SP3226ECA-L

Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers Overview

The SP3226ECA-L is a single-driver, single-receiver RS-232 transceiver manufactured by MaxLinear. It operates from a +3.0V to +5.5V power supply and meets EIA/TIA-232-F standards. The device features Auto On-line® Plus technology for automatic low-power shutdown upon idle conditions. It includes a regulated charge pump requiring four external capacitors and provides 15kV ESD protection on I/O pins. The data rate is limited to 250kbps with controlled slew rates to reduce EMI. It is housed in a 16-pin SSOP package and supports an operating temperature range of 0°C to +70°C.

Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers Feature Summary

• Auto On-line® Plus circuitry automatically manages power states based on signal activity without software intervention.
• Integrated regulated charge pump generates stable ±5.5V RS-232 levels from a single low-voltage supply.
• Reduced electromagnetic interference achieved through internally limited driver slew rates at the maximum data rate.
• High robustness provided by 15kV electrostatic discharge protection on all RS-232 input and output pins.

Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers Applications

• Diagnostic and serial ports on embedded applications
• Handheld test equipment
• PC-related peripherals and equipment
• Battery-powered equipment
• Point-of-sale equipment

Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers Procurement Notes

Verify that the specific ordering suffix matches the required thermal grade and packaging format. Confirm the component is sourced from authorized channels to ensure authenticity. Check for RoHS compliance status if environmental regulations apply to the assembly process. Ensure the correct pinout configuration is selected for the target PCB layout.

Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers Selection Notes

Select this model when a single full-duplex channel is sufficient for the interface design. Choose this variant over higher-speed models if minimizing electromagnetic emissions is a priority. Verify that the system power supply remains within the specified voltage range during operation. Consider the 16-pin package dimensions against available board space constraints.

Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers Part Context

This component belongs to the SP3224E through SP3227E family of intelligent RS-232 transceivers. It serves as a drop-in replacement for legacy devices such as the MAX3226 and ICL3226. The 'E' designation indicates the commercial temperature range, while 'CA' specifies the 16-pin SSOP package type.

Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers Replacement Considerations

Publicly confirmed direct substitutes include the MAX3226 and ICL3226. These components share identical pinouts and functional specifications. Verify that the replacement part number corresponds to the same package and temperature rating before implementation.

Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers FAQ

How does the Auto On-line® Plus feature function?

The device enters a low-power shutdown state after detecting no signal transitions for approximately 30 seconds. It automatically wakes up and activates drivers upon detecting any new signal edge on the receiver or transmitter inputs.

What is the purpose of the STATUS pin?

The STATUS output indicates whether valid RS-232 signal voltages are present at the receiver inputs. It goes low if the input signals collapse near ground, which can indicate a disconnected cable or inactive peripheral.

Why are slew rates limited on this device?

The driver output slew rate is internally limited to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI). This ensures compliance with EIA standards while maintaining reliable communication at the 250kbps data rate.