
1
FN4910.18
ICL3221E, ICL3222E, ICL3223E,
ICL3232E, ICL3241E, ICL3243E
±
15kV ESD Protected, +3V to +5.5V, 
1Microamp, 250kbps, RS-232 
Transmitters/Receivers
The Intersil ICL32XXE devices are 3.0V to 5.5V powered 
RS-232 transmitters/receivers which meet ElA/TIA-232 and 
V.28/V.24 specifications, even at V
CC
 = 3.0V. Additionally, 
they provide 
±
15kV ESD protection (IEC61000-4-2 Air Gap 
and Human Body Model) on transmitter outputs and receiver 
inputs (RS-232 pins). Targeted applications are PDAs, 
Palmtops, and notebook and laptop computers where the 
low operational, and even lower standby, power 
consumption is critical. Efficient on-chip charge pumps, 
coupled with manual and automatic powerdown functions 
(except for the ICL3232E), reduce the standby supply 
current to a 1μA trickle. Small footprint packaging, and the 
use of small, low value capacitors ensure board space 
savings as well. Data rates greater than 250kbps are 
guaranteed at worst case load conditions. This family is fully 
compatible with 3.3V-only systems, mixed 3.3V and 5.0V 
systems, and 5.0V-only systems.
The ICL324XE are 3-driver, 5-receiver devices that provide a 
complete serial port suitable for laptop or notebook 
computers. Both devices also include noninverting always-
active receivers for “wake-up” capability.
The
 ICL3221E, ICL3223E and ICL3243E, 
feature an
automatic powerdown
 function which powers down the on-
chip power-supply and driver circuits. This occurs when an 
attached peripheral device is shut off or the RS-232 cable is 
removed, conserving system power automatically without 
changes to the hardware or operating system. These 
devices power up again when a valid RS-232 voltage is 
applied to any receiver input.
Table 1 summarizes the features of the devices represented 
by this data sheet, while Application Note AN9863 
summarizes the features of each device comprising the 
ICL32XXE 3V family.
Features
 Pb-free Available (RoHS Compliant) (See Ordering Info)
 ESD Protection for RS-232 I/O Pins to 
±
15kV (IEC61000)
 Drop in Replacements for MAX3221E, MAX3222E, 
MAX3223E, MAX3232E, MAX3241E, MAX3243E, 
SP3243E
 ICL3221E is a Low Power, Pin Compatible Upgrade for 5V 
MAX221E
 ICL3222E is a Low Power, Pin Compatible Upgrade for 5V 
MAX242E, and SP312E
 ICL3232E is a Low Power Upgrade for HIN232E, ICL232 
and Pin Compatible Competitor Devices
 RS-232 Compatible with V
CC
 = 2.7V
 Meets EIA/TIA-232 and V.28/V.24 Specifications at 3V
 Latch-Up Free
 On-Chip Voltage Converters Require Only Four External 
0.1μF Capacitors
 Manual and Automatic Powerdown Features
 Guaranteed Mouse Driveability (ICL324XE Only)
 Receiver Hysteresis For Improved Noise Immunity
 Guaranteed Minimum Data Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250kbps
 Wide Power Supply Range  . . . . . . .  Single +3V to +5.5V
 Low Supply Current in Powerdown State. . . . . . . . . . .1μA
Applications
 Any System Requiring RS-232 Communication Ports
- Battery Powered, Hand-Held, and Portable Equipment
- Laptop Computers, Notebooks, Palmtops
- Modems, Printers and other Peripherals
- Digital Cameras
- Cellular/Mobile Phones
Related Literature
 Technical Brief TB363 “Guidelines for Handling and 
Processing Moisture Sensitive Surface Mount Devices 
(SMDs)”
TABLE 1. SUMMARY OF FEATURES
PART NUMBER
NO. OF 
Tx.
NO. OF 
Rx.
NO. OF 
MONITOR Rx. 
(R
OUTB
)
0
DATA 
RATE 
(kbps)
Rx. ENABLE 
FUNCTION
READY 
OUTPUT
MANUAL 
POWER- 
DOWN
AUTOMATIC 
POWERDOWN 
FUNCTION
ICL3221E
1
1
250
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
ICL3222E
2
2
0
250
Yes
No
Yes
No
ICL3223E
2
2
0
250
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
ICL3232E
2
2
0
250
No
No
No
No
ICL3241E
3
5
2
250
Yes
No
Yes
No
ICL3243E
3
5
1
250
No
No
Yes
Yes
Data Sheet
March 8, 2005
CAUTION: These devices are sensitive to electrostatic discharge; follow proper IC Handling Procedures.
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 Intersil (and design) is a trademark of Intersil Americas Inc.
Copyright Intersil Americas Inc. 2000-2005. All Rights Reserved.
All other trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.