ICL3243ECVZ-T

Overview

The ICL3243ECVZ-T is a full-duplex RS-232 transceiver manufactured by Renesas Electronics Corporation, housed in a 28-TSSOP surface-mount package. It operates on a single supply voltage ranging from 3V to 5.5V and supports data rates up to 250kbps. The device integrates three drivers and five receivers, featuring an internal charge pump that requires only four external 0.1µF capacitors. It includes automatic power-down functionality to reduce standby current to 1µA when the cable is disconnected. The component provides ±15kV ESD protection on RS-232 pins and meets EIA/TIA-232 specifications at 3V operation.

Feature Summary

• Automatic power-down function reduces standby current to 1µA upon cable removal or peripheral shutdown
• Integrated charge pumps require only four small external capacitors for voltage conversion
• Provides ±15kV electrostatic discharge protection on all RS-232 input and output pins
• Includes non-inverting always-active receivers to support system wake-up capabilities

Applications

• Serial port implementation in notebook and laptop computers
• Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) requiring low power consumption
• Mixed 3.3V and 5.0V system interfacing
• Portable devices with battery management constraints

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'E' against official Renesas documentation to confirm temperature range and RoHS compliance status, as datasheets may list variations like ICL3243EIVZ-T. Confirm the manufacturer source, as this part originates from the Intersil acquisition history. Ensure the 28-TSSOP package matches the design footprint requirements before ordering.

Selection Notes

Select this component for designs requiring three transmit and five receive channels within a compact TSSOP form factor. It serves as a direct drop-in replacement for older MAX3243 and SP3243 devices. Consider the automatic power-down feature if battery life is critical. Verify that the 250kbps guaranteed rate meets the communication speed requirements of the target application.

Part Context

This device belongs to the ICL32xxE family of low-power RS-232 transceivers originally developed by Intersil and now managed by Renesas Electronics. The family is designed to replace legacy 5V parts with efficient 3V-compatible solutions. The ICL3243 variant specifically targets applications needing multiple receiver lines alongside standard driver outputs.

Replacement Considerations

• MAX3243
• SP3243
• ICL3243

FAQ

Does the ICL3243ECVZ-T support automatic power-down?

Yes, the device features an automatic power-down function that powers off the on-chip power-supply and driver circuits when the RS-232 cable is removed or the peripheral is shut off.

What is the minimum number of external capacitors required?

Only four external 0.1µF capacitors are required to operate the internal charge pumps for voltage generation.

Is the device compatible with 3.3V systems?

Yes, the transceiver meets EIA/TIA-232 specifications even at VCC = 3.0V and is fully compatible with 3.3V only systems.