ICL3243IB

Overview

The ICL3243IB is a full-duplex RS-232 transceiver manufactured by Intersil, designed for low-power applications. It integrates three drivers and five receivers within a single package. The device operates on a single power supply ranging from 3V to 5.5V and supports data rates up to 250kbps. It features manual and automatic powerdown modes that reduce standby current to approximately 1µA. The IC includes on-chip voltage converters requiring only four external 0.1µF capacitors. It provides 15kV ESD protection and meets EIA/TIA-232 specifications at 3V operation.

Feature Summary

• Integrates three independent drivers and five independent receivers for full-duplex communication.
• Features enhanced automatic powerdown functionality to minimize standby power consumption.
• Includes on-chip charge pumps that eliminate the need for external inductors or transformers.
• Provides robust 15kV ESD protection on all RS-232 lines to ensure signal integrity.

Applications

• Portable devices such as PDAs and Palmtops requiring low standby current.
• Notebook and laptop computers with mixed 3.3V and 5.0V logic systems.
• Industrial control systems utilizing RS-232 serial communication interfaces.

Procurement Notes

Verify the suffix 'IB' against official Renesas/Intersil documentation to confirm specific temperature range and packaging details. Confirm RoHS compliance status and check for recent Product Change Notices regarding label updates or manufacturing site changes before finalizing procurement orders.

Selection Notes

Select this component when designing systems requiring three transmit and five receive channels. Ensure the application environment stays within the specified operating temperature limits. Verify that the system voltage remains between 3V and 5.5V to guarantee compliance with EIA/TIA-232 standards during operation.

Part Context

This part belongs to the ICL32XX family of low-power RS-232 transceivers. It serves as a drop-in replacement for legacy MAX3243 and SP3243 devices. The series is optimized for battery-powered portable electronics where board space and power efficiency are critical design constraints.

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 board replacement.

FAQ

Does the ICL3243IB support 3.3V operation?

Yes, the device meets EIA/TIA-232 and V.28/V.24 specifications even at a supply voltage of 3.0V.

What is the typical standby current in powerdown mode?

The manual and automatic powerdown features reduce the standby supply current to a trickle of approximately 1µA.

How many external capacitors are required for the voltage converters?

Only four external 0.1µF capacitors are needed to support the on-chip voltage converters.