SP3238EEA-L RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SP3238EEA-L is a full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by MaxLinear, Inc., featuring 5 drivers and 3 receivers in a 28-SSOP surface mount package. This component is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing system support and new designs. The part operates across a 3V to 5.5V supply range with a 250 kbps data rate and supports industrial temperature ranges from -40°C to 85°C.

Key Parameters

Parameter	SP3238EEA-L
Manufacturer	MaxLinear, Inc.
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Drivers/Receivers	5/3
Duplex	Full
Data Rate	250 kbps
Voltage Supply	3V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C
Package	28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Product Status	Obsolete
Receiver Hysteresis	500 mV
Moisture Sensitivity Level	2 (1 Year)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the SP3238EEA-L is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Protocol: RS232 full-duplex transceiver
Driver/Receiver Configuration: 5 drivers and 3 receivers
Package: 28-SSOP with 5.30mm width
Supply Voltage Range: 3V ~ 5.5V
Data Rate: 250 kbps minimum
Mounting Type: Surface Mount

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on operating temperature range compatibility:

Industrial Temperature Range (-40°C ~ 85°C): Parts meeting the full industrial temperature specification of the original component.

Commercial Temperature Range (0°C ~ 70°C): Parts with reduced operating temperature range, suitable for applications not requiring full industrial temperature support.

Additional differentiation occurs based on receiver hysteresis specifications (300 mV, 500 mV, or 600 mV) and product status (Active or Obsolete).

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Drivers/Receivers	Data Rate	Supply Voltage	Operating Temperature	Package	Receiver Hysteresis	Product Status	RoHS Status
SP3238EEA-L	MaxLinear, Inc.	5/3	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	28-SSOP	500 mV	Obsolete	Not Specified
ICL3238EIAZ	Renesas Electronics Corporation	5/3	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	28-SSOP	600 mV	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ICL3238EIAZ-T	Renesas Electronics Corporation	5/3	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	28-SSOP	600 mV	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3238CAI+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	5/3	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	28-SSOP	500 mV	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3238CAI+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	5/3	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	28-SSOP	500 mV	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3238CDB	Texas Instruments	5/3	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	28-SSOP	300 mV	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3238CDBR	Texas Instruments	5/3	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	28-SSOP	300 mV	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3238EAI+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	5/3	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	28-SSOP	300 mV	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3238EAI+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	5/3	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	28-SSOP	300 mV	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3238ECAI+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	5/3	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	28-SSOP	600 mV	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3238ECAI+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	5/3	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	28-SSOP	600 mV	Active	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For applications requiring full industrial temperature operation (-40°C to 85°C), the ICL3238EIAZ and ICL3238EIAZ-T from Renesas Electronics Corporation are direct functional equivalents. Both parts are active products with ROHS3 compliance and maintain the 5/3 driver/receiver configuration with 250 kbps data rate across the required 3V to 5.5V supply range. The ICL3238EIAZ is supplied in tube packaging, while the ICL3238EIAZ-T variant is available in alternative packaging configurations.

For applications operating within commercial temperature ranges (0°C to 70°C), multiple active alternatives exist from Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated and Texas Instruments. The MAX3238EAI+ and MAX3238EAI+T maintain industrial temperature capability (-40°C to 85°C) with 300 mV receiver hysteresis and active product status. The MAX3238CAI+ and MAX3238CAI+T variants offer 500 mV receiver hysteresis at commercial temperature ranges. The MAX3238CDBR from Texas Instruments provides 300 mV hysteresis at commercial temperature ranges with active product status.

All substitute parts carry ROHS3 compliance certification, ensuring regulatory alignment for modern manufacturing environments. Selection should prioritize active product status for long-term availability and supply chain stability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX3238CAI+ replace SP3238EEA-L in all applications?

A: The MAX3238CAI+ is functionally compatible for the 5/3 RS232 transceiver configuration, 250 kbps data rate, and 3V to 5.5V supply range. However, it operates at 0°C to 70°C, whereas the SP3238EEA-L operates at -40°C to 85°C. Use MAX3238CAI+ only in applications not requiring the full industrial temperature range.

Q: What is the significance of receiver hysteresis differences?

A: Receiver hysteresis (300 mV, 500 mV, or 600 mV) affects noise immunity and signal detection thresholds. The SP3238EEA-L specifies 500 mV hysteresis. Substitutes with different hysteresis values (ICL3238EIAZ at 600 mV, MAX3238EAI+ at 300 mV) remain functionally compatible for RS232 protocol compliance but may exhibit different noise rejection characteristics in specific circuit implementations.

Q: Are packaging variants (tube, tape & reel, cut tape) interchangeable?

A: Packaging variants (indicated by suffixes such as +, +T, or -T) refer to delivery and handling formats only. The electrical and mechanical specifications remain identical. Selection should be based on manufacturing assembly requirements and inventory management practices.

Q: Why is ICL3238EIAZ recommended as a primary substitute?

A: The ICL3238EIAZ from Renesas Electronics Corporation is an active product with ROHS3 compliance, maintains the full -40°C to 85°C industrial temperature range of the original SP3238EEA-L, and provides the identical 5/3 driver/receiver configuration with 250 kbps data rate across 3V to 5.5V supply voltage.

Q: Can obsolete parts (MAX3238CDB) be used as substitutes?

A: Obsolete parts such as MAX3238CDB are not recommended for new designs or long-term production due to limited availability and supply chain discontinuation. Active alternatives should be prioritized to ensure sustained component availability.

Q: What compliance certifications apply to all substitute parts?

A: All listed substitute parts carry ROHS3 compliance certification. Specific REACH status and ECCN classifications (EAR99) are consistent across all parts, ensuring regulatory alignment for international distribution and manufacturing.

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