SP208ECA-L/TR RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SP208ECA-L/TR is a 4/4 full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by MaxLinear, Inc., supplied in Tape & Reel packaging. This interface IC operates at 4.5V to 5.5V supply voltage with a data rate of 230kbps and is rated for 0°C to 70°C operating temperature. The part is currently active in production and RoHS compliant.

Equivalent and substitute parts are necessary when the SP208ECA-L/TR becomes unavailable, when alternative packaging formats are required, or when extended operating temperature ranges or enhanced reliability specifications are needed for specific applications.

Key Parameters

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

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the SP208ECA-L/TR is determined by the following critical parameters:

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

Substitute parts must maintain identical electrical interface specifications (RS232 protocol, 4/4 configuration, full-duplex operation) and physical package dimensions. Data rate variations (120kbps vs 230kbps) and operating temperature range extensions are acceptable substitution parameters. Receiver hysteresis tolerance (500 mV vs 650 mV) and packaging format (Tube, Cut Tape & Digi-Reel, Tape & Reel) do not preclude substitution when other core parameters align.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Data Rate	Operating Temp	Receiver Hysteresis	Packaging	Product Status	RoHS Status
SP208ECA-L/TR	MaxLinear, Inc.	230kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	500 mV	Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	RoHS Compliant
ADM208ARSZ	Analog Devices Inc.	120Kbps	-40°C ~ 85°C	650 mV	Tube	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM208EARSZ	Analog Devices Inc.	230kbps	-40°C ~ 85°C	650 mV	Tube	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM208EARSZ-REEL	Analog Devices Inc.	230kbps	-40°C ~ 85°C	650 mV	Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel®	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
HIN208EIAZ	Renesas Electronics Corporation	230kbps	-40°C ~ 85°C	500 mV	Tube	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX208CAG+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	120Kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	500 mV	Tube	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX208CDB	Texas Instruments	120Kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	500 mV	Tube	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX208CDBR	Texas Instruments	120Kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	500 mV	Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel®	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX208ECAG+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	120Kbps	-40°C ~ 85°C	500 mV	Tube	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX208ECAG+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	120Kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	500 mV	Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX208EEAG+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	120Kbps	-40°C ~ 85°C	500 mV	Tube	Active	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For direct replacement of SP208ECA-L/TR in active production designs, ADM208EARSZ and ADM208EARSZ-REEL are the primary substitutes. Both parts maintain 230kbps data rate compatibility, support the full -40°C to 85°C operating range, and carry active product status with ROHS3 compliance. ADM208EARSZ-REEL is preferred when Tape & Reel packaging is required to match original supply format.

For applications where 120kbps data rate is acceptable, MAX208ECAG+T provides Tape & Reel packaging with active status and ROHS3 compliance. MAX208ECAG+ and MAX208EEAG+ offer extended temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) in Tube packaging for designs requiring enhanced thermal performance.

Parts with obsolete product status (HIN208EIAZ, MAX208CDB, MAX208CDBR) are not recommended for new designs but may be considered for legacy system maintenance where existing inventory is available.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX208ECAG+T replace SP208ECA-L/TR directly?

A: MAX208ECAG+T is electrically compatible as a 4/4 full-duplex RS232 transceiver in 24-SSOP packaging. However, it operates at 120kbps data rate versus the 230kbps specification of SP208ECA-L/TR. This substitution is valid only if the application does not require 230kbps performance.

Q: What is the difference between ADM208EARSZ and ADM208EARSZ-REEL?

A: Both parts are electrically identical with 230kbps data rate and -40°C to 85°C operating range. ADM208EARSZ is supplied in Tube packaging, while ADM208EARSZ-REEL uses Cut Tape & Digi-Reel packaging. Selection depends on assembly line requirements and tape format compatibility.

Q: Why do some substitutes have 650 mV receiver hysteresis instead of 500 mV?

A: Receiver hysteresis tolerance is a design parameter that does not affect RS232 protocol compliance or functional substitution. Both 500 mV and 650 mV hysteresis values meet RS232 electrical specifications and are acceptable for equivalent operation.

Q: Are obsolete parts suitable for new designs?

A: No. Parts marked as obsolete (HIN208EIAZ, MAX208CDB, MAX208CDBR) should not be selected for new production designs. These parts are included for reference only when supporting legacy systems or when existing inventory must be utilized.

Q: Does operating temperature range affect substitution compatibility?

A: Operating temperature range does not preclude substitution. The SP208ECA-L/TR operates at 0°C to 70°C. Substitutes with extended ranges (-40°C to 85°C) are fully compatible and provide enhanced thermal margin for demanding environments.

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