ICL3241ECA-T

Overview

The ICL3241ECA-T is an RS-232 transceiver manufactured by Renesas Electronics, designed for operation within a 3.0V to 5.5V supply voltage range. It integrates three drivers and five receivers, supporting full-duplex communication at data rates up to 250 kb/s. The device features a propagation delay of 0.15 µs and operates with a typical supply current of 1 mA. It provides ±15 kV electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection on both transmitter outputs and receiver inputs. The component is housed in a 28-pin SSOP package and is rated for commercial operating temperatures between 0°C and +70°C.

Feature Summary

• Integrated charge pump enables true RS-232 performance using only four small external capacitors.
• Provides robust ±15 kV ESD protection on RS-232 pins compliant with IEC61000-4-2 standards.
• Includes shutdown functionality to reduce standby power consumption significantly.

Applications

• Portable computers and laptops requiring low-power serial communication.
• Personal digital assistants (PDAs) and handheld devices.
• Industrial control systems utilizing RS-232 interfaces.

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'T' indicates reel packaging when sourcing. Confirm RoHS compliance status through official datasheets or manufacturer declarations. Ensure the SSOP-28 package matches the target PCB footprint. Check moisture sensitivity level requirements for surface-mount assembly processes.

Selection Notes

Select this component for applications requiring three independent transmit channels and five receive channels. It is suitable for mixed 3.3V and 5.0V system environments. Consider the 250 kb/s speed limit if higher throughput is needed. Verify that the SSOP-28 package fits the available board space constraints.

Part Context

This part belongs to the Intersil/Renesas ICL324xE series of low-power RS-232 transceivers. The series is characterized by its ability to operate from a single 3V to 5.5V supply while maintaining standard RS-232 voltage levels. The ICL3241 variant specifically offers a 3-driver, 5-receiver configuration, distinguishing it from other members like the ICL3232 which has different driver/receiver counts.

Replacement Considerations

The MAX3241 is a functional equivalent offering similar 3-driver/5-receiver capabilities. Verify pin compatibility and capacitor requirements before substitution. Other ICL324x variants may differ in driver/receiver counts or automatic powerdown features.