STMicroelectronics ST232ECDR

Overview

ST232ECDR from STMicroelectronics is a dual-driver/dual-receiver RS-232 transceiver IC operating from a single 5 V supply, featuring ±15 kV HBM ESD protection on all RS-232 I/O pins, guaranteed 230 kbps data rate, and 3–30 V/µs slew rate control. It interfaces TTL/CMOS logic with RS-232 physical layer in industrial serial communication systems requiring robustness in harsh environments.

For engineers reviewing the ST232ECDR datasheet, ST232ECDR pinout, ST232ECDR application, or ST232ECDR equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, SO16 package mapping, real-world timing behavior, capacitor configuration requirements (1 µF), and direct functional alternatives for legacy RS-232 interface design.

Technical Context

The ST232ECDR integrates charge-pump voltage converters to generate ±10 V RS-232 compliant output swings from 5 V input, using four external 1 µF capacitors. Its receiver inputs tolerate ±30 V common-mode range and feature 0.5 V hysteresis for noise immunity in electrically noisy industrial settings.

Transmitter outputs drive standard 3 kΩ loads with ±5 V minimum swing and 300 Ω typical output impedance; receiver outputs deliver TTL/CMOS-compatible logic levels (VOH ≥ 3.5 V, VOL ≤ 0.4 V) with propagation delay under 10 µs at 150 pF load.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ST232ECDR is supplied in a 16-pin SOIC (SO16) package with 1.27 mm pitch, ECOPACK®-compliant, suitable for reflow soldering and automated assembly. Thermal resistance is 115 °C/W (junction-to-ambient, 1-layer board).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX232CPE+ and SP3232EEN-L, ST232ECDR uniquely balances 230 kbps guaranteed speed, ±15 kV ESD, and SO16 thermal performance at 70 °C ambient-making it optimal for cost-sensitive industrial serial links where reliability trumps voltage flexibility.

Availability

ST232ECDR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial serial gateways, point-of-sale terminal interfaces, and medical diagnostic equipment requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for ST232ECDR 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, mixed-signal, power, and microcontroller products for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The ST232ECDR belongs to ST's legacy RS-232 transceiver product line, engineered specifically for robust, low-cost serial interface solutions in commercial-grade embedded systems with stringent ESD and EMI requirements.

FAQ

What is the minimum and maximum supply voltage for ST232ECDR?

The ST232ECDR operates from a single 5 V supply with a specified range of 4.5 V to 5.5 V (±10%). Operation outside this range risks failure to meet RS-232 voltage swing specifications or damage to internal charge pumps. The absolute maximum VCC rating is 6 V, but sustained operation above 5.5 V voids guaranteed performance.

Can ST232ECDR replace ST232EBDR in an existing design?

Yes, ST232ECDR and ST232EBDR share identical pinout, electrical characteristics, and SO16 packaging. The only difference is temperature grade: ST232ECDR is rated for 0 to 70 °C, while ST232EBDR supports –40 to 85 °C. Substitution is safe if the application ambient stays within 0–70 °C and no extended temperature qualification is required.

What capacitor values are mandatory for ST232ECDR operation?

ST232ECDR requires four 1 µF ceramic capacitors (C1+, C1−, C2+, C2−) with X7R or better dielectric and ≤100 nH ESL. Using 0.1 µF capacitors-as in ST202 variants-will cause charge-pump instability, insufficient V+ and V− rail generation, and failure to meet RS-232 output swing specifications.

Does ST232ECDR support automatic power-down or shutdown mode?

No, ST232ECDR does not include a shutdown pin or automatic power-down functionality. It draws continuous supply current (5–10 mA typical) whenever VCC is applied. For low-power applications requiring sleep modes, consider alternatives like MAX3232E or SP3232EEN-L that integrate enable/shutdown control.