ICL3241IAZ

Overview

The ICL3241IAZ is a triple driver and quintuple receiver RS-232 transceiver manufactured by Renesas Electronics Corporation. It operates within a supply voltage range of 3.0V to 5.5V, ensuring compliance with EIA/TIA-232 and V.28/V.24 standards even at the minimum voltage. The device features an integrated charge pump for efficient voltage generation and provides ±15kV electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection on both transmitter outputs and receiver inputs. It supports data rates exceeding 250kbps under worst-case loading conditions and includes low-power shutdown modes to minimize standby current consumption.

Feature Summary

• Integrated charge pump enables operation from a single 3.0V to 5.5V power supply without external inductors.
• Provides robust ±15kV ESD protection on RS-232 pins, meeting IEC61000-4-2 air gap and human body model requirements.
• Includes automatic or manual shutdown functionality to reduce system power consumption during idle periods.

Applications

• Portable computers and laptops requiring full serial port implementation
• Personal digital assistants (PDAs) and handheld devices
• Mixed 3.3V and 5.0V system interfaces

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'IAZ' against official Renesas documentation to confirm temperature grade and RoHS compliance status. Ensure the ordering information matches the exact package type and tape/reel specifications required for the manufacturing process. Cross-reference the manufacturer's latest datasheet revision to validate any potential pinout or electrical characteristic updates.

Selection Notes

Select this component when a design requires three independent drivers and five receivers for RS-232 communication within a compact footprint. It is suitable for applications needing low quiescent current and high ESD immunity. Verify that the system operating voltage falls within the 3.0V to 5.5V range and that the required data rate does not exceed the guaranteed 250kbps limit under maximum capacitive load.

Part Context

This part belongs to the Intersil ICL32xxE series of low-power RS-232 transceivers, now produced under the Renesas Electronics brand. The series is designed for portable electronics where space and power efficiency are critical constraints. The ICL3241 variant specifically offers a 3-driver/5-receiver configuration, making it a complete solution for standard PC-style serial ports in mobile devices.

Replacement Considerations

Direct replacements include other members of the ICL32xxE family, such as the ICL3241EIVZ, provided the package and temperature range match. Verify compatibility with alternative RS-232 transceivers like the MAX3241 only after confirming pin-to-pin equivalence and electrical parameter alignment with the original specification sheet.