ICL3244CA-T

Overview

The ICL3244CA-T is a low-power RS-232 transceiver manufactured by Intersil, designed for operation with a single +3V to +5.5V supply voltage. It features three drivers and five receivers, supporting full-duplex communication at data rates up to 250kbps. The device incorporates enhanced automatic powerdown circuitry that reduces supply current to approximately 1µA during idle periods. It includes integrated charge pumps requiring only external 0.1µF capacitors and provides ±15kV ESD protection on all RS-232 lines. The component is housed in a 28-pin SSOP package and operates within a commercial temperature range of 0°C to +70°C.

Feature Summary

• Enhanced automatic powerdown functionality significantly reduces quiescent current consumption when the device is not actively transmitting or receiving data.
• Integrated charge pump architecture eliminates the need for external inductors, simplifying board layout and reducing component count.
• Robust electrostatic discharge protection rated at ±15kV ensures reliable operation in environments susceptible to static electricity events.

Applications

• Portable battery-powered equipment requiring extended standby life
• Industrial control systems utilizing RS-232 serial communication
• Embedded systems with limited power budgets

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'CA' against official Intersil documentation to confirm the commercial temperature grade and package variant. Confirm availability status as distribution channels may list obsolete or end-of-life inventory. Ensure compatibility with existing PCB footprints for the 28-pin SSOP configuration before procurement.

Selection Notes

Select this component when a multi-driver, multi-receiver RS-232 interface is required for low-power applications. Compare driver and receiver counts against system requirements to ensure the 3D/5R configuration matches the design. Verify that the 250kbps speed limit meets the application's baud rate needs and that the commercial temperature range is sufficient for the operating environment.

Part Context

This part belongs to the ICL3244 series of RS-232 transceivers from Intersil. It shares functional similarities with other members of the family but is distinguished by its specific driver and receiver count. The series is known for integrating power management features into standard RS-232 interface designs.

Replacement Considerations

Check for direct pin-compatible alternatives within the Renesas/Intersil portfolio. Verify if newer revisions of the ICL3244 series offer improved specifications or updated packaging options while maintaining electrical compatibility.