ICL3221EIV

Overview

The ICL3221EIV is a single driver, single receiver RS-232 transceiver from the ICL32xxE series by Renesas Electronics. It operates on a 3V to 5.5V supply and supports full-duplex communication at data rates up to 250 kb/s. The device features ±15 kV ESD protection on all RS-232 pins, compliant with IEC61000-4-2 standards. It utilizes an efficient on-chip charge pump requiring only small external capacitors. Key electrical parameters include a maximum power supply voltage of 5.5 V, a minimum of 3 V, and a typical operating supply current of 1 mA. The unit is housed in a 16-pin TSSOP package and functions within an industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.

Feature Summary

• Integrated automatic shutdown circuitry that reduces standby power consumption when the RS-232 cable is disconnected or peripheral devices are powered off.
• Robust electrostatic discharge protection rated at ±15 kV on transmitter outputs and receiver inputs, ensuring reliability in harsh environments.
• Low-power architecture compatible with 3.3V, 5.0V, and mixed-voltage systems, utilizing minimal external capacitance for charge pump operation.

Applications

• Portable computing devices such as laptops and notebooks requiring low standby power.
• Personal digital assistants (PDAs) and handheld computers with limited battery capacity.
• Industrial control systems interfacing with serial peripherals under EMI-prone conditions.

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix against official Renesas documentation to confirm exact packaging and temperature grade. The base model ICL3221EIV typically denotes the standard industrial variant; however, ordering codes often include additional characters indicating reel quantities or tape-and-reel configurations. Confirm moisture sensitivity levels and RoHS compliance status directly with the manufacturer or authorized distributors before finalizing procurement specifications.

Selection Notes

Select this component for applications requiring a single-channel RS-232 interface with integrated auto-shutdown capabilities. Ensure the design accommodates the required external capacitors for the internal charge pump. Verify that the system's idle current requirements align with the device's automatic shutdown feature. Confirm that the TSSOP-16 footprint matches the PCB layout constraints and that the operating voltage range covers both 3.3V and 5V logic levels if mixed systems are involved.

Part Context

The ICL3221EIV belongs to the ICL32xxE family of low-power RS-232 transceivers designed for portable electronics. This series replaces older 5V-only devices like the MAX221E, offering pin-compatible upgrades with significantly reduced power consumption. The E-series designation indicates enhanced ESD protection and lower quiescent current compared to previous generations, making it suitable for modern battery-operated equipment.

Replacement Considerations

The ICL3221EIV is functionally and pin-compatibly replaceable with the Maxim Integrated MAX3221E. Designers migrating from legacy parts may also consider the ICL3221EIAZ or ICL3221EIVZ variants, which share identical electrical characteristics but differ in packaging format or tube/reel configuration.