SP208ECA-L RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SP208ECA-L is a 4/4 full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by MaxLinear, Inc., housed 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 230 kbps with a receiver hysteresis of 500 mV. The part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing system support, maintenance, and new design implementations where RS232 transceiver functionality is required.

Key Parameters

Parameter	SP208ECA-L
Manufacturer	MaxLinear, Inc.
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Drivers/Receivers	4/4
Duplex	Full
Receiver Hysteresis	500 mV
Data Rate	230 kbps
Supply Voltage	4.5V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 70°C
Package/Case	24-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Product Status	Obsolete
Moisture Sensitivity Level	2 (1 Year)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the SP208ECA-L is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Protocol: RS232
Configuration: 4/4 Transceiver (4 drivers, 4 receivers)
Duplex Mode: Full
Package: 24-SSOP with 5.30mm width
Supply Voltage Range: 4.5V ~ 5.5V
Mounting Type: Surface Mount

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on data rate capability:

Category A (230 kbps Data Rate): Parts matching the SP208ECA-L's 230 kbps specification, providing direct functional equivalence for high-speed RS232 applications.

Category B (120 kbps Data Rate): Parts with reduced data rate capability (120 kbps), suitable for applications not requiring the full 230 kbps bandwidth of the original part.

All substitute parts maintain the same electrical interface, pin configuration, and mechanical footprint, enabling direct replacement at the PCB level.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Data Rate	Receiver Hysteresis	Operating Temperature	Product Status	Packaging	MSL Rating
SP208ECA-L	MaxLinear, Inc.	230 kbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	Obsolete	Tube	2 (1 Year)
ADM208ARSZ	Analog Devices Inc.	120 kbps	650 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	Active	Tube	1 (Unlimited)
ADM208ARSZ-REEL	Analog Devices Inc.	120 kbps	650 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	Active	Tape & Reel (TR)	1 (Unlimited)
ADM208EARSZ	Analog Devices Inc.	230 kbps	650 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	Active	Tube	1 (Unlimited)
ADM208EARSZ-REEL	Analog Devices Inc.	230 kbps	650 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	Active	Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel®	1 (Unlimited)
HIN208EIAZ	Renesas Electronics Corporation	230 kbps	500 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	Obsolete	Tube	3 (168 Hours)
MAX208CAG+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	120 kbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	Tube	1 (Unlimited)
MAX208CAG+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	120 kbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	Tape & Reel	1 (Unlimited)
MAX208CDB	Texas Instruments	120 kbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	Obsolete	Tube	1 (Unlimited)
MAX208CDBR	Texas Instruments	120 kbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	Obsolete	Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel®	1 (Unlimited)
MAX208ECAG+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	120 kbps	500 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	Active	Tube	1 (Unlimited)

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Functional Equivalence (230 kbps Operation):

ADM208EARSZ and ADM208EARSZ-REEL are the primary substitutes, offering active product status with ROHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity rating. These parts maintain the 230 kbps data rate specification and support extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C), providing superior reliability compared to the obsolete SP208ECA-L.

HIN208EIAZ provides an alternative with matching 230 kbps capability and 500 mV receiver hysteresis identical to the original part. However, this part is also classified as obsolete and carries a higher moisture sensitivity level (MSL 3), making it less suitable for new designs or long-term inventory planning.

For Cost-Optimized Substitution (120 kbps Operation):

MAX208CAG+ and MAX208ECAG+ offer active product status with ROHS3 compliance. MAX208CAG+ maintains the original operating temperature range (0°C to 70°C), while MAX208ECAG+ extends this to -40°C to 85°C. Both support 120 kbps data rates with 500 mV receiver hysteresis.

ADM208ARSZ and ADM208ARSZ-REEL provide active alternatives with extended temperature range and unlimited MSL rating, though they operate at 120 kbps with 650 mV receiver hysteresis.

Packaging Considerations:

For automated assembly processes, select tape and reel variants (ADM208EARSZ-REEL, ADM208ARSZ-REEL, MAX208CAG+T, MAX208CDBR). For manual assembly or low-volume applications, tube packaging variants are available.

Compliance and Longevity:

All recommended active substitutes carry ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status. Active product status ensures continued availability and manufacturer support, critical for systems requiring long-term maintenance and component replenishment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a 120 kbps substitute in place of the SP208ECA-L without circuit modifications?

A: Yes. The 120 kbps parts (MAX208CAG+, MAX208ECAG+, ADM208ARSZ) are pin-compatible and electrically compatible with the SP208ECA-L. The reduced data rate specification does not prevent operation at lower speeds. However, applications requiring 230 kbps throughput must use ADM208EARSZ or HIN208EIAZ.

Q: What is the difference between ADM208ARSZ and ADM208EARSZ?

A: Both are Analog Devices RS232 transceivers in 24-SSOP packages with identical pin configurations. The primary difference is data rate: ADM208ARSZ supports 120 kbps, while ADM208EARSZ supports 230 kbps. Both offer active product status and extended operating temperature range.

Q: Are tube and tape & reel variants functionally identical?

A: Yes. Tube and tape & reel packaging variants of the same part number (e.g., ADM208ARSZ vs. ADM208ARSZ-REEL) contain identical die and electrical specifications. Packaging selection depends on assembly process requirements and volume.

Q: Why does the SP208ECA-L have a higher MSL rating than substitute parts?

A: The SP208ECA-L carries MSL 2 (1 Year), while most active substitutes carry MSL 1 (Unlimited). Lower MSL ratings indicate superior moisture resistance and longer shelf life. This favors the use of active substitute parts for inventory management.

Q: Can I use HIN208EIAZ as a long-term substitute?

A: HIN208EIAZ provides functional equivalence with 230 kbps data rate and matching receiver hysteresis. However, it is classified as obsolete with MSL 3 rating, making it unsuitable for new designs or long-term inventory planning. ADM208EARSZ is the preferred 230 kbps alternative due to active status.

Q: What is the significance of receiver hysteresis differences?

A: Receiver hysteresis affects noise immunity and signal detection margins. The SP208ECA-L and MAX208 variants specify 500 mV, while ADM208 variants specify 650 mV. Both values are within RS232 specification tolerances and do not prevent substitution. Higher hysteresis provides increased noise immunity in electrically noisy environments.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message