SP208EEA-L/TR RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SP208EEA-L/TR is a 4/4 full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by MaxLinear, Inc., housed in a 24-SSOP surface mount package. This interface IC operates across the industrial temperature range of -40°C to 85°C with a supply voltage of 4.5V to 5.5V and supports data rates up to 230kbps. The part is currently in active production status with RoHS compliance and MSL 2 rating. Equivalent and substitute parts are necessary when the primary part becomes unavailable, when alternative packaging formats are required, or when design flexibility demands component sourcing from multiple manufacturers while maintaining functional compatibility.

Key Parameters

Parameter	SP208EEA-L/TR
Manufacturer	MaxLinear, Inc.
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Drivers/Receivers	4/4
Duplex	Full
Package	24-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
Data Rate	230kbps
Supply Voltage	4.5V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C
Receiver Hysteresis	500 mV
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Product Status	Active
RoHS Status	RoHS Compliant
MSL Rating	2 (1 Year)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the SP208EEA-L/TR is determined by the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Compatibility Parameters:

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

Performance Parameters (Application-Dependent):

Data Rate: 230kbps (primary specification)
Operating Temperature Range: -40°C ~ 85°C (industrial grade)
Receiver Hysteresis: 500 mV

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

Category A - Full Performance Match (230kbps): Parts meeting all mandatory parameters with data rate of 230kbps and operating temperature range of -40°C ~ 85°C. These provide direct functional equivalence.

Category B - Reduced Performance (120kbps): Parts meeting all mandatory parameters but with lower data rate specification of 120kbps and/or narrower operating temperature range (0°C ~ 70°C). These are suitable only for applications not requiring the full 230kbps data rate or extended temperature operation.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Data Rate	Operating Temp	Receiver Hysteresis	Product Status	RoHS Status	Packaging
SP208EEA-L/TR	MaxLinear, Inc.	230kbps	-40°C ~ 85°C	500 mV	Active	RoHS Compliant	Tube
ADM208ARSZ	Analog Devices Inc.	120kbps	-40°C ~ 85°C	650 mV	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	Tube
ADM208EARSZ	Analog Devices Inc.	230kbps	-40°C ~ 85°C	650 mV	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	Tube
ADM208EARSZ-REEL	Analog Devices Inc.	230kbps	-40°C ~ 85°C	650 mV	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel
HIN208EIAZ	Renesas Electronics Corporation	230kbps	-40°C ~ 85°C	500 mV	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant	Tube
MAX208CAG+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	120kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	500 mV	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	Tube
MAX208CDB	Texas Instruments	120kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	500 mV	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant	Tube
MAX208CDBR	Texas Instruments	120kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	500 mV	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel
MAX208ECAG+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	120kbps	-40°C ~ 85°C	500 mV	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	Tube
MAX208ECAG+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	120kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	500 mV	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	Tape & Reel
MAX208EEAG+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	120kbps	-40°C ~ 85°C	500 mV	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	Tube

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitutes (Full Functional Equivalence):

ADM208EARSZ and ADM208EARSZ-REEL are the preferred substitutes for the SP208EEA-L/TR. Both parts maintain the 230kbps data rate and -40°C to 85°C operating temperature range required for industrial applications. Both are manufactured by Analog Devices Inc., currently in active production status, and carry ROHS3 compliance with MSL 1 rating (unlimited shelf life). The difference between these two is packaging format: ADM208EARSZ is supplied in tube packaging, while ADM208EARSZ-REEL is supplied in cut tape and Digi-Reel format for automated assembly. The receiver hysteresis specification differs at 650 mV versus the primary part's 500 mV, which remains within acceptable RS232 interface tolerances.

Secondary Substitutes (Reduced Data Rate):

ADM208ARSZ, MAX208ECAG+, and MAX208EEAG+ are suitable substitutes only for applications where the 120kbps data rate is acceptable. ADM208ARSZ and MAX208EEAG+ both support the full -40°C to 85°C industrial temperature range. MAX208CAG+ and MAX208ECAG+T are limited to 0°C to 70°C commercial temperature range and are not suitable for industrial applications requiring extended temperature operation.

Obsolete Parts (Not Recommended):

HIN208EIAZ (Renesas), MAX208CDB, and MAX208CDBR (Texas Instruments) are marked as obsolete and should not be selected for new designs or long-term production commitments.

Compliance Considerations:

All substitute parts listed carry ROHS3 compliance, meeting current environmental regulations. The SP208EEA-L/TR carries RoHS Compliant status with MSL 2 rating, while substitute parts carry ROHS3 Compliant status with MSL 1 rating, indicating improved moisture handling characteristics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use MAX208ECAG+ as a direct replacement for SP208EEA-L/TR?

A: MAX208ECAG+ is functionally compatible in terms of package, pinout, and supply voltage, but operates at 120kbps maximum data rate compared to the SP208EEA-L/TR's 230kbps capability. It is suitable only if your application does not require data rates above 120kbps. The operating temperature range of -40°C to 85°C matches the primary part.

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 temperature. The difference is packaging: ADM208EARSZ is supplied in tube format for manual handling, while ADM208EARSZ-REEL is supplied in cut tape and Digi-Reel format optimized for automated pick-and-place assembly equipment.

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

A: Receiver hysteresis is the voltage difference required to switch the receiver output state. Both 500 mV and 650 mV values are within RS232 specification tolerances and do not affect functional compatibility. The higher hysteresis value in ADM208 parts provides slightly improved noise immunity in electrically noisy environments.

Q: Can I use parts marked as obsolete like HIN208EIAZ?

A: Obsolete parts should not be used for new designs or production commitments. While HIN208EIAZ meets the electrical specifications, its obsolete status means manufacturing has been discontinued and future availability cannot be guaranteed. Use active status parts for design reliability.

Q: What does MSL 2 versus MSL 1 mean for my supply chain?

A: MSL (Moisture Sensitivity Level) indicates how long a component can be stored after the moisture barrier bag is opened. MSL 2 allows 1 year of storage, while MSL 1 allows unlimited storage. The substitute parts with MSL 1 rating offer greater flexibility in inventory management and longer shelf life after opening.

Q: Are all these parts in the same 24-SSOP package?

A: Yes, all listed parts use the 24-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width) surface mount package with identical pinout and PCB footprint, ensuring mechanical and electrical compatibility without PCB redesign.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message