SP337EBCT-L/TR Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SP337EBCT-L/TR is a 2/2 full-duplex RS232, RS422, and RS485 transceiver IC manufactured by MaxLinear, Inc., housed in a 28-SOIC surface mount package. This component is classified as obsolete, with 697 units currently available in inventory. Due to its obsolete status, identifying functionally compatible substitute parts is essential for ongoing system design, maintenance, and production continuity.

Substiute Parts

SP337EBCT-L/TR

MaxLinear, Inc.In Stock: 795SP337EBCT-L/TR Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SP338EER1-L/TR

MaxLinear, Inc.In Stock: 1811SP338EER1-L/TR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the SP337EBCT-L/TR is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Protocol compatibility: RS232, RS422, RS485 support
• Transceiver configuration: Full-duplex operation
• Supply voltage range: 3.3V and 5V operation
• Data rate capability: Minimum 250 kbps
• Mounting type: Surface mount technology
• Package compatibility: Physical and electrical footprint considerations

The SP338EER1-L/TR qualifies as a substitute based on these criteria. While it introduces enhanced specifications (higher data rate, extended temperature range, improved receiver hysteresis), it maintains backward compatibility with the core protocol requirements and voltage specifications of the SP337EBCT-L/TR.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The SP338EER1-L/TR is the designated manufacturer substitute for the obsolete SP337EBCT-L/TR. Selection of this substitute is supported by:

• Active product status with confirmed inventory availability (1760 units)
• Identical protocol support and full-duplex transceiver architecture
• Compatible supply voltage specifications for both 3.3V and 5V applications
• RoHS compliance certification, meeting current environmental and regulatory standards
• Enhanced performance specifications (1 Mbps data rate, extended temperature range) that exceed the original part requirements

The SP338EER1-L/TR operates within the electrical and functional envelope required by applications designed for the SP337EBCT-L/TR, with the exception of package form factor differences that require PCB layout modification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the SP338EER1-L/TR directly replace the SP337EBCT-L/TR on existing PCBs?

A: No. The SP337EBCT-L/TR uses a 28-SOIC package, while the SP338EER1-L/TR uses a 40-QFN (6x6) package. PCB layout and footprint redesign is required.

Q: Are the protocol specifications identical between these parts?

A: Yes. Both parts support RS232, RS422, and RS485 protocols with full-duplex operation. Protocol compatibility is maintained.

Q: What is the impact of the different receiver hysteresis values?

A: The SP338EER1-L/TR features 300 mV hysteresis compared to 500 mV in the SP337EBCT-L/TR. This represents improved noise immunity and signal discrimination in the substitute part.

Q: Does the SP338EER1-L/TR support the same supply voltage range?

A: Yes. Both parts operate at 3.3V and 5V. The SP338EER1-L/TR supports these voltages and is compatible with existing power supply designs.

Q: What is the significance of the higher data rate in the SP338EER1-L/TR?

A: The SP338EER1-L/TR supports 1 Mbps compared to 250 kbps in the SP337EBCT-L/TR. This enhanced capability provides headroom for higher-speed serial communication without compromising backward compatibility with lower-speed applications.

Q: Is the SP338EER1-L/TR RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. The SP338EER1-L/TR is RoHS compliant, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements for electronic components.

Q: What is the driver/receiver configuration difference?

A: The SP337EBCT-L/TR provides 2 drivers and 2 receivers. The SP338EER1-L/TR provides 3 drivers and 5 receivers, offering expanded channel capacity for multi-channel serial communication applications.