SP208ECT-L/TR Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SP208ECT-L/TR is a 4/4 full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by MaxLinear, Inc., housed in a 24-SOIC package. This component is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing system support and new design implementations. The part operates within a 4.5V to 5.5V supply range with a 230kbps data rate and 500mV receiver hysteresis, serving as a standard interface solution for RS232 serial communication applications.

Key Parameters

Parameter	SP208ECT-L/TR
Manufacturer	MaxLinear, Inc.
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Drivers/Receivers	4/4
Duplex	Full
Package / Case	24-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
Data Rate	230kbps
Voltage - Supply	4.5V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 70°C
Receiver Hysteresis	500 mV
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Product Status	Obsolete
MSL Rating	3 (168 Hours)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the SP208ECT-L/TR is determined by the following critical parameters:

Protocol: RS232
Configuration: 4/4 Drivers/Receivers, Full Duplex
Package: 24-SOIC form factor (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
Supply Voltage: 4.5V ~ 5.5V compatibility
Data Rate: Minimum 230kbps capability
Receiver Hysteresis: 500mV or greater

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on these constraints:

Category A - Direct Pin-Compatible Substitutes (24-SOIC Package): Parts maintaining identical package geometry, electrical specifications, and performance characteristics. These include ADM208ARZ, ADM208ARZ-REEL, ADM208EARZ, ADM208EARZ-REEL, HIN208ECBZ, MAX208CDW, MAX208CDWR, MAX208CWG+, and MAX208CWG+T.

Category B - Functional Equivalent (Different Package): SP208CA-L/TR operates as a functional equivalent with identical electrical specifications but uses a 24-SSOP package (0.209", 5.30mm Width), requiring PCB layout modification.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Package	Data Rate	Receiver Hysteresis	Operating Temp	Product Status	MSL Rating
SP208ECT-L/TR	MaxLinear, Inc.	24-SOIC	230kbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	Obsolete	3 (168 Hours)
SP208CA-L/TR	MaxLinear, Inc.	24-SSOP	120Kbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	2 (1 Year)
ADM208ARZ	Analog Devices Inc.	24-SOIC	120Kbps	650 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	Active	1 (Unlimited)
ADM208ARZ-REEL	Analog Devices Inc.	24-SOIC	120Kbps	650 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	Active	1 (Unlimited)
ADM208EARZ	Analog Devices Inc.	24-SOIC	230kbps	650 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	Active	1 (Unlimited)
ADM208EARZ-REEL	Analog Devices Inc.	24-SOIC	230kbps	650 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	Active	1 (Unlimited)
HIN208ECBZ	Renesas Electronics Corporation	24-SOIC	230kbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	3 (168 Hours)
MAX208CDW	Texas Instruments	24-SOIC	120Kbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	Obsolete	1 (Unlimited)
MAX208CDWR	Texas Instruments	24-SOIC	120Kbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	Obsolete	1 (Unlimited)
MAX208CWG+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	24-SOIC	120Kbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	1 (Unlimited)
MAX208CWG+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	24-SOIC	120Kbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	1 (Unlimited)

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For applications requiring direct replacement of the obsolete SP208ECT-L/TR with minimal design modification, select from active-status 24-SOIC package alternatives. HIN208ECBZ from Renesas Electronics Corporation provides the closest electrical match, maintaining 230kbps data rate, 500mV receiver hysteresis, and identical operating temperature range (0°C ~ 70°C) with ROHS3 compliance and improved MSL rating.

For designs tolerating extended operating temperature ranges and higher receiver hysteresis specifications, ADM208EARZ or ADM208EARZ-REEL from Analog Devices Inc. offer 230kbps performance with -40°C to 85°C operation, ROHS3 compliance, and unlimited MSL rating. These parts provide superior environmental performance for industrial applications.

For cost-optimized solutions where 120Kbps data rate meets application requirements, MAX208CWG+ or MAX208CWG+T from Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated deliver active product status with ROHS3 compliance and unlimited MSL rating in standard 24-SOIC packaging.

SP208CA-L/TR serves as a functional equivalent from the original manufacturer with active product status but requires PCB layout modification due to 24-SSOP package geometry and operates at reduced 120Kbps data rate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SP208CA-L/TR replace SP208ECT-L/TR without PCB modification?

A: No. SP208CA-L/TR uses 24-SSOP packaging (0.209", 5.30mm Width) versus the original 24-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width). PCB footprint redesign is required. Additionally, data rate is reduced to 120Kbps.

Q: What is the primary difference between ADM208ARZ and ADM208EARZ?

A: Data rate capability. ADM208ARZ operates at 120Kbps, while ADM208EARZ supports 230kbps. Both share identical 24-SOIC packaging, supply voltage range, and extended temperature operation (-40°C ~ 85°C).

Q: Are reel-packaged variants (ADM208ARZ-REEL, ADM208EARZ-REEL) electrically identical to tube-packaged versions?

A: Yes. Reel packaging (Cut Tape & Digi-Reel) and tube packaging contain identical die and electrical specifications. Selection depends on assembly process requirements and quantity handling.

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

A: ADM208EARZ and ADM208EARZ-REEL from Analog Devices Inc. carry active product status with unlimited MSL rating and ROHS3 compliance, indicating sustained manufacturing support.

Q: Does receiver hysteresis difference affect substitution compatibility?

A: Receiver hysteresis of 650mV (ADM208 series) exceeds the original 500mV specification. This provides improved noise immunity and is functionally compatible for RS232 applications. Lower hysteresis values would not be acceptable substitutes.

Q: What is the impact of operating temperature range differences?

A: The original SP208ECT-L/TR operates 0°C ~ 70°C. Substitutes with extended ranges (-40°C ~ 85°C) are backward compatible for the original temperature window. Designs requiring full -40°C ~ 85°C operation must select ADM208 series or equivalent extended-range parts.

Q: Can MAX208CDW or MAX208CDWR be used despite obsolete status?

A: Both parts maintain 24-SOIC compatibility and identical electrical specifications to the original. However, obsolete status indicates discontinued manufacturing. Use only from existing inventory when new-production alternatives are unavailable.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message