Part A
ADM232AARN
Analog Devices Inc.
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 4204 PCS
- Package
- SOIC-16
- Series
- Interface - Condutores, Receptores, Transceivers
Replacement verdict
Compatible functional replacement candidate
The ADM231LAR can serve as a functional replacement candidate for the ADM232AARN in many RS-232 interface applications, as both are dual transceivers in a 16-pin narrow SOIC package with comparable supply voltage and data-rate capabilities. However, the ADM231LAR operates from a 3.3 V supply with low-power CMOS construction and requires external charge-pump capacitors, whereas the ADM232AARN is a 5 V device with on-chip charge-pump doubling/inversion. Designers must validate supply voltage, capacitor configuration, and logic-level compatibility before substituting.
Supply Voltage
Validation required
Package Type
High match
Channel Configuration
High match
Charge Pump Configuration
Validation required
Parts at a glance
Part B
ADM231LAR
Analog Devices Inc.
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 7923 PCS
- Package
- SOIC-16
- Series
- Interface - Condutores, Receptores, Transceivers
Key differences
Rows are prioritized by design impact. Highlighted values require attention during substitution.
Key electrical and mechanical differences between the two devices
| Parameter | ADM232AARN | ADM231LAR | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Drivers/Receivers | 2/2 | 2/2 | Both are dual transceivers, so the channel count is functionally equivalent for RS-232 interfacing. |
| Data Rate | 200 kbps | 120 kbps | The ADM232A supports a higher maximum data rate, which may matter for faster serial links. |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V | 5 V | Both operate from a single 5 V supply, so power rail requirements are compatible. |
| Number of Charge Pump Capacitors | 4 (external) | 4 (external) | Both require external charge pump capacitors, affecting board layout and BOM count. |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | Identical industrial temperature range means both suit the same environmental conditions. |
| Package / Mounting | 16-SOIC (surface mount) | 16-SOIC (surface mount) | Same package and footprint allow direct drop-in replacement on an existing PCB. |
| Receiver Input Threshold | Standard RS-232 (±3 V) | Standard RS-232 (±3 V) | Compatible RS-232 threshold levels ensure interoperability with standard serial devices. |
| ESD Protection (I/O) | ±15 kV (HBM, typical) | ±15 kV (HBM, typical) | Equivalent ESD robustness affects reliability in harsh or exposed serial interfaces. |
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Full specification comparison
Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.
| Specification | ADM232AARN | ADM231LAR |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier | - | Rochester Electronics, LLC |
| Part Status | Obsolete | Obsolete |
| Type | Transceiver | Transceiver |
| Protocol | RS232 | RS232 |
| Number of Drivers/Receivers | 2/2 | 2/2 |
| Voltage - Supply | 4.5V ~ 5.5V | 4.5V ~ 5.5V |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount | Surface Mount |
| Duplex | Full | - |
| Receiver Hysteresis | 400 mV | - |
| Data Rate | 200kbps | - |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C ~ 85°C | - |
Frequently asked questions
What are the key differences between the ADM232AARN and ADM231LAR?
The ADM232AARN is a dual RS-232 line driver/receiver from Analog Devices that operates from a single +5 V supply and includes an on-chip charge pump to generate RS-232 voltage levels. The ADM231LAR is a similar dual RS-232 driver/receiver but is specified for +3.3 V operation with low-power CMOS design. The ADM232AARN is supplied in a 16-lead narrow SOIC (N) package, while the ADM231LAR is supplied in a 16-lead wide SOIC (R) package. They differ in supply voltage, package width, and power characteristics, so they are not pin-for-pin drop-in replacements without design verification.
Can the ADM232AARN be used as a direct substitute for the ADM231LAR?
No. The ADM232AARN is specified for +5 V operation, whereas the ADM231LAR is specified for +3.3 V operation. In addition, the ADM232AARN uses a 16-lead narrow SOIC package (N suffix) and the ADM231LAR uses a 16-lead wide SOIC package (R suffix). Supply voltage, package footprint, and electrical specifications must be validated against the manufacturer datasheets before any substitution is considered.
What supply voltage does each device require?
The ADM232AARN operates from a single +5 V ±5% supply. The ADM231LAR operates from a single +3.3 V supply. Designs must provide the correct supply rail for each device; operating either part outside its specified supply range is not supported by the manufacturer datasheets.
How many drivers and receivers does each device integrate?
Both the ADM232AARN and the ADM231LAR are dual RS-232 driver/receiver devices, each integrating two line drivers and two line receivers. This configuration supports two full-duplex RS-232 channels per device.
Do these devices include an on-chip charge pump for RS-232 voltage generation?
Yes. Both the ADM232AARN and the ADM231LAR integrate an on-chip charge pump that generates the positive and negative RS-232 voltage levels from their respective single supply rails, eliminating the need for external ±12 V supplies. External charge-pump capacitors are required per the manufacturer datasheet.
What package types are used for the ADM232AARN and ADM231LAR?
The ADM232AARN is offered in a 16-lead narrow-body SOIC package (Analog Devices package code N). The ADM231LAR is offered in a 16-lead wide-body SOIC package (Analog Devices package code R). Because the body widths differ, the PCB land patterns are not identical, and layout must be adjusted accordingly.
Are the ADM232AARN and ADM231LAR suitable for battery-powered or low-power designs?
The ADM231LAR is a low-power CMOS RS-232 driver/receiver specified for +3.3 V operation, making it suited to low-voltage, power-sensitive systems. The ADM232AARN is specified for +5 V operation and is intended for +5 V systems. Selection should be based on the supply rail and power budget of the target design, with actual current consumption verified from the respective manufacturer datasheets.
What data rate do these RS-232 devices support?
Both the ADM232AARN and the ADM231LAR are specified by Analog Devices for RS-232 data rates up to 120 kbps. Designers should confirm the guaranteed data rate at the intended supply voltage and load conditions using the manufacturer datasheet before finalizing the interface timing.