ICL3225EIA-T

Overview

The ICL3225EIA-T is a full-duplex RS-232 transceiver manufactured by Renesas Electronics Corporation, designed for operation within a supply voltage range of 3.0 V to 5.5 V. It integrates two drivers and two receivers, supporting data rates up to 250 kb/s in the specific EIA variant configuration. The device operates with a typical supply current of 1 mA and features enhanced automatic powerdown functionality to minimize power consumption during idle periods. It provides ±15 kV electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection on all RS-232 lines. The component is housed in a 20-pin SSOP package and is rated for an industrial operating temperature range from -40°C to +85°C.

Feature Summary

• Enhanced automatic powerdown circuitry reduces supply current significantly when no valid signal is present on the receiver inputs.
• Integrated charge pump generates required RS-232 voltage levels from a single low-voltage supply without external inductors.
• Robust ±15 kV ESD protection on all RS-232 pins ensures reliability in high-interference environments.

Applications

• Industrial control systems requiring reliable serial communication over moderate distances.
• Portable battery-powered equipment utilizing low-voltage microcontrollers.
• Embedded systems needing full-duplex RS-232 connectivity with minimal standby power draw.

Procurement Notes

Verify the exact suffix against official Renesas documentation, as variations such as ICL3225EIAZ-T indicate specific packaging or RoHS compliance statuses. Confirm that the 'E' designation aligns with the required 250 kb/s speed grade rather than the 1 Mbps standard version. Ensure moisture sensitivity level handling procedures are followed upon receipt to prevent package damage during soldering.

Selection Notes

Select this component when a balance between low power consumption and moderate data throughput is required for 3V to 5V systems. The 250 kb/s speed rating distinguishes it from higher-speed variants, making it suitable for applications where bandwidth demands are lower but energy efficiency is critical. Verify that the SSOP-20 package fits the target PCB footprint constraints.

Part Context

This part belongs to the Intersil ICL32XXE family of RS-232 transceivers, now managed by Renesas Electronics following corporate acquisitions. The 'E' suffix typically denotes the enhanced powerdown feature set and specific speed characteristics compared to non-E counterparts. It serves as a drop-in replacement for legacy RS-232 interfaces in modern low-voltage designs.

Replacement Considerations

ICL3225EIAZ-T

FAQ

What is the maximum data rate for the ICL3225E variant?

The ICL3225E variant supports a maximum data rate of 250 kb/s, distinguishing it from the standard ICL3225 which supports 1 Mb/s.

How does the automatic powerdown feature function?

The powerdown mode activates automatically when no valid signal is detected at the receiver input for approximately 300 ms, reducing supply current to less than 1 µA.

Is external inductor-free operation supported?

Yes, the integrated charge pump generates the necessary positive and negative RS-232 voltages using only external capacitors, eliminating the need for inductors.