ICL3238EIA

Overview

The Intersil ICL3238EIA is a multichannel RS-232 transceiver designed for operation with supply voltages ranging from +3.0 V to +5.5 V. It integrates five drivers and three receivers, supporting full-duplex communication at data rates up to 250 kbps. The device features an automatic powerdown mode that reduces standby current to approximately 1 µA when no receiver activity is detected. It provides ±15 kV electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection on both RS-232 lines and logic inputs. The component operates within an industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C and is housed in a 28-pin SSOP package.

Feature Summary

• Integrates five independent drivers and three receivers for comprehensive serial communication support
• Features automatic powerdown circuitry to minimize standby power consumption during idle periods
• Provides robust ±15 kV ESD protection on all RS-232 and logic pins to enhance reliability
• Operates effectively across the full +3.0 V to +5.5 V voltage range without external components

Applications

• ISDN Terminal Adaptors requiring low power consumption
• Portable devices such as PDAs and Palmtops
• Notebook and laptop computer peripheral interfaces
• Industrial equipment with strict EMI and power constraints

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix against the manufacturer's official documentation to confirm pinout compatibility and thermal characteristics. Ensure the procurement channel sources genuine Intersil or Renesas Electronics products to avoid counterfeit components. Cross-reference the ordering information with the latest datasheet revision to confirm RoHS compliance status and packaging details before finalizing orders.

Selection Notes

Select this component when designing systems requiring multiple RS-232 channels within a single integrated circuit. It is suitable for applications where board space is limited due to its compact SSOP-28 footprint. Consider this part for battery-operated devices because of its low active current and microamp-level standby current. Verify that the system logic levels are compatible with the specified input thresholds.

Part Context

The ICL3238EIA belongs to the ICL32XXE family of low-power RS-232 transceivers developed by Intersil, now part of Renesas Electronics. This series was engineered to replace older 5V-only transceivers in modern 3.3V systems. It shares functional similarities with other Maxim Integrated MAX3238 variants but maintains distinct manufacturing specifications under the Intersil brand lineage.

Replacement Considerations

Publicly confirmed equivalent part numbers include the MAX3238EEAI+ from Analog Devices/Maxim Integrated and the SP3238EEA-L/TR from MaxLinear. These alternatives share identical pinouts and electrical specifications, facilitating direct replacement in existing designs.