ICL3241IBZ

Overview

The ICL3241IBZ is a low-power RS-232 transceiver manufactured by Renesas Electronics Corporation, designed for operation with supply voltages ranging from 3.0V to 5.5V. It integrates three drivers and five receivers, ensuring compliance with EIA/TIA-232 and V.28/V.24 standards even at the minimum 3.0V supply level. The device features an efficient on-chip charge pump that eliminates the need for external voltage sources. It provides ±15kV electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection on both transmitter outputs and receiver inputs, meeting IEC61000-4-2 air gap and human body model requirements. The component supports data rates exceeding 250kbps under worst-case loading conditions.

Feature Summary

• Integrated charge pump enables single-supply operation without external capacitors for voltage generation
• Includes dedicated inverting receiver for modem control signal management
• Offers robust ±15kV ESD protection on all RS-232 pins to enhance system reliability
• Supports automatic power-down mode to minimize standby current consumption

Applications

• Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)
• Laptop computers
• Portable computing devices

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'IBZ' against official Renesas documentation to confirm package type and temperature range. Ensure compatibility with existing PCB footprints, as variations exist between SSOP and TSSOP packages within this product family. Confirm RoHS compliance status through the manufacturer's latest datasheet before finalizing procurement specifications.

Selection Notes

Select this component when designing systems requiring multiple transmit and receive lines within a compact form factor. It is suitable for mixed-voltage environments supporting both 3.3V and 5.0V logic levels. Consider the automatic power-down feature if battery life optimization is critical for portable applications.

Part Context

This part belongs to the Intersil ICL32x×E series of RS-232 transceivers, now produced under Renesas Electronics following corporate acquisitions. The series is engineered for portable electronics where low power consumption and small physical size are primary design constraints. It serves as a complete serial port solution for modern laptop and handheld architectures.

Replacement Considerations

Direct substitutes include other members of the ICL324xE family such as the ICL3241EIVZ or ICL3241EIAZ, provided pinout and package dimensions match the target application. Verify functional equivalence regarding driver/receiver counts and ESD ratings.