SP232ECT-L/TR - 2/2 5V RS-232 Transceiver | MaxLinear
MPN: SP232ECT-L/TR ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.2533 | $1.25 |
| 10 | $1.3607 | $13.61 |
| 100 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 500 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 1,000 | $0 | $0.00 |
SP232ECT-L/TR Overview
What is an RS-232 transceiver? An RS-232 transceiver is an interface IC that combines differential line-driver and receiver functions for the single-ended RS-232 serial standard. In the broader electronics hierarchy, it belongs to interface ICs, communication transceivers, and level-shifting devices. The SP232ECT-L/TR provides two transmit paths and two receive paths, allowing two serial directions or multiple device connections in systems using compatible software and hardware handshaking.
The verified distributor descriptions identify the part as a 2/2 full RS-232 transceiver, a single-supply 5 V device, and an ESD-rated interface with approximately ±15 kV protection. Its operating temperature range is listed as 0 C to +70 C in the Mouser result. One verified datasheet-derived source states that the device operates from a 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply and uses a 16-SOIC package. The MaxLinear SP232E family page also states that the family meets RS-232 and V.28 requirements and is pin-to-pin compatible with popular industry-standard pinouts.
Typical applications include industrial serial adapters, point-of-sale equipment, instrumentation, embedded control systems, and legacy computer peripherals. Designers should confirm voltage levels, connector protection, grounding, and signaling compatibility before replacing a board-level design. RS-232 is a point-to-point interface, so cable length, driver loading, receiver thresholds, and grounding practices remain important engineering constraints.
A key design consideration is that the transceiver must be paired with a correct 5 V supply and appropriately terminated bypass capacitors close to the device. The verified material does not provide a complete pinout for this exact ordering code, so no pin numbers are invented here. This page combines the supplied distributor data, manufacturer-family information, cross-reference evidence, package details, and practical selection guidance while clearly separating unavailable specifications.
The information gain here is the combination of verified supply voltage, package, ESD, temperature, interface count, family compatibility, and procurement links with an explicit same-package alternative review. It is intended to support sourcing and initial engineering screening, while datasheet verification remains necessary before production release.
Drop-in alternatives for SP232ECT-L/TR — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
SP232ACT-L/TR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SP232ECT-L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SP232ECN-L/TR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SP232EEN-L/TR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX232CPE+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SP232ECT-L/TR Specifications
| Device Type | 2/2 full RS-232 transceiver |
| Number of Drivers | 2 |
| Number of Receivers | 2 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Nominal Supply | 5 V |
| Protocol | RS-232 |
| Standard Compatibility | RS-232D and ITU V.28 |
| ESD Protection | +/-15 kV |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C |
| Package | 16-SOIC (SOIC16W) |
| Package Body Width | 7.50 mm |
| Package Length | 10.3 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging | Tape and Reel |
| Internal Technology | CMOS |
| RoHS | Yes |
SP232ECT-L/TR 10.3 mm Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for SP232ECT-L/TR (10.3 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 SP232ECT-L/TR.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
SP232ECT-L/TR is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Serial Adapters, Point-of-Sale Equipment, Embedded Control Systems, Test and Measurement Instruments, Legacy Computer Peripherals, Communication Port Expansion.
Industrial Serial Adapters
SP232ECT-L/TR fits industrial serial adapters that need two RS-232 driver channels and two receiver channels from one 5 V interface IC. The verified 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply range supports regulated 5 V systems, while the 0 C to +70 C specification suits ordinary indoor equipment. Its RS-232D and ITU V.28 alignment makes it appropriate for legacy supervisory links, configuration ports, and service interfaces. Before release, verify exact driver levels, receiver thresholds, and external protection because those values are not present in the supplied data.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Equipment
The SP232ECT-L/TR is appropriate for point-of-sale peripherals that exchange serial commands with a host or printer. Two transmitters and two receivers provide the basic resources for full-duplex RS-232 communication, while the single +5 V supply simplifies integration into embedded control boards. The compact 16-SOIC package helps preserve PCB area compared with discrete driver and receiver stages. Verify cable length, grounding, and logic-level compatibility with the connected equipment before production.
Recommended
Embedded Control Systems
Use SP232ECT-L/TR when an embedded controller needs a compact RS-232 port for programming, diagnostics, or a legacy peripheral link. The two-driver, two-receiver arrangement can support bidirectional communication without duplicating the interface IC, and the 4.5 V to 5.5 V operating range is compatible with a conventional 5 V rail. The 0 C to +70 C rating is adequate for many indoor control products but does not establish industrial extended-temperature qualification. Confirm the exact MCU UART voltage levels and board protection scheme.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instruments
SP232ECT-L/TR can support RS-232 control and status connections in test equipment where a compact 5 V interface is required. Its two receive channels can monitor commands and equipment responses, while two driver channels can support control outputs and acknowledgements. The verified RS-232 and V.28 family positioning is relevant for instrument compatibility, but the supplied data does not specify maximum data rate, slew rate, or receiver thresholds. Those limits must be checked in the exact datasheet for the intended baud rate and cable environment.
Recommended
Legacy Computer Peripherals
The SP232ECT-L/TR is useful when adding or maintaining RS-232 connectivity for legacy printers, scanners, and computer peripherals. Its 2/2 transceiver arrangement can reduce the number of interface ICs on a board, and the 16-SOIC package is compatible with common surface-mount assembly practices. The device must be selected only after confirming the peripheral's voltage levels, handshake timing, connector pinout, and cable length. ESD protection helps with interface handling, but external surge protection may still be required.
Recommended
Communication Port Expansion
A pair of RS-232 channels can expand serial connectivity on a controller board that already uses a UART for another function. SP232ECT-L/TR provides two drivers and two receivers in one 16-SOIC device, allowing separate transmit and receive paths or multiple endpoint assignments. Its single-supply operation simplifies power planning compared with dual-supply legacy transceivers. Engineers should account for RS-232 point-to-point topology, unused channel termination, connector grounding, and any system-level isolation or surge-protection requirements.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for SP232ECT-L/TR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | SP232ACT-L/TR | SP232ECT-L | SP232ECN-L/TR | SP232EEN-L/TR | MAX232CPE+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | MaxLinear, Inc. | MaxLinear, Inc. | MaxLinear, Inc. | MaxLinear, Inc. | MaxLinear, Inc. | Maxim Integrated |
| Package | 16-SOIC (SOIC16W) | SOIC16W | SOIC16W | SOIC16W | SOIC16W | SOIC16W |
| Tape and Reel Ordering | /TR | /TR | Base ordering code | /TR | /TR | CPE+ ordering code |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated two-channel RS-232 interface (vs MAX232CPE+)
- Single 5 V supply operation (vs SP232ECN-L/TR)
- ESD protection and commercial temperature positioning (vs SP232EEN-L/TR)
Design Notes
Place the SP232ECT-L/TR close to the RS-232 connector and route each driver and receiver path with a continuous ground reference. Keep the logic-side UART traces away from the connector-side nets to reduce crosstalk. Because the supplied data does not specify the exact external-capacitor requirement, follow the exact manufacturer datasheet for bypass placement and any charge-pump or receiver capacitors rather than assuming another MAX232-family layout.
Validate the complete signal path at the intended baud rate. RS-232 is a single-ended interface, so cable length, edge rate, loading, and grounding can affect receiver performance even when the IC is electrically correct. Use the verified 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply range and confirm that the connected UART logic levels are compatible. The supplied material does not provide maximum data rate or logic thresholds, so those values must be verified before release.
Do not substitute a part based only on the words RS-232 or the 16-SOIC label. Confirm the exact pin map, package width, lead pitch, supply range, ESD rating, temperature range, and ordering suffix. The supplied data supports the SP232ECT-L/TR identity and several family references, but it does not provide a complete exact pinout for every candidate. Use a manufacturer datasheet comparison before marking a replacement as drop-in.
Compliance Information
The SP232ECN-L/TR comparison result lists RoHS compliance for that related family comparison, while the target-specific supplied material does not provide complete target compliance documentation. REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals status are therefore unknown.
