ICL3221IA-T

Overview

The ICL3221IA-T 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 250 kbps. The device features an automatic power-down mode that reduces supply current to less than 1 µA when inputs are idle. It includes integrated charge pumps requiring only external 0.1 µF capacitors. The component provides 15 kV ESD protection on all pins and functions in the industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.

Feature Summary

• Automatic power-down mode for ultra-low standby current
• Integrated charge pump with minimal external capacitance requirements
• High electrostatic discharge protection across all signal pins
• Full compliance with TIA/EIA-232-F standards

Applications

• Industrial control systems requiring low-power serial communication
• Portable battery-operated equipment with RS-232 interfaces
• Data acquisition modules in harsh electrical environments
• Embedded systems needing reliable full-duplex transmission

Procurement Notes

Verify the suffix 'T' indicates tape-and-reel packaging configuration. Confirm the 'IA' designation corresponds to the industrial temperature grade (-40°C to +85°C). Ensure compatibility with existing PCB footprint dimensions for the SSOP-16 package. Check RoHS compliance status against specific manufacturing lot dates.

Selection Notes

Select this component when designing circuits requiring minimal quiescent current during idle periods. The integrated charge pump simplifies layout by reducing external component count compared to older generations. Verify that the 250 kbps speed meets system timing requirements. Ensure the 3 V minimum supply voltage aligns with the target microcontroller or host interface logic levels.

Part Context

This part belongs to the ICL3221 family of RS-232 transceivers designed for low-voltage applications. It serves as a bridge between microprocessor logic levels and RS-232 signal voltages. The series emphasizes power efficiency through its unique shutdown mechanism. It complements higher-speed variants like the ICL3232 while maintaining robust noise immunity.

Replacement Considerations

ICL3221CAZ-T: Commercial temperature variant (0°C to +70°C) with identical electrical specifications. ICL3221EIAZ-T: Industrial temperature variant with equivalent performance characteristics. Verify pinout compatibility before substitution.