SP312ACT-L RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SP312ACT-L is a 2/2 full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by MaxLinear, Inc., housed in an 18-SOIC surface mount package. This interface IC operates within the 4.5V to 5.5V supply voltage range and supports data rates up to 240 kbps with a 500 mV receiver hysteresis specification. The part is currently classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing system support and new design implementations.

Substiute Parts

SP312ACT-L

MaxLinear, Inc.In Stock: 913SP312ACT-L Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

ADM242ARZ

Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 2122ADM242ARZ Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

ADM242ARZ-REEL

Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 21322ADM242ARZ-REEL Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX242CWN+

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 2175MAX242CWN+ Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX242CWN+T

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 4260MAX242CWN+T Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX242EWN+

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 12643MAX242EWN+ Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX242EWN+T

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 3110MAX242EWN+T Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX222CWN+

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 4002MAX222CWN+ Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution validity for the SP312ACT-L is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Critical Matching Parameters:

• Protocol: RS232
• Number of Drivers/Receivers: 2/2
• Duplex: Full
• Voltage - Supply: 4.5V ~ 5.5V
• Package / Case: 18-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount

Allowable Variation Parameters:

• Receiver Hysteresis: 400 mV to 500 mV (within acceptable signal integrity margins)
• Data Rate: 200 kbps to 250 kbps (exceeds or meets original 240 kbps specification)
• Operating Temperature: Extended ranges acceptable if minimum meets or exceeds 0°C and maximum meets or exceeds 70°C

All substitute parts listed maintain identical package geometry, pin configuration, and core RS232 transceiver functionality. Substitutes are grouped by manufacturer recommendation status and product availability.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

MFR Recommended Substitutes (Primary Selection):

The ADM242ARZ, ADM242ARZ-REEL, MAX242CWN+, MAX242CWN+T, MAX242EWN+, MAX242EWN+T, and MAX222CWN+ are manufacturer-recommended equivalents. All maintain full RS232 2/2 transceiver functionality within the 18-SOIC package and 4.5V to 5.5V supply range.

Active Product Status Advantage:

All substitute parts carry Active product status, ensuring long-term availability and manufacturing support. This contrasts with the SP312ACT-L's obsolete classification.

Compliance and Certification:

All substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current environmental and regulatory standards. Moisture sensitivity levels are improved to MSL 1 (Unlimited) across all substitutes, compared to the original MSL 3 (168 Hours).

Temperature Range Considerations:

MAX242EWN+, MAX242EWN+T, and ADM242ARZ variants support extended operating temperatures (-40°C to 85°C), providing broader thermal margin for applications requiring operation beyond the original 0°C to 70°C range.

Packaging Selection:

Choose packaging based on procurement and assembly requirements: Tube for manual handling, Tape & Reel (TR) or Reel for automated pick-and-place assembly, and Cut Tape (CT) for mixed-volume applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX242CWN+ directly replace SP312ACT-L in existing designs?

A: Yes. MAX242CWN+ maintains identical RS232 2/2 transceiver configuration, 18-SOIC package geometry, 4.5V to 5.5V supply voltage, and 500 mV receiver hysteresis. Operating temperature range is identical (0°C to 70°C). Pin-for-pin compatibility is assured.

Q: What is the difference between ADM242ARZ and MAX242 variants?

A: ADM242ARZ is manufactured by Analog Devices Inc. and features 400 mV receiver hysteresis with 200 kbps data rate. MAX242 variants (MAX242CWN+, MAX242CWN+T, MAX242EWN+, MAX242EWN+T) maintain 500 mV hysteresis matching the original SP312ACT-L specification. Both meet all critical electrical and mechanical parameters for substitution.

Q: Does packaging type affect electrical performance?

A: No. Tube, Tape & Reel, and Cut Tape packaging variants of the same part number (e.g., MAX242CWN+ vs. MAX242CWN+T) contain identical die and electrical specifications. Packaging selection is determined by procurement volume and assembly process requirements only.

Q: Why is MAX222CWN+ listed as a parametric equivalent rather than MFR recommended?

A: MAX222CWN+ supports 250 kbps data rate, exceeding the original 240 kbps specification. While this represents improved performance within acceptable margins, it is classified as parametric equivalent to distinguish it from direct functional matches. All other electrical and mechanical parameters remain compatible.

Q: Are all substitutes RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts are RoHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current environmental regulations. The original SP312ACT-L compliance status is not specified in available documentation.

Q: What is the advantage of extended temperature range variants?

A: MAX242EWN+, MAX242EWN+T, and ADM242ARZ support -40°C to 85°C operating range, compared to the original 0°C to 70°C. Extended range provides thermal margin for applications in industrial, automotive, or outdoor environments. Standard temperature variants (MAX242CWN+, MAX242CWN+T, MAX222CWN+) maintain the original 0°C to 70°C specification.

Q: Is pin-to-pin compatibility guaranteed across all substitutes?

A: Yes. All substitute parts use the 18-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width) package with identical pin configuration. Surface mount placement and PCB footprint remain unchanged across all listed equivalents.