ICL3241IA

Overview

The ICL3241IA is a low-power RS-232 transceiver from the Intersil ICL32xxE series, manufactured by Renesas Electronics. It operates on a single 3.0V to 5.5V power supply and complies with EIA/TIA-232 and V.28/V.24 standards. The device integrates three drivers and five receivers, supporting data rates up to 250Kbps. It features ±15kV ESD protection on all RS-232 pins per IEC61000-4-2. Key electrical parameters include a maximum static current of 0.3mA in active mode and a shutdown current as low as 1µA. The component supports full-duplex communication and includes an automatic power-down feature for energy efficiency.

Feature Summary

• Integrated charge pump enables operation from a single low-voltage supply without external components.
• Automatic power-down circuitry reduces standby current when the RS-232 cable is disconnected.
• Robust electrostatic discharge protection ensures reliability in portable electronic environments.

Applications

• Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and handheld computers
• Laptop and notebook computer serial ports
• Portable computing devices requiring low standby power

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'IA' against official Renesas documentation to confirm temperature range and package type. Datasheets typically list variants like 'ICL3241EIVZ' or 'ICL3241ECAZ'. Ensure the ordering code matches the required industrial or commercial grade specifications before procurement.

Selection Notes

Select this component for designs requiring a complete RS-232 port solution in space-constrained applications. It is suitable for systems operating at 3.3V or 5.0V that need minimal external capacitance. Consider the automatic shutdown feature if battery life is critical and peripheral disconnection is common.

Part Context

This part belongs to the ICL32xxE family of low-power RS-232 transceivers originally developed by Intersil and acquired by Renesas. The family shares common architecture but varies in driver/receiver counts and package options. The ICL3241 variant specifically provides the pinout configuration necessary for standard PC-style serial interfaces.

Replacement Considerations

Direct substitutes include ICL3241EIVZ and ICL3241ECAZ. Verify that the replacement variant maintains the same 3-driver/5-receiver configuration and compatible package footprint for seamless integration.