SP3232EHCT-L/TR - 3.3V 460kbps RS-232 Transceiver | MaxLinear
MPN: SP3232EHCT-L/TR ✓ ActiveSP3232EHCT-L/TR Overview
An RS-232 transceiver is an interface IC that converts logic-level signals into RS-232 voltage levels and restores incoming RS-232 signals to logic-compatible levels. It belongs to the interface IC hierarchy, where the RS-232 transceiver connects digital controllers, embedded systems, and industrial equipment to serial ports. The SP3232EH family specifically combines two drivers and two receivers in one package, reducing component count in compact serial-interface designs.
The SP3232EHCT-L/TR operates from 3 V to 5.5 V and supports data rates up to 460 kbps. According to the manufacturer product page, it meets true EIA/TIA-232-F standards from a supply up to 5.5 V, remains interoperable with RS-232 when powered from a +2.7 V source, and provides enhanced ESD protection of ±15 kV using the human body model. These features suit interfaces exposed to electrostatic discharge through cables and external connectors.
The 16-pin SOIC uses the SP3232EH transceiver arrangement, combining two transmit channels with two receive channels in a standard small-outline integrated-circuit footprint. This integration supports point-to-point serial links, diagnostic interfaces, service consoles, and embedded-control ports. The device also reduces board area compared with separate RS-232 driver and receiver packages while preserving the familiar point-to-point electrical interface.
Typical applications include portable data-acquisition equipment, notebook and palmtop-class serial connectivity, industrial controllers, configuration interfaces, and instrumentation with RS-232 ports. Its 3.3 V compatibility is particularly useful where the host operates from a 3.3 V rail while the connector interface requires true RS-232 bipolar levels.
Designers should place the transceiver close to the protected connector and route each transmit and receive path as a controlled interface network. Decoupling capacitors should be connected directly between the supply and ground pins with short traces. External protection components may improve system-level surge immunity, but their capacitance and clamping characteristics must be checked against the required 460 kbps data rate.
This product page combines the manufacturer's SP3232EH family information, package and interface characteristics, practical application guidance, and same-package alternatives. It is intended to help engineers identify the correct electrical limits, verify replacement compatibility, and plan layout and protection before releasing a production design.
Drop-in alternatives for SP3232EHCT-L/TR — 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 SP3232EHCT-L/TR (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Maximum Data Rate, Operating Temperature, Mounting Type, Operating Supply Voltage.
SP3232ECT-L/TR
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →SP3232EEY-L/TR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs UnverifiedContact for price
View Datasheet →SP3232EEN-L/TR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs UnverifiedContact for price
View Datasheet →SP3232ECY-L/TR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs UnverifiedContact for price
View Datasheet →SP3232ECA-L/TR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs UnverifiedContact for price
View Datasheet →SP3232EHCT-L/TR Specifications
| Number of Drivers | 2 |
| Number of Receivers | 2 |
| Transceiver Configuration | 2/2 full RS-232 transceiver |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3 V to 5.5 V |
| Maximum Data Rate | 460 kbps |
| Protocol | RS-232 |
| Compliance Standard | EIA/TIA-232-F |
| Low-Voltage Operation | RS-232 interoperable from a +2.7 V power source |
| ESD Protection, Human Body Model | 15 kV |
| Package | 16-SOIC, 0.295 inch body width, 7.50 mm width |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
| Manufacturer | MaxLinear |
| Packaging | Tube |
| Lead-Free Status | Lead-free |
SP3232EHCT-L/TR 16-soic, 0.295 inch body width, 7.50 mm width Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for SP3232EHCT-L/TR (16-soic, 0.295 inch body width, 7.50 mm width 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 SP3232EHCT-L/TR.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
SP3232EHCT-L/TR is suitable for 6 applications: Portable Data-Acquisition Equipment, Industrial Controller Service Interface, Embedded Serial Debug Interface, Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Medical and Diagnostic Equipment, Networking and Remote-Management Interface.
Portable Data-Acquisition Equipment
The SP3232EHCT-L/TR fits a portable instrument that must communicate through an RS-232 port while operating from a 3.3 V system rail. Its two drivers and two receivers support bidirectional console or control links, and the 460 kbps data rate is suitable for configuration commands and moderate data transfers. Place the transceiver close to the connector, use a short supply bypass path, and account for the protection capacitance introduced by external surge components so signal timing remains suitable at the maximum supported rate.
Recommended
Industrial Controller Service Interface
The SP3232EHCT-L/TR is appropriate for a controller that retains a wired RS-232 service port for configuration, diagnostics, and field upgrades. The integrated 2/2 transceiver arrangement reduces the number of interface packages, while the 3 V to 5.5 V operating range allows use in both 3.3 V and 5 V controller designs. The ±15 kV human-body-model ESD rating adds protection at the transceiver, although the complete product must still satisfy its enclosure, cable, and installation immunity requirements.
Recommended
Embedded Serial Debug Interface
A low-voltage embedded controller can use the SP3232EHCT-L/TR to connect a logic-level serial port to an RS-232 debug or programming interface. Two transmitter and two receiver channels provide flexibility for console and auxiliary links, and operation from 3.3 V avoids requiring a separate 5 V transceiver rail. The 460 kbps ceiling accommodates typical firmware-download and diagnostic traffic. Designers should confirm the controller's logic thresholds and use the manufacturer's pin table to implement any receiver enable or shutdown control correctly.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
The SP3232EHCT-L/TR can provide the cable-side RS-232 interface in portable test instruments, bench accessories, and automated measurement equipment. Its 460 kbps maximum data rate supports command traffic and moderate instrument-status exchanges, while the 16-SOIC package preserves board area. For a laboratory environment, keep the transceiver and protection network close to the connector, maintain a short ground return, and validate the complete cable interface for the required data rate and ESD exposure.
Recommended
Medical and Diagnostic Equipment
The SP3232EHCT-L/TR can support a wired service or communication port in medical and diagnostic equipment where a legacy RS-232 interface is required. The 3.3 V-compatible supply range allows integration with modern embedded control hardware, and the 2/2 channel configuration supports more than one point-to-point link. Because this is an interface component rather than a complete isolation or medical-safety barrier, the finished equipment must separately address patient isolation, applicable regulatory requirements, ESD exposure, and cable-grounding strategy.
Recommended
Networking and Remote-Management Interface
The SP3232EHCT-L/TR is useful for a network appliance or remote-management subsystem that requires an RS-232 console alongside Ethernet or another modern communication interface. The device provides two full-duplex RS-232 channels in one package, allowing separate console and diagnostic paths where space is constrained. Its 460 kbps rate is more than adequate for terminal access. Route the protected cable-side traces away from high-speed digital and switching-supply nodes to avoid coupling noise into the receiver input.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for SP3232EHCT-L/TR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | SP3232ECT-L/TR | SP3232EEY-L/TR | SP3232EEN-L/TR | SP3232ECY-L/TR | SP3232ECA-L/TR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | MaxLinear | MaxLinear | MaxLinear | MaxLinear | MaxLinear | MaxLinear |
| Package | 16-SOIC | 16-SOIC | 16-SOIC | 16-SOIC | 16-SOIC | 16-SOIC |
| Number of Drivers | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Number of Receivers | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Protocol | RS-232 | RS-232 | RS-232 | RS-232 | RS-232 | RS-232 |
Key Differentiators
- Explicit 3.3 V compatibility in a two-channel RS-232 package (vs SP3232ECT-L/TR)
- Two transmitters and two receivers consolidated in one 16-SOIC (vs SP232EET-L/TR)
- Human-body-model ESD protection suitable for exposed cable interfaces (vs SP3232ECA-L/TR)
Design Notes
Place the SP3232EHCT-L/TR close to the external RS-232 connector and route driver and receiver nets away from switching nodes and high-speed digital clocks. Connect the supply bypass capacitor directly between the supply and ground pins with the shortest practical traces. Keep the logic-side nets away from cable-side nets to minimize capacitive and inductive coupling between transmitted and received signals.
Do not treat a 16-SOIC footprint match as sufficient proof of replacement compatibility. Confirm the exact pin names, enable or shutdown behavior, temperature grade, supply limits, logic thresholds, ESD rating, and ordering suffix for every SP3232E candidate. In particular, distinguish SP3232EHCT-L/TR from SP3232EHCT-L because the tape-and-reel suffix changes the packaging configuration and therefore the exact MPN.
The maximum supported signal rate is 460 kbps. If external TVS diodes, series resistors, or long connector traces are added, verify their capacitance and propagation delay against the receiver and driver timing margins in the manufacturer datasheet. Maintain a continuous signal-ground return between connected equipment, and test the complete cable interface because RS-232 voltage levels and margins are defined at the connector rather than only at the IC pins.
Decouple the SP3232EHCT-L/TR supply at the device and observe the 3 V to 5.5 V operating range. A 3.3 V host rail is compatible, but the complete interface still develops bipolar RS-232 voltage levels at the cable pins. Validate startup, power-supply tolerance, and logic thresholds together so that a transient rail excursion cannot pull a receive pin outside its valid input range.
Compliance Information
The product listing identifies the device as lead-free and the family documentation states compliance with EIA/TIA-232-F. RoHS, REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals declarations were not explicitly established and are therefore recorded as unknown.
