SP385EEA-L RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SP385EEA-L is a 2/2 full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by MaxLinear, Inc., housed in a 20-SSOP surface mount package. This interface IC is designed for serial communication applications requiring RS232 protocol support with integrated driver and receiver functionality. The part is currently discontinued at DiGi Electronics, necessitating identification of functionally equivalent alternatives from active product lines. Substitute parts must maintain compatibility across electrical specifications, mechanical packaging, and communication protocol requirements.

Substiute Parts

SP385EEA-L

MaxLinear, Inc.In Stock: 1164SP385EEA-L Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

ADM1385ARSZ

Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 2087ADM1385ARSZ Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

ADM1385ARSZ-REEL7

Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 3890ADM1385ARSZ-REEL7 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

LTC1385CG#PBF

Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 2149LTC1385CG#PBF Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

LTC1385CG#TRPBF

Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 2396LTC1385CG#TRPBF Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

LTC1385IG#PBF

Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 2132LTC1385IG#PBF Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

LTC1385IG#TRPBF

Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 1004LTC1385IG#TRPBF Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SP385EEA-L is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Compatibility Criteria:

• Protocol: RS232 (mandatory match)
• Number of Drivers/Receivers: 2/2 (mandatory match)
• Duplex: Full (mandatory match)
• Package / Case: 20-SSOP (mandatory match)
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount (mandatory match)

Secondary Compatibility Criteria:

• Voltage - Supply: Must encompass or be compatible with 3V ~ 5V range
• Operating Temperature: Must support -40°C ~ 85°C range or subset thereof
• Data Rate: Must support minimum 120 Kbps
• Receiver Hysteresis: Acceptable range 400 mV ~ 500 mV

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on protocol specification:

Group 1 - RS232 Protocol (Direct Substitutes): ADM1385ARSZ and ADM1385ARSZ-REEL7 maintain RS232 protocol compatibility with identical 2/2 transceiver configuration and 20-SSOP packaging.

Group 2 - RS562 Protocol (Protocol Variant): LTC1385CG#PBF, LTC1385CG#TRPBF, LTC1385IG#PBF, and LTC1385IG#TRPBF operate under RS562 protocol specification. These parts share identical mechanical packaging and transceiver configuration but differ in communication protocol. Selection of RS562 variants requires confirmation that the target application supports RS562 protocol or can operate with protocol-compatible devices.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For RS232 Protocol Applications (Direct Substitution):

ADM1385ARSZ and ADM1385ARSZ-REEL7 are the primary substitutes for SP385EEA-L. Both parts are manufactured by Analog Devices Inc., maintain active product status, and provide RS232 protocol compatibility with identical 2/2 transceiver configuration and 20-SSOP packaging. The ADM1385 series offers improved data rate capability (460 Kbps versus 120 Kbps) and superior moisture sensitivity rating (MSL 1 Unlimited versus MSL 2 1 Year). Both parts comply with ROHS3 standards and support the full -40°C ~ 85°C operating temperature range.

The primary electrical difference is the supply voltage range: ADM1385 variants operate at 3V ~ 3.6V, whereas SP385EEA-L supports 3V ~ 5V. Applications requiring 5V operation must confirm compatibility with the 3V ~ 3.6V specification of the substitute.

ADM1385ARSZ is supplied in Tube packaging, while ADM1385ARSZ-REEL7 is supplied in Cut Tape & Digi-Reel format. Selection between these variants depends on procurement and assembly requirements.

For RS562 Protocol Applications (Protocol Variant Substitution):

LTC1385 series parts (LTC1385CG#PBF, LTC1385CG#TRPBF, LTC1385IG#PBF, LTC1385IG#TRPBF) operate under RS562 protocol specification. These parts are suitable only for applications that support RS562 protocol or can operate with protocol-compatible devices. All LTC1385 variants maintain 2/2 transceiver configuration, full-duplex operation, and 20-SSOP packaging.

LTC1385CG variants operate at 0°C ~ 70°C temperature range, which is narrower than SP385EEA-L. LTC1385IG variants support the full -40°C ~ 85°C operating temperature range, matching the original part specification.

Packaging options for LTC1385 series include Tube (PBF suffix) and Tape & Reel (TRPBF suffix) formats.

Compliance and Certification:

All substitute parts comply with ROHS3 standards and carry REACH Unaffected status. Moisture sensitivity levels for all substitutes are rated MSL 1 (Unlimited), providing superior handling and storage characteristics compared to the original SP385EEA-L (MSL 2, 1 Year).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can ADM1385ARSZ directly replace SP385EEA-L in my application?

A: ADM1385ARSZ is mechanically and functionally compatible with SP385EEA-L for RS232 protocol applications. Both parts use identical 20-SSOP packaging and support 2/2 full-duplex transceiver operation. The primary consideration is supply voltage: ADM1385ARSZ operates at 3V ~ 3.6V, while SP385EEA-L supports 3V ~ 5V. If your application requires 5V operation, confirm that the substitute's 3V ~ 3.6V specification is compatible with your circuit design.

Q: What is the difference between ADM1385ARSZ and ADM1385ARSZ-REEL7?

A: Both parts are electrically and functionally identical. The difference is packaging format: ADM1385ARSZ is supplied in Tube packaging, while ADM1385ARSZ-REEL7 is supplied in Cut Tape & Digi-Reel format. Selection depends on your procurement and assembly process requirements.

Q: Can I use LTC1385 parts as substitutes for SP385EEA-L?

A: LTC1385 parts are mechanically compatible (20-SSOP package, 2/2 transceiver configuration) but operate under RS562 protocol instead of RS232. These parts are suitable only if your application supports RS562 protocol or can operate with protocol-compatible devices. Confirm protocol compatibility before selection.

Q: What is the difference between LTC1385CG and LTC1385IG variants?

A: Both variants operate under RS562 protocol with identical electrical specifications. The primary difference is operating temperature range: LTC1385CG supports 0°C ~ 70°C, while LTC1385IG supports -40°C ~ 85°C. For applications requiring full industrial temperature range operation, LTC1385IG is the appropriate selection.

Q: What is the difference between PBF and TRPBF packaging suffixes?

A: PBF indicates Tube packaging format, while TRPBF indicates Tape & Reel (TR) packaging format. Both formats contain identical parts; the difference is in the delivery and handling method. Selection depends on your assembly process and procurement requirements.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: All substitute parts comply with ROHS3 standards. The original SP385EEA-L is RoHS Compliant. All substitutes carry REACH Unaffected status, indicating no REACH-regulated substances of concern.

Q: What is the advantage of the ADM1385 series over the original SP385EEA-L?

A: ADM1385 parts offer higher data rate capability (460 Kbps versus 120 Kbps), superior moisture sensitivity rating (MSL 1 Unlimited versus MSL 2 1 Year), and active product status with ongoing manufacturer support. These improvements provide better long-term availability and handling characteristics.

Q: Can I mix substitute parts from different manufacturers in the same application?

A: All substitute parts maintain identical mechanical packaging (20-SSOP) and transceiver configuration (2/2 full-duplex). However, protocol differences exist: ADM1385 parts use RS232, while LTC1385 parts use RS562. Mixing parts with different protocols in the same application is not recommended unless the application architecture supports protocol-independent operation.