ICL3232EIAZ-T

Overview

The ICL3232EIAZ-T is a low-power RS-232 transceiver manufactured by Renesas Electronics Corporation. It operates on a single +3V to +5.5V supply and meets EIA/TIA-232 and V.28/V.24 specifications even at 3.0V. The device integrates two drivers and two receivers with guaranteed data rates up to 250kbps. It features ±15kV ESD protection on all RS-232 lines, an internal charge pump requiring only four 0.1µF capacitors, and automatic power-down functionality that reduces standby current to 1µA. The component is housed in a 16-pin SSOP package.

Feature Summary

• Integrated dual charge pump requiring minimal external capacitance for voltage generation
• Automatic power-down mode significantly reduces standby current consumption
• Enhanced electrostatic discharge protection on all signal pins
• Receiver hysteresis improves noise immunity during signal detection

Applications

• Battery-powered portable devices such as PDAs and laptops
• Modems and peripheral equipment connections
• Digital cameras and cellular/mobile phones
• Systems requiring full serial port expansion in compact form factors

Procurement Notes

Verify the suffix 'T' indicates tape-and-reel packaging when ordering. Confirm the 'E' designation corresponds to the industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. Ensure compatibility with existing PCB footprints for the SSOP-16 package. Cross-reference the manufacturer part number against official Renesas databases to confirm active status and revision history before finalizing procurement plans.

Selection Notes

Select this component for applications requiring low-voltage operation down to 3.0V while maintaining standard RS-232 compliance. It serves as a direct upgrade for legacy ICL232 devices with improved power efficiency. Consider the 250kbps speed limit when designing high-throughput interfaces. The integrated auto-shutdown feature makes it suitable for always-on systems where cable disconnection triggers power savings without hardware modifications.

Part Context

This part belongs to the ICL3232E family of RS-232 transceivers designed for 3V to 5.5V systems. It shares functional similarities with the ICL3221E and ICL3241E but offers a specific configuration of two drivers and two receivers. The series is optimized for space-constrained portable electronics, providing a balance between performance, power consumption, and physical footprint compared to older bipolar-based RS-232 solutions.

Replacement Considerations

Publicly confirmed substitutes include the ST3232EC from STMicroelectronics and the MAX3232E from Maxim Integrated. Verify pinout compatibility and capacitor requirements when replacing. Ensure the alternative device supports the same 3.0V minimum operating voltage and ESD protection levels specified for the original design.