ICL3232CAZ-T

Overview

The ICL3232CAZ-T is a dual RS-232 transceiver manufactured by Renesas Electronics, designed for operation within a +3V to +5.5V power supply range. It features integrated charge pumps that eliminate the need for external capacitors in some configurations, though typically four small capacitors are required for the internal voltage generation. The device provides two drivers and two receivers, supporting data rates up to 250kbps while maintaining full compliance with EIA/TIA-232 and V.28/V.24 standards. Key electrical characteristics include a low supply current of 1µA in shutdown mode and ±15kV ESD protection on all RS-232 lines. It is housed in a 16-pin SSOP package.

Feature Summary

• Integrated charge pump circuitry generates required RS-232 voltage levels from a single low-voltage supply.
• Provides robust electrostatic discharge protection rated at ±15kV on transmit and receive lines.
• Features an automatic power-down mode that significantly reduces quiescent current consumption during idle periods.
• Delivers full-duplex communication capability with independent driver and receiver control.

Applications

• Portable battery-powered equipment requiring low-power serial communication interfaces.
• Industrial control systems utilizing RS-232 protocols for data transmission.
• Embedded systems connecting microcontrollers to PC or peripheral devices via serial ports.

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'CAZ-T' against official Renesas documentation to confirm the exact temperature grade and tape-and-reel packaging configuration. Ensure compatibility with the target PCB footprint for the 16-lead SSOP package. Cross-reference the manufacturer part number with authorized distributors to confirm current production status and availability, as component specifications may evolve over time.

Selection Notes

Select this component when designing systems that require RS-232 connectivity with a single +3V to +5.5V supply rail. It is suitable for applications prioritizing low standby power due to its shutdown feature. Engineers should verify that the 250kbps data rate meets the system's throughput requirements. Consider the physical dimensions of the SSOP-16 package relative to the available board space and thermal constraints of the final assembly.

Part Context

This part belongs to the ICL3232 family of RS-232 transceivers, which are widely used for serial communication interface solutions. The family includes variants with different pin counts and driver/receiver configurations. The 'ICL' prefix historically denotes Intersil, now part of Renesas Electronics, known for reliable analog interface components. This specific model represents a compact solution for dual-channel serial data exchange in space-constrained electronic designs.

Replacement Considerations

Compatible alternatives include the MAX3232 series from Maxim Integrated (now Analog Devices) and the SP3232 from MaxLinear. These parts offer similar functionality but may differ in capacitor requirements, pinout compatibility, or operating temperature ranges. Verify electrical parameters and mechanical dimensions before substitution.