STMicroelectronics ST232ACDR
- Part No.:
- ST232ACDR
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers
- Package:
- 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
ST232ACDR.pdf
- Description:
- IC TRANSCEIVER FULL 2/2 16SO
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,785
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Product details
Overview
ST232ACDR from STMicroelectronics is a dual-transmitter/dual-receiver RS-232 interface IC operating from a single 5 V supply, delivering ±9 V output swing, 400 kbps data rate, and 0.1 µs receiver propagation delay. It enables battery-powered and space-constrained RS-232 communication where ±12 V rails are unavailable.
For engineers reviewing the ST232ACDR datasheet, ST232ACDR pinout, ST232ACDR application, or ST232ACDR equivalent, key selection criteria include its ultra-low 1.5 mA no-load supply current, ±30 V receiver input tolerance, TSSOP16/SO-16 package options, and compatibility with 0.1 µF external capacitors.
Technical Context
The ST232ACDR implements charge-pump voltage conversion to generate ±VCC-derived RS-232 levels without external ±12 V supplies. Its dual transmitter/receiver architecture supports full-duplex serial communication compliant with EIA/TIA-232 and V.28 standards.
It features TTL/CMOS-compatible logic inputs and outputs, with receiver hysteresis (0.2–1 V) for noise immunity and transmitter short-circuit protection. The device operates across 0 to 70 °C and draws only 1.5 mA typical supply current at no load.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply voltage | 4.5–5.5 V - compatible with standard 5 V logic rails and tolerant of common power rail variation |
| No-load supply current | 1.5 mA typ - enables multi-day operation in battery-powered modems and portable terminals |
| Transmitter output swing | ±9 V typ - meets RS-232 minimum voltage threshold (±5 V) with robust margin for cable loss |
| Receiver propagation delay | 0.1 µs typ - supports high-speed 400 kbps data transmission with minimal timing skew |
| Receiver input range | ±30 V - protects against ESD transients and ground loop voltages in industrial interfaces |
| Data rate | 400 kbps typ - suitable for fast UART links in embedded controllers and diagnostic tools |
| Operating temperature | 0 to 70 °C - qualified for commercial-grade equipment including point-of-sale and test instrumentation |
Pinout & Package
ST232ACDR is housed in a 16-pin SOIC (SO-16) package with 1.27 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant and ECOPACK® certified. Pin layout supports compact PCB layout with dedicated charge-pump capacitor terminals and isolated signal paths.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 C1+ | Charge pump capacitor positive terminal | Connects to + terminal of first 0.1 µF flying capacitor; critical for V+ generation |
| 2 V+ | Doubled voltage output | Provides ~2×VCC (~10 V) to drive RS-232 transmitter outputs |
| 3 C1− | Charge pump capacitor negative terminal | Completes first charge-pump stage; ties to GND or C2− depending on topology |
| 4 C2+ | Second charge pump capacitor positive terminal | Feeds inverted voltage stage; used with C2− to generate V− |
| 5 C2− | Second charge pump capacitor negative terminal | Reference node for V− generation; typically tied to V+ or GND per design |
| 6 V− | Inverted voltage output | Provides ~−VCC (~−5 V) or lower; enables negative RS-232 signaling |
| 7 T2OUT | Second transmitter output | RS-232 level output (±9 V); drives DTE/DCE secondary channel (e.g., RTS/CTS) |
| 8 R2IN | Second receiver input | Accepts RS-232 input (±30 V range); converts to TTL/CMOS logic for microcontroller RX2 |
| 9 R2OUT | Second receiver output | TTL/CMOS logic-level output (0.2 V low / 3.5 V high); connects directly to UART input |
| 10 T2IN | Second transmitter input | TTL/CMOS logic input (0.8–2.0 V thresholds); accepts UART TX2 signal |
| 11 T1IN | First transmitter input | TTL/CMOS logic input; primary UART TX path (e.g., main serial data) |
| 12 R1OUT | First receiver output | TTL/CMOS logic output; feeds main UART RX line with rail-to-rail compatibility |
| 13 R1IN | First receiver input | Primary RS-232 input (±30 V tolerant); handles main serial receive (e.g., RxD) |
| 14 T1OUT | First transmitter output | Main RS-232 transmit output (±9 V); drives TxD line to connected peripheral |
| 15 GND | Analog/digital ground reference | Common return for all internal circuitry and external capacitors; must be low-impedance |
| 16 VCC | Positive supply input | 5 V nominal supply; powers logic core, charge pumps, and level translators |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Single 5 V supply operation | Eliminates need for ±12 V regulators or transformers-reduces BOM count and board area by >30% |
| Ultra-low quiescent current | 1.5 mA typical supply current enables >1-year battery life in always-on handheld diagnostics tools |
| Integrated charge-pump architecture | Requires only four 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors-no electrolytics or inductors needed |
| High ESD tolerance | ±30 V receiver input range withstands repeated contact discharge events up to ±8 kV per IEC 61000-4-2 |
| Fast propagation timing | 0.1 µs receiver delay and 1.3 µs transmitter delay preserve UART timing margins at 400 kbps |
Applications
| Portable Data Terminals | Low-Power Modems |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Handheld barcode scanners and field service PDAs require RS-232 connectivity while operating on coin-cell or Li-ion batteries for >8 hours. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: ST232ACDR serves as the bidirectional level translator between the MCU's UART and external serial peripherals, managing both TxD/RxD and RTS/CTS handshaking. Use Value: Its 1.5 mA no-load current extends battery runtime; ±9 V output ensures reliable link establishment over 15 m cables despite voltage drop. | Use Scenario: Embedded modems in remote telemetry units must maintain RS-232 links under intermittent solar charging and wide ambient temperature swings (0–70 °C). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Acts as the physical layer interface between baseband processor and legacy modem IC, supporting AT command exchange and data streaming. Use Value: ±30 V receiver input range prevents false triggering during lightning-induced surges on long outdoor cabling; 400 kbps capability supports V.34-class throughput. |
| Industrial Interface Adapters | Test & Measurement Equipment |
Use Scenario: DIN-rail mounted protocol converters translate RS-232 signals from legacy PLCs into USB or Ethernet for SCADA systems in factory environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides galvanically isolated RS-232 I/O (when paired with optocouplers) and handles voltage translation for control signal monitoring. Use Value: SO-16 package allows automated assembly; 0 to 70 °C rating matches industrial enclosure thermal profiles without derating. | Use Scenario: Benchtop oscilloscopes and logic analyzers include RS-232 ports for firmware updates, configuration, and remote control via PC. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bridges the instrument's internal 3.3 V/5 V microcontroller bus to external host PC, handling bidirectional command/response traffic. Use Value: 0.1 µs receiver delay ensures accurate timestamping of serial trigger events; ±9 V swing guarantees interoperability with legacy lab equipment. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RS-232 transceiver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX3232CDR | Higher 1 µA shutdown current; 0.15 µs receiver delay; requires same 0.1 µF caps | Wider –40 to 85 °C range; better suited for extended-temperature industrial deployments | Select when ambient operating temperature exceeds 70 °C or shutdown mode is required |
| SP3232EEN-L | Lower 1 mA supply current; 0.35 µs receiver delay; ±15 V output swing | Available in narrow SO-16 only; optimized for cost-sensitive consumer electronics | Select for price-sensitive designs where 0.1 µs delay is noncritical and temperature stays ≤60 °C |
Compared with MAX3232CDR and SP3232EEN-L, ST232ACDR offers the lowest receiver propagation delay (0.1 µs) and tightest 0–70 °C qualification-making it optimal for time-critical commercial serial interfaces where precision timing and consistent availability matter most.
Availability
ST232ACDR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable data terminals, low-power modems, and industrial interface adapters requiring stable component supply, tape-and-reel packaging (2500 pcs/reel), and SO-16 footprint compatibility.
Supply support for ST232ACDR 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 ST232ACDR belongs to ST's RS-232 transceiver product line, engineered specifically for low-power, single-supply serial communication in space- and energy-constrained embedded systems.
FAQ
What is the minimum external capacitor value supported by ST232ACDR?
The ST232ACDR is characterized and guaranteed to operate with 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors on all charge-pump terminals (C1+, C1−, C2+, C2−). While the datasheet notes that 1 µF capacitors may also function, 0.1 µF is the validated, production-tested value ensuring full specification compliance across temperature and voltage ranges.
Does ST232ACDR support automatic power-down or shutdown mode?
No, the ST232ACDR does not include an enable/shutdown pin or automatic power-down functionality. It operates continuously when VCC is applied. For applications requiring standby current reduction, external power gating or alternative parts like MAX3232CDR (with ENABLE pin) must be considered.
Can ST232ACDR drive standard RS-232 loads over 15-meter cables?
Yes - with its ±9 V output swing and 300 Ω transmitter output resistance, ST232ACDR meets EIA/TIA-232 specifications for driving up to 3 kΩ loads over 15 m of standard twisted-pair cable at 400 kbps, provided proper termination and grounding practices are followed per RS-232 implementation guidelines.
Is ST232ACDR pin-compatible with earlier ST232 versions like ST232B?
Yes - ST232ACDR shares identical pinout, electrical behavior, and package dimensions with ST232ABDR and ST232ACTR. The 'C' suffix denotes 0–70 °C grade and SO-16/TSSOP16 packaging options; functional compatibility is maintained across AB/AC variants for drop-in replacement in existing designs.
ST232ACDR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- 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:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-SO
ST232ACDR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ST232ACDR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ST232ACDR 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 ST232ACDR reliable?
The price and inventory of ST232ACDR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ST232ACDR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ST232ACDR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ST232ACDR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ST232ACDR?
ST232ACDR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ST232ACDR 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 ST232ACDR?
For technical support, including ST232ACDR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ST232ACDR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ST232ACDR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ST232ACDR 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 ST232ACDR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ST232ACDR?
All ST232ACDR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ST232ACDR, 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 ST232ACDR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ST232ACDR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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