SP3223EBCA-L RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SP3223EBCA-L is a 2/2 full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by MaxLinear, Inc., housed in a 20-SSOP surface mount package. This interface IC operates across a 3V to 5.5V supply range with a 250kbps data rate and 300mV receiver hysteresis. The part is discontinued at DiGi Electronics, necessitating identification of functionally equivalent alternatives from active manufacturers to maintain design continuity and ensure supply chain availability.

Key Parameters

Parameter	SP3223EBCA-L
Manufacturer	MaxLinear, Inc.
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Drivers/Receivers	2/2
Duplex	Full
Data Rate	250kbps
Voltage Supply	3V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 70°C
Receiver Hysteresis	300mV
Package/Case	20-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
RoHS Status	RoHS Compliant
MSL Rating	2 (1 Year)
Product Status	Discontinued at DiGi Electronics

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility is determined by strict adherence to the following core parameters:

Protocol: RS232 (mandatory match)
Drivers/Receivers: 2/2 configuration (mandatory match)
Duplex: Full (mandatory match)
Package/Case: 20-SSOP with 5.30mm width (mandatory match)
Mounting Type: Surface Mount (mandatory match)
Voltage Supply Range: 3V ~ 5.5V (mandatory match)
Data Rate: 250kbps minimum (mandatory match)

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Direct Substitutes: Parts meeting all mandatory parameters with identical or compatible receiver hysteresis (300mV or 500mV) and operating temperature ranges that encompass or match the original specification.

Upgrade Substitutes: Parts meeting all mandatory parameters with enhanced specifications (lower receiver hysteresis, extended temperature range, or higher data rate capability) that provide superior performance while maintaining full backward compatibility.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Drivers/Receivers	Data Rate	Voltage Supply	Operating Temp	Receiver Hysteresis	Package	Product Status	Packaging Type
SP3223EBCA-L	MaxLinear, Inc.	2/2	250kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	300mV	20-SSOP	Discontinued	-
ICL3225ECAZ	Renesas Electronics	2/2	250kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	500mV	20-SSOP	Active	Tube
ICL3225ECAZ-T	Renesas Electronics	2/2	250kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	500mV	20-SSOP	Active	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel
MAX3223CDB	Texas Instruments	2/2	250kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	500mV	20-SSOP	Obsolete	Tube
MAX3223CDBR	Texas Instruments	2/2	250kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	500mV	20-SSOP	Obsolete	Cut Tape
MAX3223ECAP+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim	2/2	250kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	500mV	20-SSOP	Active	Tube
MAX3223ECAP+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim	2/2	250kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	500mV	20-SSOP	Active	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel
MAX3224ECAP+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim	2/2	250kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	500mV	20-SSOP	Active	Tube
MAX3224ECAP+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim	2/2	250kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	500mV	20-SSOP	Active	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel
MAX3223EEAP+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim	2/2	120Kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	300mV	20-SSOP	Active	Tube
MAX3223EEAP+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim	2/2	120Kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	300mV	20-SSOP	Active	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation - Active Direct Substitutes:

MAX3223ECAP+T and MAX3223ECAP+ from Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated are the preferred alternatives. Both parts maintain full electrical compatibility with the SP3223EBCA-L across all mandatory parameters while offering extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C). Both carry ROHS3 compliance and REACH Unaffected status. The MAX3223ECAP+T variant in Cut Tape & Digi-Reel packaging provides superior inventory availability (5,100 units) and is recommended for new designs.

Secondary Recommendation - Active Direct Substitutes:

MAX3224ECAP+T offers the highest inventory availability (100,100 units) with identical electrical specifications and active product status. This variant is suitable for applications where extended temperature performance is not required.

ICL3225ECAZ-T from Renesas Electronics provides an alternative from an established manufacturer with active product status and strong inventory (2,381 units). This part maintains all mandatory electrical parameters and is available in Cut Tape & Digi-Reel packaging.

Alternative for Reduced Data Rate Applications:

MAX3223EEAP+T is classified as an upgrade substitute due to its extended temperature range and matching receiver hysteresis (300mV). However, this part operates at 120Kbps maximum data rate, which is below the original 250kbps specification. Selection of this part is appropriate only for applications where the reduced data rate is acceptable.

Parts to Avoid:

MAX3223CDB and MAX3223CDBR from Texas Instruments carry Obsolete product status and should not be selected for new designs despite current inventory availability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a substitute part with 500mV receiver hysteresis instead of the original 300mV specification?

A: Yes. The 500mV receiver hysteresis in parts such as MAX3223ECAP+T, MAX3224ECAP+T, and ICL3225ECAZ-T represents a less stringent input threshold specification. These parts will function correctly in applications designed for the original 300mV hysteresis. The higher hysteresis value provides improved noise immunity in certain environments.

Q: What is the difference between Cut Tape & Digi-Reel and Tube packaging?

A: Both packaging types contain identical die and electrical specifications. Cut Tape & Digi-Reel packaging is supplied on continuous tape suitable for automated pick-and-place assembly equipment. Tube packaging is supplied in plastic tubes for manual handling or lower-volume assembly. Selection depends on manufacturing process requirements.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: All recommended active substitute parts carry ROHS3 compliance certification. The original SP3223EBCA-L is RoHS Compliant. All parts meet REACH Unaffected status where applicable.

Q: Can I use MAX3223EEAP+T as a direct replacement?

A: MAX3223EEAP+T is electrically compatible with the SP3223EBCA-L in terms of package, supply voltage, and receiver hysteresis. However, this part is rated for 120Kbps maximum data rate compared to the original 250kbps specification. Use this part only if your application operates at or below 120Kbps.

Q: Which substitute offers the best long-term availability?

A: MAX3224ECAP+T from Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated is recommended for long-term availability due to its active product status and exceptional inventory level (100,100 units). This part maintains full compatibility with the original specification.

Q: What is the MSL rating difference between substitute parts?

A: The original SP3223EBCA-L carries MSL 2 (1 Year). Most active substitute parts carry MSL 1 (Unlimited), which indicates superior moisture resistance and longer shelf life without requiring baking before reflow soldering.

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