SP3232EHCA-L/TR Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SP3232EHCA-L/TR is a full-duplex RS232 transceiver IC manufactured by MaxLinear, Inc., configured with 2 drivers and 2 receivers in a 16-SSOP surface mount package. This device operates across a 3V to 5.5V supply voltage range and supports data rates up to 460 Kbps with a receiver hysteresis of 300 mV. The part is currently classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent alternatives that maintain functional and electrical compatibility for new designs or production continuity.

Key Parameters

Parameter	SP3232EHCA-L/TR
Manufacturer	MaxLinear, Inc.
Product Status	Obsolete
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers	2/2
Duplex	Full
Receiver Hysteresis	300 mV
Data Rate	460 Kbps
Voltage - Supply	3V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 70°C
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Package / Case	16-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	2 (1 Year)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SP3232EHCA-L/TR is determined by the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Compatibility Criteria:

Protocol: RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers: 2/2
Duplex: Full
Voltage - Supply: 3V ~ 5.5V
Mounting Type: Surface Mount
Package / Case: 16-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)

Allowable Variation Parameters:

Data Rate: Substitute must support ≥460 Kbps
Receiver Hysteresis: 300 mV or 500 mV acceptable
Operating Temperature: 0°C ~ 70°C or -40°C ~ 85°C acceptable
Product Status: Active preferred (obsolete parts not suitable for new designs)
Packaging Format: Tube, Tape & Reel (TR), or Cut Tape (CT) acceptable

Substitute parts meeting all mandatory criteria and product status requirements are listed below.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Product Status	Data Rate	Receiver Hysteresis	Operating Temperature	Package / Case	Packaging Format	RoHS Status
SP3232EHCA-L/TR	MaxLinear, Inc.	Obsolete	460 Kbps	300 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm)	Tube	Not Specified
SP3232EHCY-L/TR	MaxLinear, Inc.	Active	460 Kbps	300 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm)	Tape & Reel (TR)	RoHS Compliant
ICL3232ECAZ	Renesas Electronics Corporation	Active	250 Kbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm)	Tube	ROHS3 Compliant
ICL3232ECAZ-T	Renesas Electronics Corporation	Active	250 Kbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm)	Tape & Reel (TR)	ROHS3 Compliant
ICL3232EIAZ	Renesas Electronics Corporation	Active	250 Kbps	500 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm)	Tube	ROHS3 Compliant
ICL3232EIAZ-T	Renesas Electronics Corporation	Active	250 Kbps	500 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm)	Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel®	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3232CAE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	235 Kbps	300 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm)	Tube	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3232CAE+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	235 Kbps	300 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm)	Tape & Reel (TR)	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3232CDBR	Texas Instruments	Active	250 Kbps	300 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm)	Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel®	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3232ECAE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	1 Mbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm)	Tube	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3232ECAE+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	1 Mbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm)	Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel®	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: SP3232EHCY-L/TR

The SP3232EHCY-L/TR from MaxLinear, Inc. is the manufacturer-recommended direct substitute. It maintains identical electrical specifications (460 Kbps data rate, 300 mV receiver hysteresis, 3V–5.5V supply) and operating temperature range (0°C–70°C). The primary difference is the package variant: 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm width) versus the original 16-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm width). This part is active and RoHS Compliant, suitable for new production designs.

Secondary Recommendations: Renesas ICL3232 Series

The ICL3232ECAZ, ICL3232ECAZ-T, ICL3232EIAZ, and ICL3232EIAZ-T from Renesas Electronics Corporation are functionally compatible alternatives. All maintain the 16-SSOP package footprint identical to the original part. The ICL3232EIAZ and ICL3232EIAZ-T variants support an extended operating temperature range (-40°C–85°C), providing additional thermal margin. Data rate is 250 Kbps (below the original 460 Kbps specification) and receiver hysteresis is 500 mV. All variants are ROHS3 Compliant and active.

Tertiary Recommendations: Analog Devices MAX3232 Series

The MAX3232CAE+, MAX3232CAE+T, MAX3232ECAE+, and MAX3232ECAE+T from Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated maintain the 16-SSOP package footprint. The MAX3232CAE variants support 235 Kbps data rate with 300 mV hysteresis. The MAX3232ECAE variants support 1 Mbps data rate with 500 mV hysteresis, exceeding the original specification. All are ROHS3 Compliant and active.

Alternative: MAX3232CDBR

The MAX3232CDBR from Texas Instruments is available in Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel® packaging with 250 Kbps data rate and 300 mV receiver hysteresis. It maintains the 16-SSOP package footprint and is ROHS3 Compliant.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SP3232EHCY-L/TR replace SP3232EHCA-L/TR directly?

A: SP3232EHCY-L/TR is the manufacturer-recommended substitute with identical electrical performance. The package footprint differs (16-TSSOP vs. 16-SSOP), requiring PCB layout verification. Both are 16-pin surface mount packages with compatible pinout for RS232 transceiver applications.

Q: What is the difference between 16-SSOP and 16-TSSOP packages?

A: 16-SSOP measures 0.209" (5.30mm) in width, while 16-TSSOP measures 0.173" (4.40mm) in width. Both are shrink small-outline packages with identical pin pitch and electrical compatibility. PCB footprint and land pattern must be verified for the specific package variant selected.

Q: Are Renesas ICL3232 parts suitable if data rate is lower than 460 Kbps?

A: The ICL3232 series supports 250 Kbps data rate. Substitution is valid only if the application design operates at or below 250 Kbps. The 460 Kbps specification of the original part is not required by all RS232 applications. System performance requirements must be confirmed before selection.

Q: What is the significance of receiver hysteresis differences?

A: Receiver hysteresis affects noise immunity and switching threshold behavior. The original part specifies 300 mV; alternatives offer 300 mV or 500 mV. Higher hysteresis (500 mV) provides greater noise immunity but may affect signal detection sensitivity. Selection depends on application noise environment and signal characteristics.

Q: Do all substitute parts have RoHS compliance?

A: All active substitute parts listed are RoHS3 Compliant or RoHS Compliant. The original SP3232EHCA-L/TR does not specify RoHS status. RoHS compliance is mandatory for many markets and applications; verify compliance requirements for your specific end-use.

Q: What packaging formats are available for production?

A: Substitute parts are available in Tube, Tape & Reel (TR), and Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel® formats. Tube packaging is suitable for low-volume or manual assembly. Tape & Reel and Cut Tape formats support automated pick-and-place assembly. Select packaging based on production volume and assembly process requirements.

Q: Can MAX3232ECAE+ be used if higher data rate is needed?

A: MAX3232ECAE+ and MAX3232ECAE+T support 1 Mbps data rate, exceeding the original 460 Kbps specification. These parts are suitable for applications requiring higher bandwidth. Verify that the receiving system can accommodate the increased data rate capability.

Q: Are there temperature range considerations for substitute selection?

A: The original part operates 0°C–70°C. Most substitutes maintain this range. Renesas ICL3232EIAZ and ICL3232EIAZ-T extend to -40°C–85°C, suitable for industrial or automotive applications requiring wider temperature operation. Select based on application environmental requirements.

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