SP3232EEN-L - 120kbps RS-232 Transceiver | MaxLinear
MPN: SP3232EEN-L ✓ ActiveSP3232EEN-L Overview
An RS-232 transceiver is an interface IC that bridges TTL/CMOS logic and unbalanced, differential RS-232 signals. The SP3232E series belongs to the interface-IC hierarchy and integrates two line drivers, two line receivers, a charge-pump supply, and power-management functions. This integration allows a portable or embedded product to communicate with RS-232 equipment without implementing external level-shifting transistors and separate negative-voltage generation circuitry.
The principal operating specifications include 120 kbps data rate, a 3 V to 5.5 V supply range, approximately 1 mA supply current, and 1 µA shutdown current as reported by the verified distributor and technical-search results. The high-efficiency charge-pump design permits only 0.1 µF capacitors in 3.3 V operation. These characteristics support low-power portable equipment while reducing external component count and simplifying board layout.
Technically, the device uses a charge pump to generate the positive and negative voltages required by RS-232 line drivers. The SP3232EEN-L combines two transmitters and two receivers in one 16-pin SOIC, making it suitable for bidirectional serial links that do not require more than two channels. The verified material identifies true RS-232 operation from a single supply and compliance with EIA/TIA-232-F; detailed slew-rate, receiver-threshold, and channel-isolation values remain in the manufacturer datasheet.
Typical uses include portable data-collection equipment, notebook and palmtop computer peripherals, industrial service interfaces, configuration ports, and embedded systems that exchange serial commands with RS-232 equipment. The 16-pin SOIC format is useful for compact commercial and industrial boards, while the -40°C to +85°C rating supports temperature-controlled equipment beyond ordinary consumer environments.
Designers should follow the manufacturer datasheet for charge-pump capacitor selection, VCC decoupling, and signal routing. Capacitors should be placed close to their associated pins, and the RS-232 cable interface should include the required protection and grounding arrangement. Supply and signal paths should be kept separate to prevent charge-pump and digital switching energy from coupling into communication lines.
This product record combines verified distributor specifications, official manufacturer documentation, price references, and carefully qualified drop-in alternatives. It also adds practical application guidance, selection criteria, and comparison parameters that are not normally consolidated on a basic distributor listing.
Drop-in alternatives for SP3232EEN-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 SP3232EEN-L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, Maximum Data Rate, Device Type, ESD Protection.
SP3222EEN-L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SP232ECT-L
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →MAX3232ESE-T
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX202IDR
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →MAX232DR
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →SP3232EEN-L Specifications
| Transceiver Type | 2/2 transceiver, full RS-232 |
| Number of Drivers | 2 |
| Number of Receivers | 2 |
| Maximum Data Rate | 120 kbps |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 3 V to 5.5 V |
| Nominal Supply Current | 1 mA |
| Shutdown Current | 1 µA |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
| Package | 16-pin SOIC |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
| RS-232 Standard | True EIA/TIA-232-F operation |
| Charge-Pump Capacitor Value | 0.1 µF in 3.3 V operation |
| System ESD Rating | ±15 kV IEC 61000-4-2 and ±15 kV HBM |
| Receiver Status During Shutdown | Active for the SP3222E/SP3232E series |
| Power-Supply Topology | Single-supply charge-pump RS-232 interface |
| RoHS Status | unknown |
| Lead-Free Status | unknown |
| Automotive Qualification | not_qualified |
SP3232EEN-L 16-pin soic Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for SP3232EEN-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 SP3232EEN-L.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
SP3232EEN-L is suitable for 6 applications: Portable Data Collection Equipment, Industrial Instrument Control, Point-to-Point Configuration Port, Serial Adapter and Peripheral, Battery-Powered Remote Terminal, Legacy Equipment Service Interface.
Portable Data Collection Equipment
SP3232EEN-L suits portable data-collection equipment that must exchange RS-232 commands with an external meter, terminal, or sensor interface. Its 3 V to 5.5 V supply range permits operation from common single-rail systems, while the 0.1 µF charge-pump capacitors specified for 3.3 V use reduce the external component burden. The 1 µA shutdown current is valuable when the instrument spends extended periods between sessions. The 120 kbps rate is appropriate for command traffic and moderate data transfers rather than continuous high-bandwidth streaming.
Recommended
Industrial Instrument Control
The SP3232EEN-L can bridge a controller and a legacy RS-232 instrument in industrial test, maintenance, or process-support equipment. Its specified -40°C to +85°C operating range is suitable for many temperature-controlled industrial environments, and the integrated two-driver, two-receiver arrangement supports bidirectional control and status reporting. The 3 V to 5.5 V operating range simplifies connection to mixed 3.3 V and 5 V systems. External protection is still advisable when the cable leaves the enclosure.
Recommended
Point-to-Point Configuration Port
SP3232EEN-L is appropriate for a point-to-point configuration link between an embedded controller and a service adapter, programmer, or peripheral. Two receivers and two drivers provide flexibility for bidirectional command and diagnostic channels without requiring an external level shifter. The 120 kbps maximum data rate is more than adequate for configuration traffic and boot messages. Use the manufacturer-recommended charge-pump capacitors and keep the RS-232 traces away from clocks and switching power nodes to preserve signal integrity.
Recommended
Serial Adapter and Peripheral
The SP3232EEN-L enables a compact serial adapter to add a full-duplex RS-232 port to a controller board. Its 16-pin SOIC package supports conventional surface-mount assembly, while the integrated charge pump removes the need for a separate negative-voltage generator and discrete RS-232 driver array. The 3.3 V-compatible charge-pump implementation is useful in space-constrained adapters. Designers should verify connector protection, isolation requirements, and logic thresholds before connecting to a particular legacy peripheral.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Remote Terminal
SP3232EEN-L can support a battery-powered remote terminal that periodically connects to an RS-232 service port. Its approximately 1 mA operating supply current and 1 µA shutdown mode help reduce energy use between communication sessions, while the 3 V to 5.5 V range accommodates common battery regulators. The 120 kbps rate supports configuration logs and short command exchanges. The exact average-current budget should include charge-pump, external pull networks, and any enabled receiver or indicator loads.
Recommended
Legacy Equipment Service Interface
SP3232EEN-L provides a practical service interface for modern electronics that must communicate with older RS-232 equipment. Its two drivers and two receivers can support transmit, receive, handshake, and status lines where the original system used discrete transceivers. A 3.3 V or 5 V controller can interface through one device rather than a separate charge-pump circuit. Before connecting to legacy equipment, confirm signal polarity, receiver thresholds, cable grounding, and whether an optoisolated barrier is required for safety.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for SP3232EEN-L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | SP3222EEN-L | SP232ECT-L | MAX3232ESE-T | MAX202IDR | MAX232DR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 16-pin SOIC | 16-pin SOIC | 16-pin SOIC | 16-pin SOIC | 16-pin SOIC | 16-pin SOIC |
| Brand | MaxLinear | MaxLinear | MaxLinear | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated |
Key Differentiators
- Single-supply 3.3 V operation with compact charge-pump capacitance (vs MAX232DR)
- Documented low-power shutdown capability (vs MAX202IDR)
- Industrial temperature range (vs SP232ECT-L)
- Explicit 120 kbps operating-rate specification (vs MAX202IDR)
Design Notes
Follow the manufacturer datasheet for the charge-pump capacitors because the verified specification of 0.1 µF applies specifically to 3.3 V operation. Place those capacitors close to their associated IC pins and add the recommended local VCC decoupling. Keep the charge-pump loop compact and avoid routing it beneath or parallel to sensitive RS-232 traces. A common 3.3 V or 5 V rail may be used, but the complete system budget should include the approximately 1 mA device current and any external pull networks.
The 16-pin SOIC footprint should be placed with adequate clearance for the RS-232 connector and external protection devices. Route driver outputs and receiver inputs directly toward the connector while keeping them away from clocks, switching regulators, and high-speed digital nets. Maintain a continuous ground reference beneath the interface area, and follow the manufacturer layout guidance for charge-pump components. If the port is exposed to user-accessible cabling, add external surge protection because the specified ±15 kV ESD rating does not eliminate the need for a robust connector and enclosure strategy.
Do not assume that every 16-pin RS-232 transceiver is electrically interchangeable. Confirm pin numbers, charge-pump connections, shutdown polarity, receiver thresholds, logic polarity, and operating-supply requirements before fitting SP3222EEN-L, SP232ECT-L, MAX3232ESE-T, MAX202IDR, or MAX232DR to an existing board. In particular, a device requiring positive and negative RS-232 rails may not work from the SP3232EEN-L single-supply architecture. Perform an RC logic-level test at the intended baud rate before attaching long or noisy external cables.
RS-232 signaling is unbalanced, so ground noise and cable routing can affect receiver thresholds. Keep the interface ground reference continuous and use the same reference strategy recommended for the attached equipment. Avoid long parallel runs between TX and RX paths, and place protection components close to the connector rather than at the transceiver. The SP3232EEN-L supports up to 120 kbps, but reliable operation at the upper limit still depends on cable characteristics, loading, reflections, and the remote device's timing and threshold characteristics.
Compliance Information
The verified sources identify EIA/TIA-232-F operation and ±15 kV IEC 61000-4-2 or HBM system ESD protection. They do not provide explicit RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, conflict-minerals, or AEC-Q100 declarations; no assumptions were made.