ICL3221CA

Overview

The ICL3221CA is a single driver, single receiver RS-232 transceiver manufactured by Intersil. It operates within a supply voltage range of 3 V to 5.5 V and supports data rates up to 500 kb/s. The device features full-duplex communication with single-ended receiver signal types. It is housed in a 16-pin SSOP package suitable for surface mount installation. The component draws 1 mA of operating power current and provides 15 kV ESD protection. It functions reliably across a commercial temperature range from 0°C to +70°C.

Feature Summary

• Integrated automatic powerdown circuitry reduces standby current when no valid RS-232 signals are present on the receiver inputs.
• Built-in charge pumps generate required internal voltages without external components, enabling operation at low supply voltages.
• Provides robust electrostatic discharge protection on RS-232 I/O pins to withstand harsh environmental conditions.

Applications

• Portable computing devices such as PDAs and palmtops requiring low power consumption
• ISDN terminal adaptors and peripheral interfaces
• Notebook and laptop computer serial communication ports

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix against official Renesas or Intersil documentation to confirm exact packaging and temperature grade. Confirm RoHS compliance status through the manufacturer's current product compliance reports. Ensure the ordering information matches the required pinout and functional specifications for the target design.

Selection Notes

Select this component for designs requiring a single channel RS-232 interface with low power constraints. Verify that the 500 kb/s data rate meets system requirements. Ensure the 3 V to 5.5 V supply range aligns with the available board power rails. Check that the SSOP-16 package fits the PCB layout constraints.

Part Context

This part belongs to the ICL3221 series of low-power RS-232 transceivers. It is designed as a replacement for older 5 V only devices, offering compatibility with modern 3.3 V systems. The series emphasizes reduced standby current and small footprint solutions for portable electronics.

Replacement Considerations

Check for direct substitutes like the ICL3221E variants which may offer extended temperature ranges. Verify pin-to-pin compatibility with other single-channel RS-232 transceivers if sourcing alternatives.