SP208EA-L	MaxLinear, Inc.	120 Kbps	500 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	Discontinued	-	RoHS Compliant	2 (1 Year)
ADM208ARSZ	Analog Devices Inc.	120 Kbps	650 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	Active	Tube	ROHS3 Compliant	1 (Unlimited)
ADM208ARSZ-REEL	Analog Devices Inc.	120 Kbps	650 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	Active	Tape & Reel (TR)	ROHS3 Compliant	1 (Unlimited)
ADM208EARSZ	Analog Devices Inc.	230 Kbps	650 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	Active	Tube	ROHS3 Compliant	1 (Unlimited)
ADM208EARSZ-REEL	Analog Devices Inc.	230 Kbps	650 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	Active	Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel®	ROHS3 Compliant	1 (Unlimited)
HIN208EIAZ	Renesas Electronics Corporation	230 Kbps	500 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	Obsolete	Tube	ROHS3 Compliant	3 (168 Hours)
MAX208CAG+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	120 Kbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	Tube	ROHS3 Compliant	1 (Unlimited)
MAX208CAG+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	120 Kbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	-	ROHS3 Compliant	1 (Unlimited)
MAX208CDB	Texas Instruments	120 Kbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	Obsolete	Tube	ROHS3 Compliant	1 (Unlimited)
MAX208CDBR	Texas Instruments	120 Kbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	Obsolete	Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel®	ROHS3 Compliant	1 (Unlimited)
MAX208ECAG+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	120 Kbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	Tape & Reel (TR)	ROHS3 Compliant	1 (Unlimited)

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: ADM208ARSZ or ADM208ARSZ-REEL

The ADM208ARSZ series from Analog Devices Inc. provides direct functional equivalence to the SP208EA-L with active product status. Both the tube (ADM208ARSZ) and tape & reel (ADM208ARSZ-REEL) packaging options maintain identical electrical specifications and are ROHS3 compliant with unlimited MSL rating. The 650 mV receiver hysteresis remains within RS232 standard tolerance and does not impact circuit compatibility. These parts are recommended for new designs and production applications requiring long-term supply assurance.

Extended Data Rate Option: ADM208EARSZ or ADM208EARSZ-REEL

For applications where higher data rate capability is beneficial, the ADM208EARSZ series operates at 230 Kbps while maintaining full backward compatibility with 120 Kbps legacy systems. Both tube and cut tape & Digi-Reel® formats are available with active product status and unlimited MSL rating.

Temperature-Constrained Applications: MAX208CAG+, MAX208CAG+T, or MAX208ECAG+T

The MAX208 series from Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated operates within the 0°C ~ 70°C temperature range, which is narrower than the SP208EA-L specification of -40°C ~ 85°C. These parts are suitable only for applications where the operating environment remains within this restricted range. All MAX208 variants maintain 120 Kbps data rate and 500 mV receiver hysteresis matching the original part.

Obsolete Status Parts: MAX208CDB, MAX208CDBR, HIN208EIAZ

These parts are marked as obsolete and should not be selected for new designs or long-term production applications. They are listed for reference only in legacy system maintenance scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can ADM208ARSZ replace SP208EA-L in existing designs?

A: Yes. The ADM208ARSZ maintains identical pinout, package dimensions (24-SSOP), electrical interface (RS232 4/4 full-duplex), supply voltage (4.5V ~ 5.5V), and operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C). The 650 mV receiver hysteresis versus 500 mV in the original part remains within RS232 standard specifications and does not require circuit modification.

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

A: Both parts are electrically identical. The difference is packaging format: ADM208ARSZ is supplied in tube packaging, while ADM208ARSZ-REEL is supplied in tape & reel format. Selection depends on assembly process requirements and volume handling procedures.

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

A: The ADM208EARSZ and HIN208EIAZ operate at 230 Kbps, which is higher than the SP208EA-L specification of 120 Kbps. Higher data rate capability is backward compatible and does not affect operation at lower speeds. These parts are suitable for applications requiring future bandwidth expansion.

Q: Are MAX208 parts suitable replacements?

A: MAX208 variants are functionally compatible but have a restricted operating temperature range of 0°C ~ 70°C compared to the SP208EA-L range of -40°C ~ 85°C. Use MAX208 parts only in applications where the operating environment remains within 0°C ~ 70°C. For full temperature range compatibility, select ADM208 series instead.

Q: What does ROHS3 compliance mean compared to RoHS Compliant?

A: Both designations indicate compliance with RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) regulations. ROHS3 represents the current regulatory standard. All substitute parts listed are compliant with applicable RoHS requirements.

Q: Does MSL rating affect part selection?

A: MSL (Moisture Sensitivity Level) rating affects storage and handling procedures. The SP208EA-L has MSL 2 (1 Year), while most substitutes have MSL 1 (Unlimited). Lower MSL numbers indicate less stringent moisture control requirements. Substitutes with MSL 1 offer more flexible storage conditions and are preferred for inventory management.

Q: Can I use obsolete parts like MAX208CDB?

A: Obsolete parts should not be selected for new designs or ongoing production. They are listed for reference in legacy system maintenance only. For new applications, select from active status parts: ADM208ARSZ, ADM208EARSZ, or MAX208 series within appropriate temperature ranges.

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