SP3224ECA-L RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SP3224ECA-L is a 2/2 full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by MaxLinear, Inc., housed in a 20-SSOP surface mount package. This device operates across a 3V to 5.5V supply range with a 250 kbps data rate and 500 mV receiver hysteresis. The part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and procurement continuity.

Substiute Parts

SP3224ECA-L

MaxLinear, Inc.In Stock: 2204SP3224ECA-L Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

ICL3224EIAZ

Renesas Electronics CorporationIn Stock: 1534ICL3224EIAZ Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

ICL3224EIAZ-T

Renesas Electronics CorporationIn Stock: 963ICL3224EIAZ-T Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX3224CAP+T

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 1146MAX3224CAP+T Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX3224EAAP/GG8

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 1073MAX3224EAAP/GG8 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX3224ECAP+T

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 100209MAX3224ECAP+T Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

ICL3222ECAZ

Renesas Electronics CorporationIn Stock: 1705ICL3222ECAZ Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

ICL3223ECAZ

Renesas Electronics CorporationIn Stock: 1467ICL3223ECAZ Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

ICL3225ECAZ

Renesas Electronics CorporationIn Stock: 9423ICL3225ECAZ Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

MAX3223CDB

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 2102MAX3223CDB Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

MAX3224CAP+

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 2190MAX3224CAP+ Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

MAX3224ECAP+

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 5514MAX3224ECAP+ Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SP3224ECA-L is determined by strict adherence to the following parameters:

• Protocol: RS232
• Number of Drivers/Receivers: 2/2
• Duplex: Full
• Data Rate: 250 kbps
• Voltage - Supply: 3V ~ 5.5V
• Receiver Hysteresis: 500 mV
• Package / Case: 20-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount

Substitute parts are categorized into two groups:

MFR Recommended Substitutes: Parts actively recommended by manufacturers as direct replacements, with active product status and enhanced compliance certifications (ROHS3, REACH Unaffected).

Parametric Equivalents: Parts meeting all core electrical and mechanical parameters but with varying product status, MSL ratings, or compliance certifications. These require engineering evaluation based on application requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitutes (MFR Recommended - Active Status):

ICL3224EIAZ and ICL3224EIAZ-T (Renesas Electronics) are the preferred substitutes. Both maintain full electrical and mechanical compatibility with the SP3224ECA-L while offering extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C versus 0°C to 70°C). Both are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected. The -T variant is supplied in Tape & Reel packaging; the standard variant is supplied in Tube packaging.

MAX3224CAP+T and MAX3224ECAP+T (Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated) are active alternatives with identical electrical specifications and 20-SSOP packaging. Both feature MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity, superior to the original part's MSL 2 rating. MAX3224CAP+T is supplied in Tape & Reel; MAX3224ECAP+T is supplied in Cut Tape & Digi-Reel packaging.

MAX3224CAP+ (Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated) is an active tube-packaged variant with identical electrical specifications and MSL 1 rating.

Secondary Substitutes (Parametric Equivalents - Active Status):

ICL3225ECAZ (Renesas Electronics) meets all core parameters with active product status, ROHS3 compliance, and MSL 2 rating matching the original part. Supplied in Tube packaging with 9,378 units in stock.

ICL3222ECAZ (Renesas Electronics) is parametrically equivalent with active status and ROHS3 compliance. MSL 3 (168 Hours) requires evaluation for moisture-sensitive applications.

Obsolete Alternatives (Not Recommended for New Designs):

ICL3223ECAZ and MAX3223CDB are parametrically equivalent but carry obsolete product status. These are suitable only for legacy system maintenance where supply continuity is critical.

MAX3224EAAP/GG8 lacks complete parameter specification and should not be selected without full datasheet review.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use ICL3224EIAZ as a direct replacement for SP3224ECA-L?

A: Yes. ICL3224EIAZ meets all core electrical parameters (RS232 protocol, 2/2 drivers/receivers, 250 kbps data rate, 3V–5.5V supply, 500 mV receiver hysteresis) and uses identical 20-SSOP packaging. The extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) provides additional margin. ROHS3 compliance and active product status make it the preferred substitute.

Q: What is the difference between ICL3224EIAZ and ICL3224EIAZ-T?

A: Both parts are electrically identical. The difference is packaging format: ICL3224EIAZ is supplied in Tube; ICL3224EIAZ-T is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR). Select based on your assembly process requirements.

Q: Why do some substitutes have different operating temperature ranges?

A: Operating temperature range is a specified parameter that varies by manufacturer design and qualification. ICL3224EIAZ and ICL3224EIAZ-T extend to -40°C to 85°C, while MAX3224 variants and the original SP3224ECA-L are rated 0°C to 70°C. For applications within 0°C to 70°C, all parts are functionally equivalent.

Q: What does MSL rating mean for substitution?

A: Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) indicates how long a component can be exposed to ambient humidity before soldering. MSL 1 (Unlimited) is superior to MSL 2 (1 Year) and MSL 3 (168 Hours). If your assembly process involves extended storage or high-humidity environments, select parts with lower MSL numbers (e.g., MAX3224CAP+T with MSL 1).

Q: Are all substitutes ROHS3 compliant?

A: All active substitutes listed are ROHS3 compliant. The original SP3224ECA-L does not specify RoHS status. For applications requiring RoHS compliance certification, select from the active substitute list.

Q: Can I use MAX3223CDB as a substitute?

A: MAX3223CDB is parametrically equivalent but carries obsolete product status. It is suitable only for legacy system maintenance where supply continuity is the primary concern. For new designs, select from active alternatives.

Q: What packaging options are available for MAX3224 substitutes?

A: MAX3224 variants are available in multiple packaging formats: MAX3224CAP+ (Tube), MAX3224CAP+T (Tape & Reel), and MAX3224ECAP+T (Cut Tape & Digi-Reel). Select based on your procurement and assembly requirements.

Q: Do all substitutes use the same 20-SSOP package?

A: Yes. All listed substitutes use the 20-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width) surface mount package, ensuring mechanical and electrical compatibility with the original SP3224ECA-L footprint.