SP238ACT-L/TR RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SP238ACT-L/TR is a 4/4 full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by MaxLinear, Inc., housed in a 24-SOIC surface mount 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 and supports data rates up to 20 kbps with a receiver hysteresis of 500 mV.

Substiute Parts

SP238ACT-L/TR

MaxLinear, Inc.In Stock: 1101SP238ACT-L/TR 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 for the SP238ACT-L/TR is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Critical Compatibility Parameters:

• Protocol: RS232
• Number of Drivers/Receivers: 4/4
• Duplex: Full
• Package / Case: 24-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount
• Voltage - Supply: 4.5V ~ 5.5V (or compatible range)
• Operating Temperature: 0°C ~ 70°C (or extended range)

Substitute parts must maintain identical driver/receiver configuration, RS232 protocol compliance, and 24-SOIC package specifications. Supply voltage and operating temperature ranges may be equal to or exceed the original part specifications. Data rate capability must support minimum 20 kbps operation.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All listed substitute parts are active products with ROHS3 compliance and improved moisture sensitivity ratings (MSL 1 vs. MSL 3). Selection should be based on the following criteria:

For Direct Electrical Compatibility (Identical Supply Voltage and Hysteresis): MAX238CWG+, MAX238CWG+T, MAX238EWG+, and MAX238EWG+T maintain the original 4.5V ~ 5.5V supply voltage range and 500 mV receiver hysteresis, providing the closest electrical match to the SP238ACT-L/TR.

For Extended Operating Temperature Range: MAX238EWG+ and MAX238EWG+T support -40°C ~ 85°C operation, exceeding the original 0°C ~ 70°C specification. ADM238LARZ and ADM238LARZ-REEL also provide this extended range.

For Matched Operating Temperature (0°C ~ 70°C): ADM238LJRZ, ADM238LJRZ-REEL, MAX238CWG+, MAX238CWG+T, MAX238EWG+, and MAX238EWG+T all support the original operating temperature window.

Packaging Considerations: Tube packaging is available in ADM238LARZ, ADM238LJRZ, MAX238CWG+, and MAX238EWG+. Tape & Reel (TR) packaging is available in ADM238LARZ-REEL, ADM238LJRZ-REEL, MAX238CWG+T, and MAX238EWG+T. Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel® packaging is available in MAX238CWG+T and MAX238EWG+T.

All substitute parts are manufactured by Analog Devices Inc. or Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated and carry active product status with superior compliance certifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the ADM238 series parts substitute for the SP238ACT-L/TR? A: Yes. ADM238LARZ, ADM238LARZ-REEL, ADM238LJRZ, and ADM238LJRZ-REEL are functionally equivalent. They maintain the 4/4 RS232 transceiver configuration and 24-SOIC package. The ADM238LJRZ variants match the original 0°C ~ 70°C operating temperature range, while ADM238LARZ variants extend to -40°C ~ 85°C. Supply voltage ranges differ slightly (4.75V ~ 5.25V vs. 4.5V ~ 5.5V), and receiver hysteresis is 650 mV versus 500 mV.

Q: Which substitute offers the closest electrical match? A: The MAX238 series (MAX238CWG+, MAX238CWG+T, MAX238EWG+, MAX238EWG+T) provides the closest electrical match, maintaining identical 4.5V ~ 5.5V supply voltage and 500 mV receiver hysteresis specifications. MAX238CWG+ and MAX238CWG+T match the original 0°C ~ 70°C temperature range, while MAX238EWG+ and MAX238EWG+T extend to -40°C ~ 85°C.

Q: What is the difference between tube and tape & reel packaging? A: Tube packaging (standard) is suitable for manual assembly and lower-volume applications. Tape & Reel (TR) packaging is optimized for automated pick-and-place assembly and higher-volume production. Both contain identical components; packaging selection depends on assembly methodology and volume requirements.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant? A: Yes. All listed substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant and carry REACH Unaffected status, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements.

Q: What is the significance of MSL rating differences? A: The original SP238ACT-L/TR carries MSL 3 (168 hours), requiring moisture bake-out procedures before reflow soldering. All substitute parts carry MSL 1 (Unlimited), eliminating moisture sensitivity concerns and simplifying handling and storage requirements.

Q: Can I use a substitute with extended temperature range in place of the original? A: Yes. Parts with extended operating ranges (-40°C ~ 85°C) are backward compatible with applications requiring the original 0°C ~ 70°C range. Extended range capability provides additional design margin without functional compromise.

Q: What is the data rate capability of substitute parts? A: All substitute parts support 120 kbps data rate, exceeding the original SP238ACT-L/TR specification of 20 kbps. This provides enhanced performance headroom for RS232 communication applications.