
Texas Instruments
Automotive-grade alternative with a wider operating temperature range (-40°C to 125°C) and matching key electrical parameters.
Find suitable replacements for the STMicroelectronics ST3232EBTR, a popular 2-driver/2-receiver RS-232 transceiver. This guide analyzes pin-compatible options, upgrades, and functional alternatives from major manufacturers.
Many alternatives match key voltage, data rate, and interface specs.
TSSOP-16 is a standard package, but pinout must be confirmed.
RS-232 is a standard protocol with no firmware dependencies.
Direct replacement for ST3232EBTR should use only Datasheet verified or Strong match candidates; many approved options still require engineering review.
Upgrade to TRS3232EQPWRQ1 for higher reliability or SN65C3232EPWR for higher speed.
The primary risk is assuming pin-for-pin compatibility without datasheet verification, which can lead to board failure.

Texas Instruments
Automotive-grade alternative with a wider operating temperature range (-40°C to 125°C) and matching key electrical parameters.
| Feature / factor | ST3232EBTR | TRS3232EQPWRQ1 | SN65C3232EPWR | MAX3232EEUE+T | Compatibility / risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | TSSOP-16 | TSSOP-16 | TSSOP-16 | TSSOP-16 | TSSOP-16 — Matches form factor.; SN65C3232EPWR: Matches form factor.; MAX3232EEUE+T: Matches form factor.; UM3232EEUE: Matches form factor. |
| Interface | RS-232, 2-Dr/2-Rx | RS-232, 2-Dr/2-Rx | RS-232, 2-Dr/2-Rx | RS-232, 2-Dr/2-Rx | RS-232, 2-Dr/2-Rx — Matches protocol and channel count.; SN65C3232EPWR: Matches protocol and channel count.; MAX3232EEUE+T: Matches protocol and channel count.; UM3232EEUE: Matches protocol and channel count. |
| Voltage | 3V to 5.5V | 3V to 5.5V | 3V to 5.5V | 3V to 5.5V | 3V to 5.5V — Identical supply voltage range.; SN65C3232EPWR: Identical supply voltage range.; MAX3232EEUE+T: Identical supply voltage range.; UM3232EEUE: Identical supply voltage range. |
| Data Rate | 250 kbps | 250 kbps | 1 Mbps | 250 kbps | 250 kbps / 1 Mbps — Matches target's data rate.; SN65C3232EPWR: Faster data rate is a performance upgrade.; MAX3232EEUE+T: Matches target's data rate. |
| Temperature | -40°C to 85°C | -40°C to 125°C | - | - | -40°C to 125°C — Wider operating temperature range. |
| Application | Commercial | AEC-Q100 | - | - | AEC-Q100 — Automotive qualification is an upgrade. |
| Current | 300 µA | - | 300 µA | Not specified | 300 µA / Not specified — Matches typical supply current.; MAX3232EEUE+T: Operating supply current is a key missing parameter.; UM3232EEUE: Operating supply current is a key missing parameter. |
Verified drop-in options for ST3232EBTR are limited in the current batch. Review candidates marked Strong match or Datasheet verified, and validate package, pinout, and electrical limits before committing a BOM change.