SP3243ECT-L/TR RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SP3243ECT-L/TR is a 3/5 full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by MaxLinear, Inc., housed in a 28-SOIC package. This interface IC operates across a 3V to 5.5V supply range and supports data rates up to 120 Kbps with a 300 mV receiver hysteresis specification. The device 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	SP3243ECT-L/TR
Manufacturer	MaxLinear, Inc.
Category	Interface
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers	3/5
Duplex	Full
Receiver Hysteresis	300 mV
Data Rate	120 Kbps
Voltage - Supply	3V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 70°C
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Package / Case	28-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	3 (168 Hours)
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SP3243ECT-L/TR is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Compatibility Criteria:

Protocol: RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers: 3/5 configuration
Duplex Mode: Full
Voltage Supply Range: 3V ~ 5.5V
Mounting Type: Surface Mount
Operating Temperature Range: 0°C ~ 70°C

Package Compatibility: Substitutes are grouped into two package categories:

28-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width) — Direct mechanical and electrical equivalents
28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width) — Functionally equivalent with different footprint
28-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width) — Functionally equivalent with compact footprint

Performance Variations: Substitute parts may exceed the original 120 Kbps data rate specification (up to 500 Kbps) and may feature different receiver hysteresis values (300 mV or 500 mV). These enhancements are backward-compatible with the original design requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Package	Protocol	Drivers/Receivers	Data Rate	Hysteresis	Supply Voltage	Temp Range	Product Status	RoHS Status
SP3243ECT-L/TR	MaxLinear, Inc.	28-SOIC	RS232	3/5	120 Kbps	300 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	Obsolete	N/A
ICL3243CBZ	Renesas Electronics	28-SOIC	RS232	3/5	250 Kbps	300 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ICL3243CBZ-T	Renesas Electronics	28-SOIC	RS232	3/5	250 Kbps	300 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3243CDBR	Texas Instruments	28-SSOP	RS232	3/5	250 Kbps	300 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3243CDW	Texas Instruments	28-SOIC	RS232	3/5	250 Kbps	300 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3243CDWR	Texas Instruments	28-SOIC	RS232	3/5	250 Kbps	300 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3243CPW	Texas Instruments	28-TSSOP	RS232	3/5	250 Kbps	500 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3243CPWR	Texas Instruments	28-TSSOP	RS232	3/5	250 Kbps	500 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3243CWI+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	28-SOIC	RS232	3/5	120 Kbps	300 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3243ECDBR	Texas Instruments	28-SSOP	RS232	3/5	500 Kbps	500 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3243ECDW	Texas Instruments	28-SOIC	RS232	3/5	500 Kbps	500 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	Last Time Buy	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Pin-Compatible Replacement (28-SOIC Package):

ICL3243CBZ-T and MAX3243CDWR are the primary recommendations. Both maintain the 28-SOIC footprint, support the full 3V to 5.5V supply range, and operate within the 0°C to 70°C temperature specification. ICL3243CBZ-T is manufactured by Renesas Electronics with active product status and ROHS3 compliance. MAX3243CDWR is manufactured by Texas Instruments, also with active status and ROHS3 compliance. Both support data rates of 250 Kbps, exceeding the original 120 Kbps requirement while maintaining backward compatibility.

MAX3243CWI+ offers identical electrical performance to the original SP3243ECT-L/TR (120 Kbps data rate, 300 mV hysteresis) in the same 28-SOIC package with active product status and ROHS3 compliance.

For Compact Footprint Applications (28-SSOP Package):

MAX3243CDBR provides a smaller footprint alternative while maintaining full functional compatibility. This Texas Instruments device supports 250 Kbps data rates and is actively produced with ROHS3 compliance.

For Enhanced Performance Requirements (500 Kbps Data Rate):

MAX3243ECDBR (28-SSOP) and MAX3243ECDW (28-SOIC) support 500 Kbps data rates with 500 mV receiver hysteresis. MAX3243ECDBR is actively produced; MAX3243ECDW carries Last Time Buy status. Both are ROHS3 compliant.

Compliance Considerations:

All recommended substitutes carry ROHS3 compliance and REACH Unaffected status, meeting modern environmental and regulatory requirements. The original SP3243ECT-L/TR lacks documented RoHS certification, making compliant substitutes necessary for new designs and long-term supply chain sustainability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use MAX3243CDBR as a direct replacement for SP3243ECT-L/TR?

A: MAX3243CDBR is functionally equivalent but uses a 28-SSOP package instead of 28-SOIC. The electrical specifications are compatible (RS232 protocol, 3/5 drivers/receivers, 3V to 5.5V supply, 0°C to 70°C operation). PCB layout modification is required to accommodate the different footprint.

Q: What is the difference between 28-SOIC and 28-SSOP packages?

A: 28-SOIC measures 0.295" (7.50mm) in width, while 28-SSOP measures 0.209" (5.30mm) in width. Both are surface-mount packages with 28 pins. SSOP provides a more compact footprint suitable for space-constrained designs. Pin pitch and spacing differ between the two packages.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts carry ROHS3 compliance certification. The original SP3243ECT-L/TR does not document RoHS status, making compliant substitutes necessary for applications requiring environmental certification.

Q: Can I use a 500 Kbps part (MAX3243ECDBR) in a design specified for 120 Kbps?

A: Yes. Higher data rate capability is backward-compatible with lower-speed applications. The MAX3243ECDBR will operate correctly in systems designed for 120 Kbps operation. No design modifications are required.

Q: What is the significance of receiver hysteresis differences (300 mV vs. 500 mV)?

A: Receiver hysteresis affects noise immunity and signal transition characteristics. The 500 mV hysteresis variants (MAX3243CPW, MAX3243CPWR, MAX3243ECDBR, MAX3243ECDW) provide enhanced noise rejection compared to 300 mV variants. Both specifications are compatible with standard RS232 signal levels and system designs.

Q: Which substitute offers the closest electrical match to SP3243ECT-L/TR?

A: MAX3243CWI+ provides the closest match, maintaining identical 120 Kbps data rate and 300 mV hysteresis specifications in the same 28-SOIC package. It is actively produced by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated with ROHS3 compliance.

Q: What packaging options are available for substitutes?

A: Substitutes are available in three package types: 28-SOIC (standard footprint, 0.295" width), 28-SSOP (compact footprint, 0.209" width), and 28-TSSOP (ultra-compact footprint, 0.173" width). Selection depends on PCB space constraints and manufacturing capabilities.

Q: Are there inventory considerations for long-term supply?

A: ICL3243CBZ-T (1,586 Pcs), MAX3243CDWR (2,196 Pcs), and MAX3243CPWR (45,100 Pcs) show substantial inventory availability. MAX3243CDBR (185,200 Pcs) offers the highest stock level. All are actively produced, ensuring long-term availability for production and support applications.

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