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STMicroelectronics ST232CW
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- Part No.:
- ST232CW
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers
- Package:
- 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
ST232CW.pdf
- Description:
- IC TRANSCEIVER FULL 2/2 16SO
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,741
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Product details
Overview
ST232CW from STMicroelectronics is a 5 V-powered dual-transmitter/dual-receiver RS-232 interface IC compliant with EIA/TIA-232 and V.28 standards. It delivers ±7.8 V transmitter output swing, supports 220 kbps data rate, draws 5 mA supply current at no load, and operates across –40 °C to 85 °C. It enables battery-powered RS-232 communication using only four 0.1 µF capacitors.
For engineers reviewing the ST232CW datasheet, ST232CW pinout, ST232CW application, or ST232CW equivalent, key selection criteria include single-supply operation, ±30 V receiver input tolerance, controlled slew rate for EMI reduction, and compatibility with MAX232/MAX202 in space-constrained industrial and portable designs.
Technical Context
The ST232CW integrates two charge-pump voltage doublers and inverters to generate ±7.8 V from a single 5 V rail, eliminating need for ±12 V supplies. Its receivers feature ±30 V input tolerance and 0.5 V hysteresis for noise immunity in noisy industrial environments.
Transmitter outputs are slew-rate limited (7–30 V/µs) to reduce electromagnetic interference, while TTL/CMOS-compatible inputs and outputs ensure seamless interfacing with microcontrollers and logic devices without level-shifting circuitry.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage | 4.5–5.5 V - Enables direct connection to standard 5 V logic rails without regulation overhead. |
| Transmitter Output Swing | ±7.8 V (typ.) - Meets RS-232 minimum ±5 V requirement with margin for cable loss and noise. |
| Data Rate | 220 kbps (typ.) - Supports high-speed serial links in modems, industrial PLCs, and point-of-sale terminals. |
| Receiver Input Range | ±30 V - Withstands large ground potential differences and transient surges in multi-drop networks. |
| Slew Rate | 7–30 V/µs - Limits edge-induced EMI while maintaining signal integrity over 15 m cables. |
| Operating Temperature | –40 °C to +85 °C - Qualified for extended industrial temperature operation without derating. |
| Supply Current (no load) | 5 mA (typ.) - Enables low-power operation in battery-backed portable instruments and handheld scanners. |
Pinout & Package
ST232CW is housed in a 16-pin SO-16 Large (SO-16L) package with 1.27 mm pitch, ECOPACK® lead-free construction, and 10.1 × 10.0 mm body dimensions.
| 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 efficiency. |
| 2 V+ | Doubled supply voltage output | Provides +10 V rail for transmitter drivers; must be decoupled near IC. |
| 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 for voltage inversion. |
| 5 C2− | Second charge pump capacitor negative terminal | Completes inverter loop; referenced to V+ during pumping cycle. |
| 6 V− | Inverted supply voltage output | Provides –10 V rail; enables full RS-232 negative voltage swing at T1OUT/T2OUT. |
| 7 T2OUT | Second transmitter output | RS-232-level output (±7.8 V) for secondary serial channel (e.g., modem control lines). |
| 8 R2IN | Second receiver input | Accepts ±30 V RS-232 signals; internal hysteresis rejects line noise up to 0.5 V. |
| 9 R2OUT | Second receiver output | TTL/CMOS-compatible logic-level output (0.4 V low / ≥3.5 V high) for MCU UART RX2. |
| 10 T2IN | Second transmitter input | Accepts 0–5 V logic input; drives T2OUT with RS-232 voltage levels after internal translation. |
| 11 T1IN | First transmitter input | Primary UART TX input; compatible with 3.3 V or 5 V logic without external level shifters. |
| 12 R1OUT | First receiver output | Main UART RX output; drives standard CMOS loads with <1 µs propagation delay (CL = 150 pF). |
| 13 R1IN | First receiver input | Primary RS-232 receive line; supports multi-drop configurations with high input impedance (5 kΩ typ.). |
| 14 T1OUT | First transmitter output | Main RS-232 transmit line; slew-limited to meet FCC Class B radiated emissions limits. |
| 15 GND | Analog/digital ground reference | Single ground plane required; separates charge pump return from signal ground in layout. |
| 16 VCC | Positive supply input | 5 V main power; requires local 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor placed within 5 mm. |
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 PCB area by >30%. |
| Four 0.1 µF external capacitors | Reduces total external component count versus legacy RS-232 transceivers requiring 1 µF electrolytics or tantalums. |
| Controlled transmitter slew rate | Ensures compliance with FCC/CE radiated emissions limits without adding ferrite beads or RC filters on PCB traces. |
| ±30 V receiver input tolerance | Permits reliable operation in electrically noisy factory floors where ground offsets exceed ±10 V between nodes. |
| MAX232/MAX202 pin-to-pin compatibility | Enables drop-in replacement in existing designs without layout changes or firmware updates. |
Applications
| Portable Data Terminals | Industrial PLC Serial Interfaces |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Handheld barcode scanners and mobile asset trackers require RS-232 communication while operating on lithium-ion batteries. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: ST232CW acts as the physical layer translator between the MCU's UART and RS-232 peripherals, managing voltage level conversion and ESD-tolerant line driving. Use Value: 5 mA no-load current extends battery life to >12 hours per charge; ±7.8 V swing ensures robust link establishment over 10 m cables despite battery voltage sag. | Use Scenario: Programmable logic controllers use RS-232 for configuration, diagnostics, and HMI connectivity in manufacturing cells with heavy motor drive noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: ST232CW serves as the isolated RS-232 transceiver front-end, providing ±30 V input tolerance and slew-controlled outputs to suppress conducted EMI. Use Value: Receiver hysteresis (0.5 V) prevents false triggering from 50/60 Hz ground loops; SO-16L package supports automated optical inspection and reflow soldering. |
| Low-Power Modems | Multi-Drop RS-232 Networks |
Use Scenario: Embedded modems in remote telemetry units must maintain AT-command communication under 5 V supply constraints and intermittent power. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: ST232CW provides bidirectional RS-232 signaling with automatic power-down behavior when VCC drops below 4.5 V. Use Value: 220 kbps capability supports V.22bis (2400 bps) and V.32 (9600 bps) protocols with timing margin; 8.5 mm wide SO-16L fits narrow modem PCBs. | Use Scenario: Building automation systems connect multiple sensors and actuators via shared RS-232 bus with long cable runs and varying ground potentials. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: ST232CW functions as a robust node transceiver, enabling half-duplex multi-drop topology with receiver input impedance >3 kΩ. Use Value: High input resistance minimizes loading on shared bus; ±30 V tolerance accommodates up to ±25 V ground differential between nodes without signal corruption. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RS-232 transceiver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX232CPE | Requires five 1 µF external capacitors; wider operating temperature (0 °C to 70 °C only); higher supply current (10 mA typ.) | Limited to commercial temperature range; less suitable for outdoor or unheated industrial enclosures | Select when legacy design uses through-hole DIP-16 and cost sensitivity outweighs power/size advantages |
| SP3232ECA | 3.0–5.5 V supply range; 1 µA shutdown current; 250 kbps data rate; uses four 0.1 µF caps | Supports 3.3 V systems directly; includes enable/shutdown control not present in ST232CW | Select for mixed-voltage systems or ultra-low-power sleep modes where dynamic power gating is required |
Compared with MAX232CPE and SP3232ECA, ST232CW offers optimal balance of industrial temperature support, proven reliability in long-life deployments, and minimal external component count-making it preferred for fixed-installation equipment where thermal stability and layout simplicity are prioritized over shutdown functionality.
Availability
ST232CW is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC interfaces, portable data terminals, low-power modems, and multi-drop RS-232 networks requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for ST232CW 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 industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The ST232CW belongs to ST's RS-232 interface product line, engineered specifically for robust, low-component-count serial communication in space- and power-constrained embedded systems.
FAQ
What is the minimum number and value of external capacitors required for ST232CW operation?
The ST232CW requires exactly four 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors (C1–C4) connected as specified in Figure 2 of the datasheet: C1 between pins 1 and 3, C2 between pins 4 and 5, C3 between pins 2 and 15, and C4 between pins 6 and 15. These values are validated for stable charge-pump operation across –40 °C to +85 °C; substituting larger values may degrade startup time or transient response.
Does ST232CW support automatic power-down or shutdown mode?
No, the ST232CW does not include a shutdown pin or automatic power-down feature. It remains fully active whenever VCC is within 4.5–5.5 V. For applications requiring ultra-low standby current, consider alternatives like SP3232ECA (1 µA shutdown) or MAX3232E (1 µA shutdown), which provide explicit enable control and lower quiescent draw.
Can ST232CW be used with 3.3 V logic microcontrollers?
Yes-ST232CW's transmitter inputs (T1IN, T2IN) accept 3.3 V logic-high signals (VIH min = 2.0 V), and its receiver outputs (R1OUT, R2OUT) deliver TTL/CMOS-compatible levels (VOH min = 3.5 V at –1 mA) that interface directly with 3.3 V MCU I/O. No level-shifting circuitry is needed, though VCC must remain at 5 V for proper RS-232 voltage generation.
Is ST232CW pin-compatible with MAX232 in SO-16 package?
Yes-ST232CW in SO-16 Large (SO-16L) footprint is functionally and pinout-compatible with MAX232CSE and MAX232CPE in SO-16, including identical pin numbering and electrical behavior. Layouts designed for MAX232 can accept ST232CW without modification, provided the SO-16L variant is used (not standard SO-16) due to slightly wider body dimensions (10.1 mm vs. 9.9 mm).
ST232CW 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:
- 220Kbps
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.5V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-SO
ST232CW FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ST232CW through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ST232CW 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 ST232CW reliable?
The price and inventory of ST232CW are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ST232CW is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ST232CW?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ST232CW transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ST232CW?
ST232CW orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ST232CW 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 ST232CW?
For technical support, including ST232CW datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ST232CW requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ST232CW is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ST232CW 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 ST232CW meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ST232CW?
All ST232CW units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ST232CW, 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 ST232CW part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ST232CW:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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