ADM208ARZ - 4/4 RS-232 Transceiver, 5V, 24-SOIC | Analog Devices
MPN: ADM208ARZ ✓ ActiveADM208ARZ Overview
An RS-232 transceiver is an interface IC that combines voltage-level drivers and receivers for serial data links. In the signal-path hierarchy, the ADM208ARZ is an RS-232 transceiver, also called a line-driver/receiver IC, within the broader interface-IC and semiconductor categories. Its integrated charge-pump converters allow a single-ended 5 V system supply to communicate with conventional ±12 V RS-232 equipment without external power rails.
The ADM208ARZ integrates four RS-232 drivers and four receivers in one package. The manufacturer specifies 200 kB/s operation, low power consumption of 15 mW, and an output swing of approximately ±9 V from a 5 V supply. Charge-pump capacitors may range from 0.1 µF to 10 µF, while receiver inputs tolerate voltages to ±30 V, improving robustness against accidental RS-232-level voltage exposure. These characteristics make the device suitable for multi-channel industrial control, data acquisition, test equipment, and legacy peripheral connections.
The internal architecture uses charge-pump circuitry to develop the negative voltage required by the RS-232 drivers. Four transmit channels independently convert TTL or CMOS logic levels into bipolar RS-232 signals, while four receive channels convert bipolar RS-232 inputs into TTL-compatible logic. The device supports the MAX206 through MAX211 and MAX213 families' pin-compatible interface arrangements, which can simplify qualification of equivalent interface hardware when the electrical ratings remain acceptable for the target design.
Typical applications include four-wire RS-232 links between industrial controllers and instrumentation, laboratory test systems, point-of-sale equipment, printers, and legacy computers. Because four driver and receiver channels are combined in one device, it can reduce component count and board area in multi-port systems. The 5 V supply architecture also avoids generating ±12 V externally in equipment where the enclosure and power budget are constrained.
Design attention should be paid to charge-pump capacitor selection, ground integrity, and the separation between sensitive receive paths and high-energy driver outputs. Place the required capacitors close to their associated pins, use a low-impedance ground plane, and route the receive and transmit nets to avoid parallel runs that could couple edge noise into receiver inputs. Confirm the selected capacitor voltage rating and ESR behavior against the device's recommended operating conditions.
This product page combines the manufacturer's interface specifications with practical pin, replacement, and layout guidance. It also distinguishes true 24-pin drop-in alternatives from devices with different channel counts or package footprints, helping engineers evaluate board reuse without assuming that every RS-232 transceiver is electrically or mechanically interchangeable.
Drop-in alternatives for ADM208ARZ — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with ADM208ARZ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Maximum Data Rate, Package, Driver Output Swing, Interface Standard, Number of Receivers.
MAX211IDWR
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →MAX211CDWR
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →MAX208CPE
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX209CPE
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX210CPE
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ADM208ARZ Specifications
| Product Type | RS-232 transceiver |
| Number of Drivers | 4 |
| Number of Receivers | 4 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Nominal Supply Voltage | 5 V |
| Maximum Data Rate | 200 kB/s |
| Driver Output Swing | Approximately ±9 V |
| Power Consumption | 15 mW |
| Charge-Pump Capacitor Range | 0.1 µF to 10 µF |
| Receiver Input Voltage Tolerance | ±30 V |
| Interface Standard | EIA-232-E and V.28 |
| Package | 24-pin SOIC |
| Package Width | 7.50 mm |
| Packaging | Tube |
| Lead-Free Status | Lead-free |
ADM208ARZ 7.50 mm Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ADM208ARZ (7.50 mm package). Pin numbering, functions, and connection diagrams are defined in the manufacturer datasheet. Refer to it for the exact footprint and soldering guidelines.
No detailed pinout data available for ADM208ARZ.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ADM208ARZ is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Controller RS-232 Expansion, Laboratory Test and Measurement Systems, Data Acquisition and Control, Point-of-Sale and Retail Equipment, Legacy Computer and Peripheral Connectivity, Networked Security and Access Equipment.
Industrial Controller RS-232 Expansion
The ADM208ARZ is suitable for industrial controllers that need several RS-232 ports without supplying external ±12 V rails. Four drivers and four receivers provide a 4/4 interface arrangement from one 5 V supply, while approximately ±9 V output swing supports conventional RS-232 signaling. Its 200 kB/s maximum rate is suitable for configuration links, operator panels, barcode readers, and service equipment. The 24-pin SOIC also allows a controlled transition from a single-channel interface to four channels without changing the supply architecture.
Recommended
Laboratory Test and Measurement Systems
Laboratory instruments often combine a legacy RS-232 port with newer USB- or Ethernet-based control paths. The ADM208ARZ provides four RS-232 channels for instrument triggering, remote commands, and diagnostic communication while operating from a 5 V rail. Its four receivers reduce the number of interface packages needed for multi-instrument control, and receiver input tolerance to ±30 V adds margin against transients on connected cables. Designers should still add appropriate protection for exposed external connectors and verify the complete test-bench grounding scheme.
Recommended
Data Acquisition and Control
The ADM208ARZ fits multi-channel data-acquisition front ends that must aggregate commands from several RS-232 instruments. Four transmit channels can address separate devices, while four receive channels collect acknowledgments and measurements without requiring a separate transceiver for every link. Operation from a single 5 V supply simplifies system power design, and the 200 kB/s rate is sufficient for many short control and monitoring links. Charge-pump components should be positioned near the IC, and receive routes should be kept away from fast output transitions to minimize coupling.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale and Retail Equipment
Retail terminals commonly retain RS-232 connections for scanners, printers, scales, and customer displays. The ADM208ARZ can consolidate several of these legacy ports into one 24-pin SOIC while accepting a convenient 5 V supply. Four full-duplex channels reduce package count, and the approximately ±9 V driver swing is appropriate for standard RS-232 links. In compact equipment, maintain adequate separation between the transceiver and display or switching-supply circuitry, and verify connector-level ESD protection independently from the receiver's ±30 V input tolerance.
Recommended
Legacy Computer and Peripheral Connectivity
The ADM208ARZ provides a practical bridge between modern TTL or CMOS logic and legacy RS-232 equipment such as printers, scanners, and service ports. Its integrated charge pumps generate the required negative driver voltage from a 5 V rail, eliminating a separate ±12 V supply in many embedded systems. Four channels permit simultaneous control and status paths, while the 24-pin SOIC simplifies board-level integration. Firmware should account for the device's maximum 200 kB/s rate and use appropriate cable lengths and grounding for reliable communication with older equipment.
Recommended
Networked Security and Access Equipment
Access-control and security equipment may retain RS-232 for local configuration, diagnostics, or connections to legacy sensors while using Ethernet or another network interface for primary communications. The ADM208ARZ's four-channel 4/4 arrangement can service multiple local links from a single 5 V supply, reducing interface-component count in space-constrained enclosures. Its receiver tolerance to ±30 V is useful in industrial cabinets, although dedicated surge and ESD protection may still be required at externally accessible connectors. Maintain a quiet ground reference and isolate external cables where installation conditions warrant it.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ADM208ARZ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX211IDWR | MAX211CDWR | MAX208CPE | MAX209CPE | MAX210CPE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Analog Devices | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated |
| Package | 24-SOIC | 24-SOIC | 24-SOIC | 24-SOIC | 24-SOIC | 24-SOIC |
| Interface | RS-232 | RS-232 | RS-232 | RS-232 | RS-232 | RS-232 |
Key Differentiators
- Single-supply 4/4 interface with 200 kB/s operation (vs MAX208CPE)
- Low 15 mW operating-power specification (vs MAX211IDWR)
- Four-channel integration without external ±12 V rails (vs MAX202IDWR)
Design Notes
Place the ADM208ARZ charge-pump capacitors close to the pins specified by the manufacturer application diagram. Keep the associated traces short, use a continuous ground reference beneath the interface section, and provide a low-impedance path from the device ground to the system return. Incorrect capacitor placement can increase charge-pump ripple and reduce effective noise performance even when the nominal capacitor values are correct.
Route the four receiver inputs away from the four RS-232 driver outputs and from high-current switching nodes. Avoid long, parallel receive and transmit traces, because shared edge-related coupling can corrupt weak receiver signals. Connect each interface ground reference close to the IC rather than routing driver return current through the sensitive receive area. For externally accessible connectors, add connector-specific ESD and surge protection where required.
Do not treat the ±30 V receiver input tolerance as permission to omit external connector protection. It describes the receiver's stated input range, not an unlimited surge rating. Also avoid assuming that every 24-pin SOIC RS-232 transceiver is interchangeable: check shutdown pins, supply thresholds, driver levels, data rate, charge-pump capacitor requirements, and input impedance before replacing the ADM208ARZ with a MAX206-MAX211 or MAX213 family device.
Compliance Information
The component listing identifies the ADM208ARZ as lead-free. RoHS, REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals status were not stated in the manufacturer excerpts.