STMicroelectronics ST202EBTR

Overview

ST202EBTR from STMicroelectronics is a ±15 kV ESD-protected, 5 V single-supply RS-232 transceiver with two drivers and two receivers. It delivers guaranteed 230 kbps data rate, 3–30 V/µs slew rate control, and operates across –40 to 85 °C. Used in industrial serial interfaces where robustness against electrostatic discharge and reliable point-to-point communication are critical.

For engineers reviewing the ST202EBTR datasheet, ST202EBTR pinout, ST202EBTR application, or ST202EBTR equivalent, key selection criteria include ESD immunity level, slew rate programmability via external capacitors, TTL/CMOS logic compatibility, and TSSOP16 thermal performance in space-constrained designs.

Technical Context

The ST202EBTR integrates charge-pump voltage converters to generate ±10 V RS-232 compliant output swings from a single 5 V supply, using four 0.1 µF external capacitors. Its dual transmitter/receiver architecture supports full-duplex asynchronous serial communication without requiring negative or split supplies.

ESD protection is implemented at the I/O pins per human body model (±15 kV), enabling direct connection to unshielded cables in noisy factory or field environments. Receiver input thresholds (VRIH = 1.7–2.4 V, VRIL = 0.8–1.2 V) and hysteresis (0.2–1 V) ensure noise-immune signal detection under varying load and temperature conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ST202EBTR is housed in a 16-pin TSSOP package (JEDEC MO-153, 5.0 × 6.4 mm footprint), optimized for thermal dissipation and PCB area efficiency in compact industrial modules.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX3232ESE+ and SP3232EEN-L, ST202EBTR offers superior thermal performance in TSSOP16 (Rthja = 95 °C/W on 2-layer board), tighter slew rate control (3–30 V/µs vs fixed), and native compatibility with industrial temperature grading without derating.

Availability

ST202EBTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC serial interfaces, point-of-sale terminals, and medical diagnostic equipment requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for ST202EBTR 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

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing analog, mixed-signal, power, and microcontroller solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The ST202EBTR belongs to ST's RS-232 transceiver product line, engineered specifically for robust serial communication in harsh industrial environments where ESD resilience, wide operating temperature, and minimal external component count are essential design requirements.

FAQ

What is the minimum required external capacitance for ST202EBTR?

The ST202EBTR requires four 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors (C1+, C1−, C2+, C2−) to operate correctly. These capacitors enable the internal charge-pump circuit to generate ±10 V RS-232 compliant output voltages from a single 5 V supply. Using values smaller than 0.1 µF risks insufficient voltage regulation and failure to meet EIA/TIA-232E output swing specifications.

Does ST202EBTR support automatic polarity reversal for RS-232 lines?

No, the ST202EBTR does not support automatic polarity reversal. It provides fixed-function transmitter outputs (T1OUT/T2OUT) and receiver inputs (R1IN/R2IN) with standard RS-232 polarity. Polarity correction must be handled at the system level-either in firmware (by inverting UART data bits) or via external hardware switches-when interfacing with non-standard cabling or legacy devices.

Can ST202EBTR be used with 3.3 V logic systems?

Yes, ST202EBTR accepts 3.3 V logic-level inputs on T1IN and T2IN, as its input threshold (VTIL = 0.8 V, VTIH = 2.0 V) is compatible with 3.3 V CMOS logic. Its R1OUT and R2OUT outputs swing rail-to-rail (0.4 V low / 3.5 V high), making them directly compatible with 3.3 V MCU inputs without level shifters-provided VCC remains at 5 V for proper RS-232 voltage generation.

How does the slew rate affect electromagnetic compatibility in ST202EBTR designs?

The ST202EBTR's adjustable slew rate (3–30 V/µs) directly controls edge sharpness of RS-232 signals: slower rates reduce high-frequency spectral content and radiated emissions, improving EMC in dense PCB layouts or unshielded enclosures. Faster rates preserve signal integrity over longer cables (>15 m) but increase EMI risk. Selection is made by choosing appropriate external capacitor values per the datasheet's slew rate vs. capacitance curves.