Part A
ADM232AARNZ
Analog Devices Inc.
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 1649 PCS
- Package
- SOIC-16
- Series
- Interface - Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers
Replacement verdict
Compatible functional replacement candidate
The ADM232AARWZ and ADM232AARNZ are functionally equivalent RS-232 transceivers from the same ADM232A family, sharing identical driver/receiver counts, data rate, supply voltage, and operating temperature range. The only material distinction is the package outline (SOIC-16W vs. SOIC-16N), which affects PCB footprint and thermal characteristics but not electrical function. Both are viable drop-in candidates for the same circuit function, provided the board layout accommodates the respective package width.
Driver/Receiver Count
High match
Data Rate
High match
Supply Voltage
High match
Package Type
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 | ADM232AARNZ | 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 packages are not drop-in compatible on the same PCB land pattern. |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount | Surface Mount | Both are surface-mount devices, so assembly process is the same, but package width still affects placement. |
| 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 support the same RS-232 communication speeds. |
| 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, so power design is interchangeable between the two parts. |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to +85°C | -40°C to +85°C | Identical industrial temperature range, so both suit the same environmental conditions. |
| Receiver Input Voltage Range | ±30 V | ±30 V | Same wide RS-232 input tolerance, providing equivalent protection against overvoltage on the interface. |
| Number of Pins | 16 | 16 | Both are 16-pin devices with the same pinout, but the different body width affects PCB footprint compatibility. |
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 | ADM232AARNZ | ADM232AARWZ |
|---|---|---|
| Part Status | Active | 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 is the primary difference between the ADM232AARWZ and ADM232AARNZ?
The primary difference is the package type: the ADM232AARWZ is supplied in a 16-lead SOIC_W (wide body) package, while the ADM232AARNZ is supplied in a 16-lead SOIC_N (narrow body) package. Both are otherwise the same ADM232A dual RS-232 line driver/receiver from Analog Devices.
Are the ADM232AARWZ and ADM232AARNZ electrically and functionally identical?
Yes. Both variants share the same ADM232A silicon die and datasheet specifications, including dual RS-232 drivers and receivers, on-chip charge pump, 5 V single-supply operation, and data rates up to 200 kbps. The only documented difference is the package body width and corresponding PCB land pattern.
Can the ADM232AARWZ and ADM232AARNZ be used interchangeably on the same PCB?
No, not without layout changes. The ADM232AARWZ uses the wider SOIC_W body (approximately 7.5 mm) and the ADM232AARNZ uses the narrower SOIC_N body (approximately 3.9 mm), so their footprints and land patterns differ. A board designed for one package will not accept the other without modification.
What are the operating temperature ranges for these devices?
Both the ADM232AARWZ and ADM232AARNZ are specified over the industrial temperature range of −40 °C to +85 °C, as stated in the Analog Devices ADM232A datasheet.
Do both parts support the same RS-232 data rate and supply voltage?
Yes. Both variants operate from a single 5 V supply and support RS-232 data rates up to 200 kbps, with the on-chip dual charge pump generating the required RS-232 voltage levels from the 5 V rail.
Are the ADM232AARWZ and ADM232AARNZ RoHS compliant and lead-free?
Yes. The "Z" suffix in both part numbers denotes RoHS-compliant, lead-free packaging per Analog Devices ordering conventions. Both are supplied in Pb-free, RoHS-compliant SOIC packages.
Which package should be selected for a new design?
Selection depends on board space and layout constraints. The ADM232AARNZ (narrow SOIC_N) is preferred where board area is limited, while the ADM232AARWZ (wide SOIC_W) may be chosen for compatibility with existing wide-body footprints or for improved thermal and handling characteristics. Both meet the same electrical specifications.