SP3223ECA-L/TR RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SP3223ECA-L/TR 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 data rate of 235 Kbps and receiver hysteresis of 300 mV. The part is currently active in production and RoHS compliant. Equivalent and substitute parts are necessary when the original part becomes unavailable, when alternative packaging formats are required, or when design specifications allow for compatible alternatives with enhanced performance characteristics or extended operating ranges.

Key Parameters

Parameter	SP3223ECA-L/TR
Manufacturer	MaxLinear, Inc.
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers	2/2
Duplex	Full
Receiver Hysteresis	300 mV
Data Rate	235 Kbps
Voltage - Supply	3V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 70°C
Package / Case	20-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Product Status	Active
RoHS Status	RoHS Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	2 (1 Year)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution compatibility for the SP3223ECA-L/TR is determined by the following critical parameters:

Protocol & Configuration: RS232 protocol with 2/2 driver/receiver configuration and full-duplex operation
Package & Mounting: 20-SSOP surface mount package with identical 5.30mm width
Electrical Supply: 3V to 5.5V operating voltage range
Data Rate: Minimum 235 Kbps capability
Receiver Hysteresis: 300 mV or higher acceptable
Operating Temperature: Minimum 0°C to 70°C range (extended ranges acceptable)
Compliance: RoHS compliance required

Substitute parts are grouped into three categories:

Upgrade Category (Enhanced Performance): ICL3223IAZ-T, MAX3223EIDB, MAX3223EIDBR — These parts maintain full electrical and mechanical compatibility while offering extended operating temperature ranges (-40°C to 85°C), higher data rates (250 Kbps to 500 Kbps), and improved receiver hysteresis (500 mV).

Manufacturer Recommended Category (Direct Equivalents): MAX3223CAP+, MAX3223CAP+T, MAX3223CDB, MAX3223CDBR, MAX3223EAP+, MAX3223EAP+T, MAX3223ECAP+ — These parts share the same base product number (MAX3223) and maintain core RS232 2/2 transceiver functionality with identical package specifications. Variations exist in packaging format (Tube vs. Cut Tape), product status, and operating temperature ranges.

Compatibility Basis: All substitute parts maintain the 20-SSOP package footprint, 3V to 5.5V supply voltage, full-duplex RS232 protocol, and 2/2 driver/receiver configuration. Differences in data rate, receiver hysteresis, and operating temperature represent performance enhancements or extended operational capability rather than functional incompatibility.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Protocol	Drivers/Receivers	Receiver Hysteresis	Data Rate	Supply Voltage	Operating Temperature	Package	Product Status	RoHS Status
SP3223ECA-L/TR	MaxLinear, Inc.	RS232	2/2	300 mV	235 Kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	20-SSOP	Active	RoHS Compliant
ICL3223IAZ-T	Renesas Electronics Corporation	RS232	2/2	300 mV	250 Kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	20-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3223EIDB	Texas Instruments	RS232	2/2	500 mV	500 Kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	20-SSOP	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3223EIDBR	Texas Instruments	RS232	2/2	500 mV	500 Kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	20-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3223CAP+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS232	2/2	300 mV	120 Kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	20-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3223CAP+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS232	2/2	300 mV	120 Kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	20-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3223CDB	Texas Instruments	RS232	2/2	500 mV	250 Kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	20-SSOP	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3223CDBR	Texas Instruments	RS232	2/2	500 mV	250 Kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	20-SSOP	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3223EAP+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS232	2/2	300 mV	120 Kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	20-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3223EAP+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS232	2/2	300 mV	120 Kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	20-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3223ECAP+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS232	2/2	500 mV	250 Kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	20-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Active Production Designs: ICL3223IAZ-T, MAX3223EIDBR, MAX3223CAP+T, MAX3223EAP+T, and MAX3223ECAP+ are recommended as primary substitutes. All maintain active product status and ROHS3 compliance. ICL3223IAZ-T and MAX3223EIDBR offer extended operating temperature ranges (-40°C to 85°C) suitable for industrial applications. MAX3223ECAP+ provides the highest data rate (250 Kbps) with extended temperature range while maintaining 300 mV receiver hysteresis matching the original specification.

For Temperature-Constrained Applications: MAX3223CAP+, MAX3223CAP+T, MAX3223CDB, and MAX3223CDBR maintain the 0°C to 70°C operating range identical to the SP3223ECA-L/TR. Among these, MAX3223CAP+ and MAX3223CAP+T are active products with ROHS3 compliance.

For High-Speed Applications: MAX3223EIDBR and MAX3223EIDB support 500 Kbps data rates with 500 mV receiver hysteresis, providing enhanced noise immunity. MAX3223EIDBR is the preferred choice due to active product status.

Packaging Considerations: Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel® packaging (MAX3223CAP+T, MAX3223EAP+T, MAX3223EIDBR) is suitable for automated assembly. Tube packaging (MAX3223CAP+, MAX3223EAP+, MAX3223ECAP+) is appropriate for manual or lower-volume assembly processes.

Obsolete Parts: MAX3223EIDB, MAX3223CDB, and MAX3223CDBR are marked obsolete and should not be selected for new designs, though they remain available in current inventory.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX3223CAP+ be used as a direct replacement for SP3223ECA-L/TR?

A: Yes. Both parts maintain RS232 2/2 transceiver configuration, 20-SSOP package footprint, 3V to 5.5V supply voltage, and 300 mV receiver hysteresis. The operating temperature range is identical (0°C to 70°C). The data rate difference (120 Kbps vs. 235 Kbps) does not prevent substitution if the application operates at or below 120 Kbps.

Q: What is the difference between MAX3223CAP+ and MAX3223CAP+T?

A: Both parts are electrically identical. The difference is packaging format: MAX3223CAP+ is supplied in Tube packaging, while MAX3223CAP+T is supplied in Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel® format. Selection depends on assembly process requirements.

Q: Why does MAX3223EIDBR have a higher data rate (500 Kbps) than the original SP3223ECA-L/TR (235 Kbps)?

A: Higher data rate capability represents enhanced performance. The original part's 235 Kbps specification does not limit substitution with higher-rated parts. Applications operating at 235 Kbps or below are fully compatible with MAX3223EIDBR.

Q: Is ICL3223IAZ-T compatible with the SP3223ECA-L/TR?

A: Yes. ICL3223IAZ-T maintains the same RS232 2/2 transceiver configuration, 20-SSOP package, and 3V to 5.5V supply voltage. The extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) and higher data rate (250 Kbps) represent performance enhancements. Receiver hysteresis is identical at 300 mV.

Q: Can I use MAX3223ECAP+ in place of SP3223ECA-L/TR?

A: Yes. MAX3223ECAP+ maintains full electrical and mechanical compatibility with identical package, supply voltage, and 2/2 RS232 transceiver configuration. The 500 mV receiver hysteresis provides enhanced noise immunity compared to the original 300 mV specification. Extended operating temperature (-40°C to 85°C) and higher data rate (250 Kbps) are performance improvements.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts carry ROHS3 compliance certification, meeting current environmental and hazardous substance restrictions.

Q: What should I consider when selecting between active and obsolete substitute parts?

A: Active parts (ICL3223IAZ-T, MAX3223EIDBR, MAX3223CAP+, MAX3223CAP+T, MAX3223EAP+, MAX3223EAP+T, MAX3223ECAP+) are recommended for new designs and long-term production. Obsolete parts (MAX3223EIDB, MAX3223CDB, MAX3223CDBR) should be used only when existing inventory must be consumed or for legacy system repairs.

Q: Does receiver hysteresis affect substitution compatibility?

A: Receiver hysteresis of 300 mV or higher is acceptable for substitution. The original SP3223ECA-L/TR specifies 300 mV. Substitute parts with 500 mV hysteresis provide improved noise immunity and are fully compatible.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message