ST3232EBN: Low Power 3V to 5.5V RS-232 Transceiver

The ST3232EBN is a robust, low-power transceiver for RS-232 communication from STMicroelectronics, designed to operate with a single 3V to 5.5V power supply. This makes it an ideal choice for portable applications where power efficiency is a critical concern. With a proprietary low-dropout transmitter output stage, the ST3232EBN delivers true RS-232 performance from a 3.0V to 5.5V supply with a very low static supply current when unloaded or fully loaded but with disabled drivers.

Featuring a dual-driver/receiver configuration, this device is capable of achieving data transmission rates up to 250 kbps while maintaining RS-232 output levels. The ST3232EBN includes two drivers and two receivers, offering the necessary interface for serial communication between a microcontroller and peripheral devices such as modems, printers, and various other types of serial devices.

One of the key features of the ST3232EBN is its ESD protection, which exceeds ±15 kV using the Human Body Model (HBM), ensuring reliability and robustness in harsh environments. Additionally, the transceiver has a low-dropout transmitter output stage enabling true RS-232 performance from a 3.0 to 5.5V supply with a dual charge pump. The charge pump requires only four small 0.1 µF external capacitors for operation from a 3.3V supply.

The ST3232EBN comes in a standard 16-pin DIP (Dual In-line Package), making it easy to integrate into a variety of circuit designs. Its low-power shutdown mode, which reduces power consumption to 1 µW, further enhances its suitability for battery-operated systems. Moreover, the device is guaranteed to operate over the full industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C), ensuring consistent performance in a wide array of operating conditions.

In summary, the ST3232EBN from STMicroelectronics is a highly reliable and power-efficient solution for RS-232 communication, suitable for a wide range of applications including portable devices, point-of-sale terminals, and other serial communication systems that require low-voltage operation and ESD protection.