ICL3243EIA-T

Overview

The ICL3243EIA-T is a low-power RS-232 transceiver manufactured by Intersil, operating within a supply voltage range of +3V to +5.5V. It features three drivers and five receivers, supporting full-duplex communication at data rates up to 250kbps. The device incorporates on-chip charge pumps requiring only four external 0.1µF capacitors. It provides enhanced automatic powerdown functionality, reducing standby current to 1µA when the receiver detects no valid signal. The component offers ±15kV ESD protection on RS-232 pins and meets EIA/TIA-232 specifications at 3V operation.

Feature Summary

• Integrated automatic powerdown circuitry reduces standby supply current to 1µA
• On-chip voltage converters minimize board space with only four small capacitors
• High electrostatic discharge protection rated at ±15kV for human body model
• Full compatibility with 3.3V and 5.0V systems including mixed voltage environments

Applications

• Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and Palmtops
• Notebook and laptop computers
• ISDN Terminal Adaptors
• Portable peripherals requiring low power consumption

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'EIA-T' against official Renesas or Intersil documentation to confirm package type and tape-and-reel configuration. Ensure the source document explicitly lists this part number as an active or obsolete component. Cross-reference manufacturer ordering information to validate RoHS compliance status and lead time requirements before finalizing procurement plans.

Selection Notes

Select this component for applications requiring three transmit and five receive channels in a compact form factor. It serves as a drop-in replacement for legacy MAX3243 devices while offering lower power consumption. Verify that the system operates within the 3V to 5.5V range and requires data rates not exceeding 250kbps. Confirm that the application benefits from the automatic powerdown feature to extend battery life in portable devices.

Part Context

The ICL3243 belongs to the Intersil ICL32XX family of RS-232 transceivers designed for low-voltage operation. This family replaces older 5V-only devices with efficient CMOS technology. The ICL3243 variant specifically provides a 3-driver, 5-receiver configuration, distinguishing it from other members like the ICL3232 which lacks automatic powerdown. It is engineered for mobile computing environments where power efficiency and board space are critical constraints.

Replacement Considerations

Publicly documented direct replacements include the MAX3243, MAX3223, and SP3243. These components offer pin-compatible alternatives for existing designs. Verify electrical parameters such as drive strength and capacitor requirements when substituting to ensure signal integrity is maintained across the RS-232 interface.