ICL3221EIVZ-T

Overview

The ICL3221EIVZ-T is a single-driver, single-receiver RS-232 transceiver from the ICL32xxE series, manufactured by Renesas Electronics. It operates on a single power supply ranging from 3.0V to 5.5V and meets EIA/TIA-232 and V.28/V.24 specifications even at 3.0V. The device features an internal charge pump requiring only four external 0.1µF capacitors. It supports full-duplex communication with a guaranteed data rate of 250kbps under worst-case load conditions. Key electrical parameters include a maximum supply voltage of 5.5V, minimum supply voltage of 3.0V, and typical operating supply current of 1mA. It provides ±15kV ESD protection on RS-232 pins and includes automatic power-down functionality to reduce standby current to 1µA.

Feature Summary

• Automatic power-down function reduces standby current to 1µA when peripherals are off or cables are removed
• Integrated charge pump requires only four small 0.1µF external capacitors for operation
• Provides ±15kV electrostatic discharge protection on transmitter outputs and receiver inputs per IEC61000-4-2
• Pin-compatible low-power upgrade for legacy 5V RS-232 devices such as MAX221E

Applications

• Portable computers and notebook systems requiring low standby power consumption
• Personal digital assistants (PDAs) and palmtop devices
• Battery-powered equipment where board space savings are critical
• Mixed 3.3V and 5.0V system interfaces

Procurement Notes

Verify the suffix 'T' indicates tape-and-reel packaging configuration. Confirm RoHS compliance status through official Renesas documentation. Ensure moisture sensitivity level handling procedures are followed during assembly. Check for specific manufacturing date codes if long-term storage is planned. Validate that the TSSOP-16 package variant matches the design footprint requirements.

Selection Notes

Select this component for applications requiring a single-channel RS-232 interface with minimal external component count. It is suitable for replacing older 5V-only transceivers in 3.3V systems. Consider the automatic power-down feature for battery-operated designs. Verify that the 250kbps data rate meets the application's speed requirements. Ensure the TSSOP-16 package fits the available PCB area.

Part Context

This part belongs to the ICL32xxE family of low-power RS-232 transceivers. The series includes variants with different driver/receiver counts, such as the ICL3222E (2 drivers/2 receivers) and ICL3241E (3 drivers/5 receivers). All members share the same core architecture, including the efficient charge pump and automatic power-down capabilities. The ICL3221E specifically serves as a direct pin-compatible replacement for the MAX221E.

Replacement Considerations

The ICL3221EIVZ-T is documented as a drop-in replacement for the Maxim MAX221E. It also serves as a low-power upgrade for other legacy devices like the SP3221. Verify pin compatibility before substitution. Ensure that the replacement device supports the required 3.0V minimum operating voltage.