STMicroelectronics ST232ABN
- Part No.:
- ST232ABN
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers
- Package:
- 16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
ST232ABN.pdf
- Description:
- IC TRANSCEIVER FULL 2/2 16DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,801
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Product details
Overview
ST232ABN from STMicroelectronics is a dual-transmitter/dual-receiver RS-232 interface IC operating from a single 4.5–5.5 V supply, delivering ±9 V output swing, 400 kbps data rate, and 0.1 µs receiver propagation delay. It integrates charge-pump voltage conversion requiring only four 0.1 µF capacitors and targets portable computers and battery-powered RS-232 networks.
For engineers reviewing the ST232ABN datasheet, ST232ABN pinout, ST232ABN application, or ST232ABN equivalent, key selection criteria include its ultra-low 1.5 mA no-load supply current, ±30 V receiver input tolerance, 12 V/µs slew rate, and industrial temperature range (–40 to 85 °C) in SO-16 package.
Technical Context
The ST232ABN implements two independent RS-232 transmitters and receivers compliant with EIA/TIA-232 and V.28 standards. Its internal charge-pump generates ±VCC-derived voltages (V+ and V−) without external ±12 V rails, enabling operation in space-constrained, low-power systems.
Transmitter outputs drive standard RS-232 loads (3–7 kΩ) with logic-level TTL/CMOS inputs and deliver ±5 V minimum swing under load. Receiver inputs accept ±30 V signals and convert them to TTL/CMOS-compatible outputs with 0.5 V hysteresis for noise immunity and fast 0.1 µs propagation delay.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply voltage | 4.5–5.5 V - enables direct use with standard 5 V logic rails and eliminates need for dual-supply generation |
| No-load supply current | 1.5 mA (typ) - supports battery life extension in portable and remote devices |
| Transmitter output swing | ±9 V (typ) - meets RS-232 voltage compliance for reliable long-cable communication |
| Data rate | 400 kbps (typ) - supports high-speed serial links in modems and industrial interfaces |
| Receiver propagation delay | 0.1 µs (typ) - ensures minimal timing skew in real-time control and synchronous data transfer |
| Receiver input range | ±30 V - provides robust fault tolerance against ESD, cable coupling, and ground offset |
| Slew rate | 12 V/µs (typ) - balances signal integrity and EMI reduction for mixed-signal PCB layouts |
Pinout & Package
ST232ABN is housed in a 16-pin SOIC (SO-16) package with standard 1.27 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant and ECOPACK® certified. Pin numbering follows JEDEC MS-012, with Pin 1 marked by notch or dot.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 C1+ | Charge pump capacitor positive terminal | Connects to +ve side of first 0.1 µF flying capacitor for V+ generation |
| 2 V+ | Doubled voltage output | Provides ~2×VCC rail for transmitter positive output swing |
| 3 C1− | Charge pump capacitor negative terminal | Completes first charge pump loop; ties to GND or V− depending on phase |
| 4 C2+ | Second charge pump capacitor positive terminal | Connects to +ve side of second 0.1 µF capacitor for V− generation |
| 5 C2− | Second charge pump capacitor negative terminal | Completes second charge pump loop; typically tied to V+ or GND |
| 6 V− | Inverted voltage output | Provides ~−VCC rail for transmitter negative output swing |
| 7 T2OUT | Second transmitter RS-232 output | Drives RS-232 line with ±9 V swing referenced to GND |
| 8 R2IN | Second receiver RS-232 input | Accepts ±30 V RS-232 signals and converts to TTL/CMOS logic |
| 9 R2OUT | Second receiver TTL/CMOS output | Delivers 0.4 V low / 3.5 V high logic compatible with 5 V microcontrollers |
| 10 T2IN | Second transmitter TTL/CMOS input | Accepts standard 5 V logic levels; thresholds at 0.8 V (low) and 1.4 V (high) |
| 11 T1IN | First transmitter TTL/CMOS input | Same logic interface as T2IN; enables full-duplex UART channel pairing |
| 12 R1OUT | First receiver TTL/CMOS output | Independent output for primary UART receive path |
| 13 R1IN | First receiver RS-232 input | Primary RS-232 input with 5 kΩ typical input resistance and 0.5 V hysteresis |
| 14 T1OUT | First transmitter RS-232 output | Primary RS-232 transmit line; supports 400 kbps with controlled slew |
| 15 GND | Analog and digital ground reference | Common return for all internal circuitry and external capacitors |
| 16 VCC | Positive supply input | Single 5 V supply powering logic core, charge pumps, and I/O buffers |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-low power operation | 1.5 mA typical supply current at no load enables >10-year battery life in coin-cell-powered devices |
| Integrated charge-pump voltage converter | Generates ±VCC-derived RS-232 voltages using only four 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors - no external DC-DC required |
| High-speed RS-232 signaling | 400 kbps data rate with 12 V/µs slew rate ensures compatibility with legacy and modern UART peripherals |
| Wide receiver input tolerance | ±30 V input range protects against ground loops, ESD transients, and cable-induced surges in industrial environments |
| Industrial temperature range | –40 to +85 °C operation validated across full electrical specs - suitable for embedded controllers in harsh enclosures |
Applications
| Portable Data Terminals | Low-Power Modems |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Handheld barcode scanners and field service terminals requiring RS-232 connectivity with multi-year battery life. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-channel level shifter converting 5 V UART signals to ±9 V RS-232 while minimizing quiescent current draw. Use Value: 1.5 mA no-load current extends AA/AAA battery life beyond 3 years in sleep-wake cycling applications. | Use Scenario: Embedded dial-up modems in remote telemetry units powered by solar-charged batteries. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Full-duplex RS-232 transceiver supporting AT command sets and asynchronous data framing up to 400 kbps. Use Value: 0.1 µs receiver delay and 12 V/µs slew rate ensure bit-error-free transmission over 15 m cables at 115.2 kbps. |
| Industrial Serial Gateways | Medical Device Interfaces |
Use Scenario: DIN-rail-mounted protocol converters linking PLCs (RS-485) to legacy PC-based SCADA systems (RS-232). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Isolation-adjacent RS-232 driver/receiver providing ±30 V input tolerance to survive factory floor EMI and ground differentials. Use Value: Robust ±30 V receiver input range prevents latch-up during 4 kV ESD events per IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4. | Use Scenario: Patient monitor docking stations that connect bedside devices via RS-232 to central nursing stations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise, medically rated serial interface ensuring deterministic UART timing and fail-safe open-circuit detection. Use Value: 0.5 V input hysteresis and 5 kΩ receiver impedance suppress common-mode noise in 60 Hz AC-rich hospital environments. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual-channel RS-232 transceiver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX232ACPE+ | Higher 5–10 mA supply current; requires five 1 µF capacitors; ±15 V output swing | Better noise margin on long cables but unsuitable for sub-2 mA battery budgets | Select when absolute RS-232 voltage margin >±12 V is required and power is not constrained |
| SP3232EEN | 3.0–5.5 V supply range; 1 mA typical supply current; 250 kbps max data rate | Optimized for 3.3 V systems; lower slew rate reduces EMI but limits max cable length at high speed | Select for mixed-voltage designs needing 3.3 V compatibility and tighter EMI control |
Compared with MAX232ACPE+ and SP3232EEN, the ST232ABN uniquely balances ultra-low 1.5 mA quiescent current, 400 kbps capability, and industrial temperature support - making it optimal for battery-powered industrial telemetry where both speed and longevity are critical.
Availability
ST232ABN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable data terminals, low-power modems, and industrial serial gateways requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle availability, and RoHS-compliant SO-16 packaging.
Supply support for ST232ABN 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, MCU, power, and interface solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.
The ST232ABN belongs to ST's legacy RS-232 transceiver product line, engineered specifically for low-power, single-supply serial interface applications in portable and battery-operated equipment.
FAQ
What is the minimum number and value of external capacitors required for ST232ABN operation?
The ST232ABN requires exactly four 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors (C1–C4) connected between pins C1+/C1−, C2+/C2−, V+, and V− to enable internal charge-pump voltage generation. These must be placed within 10 mm of the IC with short traces and solid ground plane coupling to ensure stable ±9 V output swing and avoid oscillation.
Does ST232ABN support automatic power-down or shutdown mode?
No, the ST232ABN does not include an enable/shutdown pin or automatic power-down feature. It operates continuously when VCC is applied. To reduce system power, external logic must disconnect VCC or insert a series PMOS switch controlled by host MCU GPIO, as the device draws 1.5 mA even with all inputs held static.
Can ST232ABN interface directly with 3.3 V logic systems?
Yes - the TTL/CMOS input thresholds (0.8 V low, 1.4 V high) and output levels (0.4 V low, ≥3.5 V high at –1 mA) are fully compatible with 3.3 V logic families. No level-shifting resistors are needed on T1IN/T2IN or R1OUT/R2OUT lines when driven by or driving 3.3 V microcontrollers.
What is the maximum recommended RS-232 cable length at 400 kbps with ST232ABN?
At 400 kbps, the ST232ABN supports up to 5 meters of standard 24 AWG twisted-pair RS-232 cable. Beyond this, signal integrity degrades due to capacitance-induced rise/fall time elongation; for longer runs, reduce data rate to 115.2 kbps (≤15 m) or add line termination and shielding per EIA/TIA-232-F guidelines.
ST232ABN Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Transceiver
- Protocol:
- RS232
- Number of Drivers/Receivers:
- 2/2
- Duplex:
- Full
- Receiver Hysteresis:
- 500 mV
- Data Rate:
- 400kbps
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.5V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-DIP
ST232ABN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ST232ABN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ST232ABN on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for ST232ABN reliable?
The price and inventory of ST232ABN are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ST232ABN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ST232ABN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ST232ABN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ST232ABN?
ST232ABN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ST232ABN order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for ST232ABN?
For technical support, including ST232ABN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ST232ABN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ST232ABN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ST232ABN products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that ST232ABN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ST232ABN?
All ST232ABN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ST232ABN, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The ST232ABN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ST232ABN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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