SP232ACT-L - 120kbps RS-232 Transceiver | MaxLinear
MPN: SP232ACT-L ✓ ActiveSP232ACT-L Overview
An RS-232 transceiver is an interface IC that converts between digital logic levels and the bipolar voltage levels used by RS-232 serial links. Within the hierarchy of interface semiconductors, it sits between general-purpose logic ICs and communications transceivers. The SP232ACT-L integrates charge-pump circuitry, transmit drivers, and receive comparators to support point-to-point serial communication over cables or board-level links.
Key features include operation from a 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply, a guaranteed transmission rate of 120 kbps, and compatibility with RS-232F and ITU V.28 requirements. The device operates with 0.1 F ceramic capacitors, supports a 10 V/µs slew rate, and provides enhanced ESD protection up to ±15 kV under the cited IEC 61000-4-2 and HBM test conditions.
The BiCMOS architecture combines low-power CMOS circuitry with bipolar output stages capable of driving RS-232 loads. Its pin-compatible relationship with established industry-standard layouts simplifies replacement and PCB migration. Because the interface uses charge-pump-generated bipolar voltages for transmission, board design must account for capacitor placement, return-current flow, and ESD protection around the external connector.
Typical applications include industrial serial consoles, data acquisition systems, test and measurement equipment, embedded control interfaces, and legacy RS-232 peripheral connections. The 120 kbps rate is suitable for command and control traffic rather than high-bandwidth data transfer.
For reliable implementation, place the charge-pump capacitors close to their associated pins and provide a clean return path between the interface ground and the external connector. Confirm line voltage, cable length, and grounding before assuming the full 120 kbps specification applies to every cable and load arrangement.
This product page combines verified manufacturer and distributor information, drop-in cross-reference data, comparison parameters, and application guidance to support faster component selection, sourcing, and circuit implementation.
Drop-in alternatives for SP232ACT-L — 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 SP232ACT-L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Data Rate, Mounting Type, Package.
SP232EEN-L/TR
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →SP232ACT-L Specifications
| Device Type | RS-232 transceiver |
| Transmit Drivers | 2 |
| Receive Channels | 2 |
| Technology | BiCMOS |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V |
| Operating Supply Range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Data Rate | 120 kbps under load |
| Slew Rate | 10 V/µs |
| Protocol Compliance | EIA/TIA-232, RS-232F, and ITU V.28 |
| Charge-Pump Capacitor Value | 0.1 F |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to 70 C |
| Package | 16-pin SOIC |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
| ESD Protection | ±15 kV IEC 61000-4-2 and/or ±15 kV HBM |
| RoHS Status | RoHS compliant |
| Pin Compatibility | Pin-to-pin compatible with popular industry-standard pinouts |
SP232ACT-L 16-pin soic Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for SP232ACT-L (16-pin soic 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 SP232ACT-L.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
SP232ACT-L is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Serial Console, Data Acquisition Equipment, Test and Measurement Instruments, Embedded Control Interfaces, Legacy Peripheral Connectivity, Point-to-Point Communication Links.
Industrial Serial Console
The SP232ACT-L fits industrial serial consoles that require a dependable RS-232 endpoint on a 5 V logic board. Its 120 kbps under-load rate is more than adequate for terminal commands, configuration transfers, and status polling, while the single 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply avoids a separate negative rail. The 16-pin SOIC format supports compact board placement, and the cited ±15 kV ESD ratings help protect the connector-facing path. Designers should keep the charge-pump capacitors close to the device and provide a robust chassis or signal-ground return to reduce common-mode voltage.
Recommended
Data Acquisition Equipment
SP232ACT-L is appropriate for data-acquisition equipment that exchanges commands and sampled status with a host computer over RS-232. The 120 kbps under-load rate supports control traffic without approaching the limits of the physical interface, and the integrated two-driver, two-receiver arrangement permits bidirectional communication. Its BiCMOS design provides low-power operation from one +5 V supply, reducing the need for negative voltage generation at the system level. The interface remains limited to the specified 0 C to 70 C range, and cable capacitance, grounding, and the remote device’s threshold tolerances should be validated before long-distance deployment.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instruments
The SP232ACT-L can serve as the RS-232 link in bench instruments, programmable supplies, and legacy test systems. A 120 kbps interface is useful for remote commands and measurement results, while the 16-pin SOIC package leaves more board area than a through-hole alternative. Its ±15 kV IEC 61000-4-2 and/or HBM ESD capability is valuable when the transceiver is exposed through an external connector. For reliable measurements, isolate the serial ground appropriately, avoid placing sensitive analog returns beneath the charge-pump area, and verify that the connected instrument uses compatible RS-232F or V.28 signaling.
Recommended
Embedded Control Interfaces
SP232ACT-L provides a practical bridge between a 5 V embedded controller and an RS-232 peripheral. Its 120 kbps rate accommodates boot messages, register access, and supervisory commands, while two transmitters and two receivers support bidirectional point-to-point links. The integrated charge pump removes the need for an external negative supply, and 0.1 F ceramic capacitors simplify BOM selection. The interface should be placed near the serial connector so the protected transceiver side remains short, and system designers must account for the 0 C to 70 C commercial-temperature limit when using the part outside controlled environments.
Recommended
Legacy Peripheral Connectivity
The SP232ACT-L is useful when maintaining or updating equipment that still exposes RS-232 ports through a two-driver, two-receiver interface. Its industry-standard pin compatibility can reduce the effort needed to reproduce an established layout, and its 120 kbps rate closely matches legacy control protocols rather than demanding modern high-speed channels. The single +5 V operation is convenient for replacement boards that previously used CMOS-level serial drivers. Verify the exact pin labels, charge-pump capacitor network, and connector polarity against the manufacturer datasheet before populating the board because package similarity alone does not prove complete electrical interchangeability.
Recommended
Point-to-Point Communication Links
SP232ACT-L supports point-to-point RS-232 links between two circuit boards or between a controller and a serial peripheral. The 120 kbps under-load specification provides useful margin for command-oriented protocols, while the 10 V/µs slew rate helps preserve signal transitions through the driver stage. Its enhanced ESD capability is most valuable when a user-accessible connector is directly exposed. Layout should include a continuous ground reference, minimized stub lengths, and careful separation from switching supplies or high-current return paths, because those factors can degrade noise margin even when the nominal data-rate requirement is satisfied.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for SP232ACT-L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | SP232EEN-L/TR |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | MaxLinear | MaxLinear |
| Package | 16-pin SOIC | 16-pin SOIC |
| Device Type | RS-232 transceiver | RS-232 transceiver |
Key Differentiators
- High-speed single-supply RS-232 operation (vs MAX232CPE+)
- Surface-mount integration (vs MAX232CPE+)
- Documented connector-facing ESD protection (vs SP232EEN-L/TR)
Design Notes
Place the four specified 0.1 F charge-pump capacitors close to their associated SP232ACT-L pins, with short and symmetric traces. The verified device information specifically supports operation with ceramic capacitors, but ESR, DC-bias characteristics, and effective capacitance still matter. Confirm the minimum effective capacitance across temperature and bias using the manufacturer guidance, and avoid routing the charge-pump current through the sensitive receive-return path.
Position the transceiver near the external RS-232 connector so the connector-facing traces remain short. Provide a continuous interface-ground return, connect cable shielding according to the system grounding strategy, and avoid long stubs or shared current paths with motors, relays, or switching power converters. The specified 120 kbps rate is not a guarantee that every long or poorly grounded cable will preserve signal integrity.
Do not treat MAX232CPE+ as a physical drop-in for the SP232ACT-L/TR SOIC board simply because MaxLinear lists the devices as functional equivalents. The MAX232CPE+ uses a through-hole DIP package in the cited ordering, while SP232ACT-L/TR is cataloged as a 16-SOIC. Also verify capacitor values, pin labels, temperature grade, and ESD requirements before substituting any part or approving a second-source BOM entry.
Compliance Information
RoHS-compliant status is stated in the verified component listing. REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals declarations were not supplied. AEC-Q100 is not applicable to the listed commercial RS-232 interface.