SP3238ECA-L Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SP3238ECA-L is a full-duplex RS232 transceiver IC manufactured by MaxLinear, Inc., configured with 5 drivers and 3 receivers in a 28-SSOP surface mount package. This component operates across a 3V to 5.5V supply voltage 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 system support and new design implementations.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	SP3238ECA-L
Manufacturer	MaxLinear, Inc.
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers	5/3
Duplex	Full
Data Rate	250 kbps
Voltage - Supply	3V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 70°C
Package / Case	28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Receiver Hysteresis	500 mV
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SP3238ECA-L is determined by the following critical parameters:

Driver/Receiver Configuration: 5/3 (5 drivers, 3 receivers)
Protocol: RS232 full-duplex
Package: 28-SSOP form factor
Supply Voltage Range: 3V ~ 5.5V compatibility
Data Rate: 250 kbps minimum
Mounting Type: Surface mount

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Category 1 - Direct Functional Equivalents (5/3 Configuration, 28-SSOP Package) Parts maintaining identical driver/receiver count and package form factor. These include MAX3238 variants from Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated and ICL3238 variants from Renesas Electronics Corporation. These parts satisfy all core functional requirements and physical constraints.

Category 2 - Functional Alternative (2/2 Configuration, 16-SOIC Package) The SP3232EUCN-L/TR represents a reduced-channel alternative with 2 drivers and 2 receivers in a smaller 16-SOIC package. This part is suitable only for applications where the reduced channel count meets system requirements and board space constraints permit package downsizing.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Drivers/Receivers	Package	Data Rate	Supply Voltage	Operating Temp	Receiver Hysteresis	Product Status	RoHS Status
SP3238ECA-L	MaxLinear, Inc.	5/3	28-SSOP	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	500 mV	Obsolete	N/A
MAX3238CAI+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	5/3	28-SSOP	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	500 mV	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3238CDBR	Texas Instruments	5/3	28-SSOP	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	300 mV	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3238EAI+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	5/3	28-SSOP	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	300 mV	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3238EAI+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	5/3	28-SSOP	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	300 mV	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3238ECAI+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	5/3	28-SSOP	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	600 mV	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3238ECAI+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	5/3	28-SSOP	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	600 mV	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ICL3238EIAZ	Renesas Electronics Corporation	5/3	28-SSOP	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	600 mV	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ICL3238EIAZ-T	Renesas Electronics Corporation	5/3	28-SSOP	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	600 mV	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3238CDB	Texas Instruments	5/3	28-SSOP	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	300 mV	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant
SP3232EUCN-L/TR	MaxLinear, Inc.	2/2	16-SOIC	1 Mbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	300 mV	Active	RoHS Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitutes (Recommended for Direct Replacement)

For applications requiring identical electrical and physical characteristics, the following active parts are recommended:

MAX3238CAI+T: Maintains 500 mV receiver hysteresis matching the original part. Active product status with ROHS3 compliance. Suitable for 0°C to 70°C operating range applications.
MAX3238ECAI+ and MAX3238ECAI+T: Provide 600 mV receiver hysteresis with active product status and ROHS3 compliance. Suitable for 0°C to 70°C operating range applications.
ICL3238EIAZ and ICL3238EIAZ-T: Renesas alternatives with extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) and 600 mV receiver hysteresis. ROHS3 compliant and active products.

Extended Temperature Range Alternatives

For applications requiring operation beyond 0°C to 70°C:

MAX3238EAI+ and MAX3238EAI+T: Support -40°C to 85°C operating range with 300 mV receiver hysteresis. Active products with ROHS3 compliance.

Alternative Configuration

SP3232EUCN-L/TR: Suitable only when system design permits reduced channel count (2/2 instead of 5/3) and smaller package footprint (16-SOIC instead of 28-SSOP). Offers higher data rate capability (1 Mbps) and active product status.

Obsolete Parts to Avoid

MAX3238CDB: Obsolete product status. Use active alternatives instead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX3238CDBR replace SP3238ECA-L directly?

A: Yes. Both parts maintain 5/3 driver/receiver configuration, 28-SSOP package, 250 kbps data rate, and 3V to 5.5V supply voltage compatibility. The MAX3238CDBR has 300 mV receiver hysteresis versus the original 500 mV. This difference is within typical RS232 transceiver specifications and does not prevent functional substitution. MAX3238CDBR is an active product with ROHS3 compliance.

Q: What is the difference between receiver hysteresis values?

A: Receiver hysteresis determines the voltage differential between logic high and low thresholds. The original SP3238ECA-L specifies 500 mV, while many substitutes offer 300 mV or 600 mV. All values fall within RS232 standard operating margins and do not affect functional compatibility in standard applications.

Q: Can I use MAX3238EAI+T in place of SP3238ECA-L?

A: Yes. Both maintain 5/3 configuration and 28-SSOP package. The MAX3238EAI+T extends operating temperature to -40°C to 85°C and has 300 mV receiver hysteresis. This part is suitable for applications requiring wider temperature operation. ROHS3 compliant and active product status.

Q: Is SP3232EUCN-L/TR a suitable replacement?

A: Only if system design permits reduced channel count. The SP3232EUCN-L/TR provides 2/2 drivers/receivers versus the original 5/3 configuration and uses a smaller 16-SOIC package. This part is not a direct replacement but an alternative for applications with lower channel requirements.

Q: What does "Active" product status mean?

A: Active status indicates the part is currently manufactured and available from the supplier. Obsolete parts like the original SP3238ECA-L are no longer produced and should be replaced with active alternatives for new designs and ongoing support.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: All recommended active substitutes carry ROHS3 compliance certification. This ensures compatibility with environmental and regulatory requirements for electronic components.

Q: Does package type affect substitution?

A: Yes. The original SP3238ECA-L uses 28-SSOP package. Direct substitutes must use the same 28-SSOP package to maintain PCB compatibility. The SP3232EUCN-L/TR uses 16-SOIC and requires PCB redesign.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message