ICL3237EIA

Overview

The Intersil ICL3237EIA is a low-power RS-232 transceiver designed for operation within a supply voltage range of 3.0 V to 5.5 V. It integrates five drivers and three receivers, supporting full-duplex communication at data rates up to 1 Mb/s. The device features an automatic powerdown function that reduces the operating supply current to approximately 1 mA in standby mode. It provides enhanced electrostatic discharge protection rated at ±15 kV on the RS-232 lines according to IEC61000-4-2 standards. The component is housed in a 28-pin SSOP package and operates reliably across a temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.

Feature Summary

• Integrates five drivers and three receivers for comprehensive RS-232 connectivity
• Features automatic powerdown circuitry to minimize standby power consumption
• Provides robust ±15 kV ESD protection on all RS-232 signal pins

Applications

• ISDN Terminal Adaptors
• Portable computing devices such as PDAs and Palmtops
• Notebook and laptop computer serial interfaces
• Peripheral equipment requiring low-power serial communication

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix against official Renesas or Intersil documentation to confirm pinout compatibility and package variations. Ensure the procurement source provides valid RoHS compliance certificates if required by the manufacturing process. Confirm moisture sensitivity levels and reflow soldering profiles prior to assembly to prevent package damage during PCB fabrication.

Selection Notes

Select this component when a high-channel count (5 drivers/3 receivers) is required alongside strict power constraints. It serves as a direct replacement for legacy 5V-only RS-232 transceivers in mixed 3.3V and 5V systems. Verify that the application environment requires the specified ±15 kV ESD tolerance and that the SSOP footprint aligns with the existing board layout constraints.

Part Context

This part belongs to the ICL32XXE family of low-power RS-232 transceivers developed by Intersil, now part of Renesas Electronics. The 'E' designation typically indicates enhanced features such as improved ESD protection and lower power consumption compared to standard variants. This series was engineered to replace older 5V components in modern portable electronics where battery life and board space are critical factors.

Replacement Considerations

The Analog Devices MAX3237EAI+ is a documented functional equivalent within the same family specifications.