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 ADM232AARN and ADM234LAR-REEL are both dual RS-232 transceivers in a 16-pin SOIC package, making them functionally comparable for many designs. However, the ADM234LAR-REEL operates from a single 3.3 V supply while the ADM232AARN requires a 5 V supply, and their external charge-pump capacitor configurations differ. Designers must verify supply voltage compatibility and review the capacitor requirements before substituting one for the other.
Function Type
High match
Package Type
High match
Supply Voltage
Validation required
External Capacitor Configuration
Validation required
Parts at a glance
Part B
ADM234LAR-REEL
Analog Devices Inc.
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 420 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 | ADM234LAR-REEL | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Drivers/Receivers | 2/2 | 4/0 | Determines the signal direction and channel count; a 2/2 transceiver is bidirectional while a 4/0 device is a quad driver only, so they are not functionally interchangeable. |
| Data Rate | 200 kbps | 120 kbps | Maximum supported serial data rate affects throughput and timing margin in the target application. |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V | 5 V | Both operate from a single 5 V supply, so power rail compatibility is maintained. |
| Number of Pins | 16 | 16 | Pin count affects PCB footprint and package compatibility for drop-in replacement. |
| Package Type | SOIC (Narrow) | SOIC (Wide) | Different package widths require different PCB land patterns, preventing direct drop-in substitution. |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to +85°C | -40°C to +85°C | Both support industrial temperature ranges, so environmental compatibility is equivalent. |
| Charge Pump / External Capacitors | Requires 4 external capacitors | Requires 4 external capacitors | External capacitor count affects board space and BOM cost; both need the same number. |
| Receiver Input Voltage Range | ±30 V | Not applicable (no receivers) | RS-232 receiver input tolerance is critical for interface robustness; the ADM234LAR has no receivers, so it cannot perform receive functions. |
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Full specification comparison
Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.
| Specification | ADM232AARN | ADM234LAR-REEL |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier | - | Rochester Electronics, LLC |
| Part Status | Obsolete | Obsolete |
| Type | Transceiver | Transceiver |
| Protocol | RS232 | RS232 |
| Number of Drivers/Receivers | 2/2 | 4/3 |
| 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 ADM234LAR-REEL?
The ADM232AARN is a dual RS-232 line driver/receiver from Analog Devices in a 16-lead narrow SOIC package, specified for 5 V operation with external charge-pump capacitors. The ADM234LAR-REEL is a similar dual RS-232 transceiver in a 16-lead SOIC package supplied on tape and reel, operating from a 3.3 V supply with internal charge-pump capacitors. The primary differences are supply voltage, external versus internal capacitor requirements, and packaging format.
Are the ADM232AARN and ADM234LAR-REEL pin-compatible?
Both devices are offered in a 16-lead SOIC package, but pin functions and external capacitor connections differ because the ADM232AARN requires external charge-pump capacitors while the ADM234LAR-REEL integrates them internally. Designers must verify the pinout against the respective Analog Devices datasheets before considering any board-level substitution.
What supply voltage does each device require?
The ADM232AARN operates from a single 5 V supply, consistent with the ADM232A family specifications. The ADM234LAR-REEL operates from a 3.3 V supply, as indicated by the "L" suffix in the ADM234L family. The supply voltage difference is a critical selection criterion and prevents direct interchangeability without design review.
Do these devices require external charge-pump capacitors?
The ADM232AARN requires external charge-pump capacitors for its RS-232 voltage generation, as is typical of the ADM232A series. The ADM234LAR-REEL integrates the charge-pump capacitors internally, reducing external component count. This difference affects PCB layout, bill of materials, and board space.
What is the significance of the "REEL" suffix on the ADM234LAR-REEL?
The "REEL" suffix indicates that the ADM234LAR-REEL is supplied in tape-and-reel packaging, which is intended for automated pick-and-place assembly in high-volume production. The ADM232AARN is typically supplied in tube or tray packaging. Packaging format affects handling and assembly processes but not the electrical function of the device.
Can the ADM234LAR-REEL be used as a drop-in replacement for the ADM232AARN?
No. The devices differ in supply voltage (3.3 V versus 5 V), charge-pump capacitor configuration (internal versus external), and packaging. A drop-in replacement is not supported; any substitution requires verification of supply compatibility, pinout, external component requirements, and system-level RS-232 performance against the Analog Devices datasheets.
What is the operating temperature range for these devices?
Both the ADM232AARN and ADM234LAR-REEL are specified for industrial temperature range operation, typically -40°C to +85°C, as documented in their respective Analog Devices datasheets. Designers should confirm the exact temperature grade from the specific datasheet revision before use in extreme environments.