STMicroelectronics Offers RS-232 Interface Chips
STMicroelectronics Inc. (Geneva, Switzerland) announced two RS-232 interface chips that feature rugged ESD protection, 3V to 5.5V supply voltage, 250-kbit/s minimum data rate, and low-power operation. The two devices, the ST3243E RS-232 transceiver and the ST3232E multiple RS-232 driver/receiver chips, are suitable for desktop computer equipment, including notebook, sub-notebook and palm-top computers; a variety of battery-powered and hand-held equipment; and printers and other computer peripherals.
The ST3243E includes three drivers and five receivers, while the ST3232E has two drivers and two receivers. To ensure reliable operation, each RS-232 I/O pin of both devices is protected to ±15kV and ±8kV. Both chips include a dual charge-pump circuit. Both devices meet EIA/TIA-232 specifications while operating from a 3V to 5.5V supply voltage, eliminating the need for the ±12V source typically required. The charge pumps require only four 0.1µF capacitors. Other key specifications shared by both the ST3243E and ST3232E include a 6V/µs slew rate, and as much as a -40 to +85 degrees C operating temperature range. Chips having a 0 to 70 degrees C range are also available.
The ST3243E RS-232 transceiver is available in TSSOP-28, SSOP-28, SO-28 and flip-chip packages. The ST3232E RS-232 multiple RS-232 driver and receiver is available in TSSOP-16, SO-16, SO-16 large and DIP-16 packages. Both chips are available now for prices ranging from $0.80 to $1.00 in 1,000-unit quantities.
