ICL3241EIA

Overview

The Intersil ICL3241EIA is a low-power RS-232 transceiver designed for operation with supply voltages ranging from 3.0 V to 5.5 V. It integrates three drivers and five receivers, providing a complete serial port solution compliant with EIA/TIA-232 and V.28/V.24 standards even at the minimum 3.0 V supply. The device supports data rates up to 250 kbps and features ±15 kV electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection on all RS-232 pins according to the human body model. It utilizes an efficient on-chip charge pump requiring only small external capacitors. The component operates within a temperature range of -40°C to +85°C and is housed in a 28-pin SSOP package.

Feature Summary

• Integrates three drivers and five receivers to form a complete RS-232 serial port interface.
• Provides ±15 kV ESD protection on transmitter outputs and receiver inputs.
• Features automatic power-down functionality that reduces standby current to 1 µA when no valid signal is detected.
• Operates reliably at data rates up to 250 kbps with a single 3.0 V to 5.5 V power supply.

Applications

• Notebook and laptop computers
• Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)
• Palmtop computers
• Battery-powered portable equipment

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix against the manufacturer's official documentation to confirm pinout compatibility and environmental ratings. Ensure the ordering code matches the required package type and temperature grade. Cross-reference the datasheet revision date to confirm the validity of electrical specifications before finalizing procurement decisions.

Selection Notes

Select this component for systems requiring a full RS-232 port with minimal external capacitance. It is suitable for mixed 3.3 V and 5.0 V logic environments. Consider alternative models if higher data rates or different driver/receiver counts are needed. Verify that the application environment stays within the specified operating temperature range.

Part Context

This part belongs to the ICL32xE series of low-power RS-232 transceivers. The series is characterized by its ability to meet RS-232 specifications at low supply voltages using efficient charge pumps. The ICL3241 variant specifically provides the configuration necessary for standard serial ports in mobile computing devices.

Replacement Considerations

The ST3241EB is a confirmed functional substitute offering similar 3-to-5.5 V operation, 250 kbps data rate, and auto power-down features. Verify pin-to-pin compatibility and package dimensions before substitution.