ICL3238ECB

Overview

The ICL3238ECB is a low-power RS-232 transceiver manufactured by Intersil, now part of Renesas Electronics. It features five drivers and three receivers, supporting full-duplex communication at data rates up to 250 kbps. The device operates on a single 3 V to 5.5 V supply with a typical operating current of 1 mA. It includes power-down functionality to minimize consumption during idle periods. The component provides ±15 kV ESD protection on all lines and is housed in a 28-pin SSOP package, suitable for industrial temperature ranges from -40°C to +85°C.

Feature Summary

• Integrated five-driver and three-receiver architecture for multichannel serial communication
• Power-down mode significantly reduces supply current for battery-operated applications
• Robust electrostatic discharge protection rated at ±15 kV across all signal lines

Applications

• Industrial control systems requiring reliable serial communication
• Portable equipment utilizing low-voltage power supplies
• Data acquisition modules interfacing with RS-232 peripherals

Procurement Notes

Verify the manufacturer designation as Intersil or Renesas Electronics depending on production era. Confirm the specific suffix 'CB' corresponds to the SSOP-28 package variant. Ensure compliance with RoHS directives if required for the target assembly process. Cross-reference the datasheet revision to confirm pinout consistency with existing designs.

Selection Notes

Select this component when five transmit channels and three receive channels are necessary within a single IC. It is appropriate for designs constrained by space due to its compact SSOP footprint. Consider the 250 kbps speed limit when evaluating higher-speed interface requirements. Verify that the 3 V minimum supply voltage aligns with the system's power rail availability.

Part Context

This device belongs to the ICL3238 family of RS-232 line drivers and receivers. It shares functional similarities with other multichannel transceivers but distinguishes itself through integrated power-down control and high ESD tolerance. The component serves as a bridge between microprocessor logic levels and standard RS-232 voltage swings.

Replacement Considerations

The MAX3238EIPWR from Texas Instruments offers equivalent functionality with five drivers and three receivers. Both devices support similar voltage ranges and data rates. Verify package compatibility and pin assignment before substituting.