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SP232AET-L RS232 Transceiver: Equivalent & Substitute Parts
Part Overview
The SP232AET-L is a 2/2 full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by MaxLinear, Inc., housed in a 16-SOIC surface mount package. This component is classified as obsolete, which necessitates identification of active equivalent and substitute parts for ongoing design support and procurement. The part operates within a 4.5V to 5.5V supply voltage range and supports data rates up to 240 kbps across an operating temperature range of -40°C to 85°C.
Substiute Parts
Key Parameters
| Parameter | SP232AET-L |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | MaxLinear, Inc. |
| Type | Transceiver |
| Protocol | RS232 |
| Number of Drivers/Receivers | 2/2 |
| Duplex | Full |
| Receiver Hysteresis | 500 mV |
| Data Rate | 240 kbps |
| Voltage - Supply | 4.5V ~ 5.5V |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C ~ 85°C |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Package / Case | 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width) |
| Product Status | Obsolete |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) | 3 (168 Hours) |
Substitute Part Grouping Explanation
Substitution of the SP232AET-L is determined by the following critical parameters:
- Protocol Compatibility: All substitutes must implement RS232 full-duplex transceiver functionality with 2/2 driver/receiver configuration
- Electrical Specifications: Supply voltage range (4.5V ~ 5.5V), receiver hysteresis, and data rate capability must meet or exceed the original part requirements
- Package Compatibility: 16-SOIC surface mount package with matching pin configuration
- Operating Temperature Range: Substitutes must support the required temperature envelope or a compatible subset
- Product Status: Active parts are preferred over obsolete classifications for long-term availability
The substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on operating temperature range: extended temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C) and commercial temperature range (0°C ~ 70°C). Within each category, variants differ by receiver hysteresis specification and data rate capability.
Parameter Comparison
| Part Number | Manufacturer | Protocol | Drivers/Receivers | Receiver Hysteresis (mV) | Data Rate | Supply Voltage | Operating Temperature | Package | Product Status | MSL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP232AET-L | MaxLinear, Inc. | RS232 | 2/2 | 500 | 240 kbps | 4.5V ~ 5.5V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm) | Obsolete | 3 (168 Hours) |
| SP232AEN-L/TR | MaxLinear, Inc. | RS232 | 2/2 | 500 | 240 kbps | 4.5V ~ 5.5V | 0°C ~ 70°C | 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm) | Active | 2 (1 Year) |
| ADM202EARWZ | Analog Devices Inc. | RS232 | 2/2 | 650 | 230 kbps | 4.5V ~ 5.5V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm) | Active | 1 (Unlimited) |
| ADM202EARWZ-REEL | Analog Devices Inc. | RS232 | 2/2 | 650 | 230 kbps | 4.5V ~ 5.5V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm) | Active | 1 (Unlimited) |
| ADM202JRWZ | Analog Devices Inc. | RS232 | 2/2 | 400 | — | 4.5V ~ 5.5V | 0°C ~ 70°C | 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm) | Active | 1 (Unlimited) |
| ADM202JRWZ-REEL | Analog Devices Inc. | RS232 | 2/2 | 400 | — | 4.5V ~ 5.5V | 0°C ~ 70°C | 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm) | Active | 1 (Unlimited) |
| ADM232AARWZ | Analog Devices Inc. | RS232 | 2/2 | 400 | 200 kbps | 4.5V ~ 5.5V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm) | Active | 1 (Unlimited) |
| ADM232AARWZ-REEL | Analog Devices Inc. | RS232 | 2/2 | 400 | 200 kbps | 4.5V ~ 5.5V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm) | Active | 1 (Unlimited) |
| ADM232LARZ | Analog Devices Inc. | RS232 | 2/2 | 650 | 120 kbps | 4.5V ~ 5.5V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm) | Active | 1 (Unlimited) |
| ADM232LARZ-REEL | Analog Devices Inc. | RS232 | 2/2 | 650 | 120 kbps | 4.5V ~ 5.5V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm) | Active | 1 (Unlimited) |
| ADM232LJRZ | Analog Devices Inc. | RS232 | 2/2 | 650 | 120 kbps | 4.5V ~ 5.5V | 0°C ~ 70°C | 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm) | Active | 1 (Unlimited) |
Engineering Selection Recommendations
Primary Substitutes for Extended Temperature Applications (-40°C ~ 85°C):
For designs requiring the full operating temperature range of the SP232AET-L, the ADM202EARWZ and ADM202EARWZ-REEL (Analog Devices Inc.) provide direct functional equivalence with extended temperature support. These parts maintain RS232 2/2 full-duplex transceiver operation, 4.5V to 5.5V supply compatibility, and 16-SOIC packaging. The ADM202 series offers superior moisture sensitivity classification (MSL 1, Unlimited) compared to the original part (MSL 3, 168 Hours), providing enhanced reliability for long-term storage and field deployment.
The ADM232AARWZ and ADM232AARWZ-REEL variants support the extended temperature range with 200 kbps data rate capability, meeting the original part's performance envelope. These parts are available in both tube and cut tape packaging options.
Secondary Substitutes for Commercial Temperature Applications (0°C ~ 70°C):
The SP232AEN-L/TR (MaxLinear, Inc.) represents the active successor within the same manufacturer family, offering commercial temperature operation with improved MSL rating (2, 1 Year). This part maintains electrical and functional compatibility with the original SP232AET-L specification.
The ADM202JRWZ and ADM202JRWZ-REEL (Analog Devices Inc.) provide commercial temperature alternatives with 400 mV receiver hysteresis and unlimited MSL rating.
All substitute parts listed are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, ensuring regulatory compliance for current manufacturing and distribution requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can the SP232AEN-L/TR be used as a direct replacement for the SP232AET-L in extended temperature applications?
A: No. The SP232AEN-L/TR operates within a 0°C to 70°C temperature range, which does not cover the original part's -40°C to 85°C specification. Use this part only for applications with commercial temperature requirements.
Q: What is the significance of receiver hysteresis differences among substitute parts?
A: Receiver hysteresis determines the voltage differential required for input signal transitions. The original SP232AET-L specifies 500 mV hysteresis. Substitute parts with 400 mV or 650 mV hysteresis will exhibit different input sensitivity characteristics. Parts with lower hysteresis (400 mV) provide tighter input thresholds, while higher hysteresis (650 mV) offers greater noise immunity. Selection depends on signal integrity requirements in the target application.
Q: Are tube and tape & reel packaging variants electrically equivalent?
A: Yes. Tube and tape & reel packaging variants of the same part number (e.g., ADM202EARWZ versus ADM202EARWZ-REEL) are electrically and functionally identical. Packaging selection is determined by assembly process requirements and volume considerations.
Q: What does MSL rating indicate, and why does it differ among substitutes?
A: Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) specifies the maximum time a component can be exposed to ambient conditions (typically 30°C, 85% relative humidity) before soldering. MSL 3 (168 Hours) allows 7 days of exposure, while MSL 1 (Unlimited) permits indefinite storage without moisture conditioning. Higher MSL ratings reduce the need for bake-out procedures before assembly and improve supply chain flexibility.
Q: Can I use ADM232 series parts as substitutes for the SP232AET-L?
A: Yes, with application-specific considerations. The ADM232 series maintains RS232 2/2 full-duplex transceiver functionality and 4.5V to 5.5V supply compatibility. However, data rate specifications vary: ADM232AARWZ supports 200 kbps, while ADM232LARZ and ADM232LJRZ support 120 kbps. Use these parts only if your application's data rate requirements are met by the specific variant selected.
Q: What is the difference between the ADM202 and ADM232 series?
A: Both series provide RS232 2/2 full-duplex transceiver functionality in 16-SOIC packaging. The ADM202 series offers data rates up to 230 kbps with 650 mV receiver hysteresis (EARWZ variants) or 400 mV hysteresis (JRWZ variants). The ADM232 series provides lower data rates (120–200 kbps) with varying hysteresis specifications. Selection between series depends on required data rate and operating temperature range.
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