ICL3243CB

Overview

The ICL3243CB is a full-duplex RS-232 transceiver manufactured by Intersil, designed for low-power applications. It integrates three drivers and five receivers within a single package. The device operates on a supply voltage range of 3V to 5.5V and supports data rates up to 250kbps. It utilizes an internal charge pump requiring only four external 0.1µF capacitors. Key electrical parameters include a receiver hysteresis of 300mV and 15kV ESD protection per the human body model. The component is available in a 28-SOIC surface-mount package.

Feature Summary

• Integrated manual and automatic powerdown functions reduce standby current to 1µA
• On-chip voltage converters eliminate the need for external inductors or transformers
• Receiver input hysteresis provides noise immunity for reliable signal detection
• ESD protection rated at 15kV ensures robustness against electrostatic discharge events

Applications

• Portable devices such as PDAs and palmtops requiring low standby power
• Notebook and laptop computers with mixed 3.3V and 5.0V logic levels
• Industrial communication interfaces demanding latch-up free operation

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'CB' against official Renesas/Intersil documentation to confirm package type and temperature grade. Ensure compliance with RoHS3 standards if required by the target market. Confirm moisture sensitivity level (MSL 3) handling procedures during assembly. Cross-reference ordering information directly with the manufacturer's latest datasheet to avoid discrepancies in lead times or availability status.

Selection Notes

Select this component when designing systems that require three transmit and five receive channels in a compact form factor. It serves as a drop-in replacement for legacy MAX3243 and SP3243 devices. Consider its 250kbps speed limit for high-speed serial applications where faster alternatives are necessary. Evaluate the 3V to 5.5V operating range to ensure compatibility with the system's power rails.

Part Context

The ICL3243 belongs to the broader ICL32XX family of RS-232 transceivers developed by Intersil, now part of Renesas Electronics. This family shares common architectural features such as low-power consumption and integrated charge pumps. Variants within the series differ primarily in the number of drivers and receivers, allowing designers to scale interface capabilities without changing the core power management strategy.

Replacement Considerations

Publicly confirmed substitutes include the MAX3243EIDW and MAX3243EIDWR from Texas Instruments. These components offer pin-compatible upgrades with similar functional specifications.