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 ADM231LJRZ can serve as a functional replacement candidate for the ADM232AARN in many RS-232 interface applications, as both are dual-channel drivers/receivers in a 16-pin SOIC package with a 5 V supply. However, the ADM231LJRZ operates as a low-power device with a lower data rate and requires careful validation of the external charge-pump capacitor configuration and output drive levels before committing to a drop-in substitution.
Function and Channel Configuration
High match
Package Type
High match
Data Rate
Validation required
Supply Current and Power Consumption
Validation required
Parts at a glance
Part B
ADM231LJRZ
Analog Devices Inc.
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 9568 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 | ADM231LJRZ | 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. |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to +85°C | 0°C to +70°C | The ADM232A is rated for industrial temperature ranges, while the ADM231L is limited to commercial ranges. |
| Package / Mounting | 16-SOIC (Surface Mount) | 16-SOIC (Surface Mount) | Identical package and mounting allow direct board-level substitution without layout changes. |
| Number of Pins | 16 | 16 | Matching pin count supports drop-in replacement in existing footprints. |
| Charge Pump / External Capacitors | Requires 4 external capacitors | Requires 4 external capacitors | Both use on-chip charge pumps with external capacitors, so the external component count is similar. |
| RoHS Compliance | Not RoHS compliant (Pb-free version available separately) | RoHS compliant | The ADM231LJRZ is lead-free/RoHS compliant, which may be required for regulatory and environmental compliance. |
Need help validating a replacement?
Send your BOM and application constraints for technical and sourcing review.
Full specification comparison
Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.
| Specification | ADM232AARN | ADM231LJRZ |
|---|---|---|
| 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 primary differences between the ADM232AARN and ADM231LJRZ?
The ADM232AARN is a dual RS-232 line driver/receiver from Analog Devices supplied in a 16-lead narrow SOIC package (N-16-1) and specified for operation from a single +5 V supply. The ADM231LJRZ is a lower-power RS-232 transceiver in a 16-lead SOIC package (R-16) rated for +3.0 V to +5.5 V operation with a low-power shutdown mode. The ADM232AARN uses four external 0.1 µF charge-pump capacitors, while the ADM231LJRZ integrates the charge pump with smaller 0.1 µF capacitors and offers a shutdown function that reduces supply current to a few microamperes.
Are the ADM232AARN and ADM231LJRZ pin-compatible?
Both devices are offered in 16-lead SOIC packages, but they are not drop-in replacements. The ADM232AARN follows the standard dual driver/receiver pinout with two drivers and two receivers, whereas the ADM231LJRZ includes a shutdown control pin and a different pin assignment for the charge-pump and enable functions. Designers must verify the pinout against the respective Analog Devices datasheets before considering a layout change.
What supply voltage does each device require?
The ADM232AARN operates from a single +5 V ±10% supply. The ADM231LJRZ operates over a wider +3.0 V to +5.5 V range, making it suitable for both 3.3 V and 5 V systems. The ADM231LJRZ's wider supply range allows it to interface directly with 3.3 V logic without level shifting.
How do the charge-pump capacitor requirements compare?
The ADM232AARN requires four external 0.1 µF capacitors for its internal charge pump to generate the RS-232 voltage levels. The ADM231LJRZ also uses 0.1 µF capacitors but integrates the charge pump more efficiently and includes a shutdown mode that places the outputs in a high-impedance state while reducing supply current. Both devices require careful capacitor placement close to the device pins per the datasheet layout guidelines.
Does the ADM231LJRZ offer a shutdown feature that the ADM232AARN lacks?
Yes. The ADM231LJRZ includes an active-low shutdown (SHDN) input that disables the drivers and charge pump, reducing supply current to a low standby level. The ADM232AARN does not provide a shutdown pin; it remains active whenever powered. This makes the ADM231LJRZ preferable for battery-powered or power-sensitive designs.
What data rate can each device support?
The ADM232AARN is specified for data rates up to 200 kbps. The ADM231LJRZ is specified for data rates up to 120 kbps. Both rates are adequate for standard RS-232 communication, but designs requiring higher throughput should account for these limits when selecting between the two parts.
Which device is better suited for 3.3 V logic systems?
The ADM231LJRZ is the appropriate choice for 3.3 V logic systems because it operates from +3.0 V to +5.5 V and its receiver inputs and driver outputs are compatible with 3.3 V logic levels. The ADM232AARN is designed for +5 V systems and its logic interface thresholds are referenced to a +5 V supply, so it is not recommended for direct 3.3 V logic interfacing without additional level shifting.
Are both parts RoHS compliant and available in production quantities?
The ADM231LJRZ is supplied in a RoHS-compliant 16-lead SOIC package (R-16) and is an active production part per Analog Devices. The ADM232AARN is an older generation device; designers should confirm current lifecycle status and RoHS compliance with Analog Devices or an authorized distributor such as DigiKey or Mouser before specifying it for new designs, as availability and compliance status can vary by ordering code.