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Home > Products > Integrated Circuits (ICs) > Interface > Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers

STMicroelectronics ST232CWR

Name: ST232CWR
Brand: STMicroelectronics
SKU: ST232CWR
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: ST232CWR

Manufacturer:: STMicroelectronics

Category:: Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers

Package:: 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)

Datasheet:: ST232CWR.pdf

Description:: IC TRANSCEIVER FULL 2/2 16SO

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Inventory:1,724

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Product details

Overview

ST232CWR 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 from 0 °C to 70 °C in SO-16 Large package. It enables battery-powered RS-232 systems without ±12 V rails.

For engineers reviewing the ST232CWR datasheet, ST232CWR pinout, ST232CWR application, or ST232CWR equivalent, key selection criteria include single-supply operation, controlled slew rate for EMI reduction, ±30 V receiver input tolerance, and compatibility with MAX232/MAX202 footprints in space-constrained industrial and portable designs.

Technical Context

The ST232CWR integrates two charge-pump voltage doublers and inverters to generate ±V_CC-derived RS-232 voltage levels from a single 5 V supply, using only four 0.1 µF external capacitors. Its transmitter outputs feature slew-rate limiting to reduce electromagnetic interference during signal transitions.

Receiver inputs accept ±30 V common-mode range and provide TTL/CMOS-compatible outputs with 0.4 V low-level and ≥3.5 V high-level logic thresholds. Propagation delay is 0.3–1 µs (RS-232 in to TTL out), supporting reliable full-duplex communication at up to 220 kbps under typical loading conditions.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Supply voltage	4.5–5.5 V - Enables direct integration into 5 V logic systems without auxiliary supplies.
Transmitter output swing	±7.8 V (typ.) - Meets RS-232 minimum ±5 V requirement with margin for cable loss and noise immunity.
Data rate	220 kbps (typ.) - Supports high-speed serial links in modems, industrial controllers, and point-of-sale terminals.
Receiver input range	±30 V - Tolerates large ground potential differences and transient surges in noisy industrial environments.
Slew rate	7–30 V/µs - Limits edge-induced EMI while maintaining signal integrity over standard RS-232 cables.
Operating temperature	0 °C to 70 °C - Qualified for commercial-grade embedded systems including portable instrumentation and peripherals.
Supply current (no load)	5 mA (typ.) - Reduces power consumption in battery-operated devices such as handheld terminals and field meters.

Pinout & Package

ST232CWR is housed in a 16-pin SOIC package with 1.27 mm pitch (SO-16 Large), measuring 10.1 × 10.0 mm, RoHS-compliant and ECOPACK® certified.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1 C1+	Charge pump capacitor positive terminal	Connects to +ve side of first 0.1 µF flying capacitor; critical for voltage doubling stage stability.
2 V+	Doubled supply voltage output	Provides +2×V_CC (~10 V) rail for transmitter driver stages; must be decoupled locally.
3 C1−	Charge pump capacitor negative terminal	Completes first charge pump loop; ties to GND during phase switching to transfer charge.
4 C2+	Second charge pump capacitor positive terminal	Feeds inverted voltage generation stage; works with C2− to produce −V_CC rail.
5 C2−	Second charge pump capacitor negative terminal	Switched reference node for inverting charge pump; enables generation of −V_CC (~−5 V).
6 V−	Inverted supply voltage output	Provides −V_CC rail for RS-232 level shifting; used by both transmitters and receivers.
7 T2OUT	Second transmitter output	RS-232-compatible differential output (±7.8 V); drives TxD2 line to external DB9 or connector.
8 R2IN	Second receiver input	Accepts ±30 V RS-232 RxD2 signal; includes hysteresis (0.2–1 V) for noise rejection.
9 R2OUT	Second receiver output	TTL/CMOS logic-level output (0.4 V low / ≥3.5 V high); interfaces directly with UART RX2 pin.
10 T2IN	Second transmitter input	TTL/CMOS logic-level input (0.8 V low / 2 V high threshold); accepts UART TX2 signal.
11 T1IN	First transmitter input	Primary TTL/CMOS input for UART TX1; electrically identical to T2IN with same logic thresholds.
12 R1OUT	First receiver output	Primary TTL/CMOS output for UART RX1; matches R2OUT timing and drive strength.
13 R1IN	First receiver input	Primary RS-232 input (RxD1); shares same ±30 V tolerance and hysteresis as R2IN.
14 T1OUT	First transmitter output	Primary RS-232 output (TxD1); identical performance and slew control to T2OUT.
15 GND	Analog and digital ground reference	Common return for all internal circuitry; requires low-impedance PCB connection to system ground plane.
16 VCC	Positive supply input	5 V main power input; must be bypassed with 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor near pin 16.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Single 5 V supply operation	Eliminates need for ±12 V rails, reducing BOM count and board area in portable and embedded systems.
Controlled output slew rate	7–30 V/µs limits RF emissions and crosstalk, easing EMC compliance in compact enclosures.
±30 V receiver input tolerance	Withstands ground-loop offsets and ESD transients without latch-up or damage in industrial wiring.
Low quiescent current (5 mA)	Extends battery life in handheld RS-232 adapters and field diagnostic tools operating on 3.7 V Li-ion cells with 5 V boost.
MAX232/MAX202 pin compatibility	Enables drop-in replacement in legacy designs without PCB redesign or firmware changes.

Applications

Portable Computers

Low-Power Modems

Use Scenario: Serial debug port on ultra-thin laptops and tablets requiring minimal power draw and compact footprint.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-channel RS-232 level shifter converting UART signals to full-voltage RS-232 for external diagnostics and firmware updates.

Use Value: Enables 5 V-only design with 220 kbps throughput and ±7.8 V output swing, meeting laptop thermal and battery-life constraints.

Use Scenario: Embedded modem module in remote telemetry units powered by solar-charged batteries.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Full-duplex RS-232 transceiver handling AT command exchange and data transmission over PSTN lines.

Use Value: ±30 V receiver tolerance prevents failure from line surges; 5 mA quiescent current extends operational uptime between charges.

Interface Translation

Battery-Powered RS-232 Systems

Use Scenario: USB-to-RS-232 adapter using microcontroller-based bridge with limited I/O voltage options.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage-level translator between 3.3 V/5 V MCU UART and legacy RS-232 peripherals (scanners, scales, PLCs).

Use Value: Single-supply operation avoids dual-rail LDOs; MAX232 compatibility simplifies firmware and layout reuse.

Use Scenario: Handheld barcode scanner with integrated RS-232 output for warehouse inventory systems.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary RS-232 interface IC providing robust communication despite frequent hot-plug events and ESD exposure.

Use Value: Controlled slew rate reduces radiated emissions during cable insertion; SO-16L package fits tight mechanical envelopes.

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+	Same 5 V supply, ±7.6 V output swing, 200 kbps max, DIP-16 package	Through-hole mounting; higher profile; less suitable for automated SMT assembly	Select when legacy through-hole assembly or prototyping on breadboard is required.
SP3232EEN-L	3.0–5.5 V supply range, ±15 kV ESD protection, 250 kbps, SO-16 package	Enhanced ESD robustness (IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4); wider V_CC range supports mixed-voltage systems	Select when operating in high-ESD environments (e.g., factory floors) or when supply voltage may dip below 4.5 V.

Compared with MAX232CPE+, ST232CWR offers lower profile and SMT compatibility; compared with SP3232EEN-L, it provides tighter parameter consistency at 5 V but lacks integrated ESD diodes-external protection may be needed in harsh environments.

Availability

ST232CWR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable computers, low-power modems, interface translation circuits, and battery-powered RS-232 systems requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.

Supply support for ST232CWR 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, microcontroller, power, and sensor solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The ST232 series belongs to ST's legacy RS-232 interface product line, engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained commercial applications needing robust single-supply RS-232 connectivity without external voltage rails.

FAQ

What external components are required for ST232CWR operation?

The ST232CWR requires exactly four 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors (C1–C4) for its internal charge pumps: C1+ and C1− form the voltage doubler; C2+ and C2− form the inverter. No resistors or additional ICs are needed. All capacitors must be placed within 5 mm of their respective pins, with short, low-inductance traces to ensure stable ±V_CC generation.

Does ST232CWR support automatic power-down or shutdown mode?

No, the ST232CWR does not include a shutdown or power-down control pin. It operates continuously when V_CC is applied. Quiescent current remains at 5 mA (typ.) regardless of data activity. For ultra-low-power applications, consider external enable circuitry or alternative parts like the ST3232 (which features ENABLE pin and <1 µA shutdown current).

Can ST232CWR replace MAX232 in existing designs without modification?

Yes-ST232CWR is pin-for-pin and functionally compatible with MAX232CPE+ and MAX232CSE+. Both use identical SO-16 or DIP-16 footprints, same capacitor configuration (0.1 µF), and deliver matching RS-232 voltage levels and timing. No schematic or layout changes are needed, though verify that the SO-16 Large variant fits the PCB pad dimensions.

What is the maximum recommended trace length between ST232CWR and RS-232 connectors?

For reliable 220 kbps operation, keep RS-232 output traces (T1OUT/T2OUT) and input traces (R1IN/R2IN) under 15 cm with controlled impedance (~100 Ω differential) and local ground stitching. Longer runs require termination or reduced data rates; the device itself does not include line drivers optimized for >15 m cable lengths per EIA/TIA-232 specification.

ST232CWR Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: STMicroelectronics

Series:: -

Package/Case:: 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)

Packaging:: Tape & Reel (TR)

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

ST232CWR FAQ

1.How can I place an order for ST232CWR through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ST232CWR 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 ST232CWR reliable?

The price and inventory of ST232CWR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ST232CWR is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for ST232CWR?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ST232CWR transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for ST232CWR?

ST232CWR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your ST232CWR 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 ST232CWR?

For technical support, including ST232CWR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ST232CWR requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that ST232CWR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All ST232CWR 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 ST232CWR meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of ST232CWR?

All ST232CWR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ST232CWR, 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 ST232CWR part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for ST232CWR:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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