SP3232ECP-L - Dual RS-232 Transceiver | MaxLinear, Inc.
MPN: SP3232ECP-L ✓ ActiveSP3232ECP-L Overview
An RS-232 transceiver is an interface IC that converts logic-level signals between a host or controller and a serial port using differential, bipolar voltage levels. The SP3232ECP-L belongs to the RS-232 interface transceiver hierarchy, combining transmitter, receiver, voltage conversion, and power-management functions in one package. This integration is useful in portable equipment, industrial controllers, and embedded systems that need a compact, single-supply RS-232 connection.
Key features include a 3 V to 5.5 V operating supply range, two transmit channels, two receive channels, and a maximum data rate of 120 kbps. The efficient charge-pump architecture generates the required bipolar RS-232 levels without an external switched power-supply circuit. A 0.1 uF charge-pump capacitor value in 3.3 V operation reduces external component count, while the 16-pin DIP package supports conventional through-hole assembly.
The SP3232E family architecture uses on-chip charge pumps to develop positive and negative voltage rails required for compliant RS-232 signaling. The charge-pump capacitors must be connected close to their associated pins to minimize switching noise and maintain stable operation. The shutdown function can reduce supply current to 1 uA when the receivers are active, making the device suitable for systems that need low standby consumption without continuously disabling inbound serial communication.
Typical applications include RS-232 ports on portable computers, point-of-sale terminals, industrial control equipment, test systems, and embedded serial adapters. The device is particularly appropriate where a 3.3 V system needs true RS-232 levels rather than logic-level TTL signaling. It can also simplify existing designs that use a higher-voltage supply, provided the host voltage, cable length, grounding, and signal-rate requirements remain compatible.
Designers should follow the manufacturer datasheet for the exact pin assignments, charge-pump capacitor configuration, receiver enable behavior, and recommended decoupling. Place the charge-pump capacitors and receiver-input protection network according to the specified layout, use a suitable bypass capacitor at the supply pin, and confirm that the connected cable and logic levels match the system's electrical requirements.
This page consolidates the verified electrical characteristics, package information, application guidance, and design considerations for engineers evaluating the SP3232ECP-L. It also distinguishes confirmed drop-in alternatives from unavailable or functionally different options so that replacement decisions are based on package and pin compatibility rather than name similarity alone.
Drop-in alternatives for SP3232ECP-L — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
No drop-in alternatives available for this product.
Request AlternativesSP3232ECP-L Specifications
| Product Type | RS-232 transceiver |
| Number of Drivers | 2 |
| Number of Receivers | 2 |
| Operating Supply Voltage Range | 3 V to 5.5 V |
| Maximum Data Rate | 120 kbps |
| Supply Current | 1 mA |
| Low-Power Shutdown Current | 1 uA with receivers active |
| Charge-Pump Capacitor | 0.1 uF in 3.3 V operation |
| Interface Standard | EIA/TIA-232-F |
| Package | 16-pin DIP |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole |
| Supply Configuration | Single supply |
SP3232ECP-L 16-pin dip Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for SP3232ECP-L (16-pin dip 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 SP3232ECP-L.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
SP3232ECP-L is suitable for 6 applications: Portable Computer RS-232 Port, Point-of-Sale Terminal Interface, Industrial Controller Serial Link, Test and Measurement Equipment, Low-Power Serial Adapter, Embedded Service Console.
Portable Computer RS-232 Port
The SP3232ECP-L fits portable and handheld equipment that needs a true RS-232 interface from a low-voltage digital rail. Its 3 V to 5.5 V operating range allows use with a 3.3 V or 5 V system, while the integrated charge-pump supply needs only 0.1 uF capacitors in 3.3 V operation. Two drivers and two receivers support bidirectional serial communication through a DB-style connector. The 16-pin DIP package favors compact through-hole legacy designs, and the 120 kbps rate comfortably supports many configuration and control protocols.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Terminal Interface
The SP3232ECP-L can provide the physical-layer interface between a point-of-sale controller and a legacy RS-232 peripheral. Its two transmitters and two receivers allow two serial channels to be assigned to separate equipment or arranged for bidirectional communication. Operating from a single 3 V to 5.5 V supply simplifies power architecture in compact terminals, and the charge-pump-based voltage generation avoids a separate external RS-232 power circuit. Designers should confirm connector signaling, ground continuity, and whether the attached peripheral requires hardware handshaking.
Recommended
Industrial Controller Serial Link
For an embedded controller communicating with RS-232 equipment, the SP3232ECP-L combines level conversion, charge-pump generation, two drivers, and two receivers in one 16-pin DIP device. The 3 V to 5.5 V input range supports common industrial logic rails, while operation up to 120 kbps covers many configuration, diagnostic, and supervisory protocols. Its through-hole package is useful for prototypes and serviceable control boards. Industrial deployments still require normal surge, ESD, grounding, and cable-fault analysis at the connector boundary.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Equipment
The SP3232ECP-L is appropriate for legacy RS-232 control and data ports on test instruments, programmers, and laboratory adapters. The 120 kbps maximum rate supports moderate-speed command traffic, and the two-channel architecture can connect a controller to a peripheral while leaving another channel available. A 3.3 V-compatible charge-pump arrangement simplifies integration with modern digital control sections. Choose appropriate protection at externally accessible connectors and verify the instrument's handshake and signal-polarity requirements before enabling the interface.
Recommended
Low-Power Serial Adapter
The SP3232ECP-L suits a battery- or power-constrained serial adapter that must retain receive capability during standby. Its shutdown configuration is specified at 1 uA with the receivers active, allowing the host to reduce system demand without completely disconnecting inbound RS-232 signals. The same device provides two transmitters and two receivers for complete port functionality, runs from a 3 V to 5.5 V supply, and uses only 0.1 uF charge-pump capacitors in 3.3 V operation. Firmware should manage the shutdown state around the host power sequence.
Recommended
Embedded Service Console
The SP3232ECP-L can bridge a modern embedded processor to an RS-232 service or configuration connector. Its two drivers and two receivers support full-duplex serial links, while the single 3 V to 5.5 V supply operation reduces the number of external rails required near the connector. The charge-pump architecture produces the bipolar levels needed for RS-232 without a separate switching power supply. PCB implementation should follow the manufacturer capacitor placement and provide a stable ground path between the logic system, transceiver, and connected equipment.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for SP3232ECP-L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product |
|---|---|
| Brand | MaxLinear, Inc. |
| Package | 16-pin DIP |
| Product Type | RS-232 transceiver |
| Number of Drivers | 2 |
| Number of Receivers | 2 |
| Operating Supply Voltage Range | 3 V to 5.5 V |
| Maximum Data Rate | 120 kbps |
| Charge-Pump Capacitor | 0.1 uF in 3.3 V operation |
| Shutdown Current | 1 uA with receivers active |
| Interface Standard | EIA/TIA-232-F |
Design Notes
Place the two 0.1 uF charge-pump capacitors close to their associated SP3232ECP-L pins and follow the exact configuration shown in the manufacturer datasheet. Short capacitor traces reduce charge-pump switching noise and voltage disturbance on nearby logic. Keep the ground return from the charge-pump section connected to the transceiver ground without long loops through the board, and provide the specified local supply bypass to prevent supply transients from coupling into the receiver channels.
Do not treat every SP3232E-family ordering code as a physical drop-in replacement. The SP3232ECP-L uses a 16-pin DIP package, so its footprint and pin assignments must be compared with the candidate before substitution. Also verify the candidate's supply range, number of drivers and receivers, receiver enable behavior, shutdown current, and supported data rate. A matching family name alone does not establish pin-to-pin or parameter-compatible replacement status.
Keep the RS-232 connector, protection network, and transceiver in a defined interface zone separated from sensitive analog or high-speed digital circuitry. Route the receiver and driver paths away from switching nodes and clocks, and use a continuous ground reference near the connector. The maximum 120 kbps data rate is modest, but cable pickup, ground differences, and connector transients can still cause errors; verify the completed layout for isolation and return-current continuity.
The SP3232ECP-L operates from a single 3 V to 5.5 V supply and can use 0.1 uF charge-pump capacitors in 3.3 V operation. Confirm that the host rail remains within range across tolerance and transient conditions, and ensure the enable or shutdown sequence does not disable a receiver that the system expects to remain active. The stated 1 uA shutdown specification applies to the receiver-active low-power condition and should not be generalized to every operating state.
Compliance Information
The available listings contain RoHS references but do not state a definitive compliance result. No AEC-Q100 qualification is indicated for this general-purpose RS-232 transceiver.