Best Alternatives to ST3232EBTR

Package: 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)STMicroelectronicsDriversSeries: -Package: Tape & Reel (TR); Cut Tape (CT); Digi-Reel®Type: TransceiverData Rate: 250kbpsVoltage - Supply: 3V ~ 5.5V

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.

AI replacement insight

Electrical risklow

Many alternatives match key voltage, data rate, and interface specs.

Package risklow

TSSOP-16 is a standard package, but pinout must be confirmed.

Firmware risklow

RS-232 is a standard protocol with no firmware dependencies.

Can it be replaced directly?

Direct replacement for ST3232EBTR should use only Datasheet verified or Strong match candidates; many approved options still require engineering review.

Best replacement path

Upgrade to TRS3232EQPWRQ1 for higher reliability or SN65C3232EPWR for higher speed.

Main risk

The primary risk is assuming pin-for-pin compatibility without datasheet verification, which can lead to board failure.

Recommended alternatives

4
TRS3232EQPWRQ1 package
TRS3232EQPWRQ1

Texas Instruments

Needs validationlow risk

Automotive-grade alternative with a wider operating temperature range (-40°C to 125°C) and matching key electrical parameters.

View details

Alternative comparison matrix

Feature / factorST3232EBTRTRS3232EQPWRQ1SN65C3232EPWRMAX3232EEUE+TCompatibility / risk
PackageTSSOP-16TSSOP-16TSSOP-16TSSOP-16TSSOP-16 — Matches form factor.; SN65C3232EPWR: Matches form factor.; MAX3232EEUE+T: Matches form factor.; UM3232EEUE: Matches form factor.
InterfaceRS-232, 2-Dr/2-RxRS-232, 2-Dr/2-RxRS-232, 2-Dr/2-RxRS-232, 2-Dr/2-RxRS-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.
Voltage3V to 5.5V3V to 5.5V3V to 5.5V3V to 5.5V3V to 5.5V — Identical supply voltage range.; SN65C3232EPWR: Identical supply voltage range.; MAX3232EEUE+T: Identical supply voltage range.; UM3232EEUE: Identical supply voltage range.
Data Rate250 kbps250 kbps1 Mbps250 kbps250 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.
ApplicationCommercialAEC-Q100--AEC-Q100 — Automotive qualification is an upgrade.
Current300 µA-300 µANot specified300 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.

Application & sourcing insights

Questions & answers

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.