ICL3232EIA-T

Overview

The ICL3232EIA-T is a dual transmitter and dual receiver RS-232 interface integrated circuit manufactured by Intersil. It operates on a single +3V to +5.5V power supply and meets EIA/TIA-232 and V.28/V.24 specifications at the lower voltage limit. The device features ±15kV electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection on all RS-232 lines, ensuring robustness in harsh environments. It supports data rates up to 250kbps with a typical supply current of 300µA during operation and 1µA in standby mode due to an automatic power-down function. The component is housed in a 16-pin SSOP package and is rated for industrial temperature ranges from -40°C to +85°C.

Feature Summary

• Integrated dual charge pumps requiring only four small external capacitors for 3V operation
• Automatic power-down circuitry reduces standby current to 1µA when no valid RS-232 signal is present
• Enhanced ±15kV ESD protection on RS-232 transceiver pins per IEC61000-4-2 standards
• Latch-up free design compliant with JEDEC Class 2 moisture sensitivity levels

Applications

• Portable battery-powered equipment such as PDAs and palmtop computers
• Notebook and laptop computer serial port interfaces
• Industrial control systems requiring reliable RS-232 communication in noisy environments
• Peripherals and printers connecting to host systems via serial links

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'T' indicates tape and reel packaging configuration distinct from tube variants. Confirm the 'E' designation aligns with the extended industrial temperature range requirements (-40°C to +85°C). Ensure the order matches the exact manufacturer part number to avoid compatibility issues with pinouts or electrical characteristics found in non-E versions.

Selection Notes

Select this component when designing low-power serial communication links operating strictly between 3V and 5.5V. It is suitable for space-constrained applications due to the small footprint of the SSOP-16 package and minimal external capacitor count. Engineers should consider the 250kbps speed limit and ensure it meets the baud rate requirements of the target system before choosing over higher-speed alternatives.

Part Context

This part belongs to the Intersil ICL32XXE family of 3V RS-232 transceivers. It shares architectural similarities with the ICL3221E and ICL3241E but differs in the number of drivers and receivers. The ICL3232 variant specifically provides two drivers and two receivers, making it a balanced solution for full-duplex communication compared to single-driver options in the same series.

Replacement Considerations

Publicly confirmed substitutes include the ST3232EC from STMicroelectronics and the MAX3232E from Maxim Integrated. Verify that replacement parts maintain the same 16-pin SSOP footprint and support the required 3V minimum supply voltage. Check if the alternative offers equivalent ESD protection ratings and data rate capabilities.