ICL3221CA-T

Overview

The ICL3221CA-T is a single driver, single receiver RS-232 transceiver manufactured by Renesas/Intersil. It operates within a supply voltage range of 3 V to 5.5 V, supporting both 3.3 V and 5 V logic levels. The device achieves data rates up to 500 kb/s in full-duplex mode. Key electrical specifications include a maximum operating current of 1 mA and an ESD protection rating of 15 kV. It features automatic power-down functionality and is housed in a 16-pin SSOP package with a shrink pitch of 0.65 mm.

Feature Summary

• Integrated automatic power-down circuitry for reduced standby current consumption
• Built-in charge pump eliminates the need for external capacitors
• High electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection on all pins

Applications

• Portable battery-powered equipment requiring low power consumption
• Industrial control systems utilizing RS-232 communication
• Embedded systems with limited PCB space constraints

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'CAZ' or 'CA' against the required package type, as 'CA' typically denotes the standard plastic SSOP-16 package while other suffixes may indicate different thermal or mechanical variants. Confirm RoHS compliance status through official manufacturer documentation, as environmental declarations can vary by production batch and region. Ensure the ordering part number matches the exact temperature grade and packaging format required for the assembly process.

Selection Notes

Select this component when a single-channel RS-232 interface is needed with minimal external component count. The 500 kb/s speed is suitable for most standard serial communication tasks but insufficient for high-speed applications requiring 1 Mbps or higher. Consider the 1 mA quiescent current for battery life calculations and verify that the 15 kV ESD rating meets the specific environmental safety requirements of the target application.

Part Context

This device belongs to the ICL3221 series of RS-232 transceivers designed for low-voltage operation. It is part of Intersil's portfolio of interface ICs that integrate charge pumps to generate the necessary voltages for RS-232 signaling from a single low-voltage supply. The series emphasizes ease of use and power efficiency for portable and industrial applications.

Replacement Considerations

Publicly confirmed substitute part numbers are not available in the provided source material. Verify compatibility with alternative single-driver RS-232 transceivers by comparing pin configurations, supply voltage ranges, and data rate specifications.