STMicroelectronics ST232BTR
- Part No.:
- ST232BTR
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers
- Package:
- 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
ST232BTR.pdf
- Description:
- IC TRANSCEIVER FULL 2/2 16TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:26,049
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Product details
Overview
ST232BTR from STMicroelectronics is a dual-transmitter/dual-receiver RS-232 interface IC operating from a single 5 V supply, delivering ±7.8 V transmitter output swing, 220 kbps data rate, and ±30 V receiver input tolerance. It replaces legacy ±12 V RS-232 transceivers in battery-powered portable computers and low-power modems.
For engineers reviewing the ST232BTR datasheet, ST232BTR pinout, ST232BTR application, or ST232BTR equivalent, key selection criteria include its -40 °C to +85 °C industrial temperature range, TSSOP16 package footprint, 5 mA no-load supply current, and compatibility with MAX232-level signal translation.
Technical Context
The ST232BTR integrates two charge-pump voltage doublers and inverters to generate ±VCC-derived RS-232 voltage levels from a single 5 V rail, using only four 0.1 µF external capacitors. Its controlled slew rate (7–30 V/µs) limits EMI while maintaining signal integrity across 3 kΩ loads.
Each transmitter accepts TTL/CMOS logic inputs and drives RS-232-compliant outputs; each receiver accepts ±30 V RS-232 inputs and delivers TTL/CMOS-compatible outputs with 0.2–1 V hysteresis. Propagation delay is ≤1 µs (receiver), ≤1.5 µs (transmitter) under typical conditions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V - Enables direct integration into 5 V logic systems without auxiliary supplies. |
| Transmitter output swing | ±7.8 V (typ.) - Meets EIA/TIA-232 minimum ±5 V requirement with margin for cable loss and noise. |
| Data rate | 220 kbps (typ.) - Supports full-speed RS-232 operation up to 230.4 kbaud UART configurations. |
| Receiver input range | ±30 V - Withstands large common-mode transients and hot-plug surges in industrial interfaces. |
| Supply current (no load) | 5 mA (typ.) - Enables extended battery life in portable RS-232 adapters and handheld terminals. |
| Operating temperature | –40 °C to +85 °C - Qualified for industrial environments including factory automation and outdoor telemetry. |
| Slew rate control | 7–30 V/µs - Reduces radiated emissions while preserving edge timing for reliable UART sampling. |
Pinout & Package
TSSOP16 (Thin Shrink Small Outline Package, 5 mm × 4.4 mm, 0.65 mm pitch) - RoHS-compliant, lead-free ECOPACK® package optimized for high-density PCB layouts and automated 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 voltage doubling stage stability. |
| 2 V+ | Doubled supply voltage output | Provides ~10 V internal rail for positive RS-232 output drive; must not be externally powered. |
| 3 C1− | Charge pump capacitor negative terminal | Completes first charge pump loop; ties to GND during phase switching. |
| 4 C2+ | Second charge pump capacitor positive terminal | Connects to + terminal of second 0.1 µF flying capacitor; enables negative voltage generation. |
| 5 C2− | Second charge pump capacitor negative terminal | Completes inverting charge pump; referenced to V+ during inversion cycle. |
| 6 V− | Inverted supply voltage output | Provides ~–10 V internal rail for negative RS-232 output drive; must not be externally powered. |
| 7 T2OUT | Second transmitter RS-232 output | Drives RS-232 line (e.g., RTS or DTR) with ±7.8 V swing and controlled slew rate. |
| 8 R2IN | Second receiver RS-232 input | Accepts ±30 V RS-232 signals (e.g., CTS or DSR); includes fail-safe biasing. |
| 9 R2OUT | Second receiver TTL/CMOS output | Delivers logic-high ≥3.5 V and logic-low ≤0.4 V compatible with 5 V microcontrollers. |
| 10 T2IN | Second transmitter TTL/CMOS input | Accepts standard 5 V logic levels (VIH ≥2 V, VIL ≤0.8 V) for driving RS-232 outputs. |
| 11 T1IN | First transmitter TTL/CMOS input | Primary UART TX input; electrically identical to T2IN with same logic thresholds. |
| 12 R1OUT | First receiver TTL/CMOS output | Primary UART RX output; meets TTL/CMOS fan-out requirements with 3.2 mA sink capability. |
| 13 R1IN | First receiver RS-232 input | Primary UART RX input; supports full ±30 V common-mode range and failsafe idle detection. |
| 14 T1OUT | First transmitter RS-232 output | Primary UART TX output; delivers ±7.8 V swing into 3 kΩ load per EIA/TIA-232. |
| 15 GND | Analog/digital ground reference | Single ground plane required; decoupling capacitor (0.1 µF) must connect here and VCC. |
| 16 VCC | Positive supply input | 5 V ±10 % main power rail; supplies logic core and charge pump controller circuitry. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Single 5 V supply operation | Eliminates need for ±12 V rails, reducing BOM count and board space in portable designs. |
| Four 0.1 µF external capacitors | Minimizes external component count and cost versus older RS-232 transceivers requiring larger electrolytics. |
| Controlled output slew rate | Reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) without sacrificing data rate compliance up to 220 kbps. |
| ±30 V receiver input tolerance | Ensures robust communication in noisy industrial environments with long cable runs and ground potential differences. |
| MAX232/MAX202 compatibility | Enables drop-in replacement in existing designs without layout or firmware changes. |
Applications
| Portable Computer Serial Interface | Low-Power Modem Data Link |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Embedded serial port on ultraportable laptop or tablet requiring RS-232 connectivity via compact USB-to-RS-232 adapter. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-channel level translator converting 5 V UART signals to ±7.8 V RS-232 outputs and vice versa. Use Value: Enables full-duplex RS-232 communication at 220 kbps while consuming only 5 mA at idle-extending battery runtime by >30% vs. legacy solutions. | Use Scenario: Battery-powered GSM/GPRS modem used in remote asset monitoring with RS-232 host interface. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Isolates modem's 5 V logic domain from noisy RS-232 bus while supporting auto-baud detection and flow control lines. Use Value: ±30 V receiver input range prevents lockup during lightning-induced surges on outdoor-installed RS-232 cables. |
| Industrial Multi-Drop RS-232 Network | Embedded System Debug Port |
Use Scenario: Central controller communicating with multiple field devices (PLCs, sensors) over shared RS-232 bus with termination resistors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Transceiver providing driver output impedance matching (300 Ω) and receiver hysteresis (0.2–1 V) for noise immunity. Use Value: Controlled slew rate ensures clean signal edges across 15 m daisy-chained cables, preventing inter-symbol interference at 115.2 kbps. | Use Scenario: On-board debug interface for ARM Cortex-M microcontroller development board, exposed via DB9 connector. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional level shifter enabling host PC terminal access to MCU UART pins during firmware bring-up and diagnostics. Use Value: TSSOP16 footprint allows placement adjacent to MCU without compromising routing density; 0.65 mm pitch supports fine-pitch reflow. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX232CPE+ | 0 to +70 °C rating; DIP-16 package; requires 1 µF capacitors | Preferred for through-hole prototyping and legacy industrial controllers | Select when manual assembly or socket-based testing is required. |
| SP3232EBCY-L | +2.7 V to +5.5 V supply; 250 kbps data rate; ±15 kV ESD protection | Better suited for USB-powered peripherals needing enhanced ESD robustness | Select when IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 (±15 kV air) protection is mandatory. |
Compared with MAX232CPE+, ST232BTR offers wider temperature range and smaller TSSOP16 footprint; compared with SP3232EBCY-L, it trades ESD rating for lower quiescent current (5 mA vs. 1 mA typical) and tighter slew control for legacy system compatibility.
Availability
ST232BTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation interfaces, portable diagnostic tools, and embedded RS-232 communication modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.
Supply support for ST232BTR 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 microcontrollers, analog ICs, power management devices, and MEMS sensors for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The ST232BTR belongs to ST's legacy RS-232 transceiver product line, engineered specifically for low-cost, low-power, single-supply serial interface applications in space-constrained and battery-operated equipment.
FAQ
What is the minimum number and value of external capacitors required for ST232BTR operation?
The ST232BTR requires exactly four 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors (C1–C4) for charge-pump operation: C1+ and C1− form the voltage doubler; C2+ and C2− form the inverter. These values are specified in the datasheet for guaranteed ±7.8 V output swing and 220 kbps performance across –40 °C to +85 °C. Larger values (e.g., 1 µF) may be used but do not improve specification compliance.
Can ST232BTR replace MAX232 in an existing design without modifications?
Yes-ST232BTR is pin-to-pin compatible with MAX232 in TSSOP16 footprint and functionally identical in electrical behavior: same pinout, same 5 V supply, same 4-capacitor configuration, and same RS-232 voltage levels. No PCB or firmware changes are needed; however, verify that the -40 °C to +85 °C rating meets your system's thermal requirements.
Does ST232BTR support automatic power-down or shutdown mode?
No-the ST232BTR does not include a shutdown or enable pin. It operates continuously when VCC is applied. Quiescent current remains at 5 mA (typ.) with no load, making it unsuitable for ultra-low-power sleep modes. For applications requiring standby current <1 µA, consider modern alternatives like MAX3232E or SP3232E with ENABLE functionality.
What is the maximum recommended trace length between ST232BTR and DB9 connector in a 220 kbps design?
For reliable 220 kbps operation, PCB traces between ST232BTR and the DB9 connector should be kept under 15 cm (6 inches) and routed as controlled-impedance differential pairs where possible. Longer traces increase capacitive loading and degrade slew-controlled edges; use series termination (33 Ω) near the driver if trace length exceeds 10 cm to suppress reflections.
ST232BTR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm 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:
- 220Kbps
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.5V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-TSSOP
ST232BTR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ST232BTR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ST232BTR 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 ST232BTR reliable?
The price and inventory of ST232BTR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ST232BTR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ST232BTR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ST232BTR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ST232BTR?
ST232BTR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ST232BTR 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 ST232BTR?
For technical support, including ST232BTR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ST232BTR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ST232BTR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ST232BTR 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 ST232BTR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ST232BTR?
All ST232BTR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ST232BTR, 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 ST232BTR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ST232BTR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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