ICL3241CA

Overview

The Intersil ICL3241CA is a low-power RS-232 transceiver designed for portable applications. It features three drivers and five receivers, supporting data rates up to 250 kbps. The device operates on a single 3.0 V to 5.5 V supply and includes an internal charge pump requiring only 0.1 µF external capacitors. It provides ±15 kV ESD protection on RS-232 pins and meets EIA/TIA-232 standards at voltages as low as 3.0 V. The component offers manual shutdown functionality to reduce standby current.

Feature Summary

• Integrated dual charge pump enables operation from a single low-voltage supply with minimal external capacitance.
• Enhanced electrostatic discharge protection ensures robustness against human body model and contact discharge events.
• Manual shutdown mode significantly reduces power consumption during idle periods in battery-operated systems.

Applications

• Notebook and sub-notebook computer serial ports
• Portable personal digital assistants (PDAs)
• Battery-powered hand-held equipment

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'CA' against the manufacturer's official datasheet to confirm package type and temperature range. Ensure compatibility with system voltage requirements and interface standards before procurement.

Selection Notes

Select this component when a complete serial port solution with three drivers and five receivers is required. It is suitable for systems needing low power consumption and high ESD immunity within a compact footprint.

Part Context

This part belongs to the ICL32xE series of RS-232 transceivers. These devices are engineered for mobile computing environments where power efficiency and signal integrity are critical constraints.

Replacement Considerations

Compatible alternatives include ST3241E and MAX3241. Verify pinout compatibility and electrical specifications such as data rate and operating voltage range before substitution.