ICL3245ECA-T

Overview

The ICL3245ECA-T is a low-power RS-232 transceiver manufactured by Intersil, operating within a supply voltage range of +3.0V to +5.5V. It features three drivers and five receivers, supporting full-duplex communication at data rates up to 1 Mbps. The device incorporates enhanced automatic powerdown functionality, reducing the operating supply current to approximately 1 mA during active use and significantly lowering standby consumption. It provides ±15 kV electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection on RS-232 I/O pins, compliant with IEC61000-4-2 standards. Packaged in an SSOP-28 format, it is designed for applications requiring minimal board space and efficient power management.

Feature Summary

• Enhanced automatic powerdown circuitry reduces standby power consumption when no valid RS-232 signal is detected.
• Integrated charge pumps enable operation from a single +3V to +5.5V supply without external components.
• Robust ±15 kV ESD protection on all RS-232 input and output pins ensures reliability in harsh environments.

Applications

• Portable computers and notebook systems requiring low standby current
• Personal digital assistants (PDAs) and palmtop devices
• ISDN terminal adaptors and peripheral interfaces

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'ECA' against official Renesas/Intersil documentation to confirm temperature grade and packaging configuration. Ensure compatibility with existing PCB footprints for the SSOP-28 package. Confirm moisture sensitivity level requirements for reflow soldering processes. Cross-reference the manufacturer part number with authorized distributors to avoid counterfeit components. Validate that the selected variant meets the required industrial or commercial temperature specifications for the target application.

Selection Notes

Select this component when designing systems that require multiple receiver inputs alongside fewer drivers for RS-232 communication. The ICL3245ECA-T is suitable for mixed 3.3V and 5V system architectures due to its wide supply voltage range. Consider this device if board space is limited, as it utilizes small external capacitors compared to older generations. Evaluate the automatic powerdown feature's threshold settings to ensure it aligns with the system's sleep/wake cycle requirements.

Part Context

The ICL3245E belongs to the Intersil ICL32XXE family of low-power RS-232 transceivers. This series was designed to replace higher-power legacy devices while maintaining compatibility with EIA/TIA-232 and V.28/V.24 specifications. The 'E' suffix typically denotes enhanced features such as improved ESD protection and lower power consumption compared to standard variants. The family shares common architectural traits, including on-chip charge pumps and automatic powerdown logic.

FAQ

What is the typical supply current in powerdown mode?

The device enters an automatic powerdown mode when no valid RS-232 voltage is present on any receiver input, reducing the supply current to a trickle of approximately 1 µA.

Does the ICL3245ECA-T require external capacitors?

Yes, the device requires external flying capacitors and pump capacitors to support the internal charge pumps that generate the positive and negative voltages needed for RS-232 signaling.

Is the ICL3245ECA-T compatible with 3.3V logic levels?

Yes, the device operates from a single +3.0V to +5.5V supply and meets EIA/TIA-232 specifications even at 3.0V, making it suitable for 3.3V logic systems.