SP3239ECA-L RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SP3239ECA-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 is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and production continuity. The part operates across a 3V to 5.5V supply range with a 250kbps data rate and 500mV receiver hysteresis, suitable for legacy serial communication applications requiring full RS232 protocol compliance.

Substiute Parts

SP3239ECA-L

MaxLinear, Inc.In Stock: 1084SP3239ECA-L Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SP3239EEA-L/TR

MaxLinear, Inc.In Stock: 1061SP3239EEA-L/TR Datasheet

DirectRFQ

MAX3237ECAI+

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 2260MAX3237ECAI+ Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

MAX3238CAI+

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 233800MAX3238CAI+ Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

MAX3250CAI+

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 2294MAX3250CAI+ Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the SP3239ECA-L is determined by strict alignment of the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Critical Substitution Parameters:

• Protocol: RS232
• Duplex: Full
• Receiver Hysteresis: 500 mV
• Data Rate: 250kbps
• Voltage - Supply: 3V ~ 5.5V
• Package / Case: 28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount

Driver/Receiver Configuration: Substitutes are grouped into two categories based on driver/receiver count:

1. Direct Equivalents (5/3 Configuration): SP3239EEA-L/TR, MAX3237ECAI+, and MAX3238CAI+ maintain identical 5/3 driver/receiver architecture, providing pin-for-pin functional compatibility.

2. Parametric Equivalent (2/2 Configuration): MAX3250CAI+ shares all electrical parameters but features a 2/2 driver/receiver configuration. This part is suitable only for applications where the reduced channel count meets system requirements.

All substitute parts maintain RS232 protocol compliance, full-duplex operation, 500mV receiver hysteresis, 250kbps data rate, and 3V to 5.5V supply voltage specifications. Package and mounting type remain consistent across all substitutes.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Pin-Compatible Replacement (5/3 Configuration):

SP3239EEA-L/TR is the primary direct substitute, manufactured by MaxLinear, Inc., with active product status and extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C). This part provides superior environmental performance compared to the obsolete SP3239ECA-L while maintaining identical electrical specifications and 28-SSOP package geometry.

MAX3237ECAI+ and MAX3238CAI+ are parametric equivalents from Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated, both with active product status. These parts offer improved compliance certifications (ROHS3 Compliant, REACH Unaffected) and superior moisture sensitivity ratings (MSL 1, Unlimited vs. MSL 2, 1 Year). Both maintain 5/3 driver/receiver configuration and identical electrical parameters. MAX3238CAI+ demonstrates significantly higher inventory availability (233,725 units) compared to alternatives.

For Reduced Channel Count Applications (2/2 Configuration):

MAX3250CAI+ is suitable only for applications where a 2/2 driver/receiver configuration meets system requirements. This part shares all electrical parameters with the main part but provides reduced channel capacity. Selection of this substitute requires confirmation that the application does not require the full 5 drivers and 3 receivers of the original design.

Compliance and Availability Considerations:

All active substitutes carry ROHS3 compliance certification. Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated parts offer REACH Unaffected status. MAX3238CAI+ provides the highest inventory availability for immediate procurement needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SP3239EEA-L/TR be used as a direct replacement for SP3239ECA-L?

A: Yes. SP3239EEA-L/TR maintains identical electrical specifications (RS232 protocol, 5/3 drivers/receivers, 500mV hysteresis, 250kbps data rate, 3V-5.5V supply), package geometry (28-SSOP), and mounting type. The extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) provides additional environmental capability beyond the original part's 0°C to 70°C specification.

Q: What is the difference between MAX3237ECAI+ and MAX3238CAI+?

A: Both parts are parametric equivalents with identical electrical specifications and 5/3 driver/receiver configuration. The primary differences are manufacturer inventory levels and packaging format. MAX3238CAI+ offers significantly higher stock availability (233,725 units vs. 2,200 units for MAX3237ECAI+). Both are packaged in tubes and carry ROHS3 compliance with MSL 1 ratings.

Q: When should MAX3250CAI+ be selected instead of other substitutes?

A: MAX3250CAI+ should be selected only when the application requires a 2/2 driver/receiver configuration rather than 5/3. All other electrical parameters (RS232 protocol, 500mV hysteresis, 250kbps data rate, 3V-5.5V supply) and package specifications (28-SSOP, surface mount) remain identical. Applications requiring the full 5 drivers and 3 receivers of the original design must use SP3239EEA-L/TR, MAX3237ECAI+, or MAX3238CAI+.

Q: Are there temperature range differences between substitutes?

A: Yes. SP3239EEA-L/TR operates across -40°C to 85°C, providing extended low and high temperature capability. MAX3237ECAI+, MAX3238CAI+, and MAX3250CAI+ operate across 0°C to 70°C, matching the original SP3239ECA-L specification. Selection depends on application environmental requirements.

Q: What is the MSL rating difference, and does it affect selection?

A: SP3239ECA-L and SP3239EEA-L/TR carry MSL 2 (1 Year) ratings, requiring controlled storage and handling within one year of manufacture. MAX3237ECAI+, MAX3238CAI+, and MAX3250CAI+ carry MSL 1 (Unlimited) ratings, eliminating time-sensitive storage constraints. For long-term inventory management, MSL 1 parts offer operational advantages.

Q: Are all substitutes RoHS compliant?

A: SP3239EEA-L/TR is RoHS Compliant. MAX3237ECAI+, MAX3238CAI+, and MAX3250CAI+ are ROHS3 Compliant, representing the current RoHS directive standard. The original SP3239ECA-L does not specify RoHS status. All active substitutes meet current environmental compliance requirements.