ICL3224ECA

Overview

The ICL3224ECA is a low-power RS-232 transceiver manufactured by Intersil, designed for operation with supply voltages ranging from 3.0V to 5.5V. It integrates one driver and two receivers, supporting data rates up to 500 kb/s while maintaining a typical operating supply current of 10 µA. The device utilizes an SSOP-16 surface-mount package and includes enhanced automatic powerdown functionality to minimize standby consumption. It provides ±15kV ESD protection on RS-232 I/O pins and meets EIA/TIA-232 specifications at 3.0V.

Feature Summary

• Integrated charge pumps enable single-supply operation without external voltage inversion components.
• Automatic powerdown circuit reduces standby current to approximately 1 µA when inputs are idle.
• Robust electrostatic discharge protection rated at ±15 kV on all RS-232 signal lines.

Applications

• Portable computing devices such as PDAs and palmtops requiring low standby power.
• Battery-powered peripherals where extended operational life is critical.
• Industrial control systems utilizing RS-232 communication in electrically noisy environments.

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix against manufacturer documentation to confirm package type and temperature range. Confirm RoHS compliance status if required for assembly processes. Check for obsolescence notices or lifecycle changes prior to final design approval. Ensure sourcing channels provide valid traceability for quality assurance purposes.

Selection Notes

Select this component when a single driver and dual receiver configuration is sufficient for the interface topology. The 500 kb/s rate suits standard asynchronous serial communications but may limit high-speed applications. Verify that the SSOP-16 footprint aligns with existing PCB layout constraints and thermal management requirements.

Part Context

This part belongs to the ICL32XXE family of 3V RS-232 transceivers, which share common architectural features like automatic powerdown and high ESD tolerance. It serves as a lower-power alternative to legacy 5V-only RS-232 drivers, facilitating integration into modern mixed-voltage digital systems.

Replacement Considerations

Direct pin-compatible replacements within the same family include ICL3224EIA (SSOP-20) and ICL3224ECZ (TSSOP-16). Cross-family substitutes require verification of driver/receiver counts and supply voltage compatibility.