ICL3238ECAZ-T

Overview

The ICL3238ECAZ-T is an RS-232 transceiver manufactured by Renesas Electronics, designed for low-power serial communication applications. It operates within a supply voltage range of 3 V to 5.5 V and supports data rates up to 1 Mbps. The device integrates one driver and three receivers in a 28-pin SSOP package. Key electrical characteristics include a typical operating supply current of 1 mA and robust ESD protection rated at 15 kV. It features automatic power-down functionality to minimize standby consumption. The component is suitable for surface mount installation and functions reliably across a commercial temperature range from 0°C to +70°C.

Feature Summary

• Integrates automatic power-down circuitry to reduce standby current when the interface is idle or disconnected.
• Provides high electrostatic discharge protection on all RS-232 signal pins to enhance system reliability.
• Supports full-duplex communication with single-ended receiver inputs for standard RS-232 compatibility.

Applications

• Portable computing devices requiring low standby power consumption
• Industrial control systems utilizing RS-232 serial interfaces
• Embedded systems with limited power supply capabilities

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'ECAZ-T' against official Renesas documentation to confirm package type, temperature grade, and tape-and-reel packaging details. Confirm RoHS compliance status and moisture sensitivity level prior to procurement. Check for obsolescence notices as this component family may have lifecycle restrictions. Ensure the supplier provides valid traceability documents for quality assurance purposes.

Selection Notes

Select this component when a single-driver, triple-receiver configuration is required for RS-232 links. It is appropriate for designs needing 1 Mbps data throughput with minimal quiescent current. Compare pinout compatibility with existing PCB layouts if replacing older Intersil variants. Verify that the 28-pin SSOP footprint matches the target assembly constraints.

Part Context

This part belongs to the ICL323x series of low-power RS-232 transceivers originally developed by Intersil and now managed by Renesas. The series is characterized by its ability to operate efficiently at 3.3 V and 5 V supplies. The ICL3238 variant specifically offers asymmetric driver and receiver counts compared to symmetric counterparts like the ICL3243.

Replacement Considerations

ICL3238CAZ-T: Confirmed substitute with identical functional specifications but potentially different temperature rating or packaging variant. Verify suffix differences carefully before substitution.