ICL3221ECAZ

Overview

The ICL3221ECAZ is a single driver and single receiver RS-232 transceiver manufactured by Renesas Electronics. It operates within a supply voltage range of 3 V to 5.5 V, supporting both 3.3 V and 5 V logic systems. The device achieves data rates up to 250 kb/s with full duplex communication capability. It features integrated charge pumps that eliminate the need for external capacitors in some configurations, though typically requires them for operation. The IC provides 15 kV electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection on all RS-232 lines. It is housed in a 16-pin SSOP package and is designed for industrial temperature ranges.

Feature Summary

• Integrated charge pump circuitry for generating RS-232 voltage levels from a single low-voltage supply.
• High ESD protection rating of 15 kV on transmit and receive lines to ensure robust signal integrity.
• Single-ended input and TTL/CMOS output compatibility for direct interface with microcontrollers.
• Automatic power-down mode functionality to minimize current consumption during idle periods.

Applications

• Industrial control systems requiring reliable serial communication interfaces.
• Embedded devices connecting microprocessors to PC or peripheral equipment via RS-232.
• Data acquisition systems operating in environments with moderate electromagnetic interference.
• Medical instrumentation utilizing serial data transfer protocols.

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'ECAZ' against the manufacturer's latest datasheet to confirm the commercial temperature grade and tube packaging format. Ensure the ordering quantity aligns with the standard factory pack size of 770 units per tube. Cross-reference the RoHS compliance status with current regulatory requirements before finalizing procurement orders.

Selection Notes

Select this component when a single channel of RS-232 communication is required at speeds up to 250 kb/s. It is suitable for designs needing 15 kV ESD protection without additional discrete components. Consider alternative models if higher data rates exceeding 250 kb/s or multiple transmitter/receiver channels are necessary for the application architecture.

Part Context

This part belongs to the ICL32xxE series of RS-232 transceivers, which are CMOS-based devices known for low power consumption. The series includes variants with different numbers of drivers and receivers, such as the dual-driver ICL3221 or multi-channel options like the ICL3243. These devices are widely used in legacy serial interface implementations.

Replacement Considerations

Direct pin-compatible substitutes include the ICL3221EIAZ for extended industrial temperature ranges. Other compatible alternatives within the same family may include the ISL3221ECAZ, provided the electrical specifications match the design requirements exactly.