ICL3238IA

Overview

The Intersil ICL3238IA is a low-power RS-232 transceiver designed for operation with supply voltages ranging from 3V to 5.5V. 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 supply current to approximately 1 µA when no valid RS-232 signal is detected on the receiver inputs. It provides ±15 kV electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection on all RS-232 lines per the Human Body Model specification. 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 independent receivers for multichannel serial communication
• Features automatic powerdown circuitry to minimize standby power consumption during idle periods
• Provides robust ±15 kV ESD protection on RS-232 transceiver pins to enhance system reliability
• Operates reliably across a wide voltage range from 3V to 5.5V without external components

Applications

• Portable computing devices such as PDAs and palmtops requiring low standby current
• ISDN terminal adaptors and network interface equipment
• Laptop and notebook computer peripheral interfaces
• Industrial control systems operating in harsh electromagnetic environments

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'IA' against official Renesas or Intersil documentation to confirm package type and temperature grade. Ensure compatibility with existing board layouts for SSOP-28 footprints. Confirm RoHS compliance status if required by project specifications. Validate that the 3V to 5.5V supply range matches the target system's power rails before procurement.

Selection Notes

Select this component when designing systems requiring multiple RS-232 channels with strict power constraints. It serves as a direct replacement for older 5V-only RS-232 transceivers in mixed-voltage environments. Consider the 250 kbps speed limit when evaluating high-speed serial requirements. The integrated charge pumps eliminate the need for external capacitors, simplifying the bill of materials compared to legacy solutions.

Part Context

The ICL3238IA belongs to the ICL32XXE family of low-power RS-232 transceivers manufactured by Intersil, now part of Renesas Electronics. This series was engineered to replace standard 5V devices in portable applications where battery life is critical. The ICL3238 variant specifically offers five drivers and three receivers, providing more channel density than the ICL3232 or ICL3234 models within the same power-efficient architecture.

Replacement Considerations

The MAX3238EIPWR from Texas Instruments is a functionally equivalent alternative with identical pinout and electrical characteristics. Verify that the substitute component meets the same -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range requirements.