ICL3217IA

Overview

The Intersil ICL3217IA is a low-power RS-232 transceiver designed for operation with supply voltages ranging from +3V to +5.5V. It integrates one driver and three receivers, supporting data rates up to 500 kb/s while meeting EIA/TIA-232 and V.28/V.24 specifications at the lower voltage limit. The device features an automatic powerdown circuit that reduces standby supply current to approximately 1 µA when no valid RS-232 signal is detected on receiver inputs. It includes integrated charge pumps requiring only small external capacitors and provides ±15 kV electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection on RS-232 pins according to IEC61000-4-2 standards.

Feature Summary

• Automatic powerdown function significantly reduces standby power consumption by entering a low-current mode when idle.
• Integrated charge pump design minimizes board space requirements by utilizing small-value external capacitors.
• Robust ±15 kV ESD protection on RS-232 I/O pins ensures reliability in harsh environments.

Applications

• ISDN Terminal Adaptors
• Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)
• Notebook and laptop computers

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'IA' against official Renesas/Intersil documentation to confirm temperature range and package variations. Confirm end-of-life status and export restrictions prior to procurement. Ensure compatibility with existing PCB footprints and capacitor values specified in the datasheet.

Selection Notes

Select this component for applications requiring low power consumption in portable devices operating between 3V and 5.5V. Verify that the single-driver and three-receiver configuration matches the system interface requirements. Consider the automatic powerdown feature for battery-operated systems where standby current is critical.

Part Context

The ICL3217IA belongs to the ICL32X7E family of RS-232 transceivers manufactured by Intersil, now part of Renesas Electronics. This series is engineered for low-voltage, low-power serial communication interfaces, offering a drop-in replacement for older 5V-only RS-232 drivers in modern 3.3V systems.

Replacement Considerations

Publicly confirmed substitutes include MAX207E, HIN207E, and HIN237E as noted in official documentation. Verify pinout compatibility and electrical parameters before substitution.