Part A
ADM232AARN
Analog Devices Inc.
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 4204 PCS
- Package
- SOIC-16
- Series
- Interface - Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers
Replacement verdict
Compatible functional replacement candidate
The ADM232AARWZ and ADM232AARN are functionally equivalent RS-232 transceivers from the same ADM232A family, sharing identical driver/receiver counts, supply voltage range, and data rate. The primary distinction is the package and temperature grade: the ADM232AARWZ is supplied in a 16-lead SOIC_W package, while the ADM232AARN uses a 16-lead SOIC_N package with an extended industrial temperature range. Both are valid substitutes where board footprint and thermal environment permit, but the package and temperature differences must be validated against the target design before substitution.
Driver/Receiver Configuration
High match
Supply Voltage Range
High match
Package Type
Validation required
Operating Temperature Range
Validation required
Parts at a glance
Part B
ADM232AARWZ
Analog Devices Inc.
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 2354 PCS
- Package
- SOIC-16
- Series
- Interface - Drivers, Receivers, 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 | ADM232AARWZ | ADM232AARN | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Package / Case | 16-SOIC (Wide, 7.50mm) | 16-SOIC (Narrow, 3.90mm) | Footprint and board layout differ; the wide-body and narrow-body SOIC are not drop-in compatible on the same PCB pad pattern. |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount | Surface Mount | Both are SMD, but the differing body width affects pick-and-place and solder joint geometry. |
| Supplier Device Package | 16-SOIC_W | 16-SOIC_N | Confirms the mechanical difference between the two orderable variants for assembly and footprint design. |
| Number of Drivers/Receivers | 2/2 | 2/2 | Both provide two RS-232 drivers and two receivers, so channel count is functionally equivalent. |
| Data Rate | 200 kbps | 200 kbps | Identical maximum data rate means both suit the same low-to-medium speed RS-232 links. |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V (4.5 V to 5.5 V) | 5 V (4.5 V to 5.5 V) | Same single 5 V supply range allows either part to be used in the same power rail design. |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to +85°C | -40°C to +85°C | Identical industrial temperature range means both are suitable for the same environmental conditions. |
| Protocol | RS-232 | RS-232 | Both implement the same RS-232 interface standard, ensuring protocol-level interchangeability. |
| RoHS Status | RoHS Compliant | RoHS Compliant | Both meet RoHS requirements, so compliance is not a differentiator for selection. |
Need help validating a replacement?
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Full specification comparison
Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.
| Specification | ADM232AARN | ADM232AARWZ |
|---|---|---|
| Part Status | Obsolete | Active |
| Type | Transceiver | Transceiver |
| Protocol | RS232 | RS232 |
| Number of Drivers/Receivers | 2/2 | 2/2 |
| Duplex | Full | Full |
| Receiver Hysteresis | 400 mV | 400 mV |
| Data Rate | 200kbps | 200kbps |
| Voltage - Supply | 4.5V ~ 5.5V | 4.5V ~ 5.5V |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C ~ 85°C | -40°C ~ 85°C |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount | Surface Mount |
Frequently asked questions
What are the key differences between the ADM232AARWZ and ADM232AARN?
The primary difference is the package type: the ADM232AARWZ is supplied in a 16-lead SOIC_W (wide body) package, while the ADM232AARN is supplied in a 16-lead SOIC_N (narrow body) package. Both are RS-232 line drivers/receivers from Analog Devices with the same electrical function, but the package footprint and thermal/board layout considerations differ.
Are the ADM232AARWZ and ADM232AARN electrically identical?
Yes. Both devices are part of the ADM232A family and share the same electrical specifications, including dual RS-232 drivers and receivers, charge pump circuitry, and data rate capability. The suffix difference (RWZ vs RN) denotes package and ordering variant, not electrical performance.
Can the ADM232AARWZ be used as a drop-in replacement for the ADM232AARN?
Not as a direct drop-in replacement. Although the electrical function is the same, the ADM232AARWZ uses a wide-body SOIC (SOIC_W) package while the ADM232AARN uses a narrow-body SOIC (SOIC_N) package. The PCB land pattern and board space requirements differ, so the layout must be verified before substitution.
What is the operating temperature range for both devices?
Both the ADM232AARWZ and ADM232AARN are specified for the industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, consistent with the ADM232A series datasheet from Analog Devices.
What supply voltage do the ADM232AARWZ and ADM232AARN require?
Both devices operate from a single +5 V supply, using internal charge pump circuitry to generate the RS-232 compliant voltage levels required for the drivers.
How many drivers and receivers do these devices provide?
Both the ADM232AARWZ and ADM232AARN integrate two RS-232 drivers and two RS-232 receivers in a single 16-lead package, matching the standard ADM232A configuration.
Do both parts support the same data rate?
Yes. Both the ADM232AARWZ and ADM232AARN are rated for the same data rate as defined in the ADM232A datasheet, since they share the same silicon design and differ only in package and ordering code.
Which package should be selected for a new PCB design?
Package selection depends on board space and layout constraints. The ADM232AARN (SOIC_N, narrow body) is suitable where a narrower footprint is required, while the ADM232AARWZ (SOIC_W, wide body) may be preferred where the wider land pattern is already established or where creepage/clearance considerations favor the wider body. Consult the Analog Devices datasheet for exact package dimensions.