ICL3243CB-T

Overview

The ICL3243CB-T is a fully compliant RS-232 transceiver manufactured by Renesas Electronics Corporation, originally developed under the Harris and Intersil brands. It integrates three drivers and five receivers within a 28-pin SOIC package. The device operates on a single 3V to 5.5V supply and meets EIA/TIA-232 and V.28/V.24 specifications at 3.0V. It supports data rates up to 250kbps with a receiver hysteresis of 300mV. The component features manual and automatic powerdown modes, reducing standby current to 1µA. It includes on-chip voltage converters requiring only four external 0.1µF capacitors.

Feature Summary

• Integrates three drivers and five receivers for full RS-232 communication in a compact surface-mount package.
• Features manual and automatic powerdown functions that reduce standby supply current to 1µA for battery-powered applications.
• Includes on-chip charge pumps requiring only four small external capacitors, minimizing board space requirements.

Applications

• Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and Palmtops
• Notebook and laptop computers
• Mixed 3.3V and 5.0V system interfaces

Procurement Notes

Verify the manufacturer origin carefully, as the ICL3243CB-T was originally a Harris/Intersil part now produced by Renesas. Confirm the specific suffix 'CB-T' corresponds to the 28-SOIC package with commercial temperature range (0°C to 70°C). Check RoHS compliance status against the latest datasheet revision, as older Harris stock may differ from current Renesas manufacturing standards.

Selection Notes

Select this component when a drop-in replacement for MAX3243 or SP3243 is required in a 28-SOIC footprint. Ensure the design accommodates the 300mV receiver hysteresis characteristic specific to the CB variant. Verify that the application requires the specific driver/receiver count of 3/5 and benefits from the low-power automatic shutdown feature.

Part Context

The ICL3243 series belongs to the Intersil/Renesas family of low-power RS-232 transceivers designed for portable electronics. The 'Harris Corporation' branding reflects the company's historical ownership prior to its acquisition by Elanix, which later became Intersil and subsequently Renesas Electronics. This lineage ensures compatibility with legacy designs while offering modern low-voltage performance.

Replacement Considerations

• MAX3243CBZ
• SP3243ECW

FAQ

Does the ICL3243CB-T support operation at 3.0V?

Yes, the device meets EIA/TIA-232 and V.28/V.24 specifications even at a VCC of 3.0V.

What is the receiver hysteresis for the CB variant?

The ICL3243CB-T has a receiver hysteresis of 300mV, which helps prevent false triggering due to noise on slow-rise-time signals.

How many external capacitors are required for the charge pumps?

Only four external 0.1µF capacitors are required to operate the on-chip voltage converters.