SP3239ECA-L/TR Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SP3239ECA-L/TR 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, which necessitates identification of active equivalent and substitute parts for ongoing design support and procurement continuity. The part operates across a 3V to 5.5V supply range with a 250kbps data rate and 500mV receiver hysteresis, making it suitable for legacy RS232 communication applications requiring full-duplex operation.

Substiute Parts

SP3239ECA-L/TR

MaxLinear, Inc.In Stock: 5430SP3239ECA-L/TR Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SP3239EEA-L/TR

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

DirectRFQ

SP3238ECA-L/TR

MaxLinear, Inc.In Stock: 1434SP3238ECA-L/TR Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

MAX3237ECAI+T

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 2629MAX3237ECAI+T Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

MAX3238CAI+T

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 2256MAX3238CAI+T Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

MAX3250CAI+T

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 3968MAX3250CAI+T Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SP3239ECA-L/TR is determined by the following critical parameters: RS232 protocol compliance, full-duplex operation, 28-SSOP package geometry, 3V to 5.5V supply voltage range, 250kbps data rate capability, and 500mV receiver hysteresis. Parts are grouped into two categories based on driver/receiver configuration:

Direct Configuration Match (5/3 Drivers/Receivers): SP3239EEA-L/TR, SP3238ECA-L/TR, MAX3237ECAI+T, and MAX3238CAI+T maintain identical 5/3 driver/receiver architecture, enabling pin-compatible substitution with no circuit redesign.

Parametric Equivalent with Configuration Variance (2/2 Drivers/Receivers): MAX3250CAI+T provides equivalent electrical performance and package compatibility but with reduced driver/receiver count (2/2 configuration). This part is suitable only for applications where the reduced channel count meets functional requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitutes (Pin-Compatible, 5/3 Configuration):

SP3239EEA-L/TR is the direct successor to SP3239ECA-L/TR from MaxLinear, Inc., with active product status and extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C). This part provides the highest compatibility for direct replacement in existing designs.

SP3238ECA-L/TR and MAX3238CAI+T maintain identical 5/3 driver/receiver configuration and operating temperature range (0°C to 70°C) as the original part. Both are active products with RoHS compliance certification, suitable for applications requiring equivalent electrical performance without temperature extension.

MAX3237ECAI+T offers 5/3 configuration compatibility with improved moisture sensitivity rating (MSL 1 versus MSL 2) and ROHS3 compliance, providing enhanced reliability for long-term storage and environmental exposure.

Secondary Substitute (Reduced Configuration, 2/2):

MAX3250CAI+T is a parametric equivalent with identical electrical specifications and package geometry but features a 2/2 driver/receiver configuration instead of 5/3. Selection of this part requires verification that the application circuit utilizes only 2 drivers and 2 receivers, or that unused channels in the original design can be eliminated.

All substitute parts maintain 28-SSOP surface mount packaging, 250kbps data rate, 500mV receiver hysteresis, and 3V to 5.5V supply voltage compatibility with the original SP3239ECA-L/TR specification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

A: Yes. SP3239EEA-L/TR maintains identical 5/3 driver/receiver configuration, RS232 protocol, 28-SSOP package geometry, and electrical specifications. The extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) provides additional environmental capability beyond the original part's 0°C to 70°C range.

Q: What is the difference between SP3238ECA-L/TR and MAX3238CAI+T?

A: Both parts provide identical 5/3 driver/receiver configuration, operating temperature range, and electrical performance. The primary differences are manufacturer (MaxLinear versus Analog Devices/Maxim Integrated) and packaging format (Tape & Reel for MAX3238CAI+T). Electrical substitution is direct.

Q: Is MAX3250CAI+T suitable for all applications using SP3239ECA-L/TR?

A: MAX3250CAI+T is suitable only for applications where the circuit design utilizes a maximum of 2 drivers and 2 receivers. The reduced channel count (2/2 versus 5/3) makes this part incompatible with designs requiring all 5 driver and 3 receiver channels. Verify circuit requirements before selection.

Q: What does MSL rating mean for these parts?

A: Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) indicates the maximum time a component can be stored in ambient conditions before requiring baking prior to reflow soldering. SP3239ECA-L/TR, SP3239EEA-L/TR, and SP3238ECA-L/TR carry MSL 2 (1 Year). MAX3237ECAI+T, MAX3238CAI+T, and MAX3250CAI+T carry MSL 1 (Unlimited), indicating superior moisture resistance and extended shelf life.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: SP3239ECA-L/TR does not specify RoHS status. All active substitute parts (SP3239EEA-L/TR, SP3238ECA-L/TR, MAX3237ECAI+T, MAX3238CAI+T, MAX3250CAI+T) are RoHS compliant, with Analog Devices/Maxim parts certified to ROHS3 standard.

Q: Can these parts be used interchangeably in the same PCB layout?

A: Yes, all substitute parts use identical 28-SSOP package geometry (0.209" width, 5.30mm). PCB footprints and land patterns are compatible. For 5/3 configuration parts (SP3239EEA-L/TR, SP3238ECA-L/TR, MAX3237ECAI+T, MAX3238CAI+T), pin assignments are equivalent. MAX3250CAI+T requires circuit verification due to reduced channel count.