SP208EA-L/TR RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SP208EA-L/TR is a 4/4 full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by MaxLinear, Inc., housed in a 24-SSOP surface mount package. This component is classified as obsolete, which necessitates identification of functionally equivalent alternatives for ongoing system support and new design implementations. The part operates across a 4.5V to 5.5V supply range with a 120 kbps data rate and supports industrial temperature ranges from -40°C to 85°C.

Key Parameters

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

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SP208EA-L/TR is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Protocol: RS232 (mandatory match)
Configuration: 4/4 drivers/receivers, full-duplex (mandatory match)
Package: 24-SSOP surface mount (mandatory match)
Supply Voltage: 4.5V – 5.5V (mandatory match)
Data Rate: 120 kbps minimum capability (mandatory match)
Receiver Hysteresis: 500 mV or greater (acceptable tolerance)
Operating Temperature: -40°C to 85°C (mandatory match for industrial applications)

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on product status and compliance certifications:

Category A: Active Status with Enhanced Specifications Parts with active product status, RoHS3 compliance, and improved MSL ratings (1 = Unlimited) provide superior long-term availability and environmental compliance.

Category B: Obsolete Status with Equivalent Specifications Parts with obsolete status maintain functional equivalence but face supply discontinuation risk.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Protocol	Drivers/Receivers	Data Rate	Receiver Hysteresis	Supply Voltage	Operating Temp	Package	Product Status	RoHS Status	MSL
SP208EA-L/TR	MaxLinear, Inc.	RS232	4/4	120 kbps	500 mV	4.5V – 5.5V	-40°C to 85°C	24-SSOP	Obsolete	Not specified	2 (1 Year)
SP208CA-L/TR	MaxLinear, Inc.	RS232	4/4	120 kbps	500 mV	4.5V – 5.5V	0°C to 70°C	24-SSOP	Active	RoHS Compliant	2 (1 Year)
ADM208ARSZ	Analog Devices Inc.	RS232	4/4	120 kbps	650 mV	4.5V – 5.5V	-40°C to 85°C	24-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	1 (Unlimited)
ADM208ARSZ-REEL	Analog Devices Inc.	RS232	4/4	120 kbps	650 mV	4.5V – 5.5V	-40°C to 85°C	24-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	1 (Unlimited)
ADM208EARSZ	Analog Devices Inc.	RS232	4/4	230 kbps	650 mV	4.5V – 5.5V	-40°C to 85°C	24-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	1 (Unlimited)
ADM208EARSZ-REEL	Analog Devices Inc.	RS232	4/4	230 kbps	650 mV	4.5V – 5.5V	-40°C to 85°C	24-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	1 (Unlimited)
HIN208EIAZ	Renesas Electronics Corporation	RS232	4/4	230 kbps	500 mV	4.5V – 5.5V	-40°C to 85°C	24-SSOP	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant	3 (168 Hours)
MAX208CAG+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS232	4/4	120 kbps	500 mV	4.5V – 5.5V	0°C to 70°C	24-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	1 (Unlimited)
MAX208CAG+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS232	4/4	120 kbps	500 mV	4.5V – 5.5V	0°C to 70°C	24-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	1 (Unlimited)
MAX208CDB	Texas Instruments	RS232	4/4	120 kbps	500 mV	4.5V – 5.5V	0°C to 70°C	24-SSOP	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant	1 (Unlimited)
MAX208CDBR	Texas Instruments	RS232	4/4	120 kbps	500 mV	4.5V – 5.5V	0°C to 70°C	24-SSOP	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant	1 (Unlimited)

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Industrial Temperature Range Applications (-40°C to 85°C):

The ADM208ARSZ and ADM208ARSZ-REEL from Analog Devices Inc. provide direct functional equivalence with active product status, RoHS3 compliance, and unlimited MSL rating. These parts maintain the -40°C to 85°C operating range required for industrial environments. The ADM208EARSZ and ADM208EARSZ-REEL variants offer enhanced 230 kbps data rate capability while preserving the full industrial temperature specification and superior compliance certifications.

For Commercial Temperature Range Applications (0°C to 70°C):

The MAX208CAG+, MAX208CAG+T, SP208CA-L/TR, and MAX208CDB/MAX208CDBR options are suitable for commercial-grade implementations. Among these, MAX208CAG+ and MAX208CAG+T offer active product status with RoHS3 compliance and unlimited MSL rating. SP208CA-L/TR provides MaxLinear continuity with active status but maintains the original 2-year MSL specification.

Compliance Considerations:

All recommended active-status substitutes carry RoHS3 compliance certification. The Analog Devices ADM208 series provides REACH Unaffected status, ensuring regulatory alignment for European markets. MSL ratings of 1 (Unlimited) indicate superior moisture resistance compared to the original SP208EA-L/TR specification of MSL 2 (1 Year).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the SP208CA-L/TR replace the SP208EA-L/TR in all applications?

A: The SP208CA-L/TR is functionally equivalent for RS232 protocol, 4/4 transceiver configuration, and 24-SSOP packaging. However, it operates within a 0°C to 70°C temperature range, whereas the original part supports -40°C to 85°C. Substitution is valid only for applications operating within the commercial temperature range.

Q: What is the difference between ADM208ARSZ and ADM208EARSZ?

A: Both parts are manufactured by Analog Devices Inc. and share identical electrical specifications except for data rate. The ADM208ARSZ operates at 120 kbps, matching the original SP208EA-L/TR specification. The ADM208EARSZ provides enhanced 230 kbps data rate capability. Both maintain -40°C to 85°C industrial temperature range and RoHS3 compliance. Selection depends on system bandwidth requirements.

Q: Why do some substitutes have higher receiver hysteresis (650 mV vs. 500 mV)?

A: Receiver hysteresis determines the voltage differential required for input signal transitions. The original SP208EA-L/TR specifies 500 mV hysteresis. Substitutes with 650 mV hysteresis provide increased noise immunity and are functionally compatible with RS232 systems designed for the original specification. This represents an enhancement rather than a limitation.

Q: Are tape-and-reel packaged parts (ADM208ARSZ-REEL, ADM208EARSZ-REEL) electrically identical to tube-packaged variants?

A: Yes. Tape-and-reel and tube packaging contain electrically identical components. Packaging differences affect handling, storage, and automated assembly processes only. Selection between packaging formats depends on manufacturing workflow and inventory management requirements.

Q: Which substitute offers the best long-term availability?

A: The ADM208ARSZ, ADM208ARSZ-REEL, ADM208EARSZ, and ADM208EARSZ-REEL from Analog Devices Inc. carry active product status, indicating ongoing manufacturing and supply commitment. These parts also feature unlimited MSL rating (1), providing superior long-term storage stability compared to the original SP208EA-L/TR specification.

Q: Can I use MAX208CAG+ in a -40°C industrial environment?

A: No. The MAX208CAG+ and MAX208CAG+T operate within a 0°C to 70°C commercial temperature range. For industrial applications requiring -40°C to 85°C operation, select ADM208ARSZ, ADM208ARSZ-REEL, ADM208EARSZ, or ADM208EARSZ-REEL.

Q: What is the significance of RoHS3 compliance on these parts?

A: RoHS3 compliance indicates conformance to the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive, restricting lead, cadmium, mercury, and other hazardous materials. All active-status substitutes carry RoHS3 certification, ensuring regulatory compliance for electronics manufacturing in regulated markets.

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