ICL3232CB-T

Overview

The ICL3232CB-T is a low-power RS-232 transceiver manufactured by Renesas Electronics Corporation, designed for operation with a single power supply ranging from +3.0V to +5.5V. The device integrates two drivers and two receivers, meeting EIA/TIA-232 and V.28/V.24 specifications even at the minimum voltage of 3.0V. It features an efficient on-chip charge pump requiring only four external 0.1µF capacitors. Key electrical parameters include a guaranteed data rate of 250kbps, a minimum slew rate of 6V/µs, and a standby supply current reduced to 1µA. The component includes ±15kV ESD protection and operates within a temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.

Feature Summary

• Automatic power-down function reduces standby current to 1µA when no valid RS-232 signal is detected
• Integrated charge pump minimizes board space requirements using small external capacitors
• Receiver hysteresis improves noise immunity in electrically noisy environments
• Robust electrostatic discharge protection rated at ±15kV according to the human body model

Applications

• Battery-powered portable devices such as PDAs and handheld equipment
• Notebook and laptop computers requiring low standby power consumption
• Modems, printers, and other peripheral communication interfaces
• Digital cameras and cellular/mobile phones

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'CB' against the manufacturer's official documentation to confirm package type and tape-and-reel configuration. Ensure the ordering part number matches the exact RoHS compliance status and temperature grade required for the target application environment. Cross-reference the datasheet revision date to confirm pinout compatibility with existing designs.

Selection Notes

Select this component for systems requiring full RS-232 compliance at 3.0V operation where power conservation is critical. The automatic power-down feature distinguishes it from manual control variants, making it suitable for applications where cable removal triggers sleep modes. Verify that the 250kbps data rate meets the system's throughput requirements before finalizing the design.

Part Context

The ICL3232 series belongs to a family of low-power RS-232 transceivers originally developed by Intersil and now produced by Renesas. This specific variant provides two drivers and two receivers, offering a complete serial port solution for compact electronics. It serves as a direct replacement for legacy high-power RS-232 chips while maintaining pin compatibility with certain competitor devices.

Replacement Considerations

Publicly confirmed substitute part numbers include ICL3232EIV-16Z-T and ICL3232IBNZ. These alternatives share similar electrical characteristics and pinouts but may differ in package style or specific manufacturing revisions. Verify functional equivalence regarding the automatic power-down mechanism and ESD protection levels before substitution.