STMicroelectronics ST202ECTR

Overview

ST202ECTR from STMicroelectronics is a dual-transmitter/dual-receiver RS-232 transceiver IC operating from a single 5 V supply, featuring ±15 kV HBM ESD protection on I/O pins, guaranteed 230 kbps data rate, and 3–30 V/µs slew rate control for noise-immune serial communication in industrial and embedded systems.

For engineers reviewing the ST202ECTR datasheet, ST202ECTR pinout, ST202ECTR application, or ST202ECTR equivalent, this device supports robust point-to-point RS-232 links in space-constrained designs requiring low-cost 0.1 µF charge-pump capacitors, TTL/CMOS logic interfacing, and operation across 0 to 70 °C ambient temperature.

Technical Context

The ST202ECTR implements a charge-pump voltage converter using four external 0.1 µF capacitors to generate ±10 V RS-232 compliant output swings from 5 V input, enabling full-duplex communication without dual supplies. Its receiver inputs tolerate ±30 V common-mode range and feature 0.5 V hysteresis for noise rejection in electrically noisy environments.

Transmitter outputs drive 3 kΩ loads with ±5 V minimum swing and 300 Ω typical output resistance, while receiver outputs deliver TTL/CMOS-compatible levels (VOH ≥ 3.5 V, VOL ≤ 0.4 V) at up to 3.2 mA sink/source. Propagation delays are specified at 0.5–10 µs for receivers and 2 µs for transmitters under defined load conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ST202ECTR is housed in a 16-pin TSSOP package (JEDEC MO-153), measuring 5.0 × 4.4 × 1.05 mm, with 0.65 mm pitch and exposed pad for thermal enhancement. It complies with ECOPACK® environmental standards.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX232CPE and SP3222ECA, ST202ECTR uniquely balances ultra-low capacitor count (0.1 µF), guaranteed high-speed operation, and industrial-grade HBM ESD in a surface-mount TSSOP package-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained commercial applications.

Availability

ST202ECTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC serial ports, point-of-sale terminal interfaces, and medical diagnostic equipment requiring stable component supply, consistent TSSOP16 packaging, and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for ST202ECTR 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, digital, and mixed-signal ICs for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The ST202 series belongs to ST's legacy RS-232 interface product line, engineered specifically for robust, low-cost serial communication in commercial-temperature embedded systems with minimal external components.

FAQ

What is the minimum and maximum supply voltage for reliable operation of ST202ECTR?

The ST202ECTR operates reliably from 4.5 V to 5.5 V (5 V ±10%). Absolute maximum ratings allow up to 6 V, but exceeding 5.5 V risks violating the guaranteed 230 kbps data rate and may degrade ESD protection performance. Operation below 4.5 V causes insufficient charge-pump voltage generation, resulting in reduced RS-232 output swing and potential communication failure.

Can ST202ECTR be used with 3.3 V logic systems?

Yes, ST202ECTR accepts 3.3 V TTL/CMOS logic inputs on T1IN and T2IN (VIH min = 2.0 V, VIL max = 0.8 V), and its R1OUT/R2OUT outputs swing to 0.4 V (low) and ≥3.5 V (high) at 3.2 mA, making them compatible with 3.3 V microcontrollers. However, VCC must remain at 5 V to ensure proper RS-232 voltage generation.

How does the slew rate affect RS-232 signal integrity in long-cable applications?

The ST202ECTR's 3–30 V/µs slew rate directly controls edge steepness: slower rates (e.g., 3 V/µs) reduce radiated EMI and reflections on unterminated cables >15 m, while faster rates (e.g., 30 V/µs) preserve timing margins in short, terminated links. Slew rate is set by external load (RL = 3–7 kΩ) and capacitance (CL = 50–1000 pF), not internal configuration.

Is ST202ECTR pin-compatible with ST232ECTR?

No. Although both are 16-pin TSSOP RS-232 transceivers from ST, ST202ECTR uses 0.1 µF charge-pump capacitors and has different internal charge-pump architecture, resulting in distinct pin functions for C1+/C1−/C2+/C2− and incompatible capacitor networks. Direct replacement requires PCB redesign and capacitor value changes.