STMicroelectronics ST232EBTR

Overview

ST232EBTR from STMicroelectronics is a dual-driver/dual-receiver RS-232 transceiver IC designed for robust serial communication in industrial and embedded systems. It operates from a single 5 V supply, delivers ±15 kV ESD protection on RS-232 I/O pins, guarantees 230 kbps data rate, and supports 3–30 V/µs slew rate control-enabling reliable point-to-point communication in noisy factory-floor equipment.

For engineers reviewing the ST232EBTR datasheet, ST232EBTR pinout, ST232EBTR application, or ST232EBTR equivalent, this device is selected for cost-sensitive, space-constrained RS-232 interfaces requiring high ESD immunity, low external component count (four 1 µF charge-pump capacitors), and extended temperature operation (–40 to +85 °C).

Technical Context

The ST232EBTR integrates two independent RS-232 drivers and receivers with internal charge-pump voltage converters generating ±10 V rails from 5 V input. Its transmitter outputs meet EIA/TIA-232E and CCITT V.28 specifications up to 230 kbps under 3–7 kΩ load and 50–1000 pF capacitance.

Receiver inputs tolerate ±30 V common-mode range and feature 0.2–1 V hysteresis for noise rejection; TTL/CMOS logic-level I/O ensures direct microcontroller interfacing without level-shifting circuitry.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ST232EBTR is housed in a 16-pin TSSOP package (JEDEC MO-153, 5.0 × 6.4 mm footprint) with 0.65 mm pitch, optimized for automated assembly and thermal performance on 2-layer boards (R_thJA = 95 °C/W).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RS-232 transceiver applications.

Compared with MAX3232ESE+ and SP3232EEN-L, ST232EBTR uniquely combines guaranteed 230 kbps operation, –40 to +85 °C qualification, and ±15 kV HBM ESD in a single 1 µF-capacitor solution-making it optimal for ruggedized industrial serial gateways.

Availability

ST232EBTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC serial ports, medical diagnostic equipment, retail point-of-sale terminals, and automotive test bench interfaces requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and high-volume production cycles.

Supply support for ST232EBTR 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, delivering silicon solutions for smart driving, power management, and industrial automation markets since 1987.

The ST232EBTR belongs to ST's RS-232 transceiver product line, engineered specifically for industrial-grade serial communication where reliability, ESD resilience, and minimal external components are mandatory design constraints.

FAQ

What is the minimum number of external capacitors required for ST232EBTR operation?

The ST232EBTR requires exactly four 1 µF ceramic capacitors: two for the charge-pump doubler (C1+, C1−) and two for the inverter (C2+, C2−). These are non-negotiable for generating ±10 V rails from 5 V input; omitting any capacitor prevents RS-232 voltage compliance and may damage connected peripherals.

Does ST232EBTR support automatic power-down mode?

No, the ST232EBTR does not include an enable/shutdown pin or automatic power-down functionality. It draws 5 mA typical supply current continuously when VCC is applied. For low-power applications, system-level power gating of VCC is required, as no internal sleep state exists per the March 2017 datasheet Rev 18.

Can ST232EBTR drive RS-232 cables longer than 15 meters?

While the ST232EBTR meets EIA/TIA-232E specifications up to 230 kbps, cable length beyond 15 m introduces signal attenuation and skew that degrade timing margins. At 230 kbps, reliable operation is limited to ≤15 m with standard 24 AWG twisted pair; for longer runs, reduce data rate to 115 kbps or add line drivers per the datasheet Figure 2 application circuit guidance.

Is ST232EBTR pin-compatible with ST202EBTR?

No, ST232EBTR and ST202EBTR share identical pinout and package (TSSOP16), but differ in capacitor requirements and internal charge-pump topology. ST232EBTR uses 1 µF capacitors and delivers higher output voltage swing (±9 V), whereas ST202EBTR uses 0.1 µF capacitors and achieves ±5 V swing-making them electrically incompatible without redesigning the capacitor network.