ICL3243ECV-T

Overview

The ICL3243ECV-T is a low-power RS-232 transceiver manufactured by Renesas Electronics Corporation, belonging to the ICL32xx family. It operates within a supply voltage range of 3.0V to 5.5V and supports data rates up to 250kbps while meeting EIA/TIA-232 and V.28/V.24 specifications at 3.0V. The device integrates three drivers and five receivers, featuring non-inverting always-active receivers for wake-up capability. Standby current is reduced to 1µA through automatic power-down functions that activate when the cable is removed or peripherals shut off. It utilizes efficient on-chip charge pumps requiring only four external 0.1µF capacitors.

Feature Summary

• Automatic power-down functionality reduces standby current to 1µA when attached peripherals are off or cables are disconnected.
• Integrated non-inverting always-active receivers provide system wake-up capability from low-power states.
• On-chip voltage converters minimize board space requirements by utilizing small, low-value external capacitors.
• Guaranteed mouse driveability ensures reliable performance with serial mice under worst-case load conditions.

Applications

• Portable computers including notebooks and laptops requiring low operational and standby power consumption.
• Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and Palmtops where board space and battery life are critical constraints.
• Systems requiring serial port expansion with wake-up capabilities in mixed 3.3V and 5.0V environments.

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'ECV-T' against official Renesas documentation to confirm tape-and-reel packaging and temperature grade. Ensure compatibility with existing PCB footprints for the TSSOP package. Confirm RoHS compliance status if required by local regulations. Cross-reference ordering information directly with the manufacturer's current datasheet to avoid discrepancies in revision levels.

Selection Notes

Select this component for applications requiring three transmit and five receive channels in a compact form factor. It is suitable for systems operating between 3.0V and 5.5V that need automatic power management without hardware modifications. Consider alternatives only if higher data rates than 250kbps are necessary or if different driver/receiver counts are required. Verify that the automatic power-down feature aligns with the system's peripheral control logic.

Part Context

This device is part of the ICL32xx series, which includes variants like ICL3221, ICL3222, and ICL3223. These components serve as low-power upgrades to older 5V-only RS-232 transceivers. The family is designed to replace legacy parts such as MAX3243 and SP3243 while offering improved power efficiency and compatibility with modern 3.3V logic systems.

Replacement Considerations

Publicly confirmed drop-in replacements include MAX3243, SP3243, and HIN232/ICL232 variants. Verify pin compatibility and electrical specifications before substitution. Ensure the replacement device supports the same automatic power-down features if low standby current is required.