ICL3243ECVZ

Overview

The ICL3243ECVZ is a full-duplex RS-232 transceiver manufactured by Renesas Electronics Corporation, designed for low-power applications in portable devices. It integrates three drivers and five receivers within a 28-pin TSSOP package. The device operates on a single 3V to 5.5V supply and supports data rates up to 250kbps. Key electrical parameters include a receiver hysteresis of 500mV and an operating temperature range from -40°C to +85°C. It features manual and automatic powerdown modes that reduce standby current to approximately 1µA. The component includes on-chip charge pumps requiring only four external 0.1µF capacitors and provides 15kV ESD protection per the human body model.

Feature Summary

• Integrates manual and automatic powerdown functions to minimize standby power consumption.
• Features on-chip voltage converters that eliminate the need for external dual-voltage supplies.
• Provides robust 15kV ESD protection compatible with harsh industrial environments.
• Includes receiver hysteresis to improve noise immunity during signal reception.

Applications

• Portable personal digital assistants (PDAs) and palmtop computers
• Notebook and laptop computer serial communication interfaces
• Industrial control systems requiring low-power RS-232 connectivity

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'ECVZ' against official Renesas documentation to confirm the exact temperature grade and packaging variant. Ensure compatibility with existing board layouts regarding the 28-TSSOP footprint and capacitor placement. Confirm RoHS compliance status matches project requirements before finalizing procurement orders.

Selection Notes

Select this component when designing systems that require full-duplex RS-232 communication with strict power constraints. It serves as a drop-in replacement for legacy MAX3243 devices. Consider the 250kbps speed limit and 3V minimum supply voltage when evaluating system performance requirements.

Part Context

This part belongs to the ICL32xxE series of low-power RS-232 transceivers. The family is characterized by its ability to operate at voltages as low as 3.0V while maintaining EIA/TIA-232 compliance. The series targets battery-operated equipment where minimizing energy usage is critical for extended operational life.

Replacement Considerations

Publicly documented equivalents include the MAX3243EIDW and MAX3243EIDWR from Texas Instruments. These parts offer pin-compatible upgrades for legacy designs. Verify electrical specifications and package dimensions before substituting to ensure functional parity.

FAQ

What is the typical standby current when the powerdown feature is active?

The standby supply current reduces to a trickle of approximately 1µA when the powerdown function is engaged.

How many external capacitors are required for the internal charge pumps?

The device requires only four external 0.1µF capacitors to support the on-chip voltage converters.

Does the ICL3243ECVZ meet EIA/TIA-232 specifications at 3V operation?

Yes, the device meets EIA/TIA-232 and V.28/V.24 specifications even when powered by a 3.0V supply.