SP385ECT-L/TR RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SP385ECT-L/TR is a 2/2 full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by MaxLinear, Inc., housed in an 18-SOIC surface mount package. This component is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support, production continuity, and system maintenance. The part operates across a 3V to 5V supply range with a 120 kbps data rate and 500 mV receiver hysteresis, suitable for legacy RS232 communication applications requiring full-duplex operation.

Substiute Parts

SP385ECT-L/TR

MaxLinear, Inc.In Stock: 1211SP385ECT-L/TR Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SP385ECA-L/TR

MaxLinear, Inc.In Stock: 3412SP385ECA-L/TR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

LTC1385CSW#PBF

Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 2836LTC1385CSW#PBF Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

LTC1385CSW#TRPBF

Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 3532LTC1385CSW#TRPBF Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

LTC1385ISW#PBF

Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 1213LTC1385ISW#PBF Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

LTC1385ISW#TRPBF

Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 964LTC1385ISW#TRPBF Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX222CDW

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 1022MAX222CDW Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX222CDWR

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 4385MAX222CDWR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the SP385ECT-L/TR is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• Protocol compatibility (RS232 or RS562)
• Number of drivers/receivers (2/2 configuration)
• Full-duplex operation
• Package type (18-SOIC form factor)
• Voltage supply range overlap (minimum 3V ~ 5V compatibility)
• Data rate capability (minimum 120 kbps)
• Surface mount technology

Substitution Groups:

Group 1: MaxLinear Direct Equivalent SP385ECA-L/TR maintains identical electrical specifications with protocol, driver/receiver count, duplex mode, and voltage supply. The primary difference is package format (20-SSOP vs. 18-SOIC) and active product status, requiring PCB layout modification.

Group 2: Analog Devices LTC1385 Series (RS562 Protocol) LTC1385CSW#PBF, LTC1385CSW#TRPBF, LTC1385ISW#PBF, and LTC1385ISW#TRPBF are functionally equivalent transceivers with identical 2/2 configuration and full-duplex operation. These parts operate under RS562 protocol with 18-SOIC package compatibility. Voltage supply range is narrower (3V ~ 3.6V), requiring verification against system design. The LTC1385I variants support extended temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C).

Group 3: Texas Instruments MAX222 Series (RS232 Protocol) MAX222CDW and MAX222CDWR are RS232 transceivers with 2/2 configuration and full-duplex operation in 18-SOIC packages. These parts are obsolete with higher data rate capability (200 kbps) but require narrower voltage supply (4.5V ~ 5.5V), limiting compatibility with 3V systems.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Pin-Compatible Replacement (18-SOIC Package):

SP385ECA-L/TR is the preferred substitute, offering identical electrical specifications and active product status. This part maintains RS232 protocol compatibility, 3V ~ 5V supply range, and 500 mV receiver hysteresis. The transition from obsolete to active status ensures long-term availability and supply chain stability. No design modifications are required beyond component substitution.

For Extended Temperature Range Applications:

LTC1385ISW#PBF and LTC1385ISW#TRPBF support -40°C ~ 85°C operating range, exceeding the original SP385ECT-L/TR specification. These parts maintain 18-SOIC package compatibility and active product status. Voltage supply range (3V ~ 3.6V) is narrower than the original, requiring system voltage verification. RS562 protocol compatibility must be confirmed with system requirements.

For 3V ~ 5V Supply Range with Active Status:

LTC1385CSW#PBF and LTC1385CSW#TRPBF provide 18-SOIC package compatibility and active product status. Voltage supply limitation (3V ~ 3.6V) restricts use to 3V systems only. RS562 protocol operation requires protocol compatibility verification.

For Highest Data Rate Capability:

MAX222CDW and MAX222CDWR support 200 kbps data rate with RS232 protocol and 18-SOIC packages. Both parts are obsolete with restricted voltage supply (4.5V ~ 5.5V), limiting compatibility to 5V systems. These options are suitable only when higher data rate is required and 5V operation is confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SP385ECA-L/TR replace SP385ECT-L/TR without PCB modification?

A: SP385ECA-L/TR uses a 20-SSOP package versus the original 18-SOIC, requiring PCB layout modification. Electrical specifications are identical, but physical footprint differs. Direct socket substitution is not possible.

Q: Are LTC1385 series parts compatible with 5V systems?

A: LTC1385 series parts operate within 3V ~ 3.6V supply range. Systems requiring 5V operation cannot use these parts without voltage regulation modifications.

Q: What is the difference between RS232 and RS562 protocols in these transceivers?

A: Both protocols support 2/2 transceiver configuration and full-duplex operation. Protocol selection depends on system requirements. Verify system documentation before substituting between protocol types.

Q: Why do LTC1385ISW variants have extended temperature range?

A: The "I" temperature grade designation indicates industrial-grade components rated for -40°C ~ 85°C operation, compared to commercial-grade "C" variants at 0°C ~ 70°C. Extended range is provided by the manufacturer as a standard product option.

Q: What does MSL rating mean for component selection?

A: Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) indicates storage and handling requirements. MSL 1 (Unlimited) parts have no moisture exposure restrictions. MSL 3 (168 Hours) parts require controlled storage and must be used within specified timeframes after packaging opening. Higher MSL ratings require more stringent handling procedures.

Q: Can MAX222 series parts operate at 3V?

A: MAX222CDW and MAX222CDWR require 4.5V ~ 5.5V supply voltage. These parts cannot operate at 3V and are unsuitable for systems with lower voltage requirements.

Q: Which substitute offers the best long-term availability?

A: SP385ECA-L/TR, LTC1385CSW#TRPBF, LTC1385ISW#TRPBF, and all LTC1385 variants have active product status, ensuring continued manufacturing and supply. MAX222 series parts are obsolete and face potential discontinuation.