SP232ECN-L - ±15kV ESD 5V RS-232 IC | MaxLinear
MPN: SP232ECN-L ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
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| 1 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 10 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 100 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 500 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 1,000 | $0 | $0.00 |
SP232ECN-L Overview
An RS-232 transceiver is a line-interface IC that combines digital-to-analog transmit drivers with analog-to-digital receive inputs. The SP232ECN-L belongs to the RS-232 interface family, which connects TTL/CMOS logic to the charge-balanced, bipolar signaling used by RS-232 ports. Its two drivers and two receivers support two serial channels in one package.
The principal verified features include operation from a single +5 V supply, compatibility with RS-232 and V.28 protocols, 2/2 transceiver organization, and enhanced ESD tolerance identified in the supplied search results as ±15 kV. The device is available from the verified distributor pages in a 16-pin SOIC package, and the results describe it as a CMOS line transceiver with TTL-compatible interfacing.
The SP232ECN-L is suitable for industrial and embedded systems that need a compact, dual-channel RS-232 port without a separate driver and receiver IC for each direction. Typical uses include service-console interfaces, configuration ports, instrumentation, and control equipment. Its integrated 2/2 organization reduces board area and simplifies firmware allocation compared with separate single-channel devices, while the single +5 V supply simplifies system power design.
For layout, place the transceiver close to the connector and route driver outputs and receiver inputs as a protected differential class rather than as ordinary low-speed logic nets. Keep the external protection-network and bypass-capacitor loops compact, observe the datasheet’s recommended capacitor and grounding arrangements, and verify the selected package’s pin numbering before PCB release. The SP232ECN-L is a wired serial-interface device, so its cable length, grounding, shielding, and protection strategy must be designed with the complete RS-232 system in mind.
This page combines verified distributor identifiers, package information, protocol references, temperature information, and drop-in replacement context to support component selection. Exact pricing, electrical timing values, pin-level details, lifecycle status, and manufacturer compliance declarations were not present in the supplied verified data and are therefore not guessed here.
Drop-in alternatives for SP232ECN-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 SP232ECN-L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Supply Voltage, Mounting Type, Data Rate, ESD Protection.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
SP232AEN-L/TR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.3941 / Unit
View Datasheet →SP233AEN-L/TR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SP310AEN-L/TR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SP312AEN-L/TR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SP202ECN-L/TR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SP232EEN-L/TR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SP232ECN-L Specifications
| Product Type | RS-232 line transceiver |
| Channel Organization | 2 drivers and 2 receivers |
| Supply Voltage | Single +5 V supply |
| Operating Supply Range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| ESD Protection | ±15 kV |
| Protocol Compatibility | RS-232 and V.28 |
| Logic Interface | CMOS/TTL |
| Temperature Range | 0°C to 70°C |
| Package | 16-pin SOIC |
| Package Length | 9.9 mm |
| Package Width | 3.9 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
| Technology | CMOS |
| Driver Count | 2 |
| Receiver Count | 2 |
| ESD Model | ±15 kV HBM and ±15 kV IEC 61000-4-2 |
| RoHS Status | Yes |
SP232ECN-L 3.9 mm Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for SP232ECN-L (3.9 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 SP232ECN-L.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
SP232ECN-L is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Service Console, Embedded Configuration Port, Instrumentation Control Interface, Data Acquisition Equipment, POS and Peripheral Connectivity, Communication and Network Equipment.
Industrial Service Console
The SP232ECN-L fits an industrial service console that needs two RS-232 paths in a compact 16-pin SOIC footprint. Its 2/2 arrangement supports two transmit and two receive functions without requiring separate single-channel transceiver packages. The verified 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply range suits a regulated 5 V control board, while the stated ±15 kV ESD capability helps protect connector-adjacent circuitry. The design should still include verified external surge protection, correct grounding, and datasheet-approved bypass capacitors.
Recommended
Embedded Configuration Port
A configuration port on an embedded controller can use the SP232ECN-L to translate CMOS/TTL logic into RS-232 signaling for a service laptop or test fixture. The two receivers provide useful flexibility when the host needs more than one status or handshake input, and the two drivers can serve separate outbound lines. Since the verified data does not specify maximum baud rate or exact logic thresholds, the controller timing and cable topology must be validated from the manufacturer datasheet before production.
Recommended
Instrumentation Control Interface
The SP232ECN-L is appropriate for legacy test and measurement equipment that retains an RS-232 control interface. Its single +5 V operation and 2/2 channel organization simplify a controller board built around 5 V CMOS logic, while the 16-pin SOIC package is compatible with conventional surface-mount assembly. The verified operating range of 0°C to 70°C suits commercial indoor equipment, but it should not be assumed adequate for hot industrial enclosures without a separate thermal review.
Recommended
Data Acquisition Equipment
A data-acquisition instrument can use the SP232ECN-L for a host-control or calibration link when the external interface is RS-232 rather than RS-485 or USB. The integrated two-driver/two-receiver arrangement helps consolidate control, status, and handshake lines into one package. The verified data identifies RS-232 and V.28 protocol compatibility and enhanced ESD protection, but it does not provide receiver noise, threshold, or data-rate values; those parameters must be checked before setting baud rate or designing long cable runs.
Recommended
POS and Peripheral Connectivity
Point-of-sale equipment, printers, and peripheral controllers often retain RS-232 ports for legacy compatibility. The SP232ECN-L provides two driver and two receiver functions in one 16-pin SOIC package, reducing board area compared with separate transceivers. Its 5 V supply requirement must match the system rail, and its connector-side nets should be routed with appropriate return-path and ESD protection. The verified 0°C to 70°C rating is suitable for many indoor commercial products but not automatically sufficient for outdoor kiosks.
Recommended
Communication and Network Equipment
The SP232ECN-L can support a legacy management or diagnostic connection on communication equipment that bridges a 5 V controller to an RS-232 service port. The integrated 2/2 structure can reduce component count when both transmit and receive paths are needed. The verified RS-232/V.28 description supports protocol-level selection, but deployment in a network chassis still requires connector-level ESD, surge, grounding, and cable-fault review rather than relying only on the IC’s stated ±15 kV ESD capability.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for SP232ECN-L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | SP232AEN-L/TR | SP233AEN-L/TR | SP310AEN-L/TR | SP312AEN-L/TR | SP202ECN-L/TR | SP232EEN-L/TR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | SOIC-16 | SOIC-16 | SOIC-16 | SOIC-16 | SOIC-16 | SOIC-16 | SOIC-16 |
| Brand | MaxLinear | MaxLinear | MaxLinear | MaxLinear | MaxLinear | MaxLinear | MaxLinear |
| Protocol | RS-232 and V.28 | RS-232/V.28 family compatibility | RS-232/V.28 family compatibility | RS-232/V.28 family compatibility | RS-232/V.28 family compatibility | RS-232/V.28 family compatibility | RS-232/V.28 family compatibility |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated dual-channel RS-232 interface (vs SP232AEN-L/TR)
- Verified enhanced ESD positioning (vs SP202ECN-L/TR)
- Single +5 V supply operation (vs SP233AEN-L/TR)
Design Notes
Place the SP232ECN-L near the RS-232 connector and keep the transceiver-side nets short and isolated from clocks, switching converters, and sensitive analog inputs. Route the transmit and receive pairs as a controlled external-interface class, maintain a continuous return strategy, and place any TVS or series termination exactly where the connector-entry requirements specify. Verify the connector pin numbering against the actual PCB footprint before release.
Use a regulated 5 V rail within the verified 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply range and place the datasheet-recommended bypass capacitors close to the supply and ground pins. Because the supplied data does not provide the device’s maximum supply current, transient response, or decoupling values, do not estimate those values from generic RS-232 designs. Select the rail capacity and capacitor voltage rating from the exact manufacturer datasheet and the measured load plus cable-related transients.
Do not substitute a part solely because it is described as an RS-232 transceiver. Confirm all 16 pins, active or inactive shutdown pins, driver polarity, receiver enable behavior, supply limits, logic thresholds, data rate, and ESD test conditions. The supplied MaxLinear cross-reference supports family-level pin compatibility, but it does not provide a complete electrical matrix for every listed alternative. Treat unreviewed package-compatible parts as candidates, not approved drop-ins.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance is indicated as Yes in the supplied comparison result. No verified REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, conflict-minerals, or AEC-Q100 data was provided. The stated ±15 kV ESD capability refers to device protection and does not establish full-system regulatory compliance.
