Texas Instruments SN65C3232EDR

Overview

SN65C3232EDR from Texas Instruments is a dual-channel RS-232 transceiver IC that provides line driver and receiver functions with ±15-kV IEC 61000-4-2 ESD protection on RS-232 pins. It operates from a single 3-V to 5.5-V supply, supports up to 1 Mbit/s data rates, delivers 14–150 V/μs driver slew rate, and consumes only 300 μA typical supply current. It interfaces UART logic-level signals to RS-232 physical-layer connections in industrial PCs and battery-powered portable equipment.

For engineers reviewing the SN65C3232EDR datasheet, SN65C3232EDR pinout, SN65C3232EDR application, or SN65C3232EDR equivalent, key selection criteria include its single-supply operation across 3.3 V and 5 V domains, guaranteed 1-Mbit/s timing compliance, integrated charge-pump voltage generation, ±15-kV air-gap ESD robustness, and compatibility with legacy TIA/EIA-232-F signaling requirements.

Technical Context

The SN65C3232EDR integrates two independent RS-232 drivers and two receivers with a dual charge-pump circuit that generates ±V_CC-derived voltages using four external 0.1-μF capacitors. Its driver outputs swing between ±5.4 V (min) under 3-kΩ load, while receivers accept ±25-V input ranges and deliver TTL/CMOS-compatible logic outputs with 0.3-V hysteresis.

It supports mixed-voltage operation: DIN inputs tolerate 5-V logic levels even when V_CC = 3.3 V, and RIN inputs present standard 3–7-kΩ RS-232 loads. The device remains safe during V_CC = 0 V conditions, enabling hot-plug RS-232 connectivity without backdrive risk.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SN65C3232EDR is packaged in a 16-pin SOIC (D) package measuring 9.90 mm × 3.91 mm with exposed thermal pad (optional GND connection). Pin functions are validated per TI SLLS697B Rev B (June 2021).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RS-232 transceiver applications.

Compared with MAX3232CDR and SP3232ECA-L, SN65C3232EDR offers superior IEC-level ESD immunity without extra bypass capacitance, lower quiescent current (300 μA vs 1 mA), and guaranteed hot-swap safety-making it optimal for industrial and portable designs demanding highest robustness and efficiency.

Availability

SN65C3232EDR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PCs, portable diagnostic equipment, factory automation terminals, and embedded network gateways requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for SN65C3232EDR includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader delivering analog and embedded processing solutions for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The SN65C3232EDR belongs to TI's RS-232 interface product line, engineered specifically for low-power, high-ESD robustness serial communication in space- and energy-constrained industrial and portable systems.

FAQ

What supply voltage range does the SN65C3232EDR support?

The SN65C3232EDR supports a single-supply voltage range of 3.0 V to 5.5 V. This allows direct integration with both 3.3-V and 5-V logic systems without external level-shifting circuitry. Operation at 3.3 V enables compatibility with modern low-voltage MCUs, while 5-V support maintains backward compatibility with legacy controllers. The device's charge-pump circuit internally generates the ±V_CC-derived voltages needed for RS-232 signaling regardless of the selected V_CC value within this range.

Does the SN65C3232EDR require external capacitors, and what values are needed?

Yes, the SN65C3232EDR requires four external 0.1-μF capacitors (C1+, C1−, C2+, C2−) for its dual charge-pump circuit. At V_CC = 3.3 V ± 0.3 V, all four capacitors are 0.1 μF. At V_CC = 5 V ± 0.5 V, C1 is 0.047 μF and C2–C4 are 0.33 μF. A 1-μF bypass capacitor between V_CC and GND is recommended for improved stability but not mandatory for basic IEC ESD compliance per TI SLLS697B.

How does the SN65C3232EDR handle ESD protection on RS-232 pins?

The SN65C3232EDR provides ±15-kV ESD protection on all RS-232 pins (DOUT1, DOUT2, RIN1, RIN2) per IEC 61000-4-2 air-gap discharge and ±8-kV per contact discharge. It also meets ±15-kV HBM. This protection is implemented internally-no external TVS diodes are required. The specification applies directly to the SN65C3232EDR in SOIC (D) package when used with the recommended 0.1-μF charge-pump capacitors and proper PCB layout.

Can the SN65C3232EDR operate safely when VCC is disconnected?

Yes, the SN65C3232EDR is designed for hot-swap safety: when V_CC = 0 V, the device enters a high-impedance state on all logic and RS-232 pins, preventing backdrive or latch-up if connected to an active RS-232 port. This behavior is explicitly verified in TI's SLLS697B datasheet Section 8.1.3.2 and enables live cable insertion without risk to the SN65C3232EDR or remote equipment.

What is the maximum data rate supported by the SN65C3232EDR?

The SN65C3232EDR supports a maximum data signaling rate of 1 Mbit/s, verified under RL = 3 kΩ and CL = 250 pF (V_CC = 3–4.5 V) or CL = 1000 pF (V_CC = 3.5–5.5 V). This meets full-speed RS-232 timing requirements per TIA/EIA-232-F. Driver slew rate is specified from 14 V/μs to 150 V/μs, allowing design trade-offs between EMI suppression and edge fidelity.