ICL3243ECA

Overview

The ICL3243ECA is a full RS-232 transceiver manufactured by Intersil, now part of Renesas Electronics. It integrates three drivers and five receivers within a single package, supporting data rates up to 250kbps. The device operates on a single power supply ranging from 3V to 5.5V. It features an automatic powerdown mode that reduces standby current to approximately 1µA. The component utilizes internal charge pumps requiring only four external 0.1µF capacitors for voltage conversion. It is housed in a 28-pin SSOP package and meets EIA/TIA-232 specifications.

Feature Summary

• Integrates three independent drivers and five independent receivers for full RS-232 communication.
• Features enhanced automatic powerdown functionality to minimize standby power consumption.
• Includes on-chip voltage converters that eliminate the need for external inductors or transformers.
• Provides high electrostatic discharge protection rated at 15kV using the human body model.

Applications

• Portable personal digital assistants (PDAs) and palmtop computers.
• Notebook and laptop computer serial port interfaces.
• Battery-powered industrial equipment requiring low standby current.
• Mixed voltage systems combining 3.3V and 5.0V logic levels.

Procurement Notes

Verify the manufacturer designation as Intersil or Renesas Electronics Corporation depending on the production date. Confirm the suffix 'ECA' corresponds to the specific 28-pin SSOP package variant. Check RoHS compliance status and moisture sensitivity level requirements during storage and handling procedures before assembly.

Selection Notes

Select this component when designing circuits requiring three transmit and five receive channels. Ensure the application supports the 250kbps maximum data rate under worst-case load conditions. Verify that the system voltage remains within the 3V to 5.5V operating range. Consider the 28-pin SSOP footprint constraints against available board space.

Part Context

This device belongs to the ICL32XX family of low-power RS-232 transceivers. It serves as a drop-in replacement for legacy parts such as the MAX3243 and SP3243. The family is designed to address power constraints in portable electronics while maintaining compatibility with standard RS-232 signaling protocols.

Replacement Considerations

Publicly confirmed substitutes include the MAX3243EIDW and MAX3243EIDWR from Texas Instruments. These components offer pin-compatible upgrades with similar electrical characteristics for direct circuit board integration.