ICL3237CA

Overview

The ICL3237CA is a low-power RS-232 transceiver manufactured by Intersil, designed for operation with supply voltages ranging from 3 V to 5.5 V. It integrates five drivers and three receivers in a full-duplex configuration, supporting data rates up to 1 Mb/s. The device features an automatic powerdown function that reduces standby current to approximately 1 µA when no valid RS-232 signal is detected on the receiver inputs. It includes on-chip charge pumps requiring only four small external capacitors. The component provides 15 kV electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection on all RS-232 pins and operates within a temperature range of -40 °C to +85 °C.

Feature Summary

• Integrates five drivers and three receivers for full-duplex communication
• Features automatic powerdown circuitry to minimize standby power consumption
• Provides robust 15 kV ESD protection on RS-232 interface pins
• Utilizes on-chip charge pumps to reduce external component count

Applications

• ISDN Terminal Adaptors
• Portable computing devices such as PDAs and Palmtops
• Notebook and laptop computer peripheral interfaces

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'CA' against official Renesas or Intersil documentation to confirm commercial grade specifications and package type. Ensure compatibility with existing board layouts regarding capacitor values and pin configurations before procurement.

Selection Notes

Select this component for applications requiring high integration density and low power consumption in 3V to 5V systems. Consider the 1 Mb/s data rate limit and SSOP-28 package constraints during design. Verify thermal requirements for the intended operating environment.

Part Context

This part belongs to the ICL32XXE family of low-power RS-232 transceivers. It serves as a successor to earlier 5V-only devices, enabling operation in modern mixed-voltage systems. The series emphasizes reduced standby current and minimal external capacitance requirements.

Replacement Considerations

ICL3237EIAZ: Similar functionality with industrial temperature range specification.