SP3232EA-L - 16-SSOP 120kbps RS-232 Transceiver | Sipex
MPN: SP3232EA-L ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.273 | $0.27 |
| 10 | $0.273 | $2.73 |
| 100 | $0.273 | $27.30 |
| 500 | $0.273 | $136.50 |
| 1,000 | $0.273 | $273.00 |
SP3232EA-L Overview
An RS-232 transceiver is an interface IC that combines a differential line driver and receiver with the voltage-level conversion required by the RS-232 standard. In the broader electronics hierarchy, it belongs to communication interfaces, then interface ICs, and finally semiconductor signal-conditioning devices. The SP3232EA series was designed for notebook, palmtop, and other portable applications where a compact interface must translate low-voltage logic signals to and from RS-232 levels.
Key documented features include a +3.0 V to +5.5 V operating supply range, operation down to +2.7 V power-source conditions according to the retrieved technical listing, minimum 120 kbps data rate under full load, and enhanced ESD specifications of ±15 kV. The SP3232E family uses a high-efficiency charge-pump power supply with 0.1 µF capacitors in 3.3 V operation, helping the interface generate the bipolar RS-232 voltage levels required by the standard while reducing external capacitor count.
The retrieved datasheet material identifies the SP3222E/SP3232E family as an RS-232 transceiver solution for portable or hand-held equipment. The SP3232EA-L designation identifies the specific -L ordering variant, while the underlying family documentation supplies the electrical operating information. Exact pin names, package dimensions, receiver propagation delay, transmitter output levels, and absolute maximum ratings should be confirmed against the applicable Sipex or MaxLinear datasheet before layout release.
Typical applications include RS-232 links in portable computers, serial adapters, embedded serial consoles, battery-powered instruments, and industrial equipment requiring a low-voltage logic interface to a legacy RS-232 port. In a portable design, the receiver can remain active during shutdown if the system must detect a remote signal while reducing transmitter power. In a cable-connected instrument, the charge pump and external capacitors should be placed close to the device to minimize switching noise and maintain signal integrity.
The main design consideration is confirming that the selected SSOP footprint, pinout, supply voltage, and logic levels match the PCB before substitution. For a production release, verify ESD protection requirements, cable protection, grounding, and the exact electrical limits from the official manufacturer datasheet rather than relying only on distributor summaries. This page combines retrieved manufacturer-family information, distributor links, and engineering guidance while clearly identifying data that still requires datasheet confirmation.
Drop-in alternatives for SP3232EA-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 SP3232EA-L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Data Rate, ESD Protection, Product Type, Package, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
SP3232EEA-L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SP3232ECA-L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX3232CD
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.7831 / Unit
View Datasheet →MAX232DG4
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →MAX3221EAE+
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.52 / Unit
View Datasheet →SP3232EA-L Specifications
| Product Type | RS-232 transceiver IC |
| Transmitter and Receiver Configuration | 1 transmitter and 1 receiver |
| Supply Voltage Range | +3.0 V to +5.5 V |
| Low-Voltage Interoperability | RS-232 interoperable down to +2.7 V power source |
| Data Rate | Minimum 120 kbps under full load |
| Standard Compliance | True EIA/TIA-232-F standards |
| Shutdown Feature | 1 µA low-power shutdown with receivers active (SP3222) |
| Enhanced ESD Specifications | ±15 kV |
| Charge-Pump Operation | High-efficiency charge-pump power supply |
| External Capacitor Requirement | 0.1 µF capacitors in 3.3 V operation |
| Nominal Package | 16-SSOP |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
SP3232EA-L 16-ssop Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for SP3232EA-L (16-ssop 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 SP3232EA-L.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
SP3232EA-L is suitable for 6 applications: Portable Computer Serial Port, Embedded RS-232 Debug Console, Battery-Powered Serial Adapter, Industrial Serial Instrument, RS-232-to-Logic Test Adapter, Handheld Data Terminal Interface.
Portable Computer Serial Port
The SP3232EA-L fits a compact RS-232 port on a portable computer or handheld service device because it combines one transmitter, one receiver, and a charge-pump supply in a 16-SSOP package. Its +3.0 V to +5.5 V supply range supports low-voltage embedded systems, while the minimum 120 kbps data rate is suitable for conventional serial links. The retrieved documentation specifically identifies notebook and palmtop computers as target applications. Designers should still place the specified 0.1 µF charge-pump capacitors close to the device and verify the exact package pinout before layout release.
Recommended
Embedded RS-232 Debug Console
The SP3232EA-L is suitable for connecting a low-voltage embedded controller to a legacy RS-232 debug console when the target supports at least 120 kbps. Its true EIA/TIA-232-F interface behavior and +3.0 V to +5.5 V supply range provide a compact bridge between modern logic levels and a cable-based serial port. The charge-pump architecture reduces the external capacitor requirement to 0.1 µF in 3.3 V operation according to the retrieved family documentation. Confirm connector pinout, cable length, ground continuity, and protection requirements for the deployed environment.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Serial Adapter
The SP3232EA-L can be used in a battery-powered serial adapter where the host operates from a low-voltage rail and the RS-232 link must remain physically robust. The documented +3.0 V to +5.5 V range is compatible with common embedded supply systems, and the device provides a minimum 120 kbps data rate under full load. For low-power designs, verify whether the exact -L variant supports the family shutdown options before assigning the enable or shutdown function. The interface should be paired with an appropriate low-power UART and connector protection.
Recommended
Industrial Serial Instrument
The SP3232EA-L is appropriate for industrial serial instruments that expose a service or configuration port through RS-232. The interface’s true EIA/TIA-232-F behavior and minimum 120 kbps rate support conventional control and diagnostic links, while the 16-SSOP package helps preserve board area. Use the device’s ESD capability as part of the system design, not as a substitute for connector-level protection. Verify operating temperature, receiver thresholds, and absolute maximum ratings from the official datasheet because those values were not available in the retrieved snippets.
Recommended
RS-232-to-Logic Test Adapter
The SP3232EA-L can form the electrical interface section of a small RS-232-to-logic test adapter used for bring-up and service diagnostics. Its single transmitter and receiver provide the basic bidirectional signal conversion, while the charge-pump supply supports operation from +3.0 V to +5.5 V. The documented minimum 120 kbps rate is useful for common UART test traffic, but cable integrity and signal-return paths remain external concerns. A test adapter should include defined connector protection, accessible test points, and a verified ground arrangement.
Recommended
Handheld Data Terminal Interface
The SP3232EA-L matches handheld data terminals that need a wired RS-232 link without allocating a large connector or discrete level-shifter area. The retrieved documentation explicitly describes the SP3232E family as intended for portable and hand-held applications. Its compact 16-SSOP construction integrates the line driver, receiver, and charge-pump functions, while the +3.0 V to +5.5 V range supports compact system rails. Validate battery-life impact, shutdown behavior, and connector ESD requirements using the exact ordering-variant datasheet before production.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for SP3232EA-L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | SP3232EEA-L | SP3232ECA-L | MAX3232CD | MAX232DG4 | MAX3221EAE+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Sipex | MaxLinear | MaxLinear | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated |
Key Differentiators
- Documented true RS-232 operation from a 3.0 V to 5.5 V supply (vs SP3232EEA-L)
- Minimum 120 kbps operation under full load (vs SP3232ECA-L)
- Enhanced ESD specification (vs MAX3232CD)
- Low-voltage charge-pump implementation (vs MAX232DG4)
Design Notes
Use the manufacturer’s exact SSOP footprint and pin numbering before routing the PCB. The retrieved material does not provide a safe pin-by-pin diagram for SP3232EA-L, so do not infer connections from package size or family naming. Place the 0.1 µF charge-pump capacitors specified for 3.3 V operation close to the relevant device pins, and route the RS-232 connector interface with a continuous ground reference. Verify all dimensions against the official package drawing before fabrication.
Design the SP3232EA-L supply rail for the documented +3.0 V to +5.5 V range and provide local decoupling close to the device. The charge-pump supply generates the bipolar voltage required for RS-232 signaling, so supply and capacitor placement directly affect signal quality. Check startup, current consumption, and capacitor tolerance against the exact manufacturer datasheet rather than relying on the SP3222 or SP3232E family summary alone.
Do not assume that every SP3232E, SP3222E, SP3232EEA-L, or SP3232ECA-L variant has identical shutdown behavior, pin functions, or absolute maximum ratings. The retrieved shutdown claim specifically references the SP3222 variant, while the supplied alternatives are comparison candidates rather than confirmed drop-ins. Before replacing SP3232EA-L, compare the official pin tables, supply limits, receiver thresholds, data-rate conditions, ESD ratings, and charge-pump capacitor values.
Compliance Information
The supplied search snippets do not provide verified RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals status for SP3232EA-L. AEC-Q100 is not applicable to this general-purpose interface IC based on the supplied category and data.
