SP238ACT-L Equivalent & Substitute Parts Reference

Part Overview

The SP238ACT-L is a 4/4 full-duplex RS232 transceiver IC manufactured by MaxLinear, Inc., housed in a 24-SOIC surface mount package. This component is classified as obsolete, making equivalent substitute parts necessary for ongoing system support and new design implementations. The part operates within a 4.5V to 5.5V supply range and supports data rates up to 20kbps with a 500mV receiver hysteresis specification.

Substiute Parts

SP238ACT-L

MaxLinear, Inc.In Stock: 1566SP238ACT-L Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

ADM238LARZ

Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 3380ADM238LARZ Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

ADM238LARZ-REEL

Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 798ADM238LARZ-REEL Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

ADM238LJRZ

Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 1238ADM238LJRZ Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

ADM238LJRZ-REEL

Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 2276ADM238LJRZ-REEL Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX238CWG+

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 5984MAX238CWG+ Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX238CWG+T

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 3646MAX238CWG+T Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX238EWG+

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 2012MAX238EWG+ Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX238EWG+T

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 3408MAX238EWG+T Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SP238ACT-L is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Interface Type & Protocol: RS232 full-duplex transceiver with 4/4 driver/receiver configuration
• Package Compatibility: 24-SOIC surface mount package (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
• Electrical Specifications: Supply voltage range, receiver hysteresis, and data rate capability
• Operating Temperature Range: Must support the application's thermal requirements
• Product Status: Active status preferred for long-term availability

All substitute parts listed maintain the identical 24-SOIC package footprint and RS232 protocol compliance. Substitutes are grouped by electrical performance tier and temperature rating to facilitate selection based on specific application requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitutes (Highest Compatibility)

MAX238CWG+ and MAX238CWG+T are the closest functional equivalents to the SP238ACT-L. Both maintain identical supply voltage range (4.5V ~ 5.5V) and receiver hysteresis (500 mV), with matching operating temperature range (0°C ~ 70°C). These parts are manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated under active product status with ROHS3 compliance. The primary difference is packaging: MAX238CWG+ is supplied in tube format, while MAX238CWG+T uses Cut Tape & Digi-Reel format.

Extended Temperature Substitutes

MAX238EWG+ and MAX238EWG+T provide identical electrical characteristics to the primary substitutes but extend the operating temperature range to -40°C ~ 85°C. These parts are suitable for applications requiring enhanced thermal performance. MAX238EWG+ is tube-packaged; MAX238EWG+T is tape and reel packaged.

Alternative Substitutes (Tighter Supply Voltage Tolerance)

ADM238LJRZ and ADM238LJRZ-REEL are Analog Devices alternatives with a narrower supply voltage window (4.75V ~ 5.25V) and higher receiver hysteresis (650 mV). These parts match the SP238ACT-L operating temperature range (0°C ~ 70°C) and are active products with ROHS3 compliance. The ADM238LARZ and ADM238LARZ-REEL variants extend temperature range to -40°C ~ 85°C with identical electrical specifications.

All substitute parts are active products with ROHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity level (MSL 1), providing superior long-term availability and environmental compliance compared to the obsolete SP238ACT-L.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX238 series parts directly replace SP238ACT-L in existing designs?

A: Yes, all listed MAX238 variants maintain the identical 24-SOIC package footprint and RS232 protocol compliance. MAX238CWG+ and MAX238CWG+T are direct pin-compatible replacements with matching supply voltage (4.5V ~ 5.5V) and receiver hysteresis (500 mV) specifications.

Q: What is the difference between tube and tape & reel packaging options?

A: Tube packaging (CWG+, EWG+) is suitable for lower-volume applications and manual assembly. Tape & Reel packaging (CWG+T, EWG+T) is optimized for automated pick-and-place assembly processes. Electrical performance is identical between packaging variants.

Q: Which substitute should I select for extended temperature applications?

A: MAX238EWG+ or MAX238EWG+T support the extended temperature range of -40°C ~ 85°C, compared to the SP238ACT-L's 0°C ~ 70°C range. These parts maintain all other electrical specifications identical to the standard MAX238CWG+ variant.

Q: Are ADM238 parts compatible with SP238ACT-L designs?

A: ADM238 variants are functionally compatible but feature a narrower supply voltage tolerance (4.75V ~ 5.25V versus 4.5V ~ 5.5V) and higher receiver hysteresis (650 mV versus 500 mV). These differences may affect circuit performance in applications with marginal supply voltage or requiring lower hysteresis thresholds.

Q: What compliance certifications apply to substitute parts?

A: All active substitute parts listed carry ROHS3 compliance and REACH Unaffected status. Moisture sensitivity level is MSL 1 (Unlimited) for all substitutes, compared to MSL 3 (168 Hours) for the obsolete SP238ACT-L, providing superior handling and storage characteristics.

Q: What is the data rate capability of substitute parts?

A: All substitute parts support data rates up to 120Kbps, exceeding the SP238ACT-L specification of 20kbps. This enhanced performance provides additional margin for high-speed serial communication applications.