STMicroelectronics ST202ECWR

Overview

ST202ECWR 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 compact capacitor footprint (0.1 µF charge-pump caps) are critical.

For engineers reviewing the ST202ECWR datasheet, ST202ECWR pinout, ST202ECWR application, or ST202ECWR equivalent, this page provides verified electrical specifications, SO16/TSSOP16 package mapping, real-world timing behavior, and validated drop-in alternatives for legacy RS-232 system upgrades and embedded communication modules.

Technical Context

The ST202ECWR integrates dual transmitter/receiver channels with internal charge-pump voltage converters generating ±10 V rails from a single 5 V supply. Its driver outputs meet EIA/TIA-232E and CCITT V.28 specifications under 3 kΩ load, supporting full-duplex operation without external level-shifting circuitry.

ESD protection is implemented at I/O pins using on-chip diode clamps rated to ±15 kV HBM, enabling direct connection to unshielded cables in factory automation and point-of-sale terminals. The device uses TTL/CMOS-compatible logic inputs and outputs, eliminating need for external logic-level translation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ST202ECWR is available in SO16 and TSSOP16 packages per ST's ECOPACK® environmental compliance program. Both variants share identical pinout and electrical functionality.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ST202ECWR, MAX232CPE offers pin compatibility but sacrifices ESD robustness and speed guarantee, while SP3222EBCY-L extends voltage range and ESD certification at the cost of higher quiescent current and different capacitor topology.

Availability

ST202ECWR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC serial ports, medical diagnostic equipment, and retail point-of-sale terminals requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for ST202ECWR 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, microcontroller, power, and sensor solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The ST202ECWR belongs to ST's RS-232 interface product line, engineered specifically for industrial-grade serial communication where ESD resilience, compact capacitor footprint, and guaranteed high-speed operation are essential.

FAQ

What is the minimum and maximum operating temperature range for ST202ECWR?

The ST202ECWR is specified for operation from –40 °C to +85 °C. This range is validated per the datasheet's electrical characteristics tables and applies to both SO16 and TSSOP16 packages under standard load conditions and 5 V supply. Thermal derating is not required within this envelope.

Can ST202ECWR operate with 3.3 V logic inputs?

Yes - ST202ECWR accepts TTL/CMOS logic inputs with V_IL ≤ 0.8 V and V_IH ≥ 2.0 V, making it fully compatible with 3.3 V microcontrollers. Its input thresholds are designed to interface directly with 3.3 V and 5 V logic families without level shifters.

What is the recommended capacitor type and voltage rating for the charge-pump network?

ST recommends four 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors rated for ≥16 V DC. X7R dielectric is preferred for stability across temperature and bias. These capacitors must be placed as close as possible to pins 1, 3, 4, and 5 to minimize parasitic inductance and ensure stable V+ and V− rail generation.

Does ST202ECWR support automatic power-down mode?

No - ST202ECWR does not include an enable/shutdown pin or automatic power-down feature. It draws 5–10 mA quiescent current when powered, even with no data activity. For low-power applications, consider ST3232 or SP3232 variants with shutdown control.