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STMicroelectronics ST232ACW
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- Part No.:
- ST232ACW
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers
- Package:
- 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
ST232ACW.pdf
- Description:
- IC TRANSCEIVER FULL 2/2 16SO
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,836
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Product details
Overview
ST232ACW from STMicroelectronics is a dual-transmitter/dual-receiver RS-232 interface IC operating from a single 5 V supply, compliant with EIA/TIA-232 and V.28 standards. It delivers ±9 V transmitter output swing, 400 kbps data rate, 0.1 µs receiver propagation delay, and draws only 1.5 mA supply current at no load-enabling low-power portable RS-232 communication in space-constrained designs.
For engineers reviewing the ST232ACW datasheet, ST232ACW pinout, ST232ACW application, or ST232ACW equivalent, this device is selected for battery-powered serial interfaces requiring high-speed signal integrity, wide input voltage tolerance (±30 V), and minimal external components (four 0.1 µF capacitors).
Technical Context
The ST232ACW integrates charge-pump voltage doublers and inverters to generate ±9 V RS-232 signaling levels from 5 V, eliminating need for ±12 V supplies. Its TTL/CMOS-compatible inputs accept logic thresholds of 0.8–2.0 V, while RS-232 receivers tolerate ±30 V input and provide hysteresis (0.2–1 V) for noise immunity.
Transmitter slew rate is tightly controlled at 12 V/µs (typ.), limiting EMI while supporting reliable 400 kbps operation into 3–7 kΩ loads. Receiver output drives TTL/CMOS logic directly with VOH ≥ 3.5 V and VOL ≤ 0.4 V at specified loads.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply voltage | 4.5–5.5 V - Enables direct integration with 5 V logic rails and LDO outputs without level-shifting. |
| Supply current (no load) | 1.5 mA (typ.) - Reduces standby power in battery-operated modems and handheld terminals. |
| Transmitter output swing | ±9 V (typ., 3 kΩ load) - Meets EIA/TIA-232 minimum ±5 V requirement with robust noise margin. |
| Data rate | 400 kbps (typ.) - Supports full-duplex UART communication up to standard RS-232 speeds. |
| Receiver input range | ±30 V - Protects against line faults, ESD transients, and ground potential differences in industrial cabling. |
| Propagation delay (RX) | 0.1 µs (typ.) - Ensures minimal latency in real-time serial control loops and polling systems. |
| Operating temperature | 0 to 70 °C - Qualified for commercial-grade embedded systems including point-of-sale and test equipment. |
Pinout & Package
ST232ACW 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 routing and standard reflow assembly.
| 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 positive supply output | Provides ~10 V internal rail for transmitter driver stages; decoupled externally. |
| 3 C1− | Charge pump capacitor negative terminal | Completes first charge pump loop; tied to GND during phase switching. |
| 4 C2+ | Second charge pump capacitor positive terminal | Feeds inverted voltage generator; pairs with C2− to produce V−. |
| 5 C2− | Second charge pump capacitor negative terminal | Reference node for V− generation; switches between GND and V+ during pumping. |
| 6 V− | Inverted negative supply output | Provides ~−10 V internal rail; enables true bipolar RS-232 output swing. |
| 7 T2OUT | Second transmitter RS-232 output | Drives RS-232 line (TxD2); swings ±9 V with controlled slew rate. |
| 8 R2IN | Second receiver RS-232 input | Accepts ±30 V RS-232 signals; includes internal protection and threshold hysteresis. |
| 9 R2OUT | Second receiver TTL/CMOS output | Delivers logic-level signal (0.4 V / 3.5 V) compatible with MCU UART RX pins. |
| 10 T2IN | Second transmitter TTL/CMOS input | Accepts 0–5 V logic; translates to RS-232 levels with no external biasing required. |
| 11 T1IN | First transmitter TTL/CMOS input | Primary UART TX input; electrically identical to T2IN with independent driver stage. |
| 12 R1OUT | First receiver TTL/CMOS output | Direct connection to MCU UART RX; meets TTL/CMOS VIH/VIL specifications. |
| 13 R1IN | First receiver RS-232 input | Primary RS-232 RX input; features 5 kΩ typical input resistance and ±30 V tolerance. |
| 14 T1OUT | First transmitter RS-232 output | Main RS-232 TxD output; fully buffered and slew-rate limited for EMC compliance. |
| 15 GND | Analog and digital ground reference | Single ground plane required; decoupling caps must connect here for stable charge pump operation. |
| 16 VCC | Positive supply input | 5 V main supply; powers logic core, charge pumps, and output drivers. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Single 5 V supply operation | Eliminates need for ±12 V regulators or isolated DC/DC converters, reducing BOM count and board area. |
| Ultra-low quiescent current | 1.5 mA typical supply current enables >1-year battery life in always-on RS-232 peripherals. |
| Integrated charge-pump circuitry | Requires only four 0.1 µF external capacitors-no inductors or transformers needed for level translation. |
| High ESD robustness | ±30 V receiver input range inherently withstands IEC 61000-4-2 Level 3 (±8 kV contact) transients. |
| Fast propagation timing | 0.1 µs receiver delay and 1.3 µs transmitter delay support deterministic UART timing in real-time firmware. |
Applications
| Portable Data Terminals | Low-Power Modems |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Handheld barcode scanners and mobile POS terminals using UART-to-RS-232 adapters for legacy printer or host connectivity. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Translates 3.3 V/5 V UART signals to full RS-232 voltage levels while maintaining sub-microsecond timing alignment. Use Value: Enables direct integration with 5 V microcontrollers and extends battery runtime via 1.5 mA quiescent draw. |
Use Scenario: Battery-powered dial-up modems in remote telemetry units where AC power is unavailable. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides bidirectional RS-232 interface with guaranteed 400 kbps throughput and ±30 V line fault tolerance. Use Value: Eliminates external DC/DC converters, reducing size and cost while meeting FCC Class B emission limits via controlled 12 V/µs slew rate. |
| Industrial Serial Gateways | Embedded Test Equipment Interfaces |
|
Use Scenario: DIN-rail mounted protocol converters bridging RS-232 field devices to Ethernet or CAN networks in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Receives noisy long-cable RS-232 signals and outputs clean TTL logic to an ARM-based gateway processor. Use Value: Withstands ground differentials up to ±30 V and operates reliably across 0–70 °C ambient without derating. |
Use Scenario: Automated test fixtures connecting benchtop instruments (oscilloscopes, DMMs) to PC-based control software via RS-232. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Serves as a robust, low-latency UART interface on custom test controller boards with tight timing budgets. Use Value: 0.1 µs receiver delay ensures precise timestamping of instrument responses; SO-16 package supports automated optical inspection (AOI). |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RS-232 transceiver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX232ACPE+ | Higher supply current (5 mA typ.), requires five 1 µF capacitors, ±12 V output swing (min). | Better noise immunity in electrically noisy environments but increases board area and power budget. | Select when legacy MAX232 footprint compatibility is required and higher output voltage margin is needed. |
| SP3232ECA-L | Lower quiescent current (0.3 mA typ.), 3.0–5.5 V supply range, same SO-16 package. | Supports mixed-voltage systems (3.3 V logic + 5 V RS-232) and extends battery life further. | Select for new designs prioritizing ultra-low power and supply flexibility without sacrificing speed or robustness. |
Compared with MAX232ACPE+ and SP3232ECA-L, the ST232ACW offers optimal balance of low power (1.5 mA), compact capacitor solution (four 0.1 µF), and commercial-temperature reliability-making it ideal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained 5 V-only systems.
Availability
ST232ACW is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable data terminals, low-power modems, and industrial serial gateways requiring stable component supply, consistent SO-16 packaging, and long-term commercial-temperature availability.
Supply support for ST232ACW 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 ST232ACW belongs to ST's RS-232 interface product line, engineered specifically for low-power, single-supply serial communication in portable and embedded systems where space, energy efficiency, and EMI control are critical.
FAQ
What is the minimum number of external capacitors required for ST232ACW operation?
The ST232ACW requires exactly four 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors: two for the positive charge pump (C1+, C1−) and two for the negative charge pump (C2+, C2−). No bypass or bulk capacitors are mandatory, though a 100 nF VCC decoupling cap is recommended near pin 16 for noise suppression.
Can ST232ACW operate with a 3.3 V supply?
No. The ST232ACW is specified only for 4.5–5.5 V operation. Attempting 3.3 V supply will prevent proper charge pump operation, resulting in insufficient RS-232 output swing (<±3 V) and noncompliant signaling. For 3.3 V systems, consider SP3232ECA-L or similar 3 V–5.5 V transceivers.
Is ST232ACW pin-compatible with MAX232?
No. While both are dual-transmitter/dual-receiver RS-232 ICs in SO-16 packages, ST232ACW uses a different pinout: C1+/C1−/C2+/C2− occupy pins 1–5 and 6, whereas MAX232 places C1+/C1− on pins 1/2 and C2+/C2− on pins 3/4. Direct replacement requires PCB redesign.
Does ST232ACW include built-in ESD protection?
The ST232ACW does not specify IEC 61000-4-2 ESD ratings in its datasheet, but its ±30 V receiver input voltage range provides inherent robustness against common-mode transients and cable-induced surges. For explicit ±15 kV HBM or system-level ESD compliance, external TVS diodes on RS-232 lines are recommended.
ST232ACW Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- 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:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-SO
ST232ACW FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ST232ACW through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ST232ACW 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 ST232ACW reliable?
The price and inventory of ST232ACW are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ST232ACW is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ST232ACW?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ST232ACW transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ST232ACW?
ST232ACW orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ST232ACW 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 ST232ACW?
For technical support, including ST232ACW datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ST232ACW requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ST232ACW is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ST232ACW 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 ST232ACW meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ST232ACW?
All ST232ACW units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ST232ACW, 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 ST232ACW part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ST232ACW:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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