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STMicroelectronics ST232ECN
- Part No.:
- ST232ECN
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers
- Package:
- 16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
ST232ECN.pdf
- Description:
- IC TRANSCEIVER FULL 2/2 16DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,548
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Product details
Overview
ST232ECN 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, 3–30 V/µs slew rate control, and compatibility with EIA/TIA-232E and CCITT V.28 standards for industrial serial communication interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the ST232ECN datasheet, ST232ECN pinout, ST232ECN application, or ST232ECN equivalent, key selection criteria include its 5 V single-supply operation, 1 µF external capacitor requirement, SO16 package footprint, ±15 kV ESD robustness, and guaranteed performance across –40 °C to 85 °C ambient temperature range.
Technical Context
The ST232ECN integrates charge-pump voltage converters to generate ±10 V RS-232 signal levels from 5 V VCC, using two external 1 µF capacitors per stage (C1+/C1−, C2+/C2−). Its transmitter outputs drive ±5 V to ±9 V swing into 3 kΩ loads, while receivers accept ±30 V input ranges and deliver TTL/CMOS-compatible outputs with 0.4 V low-level and ≥3.5 V high-level voltage thresholds.
It implements independent driver/receiver channels with propagation delays under 2 µs (transmitter) and 10 µs (receiver), supports infinite short-circuit duration on TOUT, and maintains stable operation up to 125 °C junction temperature with thermal resistance RthJA = 115 °C/W (SO16, 1-layer board).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage | 5 V ±10 % - enables direct integration with standard logic rails without auxiliary supplies |
| Data Rate | 230 kbps min - supports full-speed RS-232 operation in point-to-point links |
| Slew Rate | 3–30 V/µs - adjustable edge control reduces EMI and ensures signal integrity over long cables |
| ESD Protection | ±15 kV HBM - eliminates need for external TVS diodes on RS-232 I/O lines |
| Operating Temp | –40 °C to +85 °C - qualified for industrial-grade embedded systems and automation equipment |
| Capacitor Requirement | Four 1 µF ceramic capacitors - lowers BOM cost and PCB area vs. 0.1 µF alternatives like ST202EC |
| Receiver Input Range | ±30 V - tolerates large ground potential differences between communicating nodes |
Pinout & Package
ST232ECN is housed in a 16-pin Small Outline (SO16) package with 1.27 mm pitch, ECOPACK®-compliant, suitable for reflow soldering and automated assembly. Package dimensions: 10.0 × 6.0 × 1.75 mm (D × E × A).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 C1+ | Charge pump stage 1 positive capacitor terminal | Connects to +ve side of first 1 µF flying capacitor; critical for +2×VCC generation |
| 2 V+ | Doubled output voltage node | Provides ~10 V for RS-232 driver high-level output; sourced from internal charge pump |
| 3 C1− | Charge pump stage 1 negative capacitor terminal | Completes first charge pump loop; ties to GND or V− depending on topology |
| 4 C2+ | Charge pump stage 2 positive capacitor terminal | Connects to +ve side of second 1 µF flying capacitor; enables –2×VCC generation |
| 5 C2− | Charge pump stage 2 negative capacitor terminal | Completes second charge pump loop; referenced to V+ or GND for voltage inversion |
| 6 V− | Inverted output voltage node | Provides ~–10 V for RS-232 driver low-level output; essential for bipolar signaling |
| 7 T2OUT | Second transmitter output | RS-232-compliant differential output (±5 V to ±9 V); drives DTE/DCE interface line #2 |
| 8 R2IN | Second receiver input | Accepts ±30 V RS-232 input; includes hysteresis (0.2–1 V) for noise immunity |
| 9 R2OUT | Second receiver output | TTL/CMOS logic-level output (0.4 V low / ≥3.5 V high); interfaces directly with MCU UART |
| 10 T2IN | Second transmitter input | Logic-level input (0.8 V low / 2 V high threshold); accepts standard 5 V UART TX signals |
| 11 T1IN | First transmitter input | Primary UART TX input channel; electrically identical to T2IN with same logic thresholds |
| 12 R1OUT | First receiver output | Primary UART RX output channel; compatible with 5 V microcontroller GPIO inputs |
| 13 R1IN | First receiver input | Primary RS-232 input channel; supports full ±30 V common-mode range and ESD protection |
| 14 T1OUT | First transmitter output | Primary RS-232 output channel; meets EIA/TIA-232E loading and timing requirements |
| 15 GND | Analog/digital reference ground | Common return path for all internal circuitry and external capacitors; must be low-impedance |
| 16 VCC | Positive supply input | 5 V ±10 % main power rail; powers internal logic, charge pumps, and level translators |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| ±15 kV HBM ESD protection | Eliminates external protection components on RS-232 I/O lines, reducing BOM count and board space |
| Single 5 V supply operation | Removes need for ±12 V supplies, simplifying power architecture in compact embedded designs |
| 1 µF external capacitor support | Lowers total solution cost and PCB real estate vs. legacy 0.1 µF-based transceivers like ST202EC |
| Guaranteed 230 kbps data rate | Ensures reliable full-duplex communication over 15 m cables at maximum RS-232 speed |
| Independent dual-channel architecture | Enables simultaneous TX/RX on two separate serial ports (e.g., modem + debug UART) without contention |
Applications
| Industrial PLC Serial Interface | Point-of-Sale Terminal RS-232 Port |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Connecting programmable logic controllers to HMI panels or barcode scanners via RS-232 cabling in factory-floor environments with high EMI and ground potential shifts. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-channel transceiver providing isolated logic-to-RS-232 level translation with ±30 V input tolerance and ±15 kV ESD hardening. Use Value: Enables reliable communication despite ±5 V ground differentials and electrostatic events common in manufacturing settings. |
Use Scenario: Integrating legacy RS-232 peripherals (receipt printers, magnetic stripe readers) into modern 5 V embedded POS systems with space-constrained PCB layouts. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single-supply RS-232 interface IC delivering TTL/CMOS-compatible outputs and robust input protection without auxiliary voltage rails. Use Value: Reduces bill-of-materials by eliminating discrete charge pumps and external protection diodes. |
| Medical Diagnostic Equipment UART Link | Automotive Test Bench Communication |
|
Use Scenario: Interfacing ultrasound or ECG modules to host processors using RS-232 for configuration and data upload in clinical environments requiring safety-certified signal isolation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: ESD-hardened transceiver ensuring signal integrity during repeated cable connect/disconnect cycles and operator handling. Use Value: Maintains data fidelity at 230 kbps while meeting IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 compliance without add-on protection. |
Use Scenario: Enabling diagnostics and firmware updates between vehicle ECUs and benchtop test equipment via RS-232, operating in temperature-varying garage or lab conditions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Industrial-temperature-rated transceiver supporting stable operation from –40 °C to +85 °C ambient with minimal propagation delay variation. Use Value: Guarantees deterministic timing behavior across automotive thermal profiles without derating. |
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 four 1 µF capacitors but lacks ±15 kV HBM rating (only ±2 kV typical); higher ISUPPLY (10 mA typ) | Not rated for harsh industrial ESD environments; limited to office or benign indoor use | Select when cost is primary and ESD stress is absent; avoid where IEC 61000-4-2 compliance is required |
| SP3232EEN | Same ±15 kV HBM rating and 5 V supply, but uses 0.1 µF capacitors and offers lower quiescent current (1 mA typ) | Better suited for battery-powered or low-power portable devices; smaller capacitor footprint | Prefer for portable instrumentation or energy-sensitive designs; ST232ECN preferred for industrial robustness with larger caps |
Compared with MAX232CPE and SP3232EEN, the ST232ECN uniquely balances industrial-grade ESD resilience, SO16 package compatibility, and 1 µF capacitor optimization-making it ideal for fixed-installation equipment where reliability outweighs ultra-low power needs.
Availability
ST232ECN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, medical diagnostic interfaces, and point-of-sale terminal designs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and consistent SO16 packaging across production batches.
Supply support for ST232ECN 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 solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The ST232ECN belongs to ST's RS-232 interface product line, engineered specifically for robust serial communication in electrically noisy, temperature-variable industrial environments where ESD resilience and single-supply simplicity are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the minimum and maximum operating temperature range for the ST232ECN?
The ST232ECN is specified for operation from –40 °C to +85 °C ambient temperature. This industrial-grade range is validated per datasheet Table 13 ordering information and confirmed in electrical characteristics testing across TA = –40 to 85 °C for transmitter/receiver parameters. Junction temperature may reach 125 °C under worst-case power dissipation and PCB thermal design.
Can the ST232ECN be used with 3.3 V logic systems?
No-the ST232ECN requires a 5 V ±10 % supply (VCC) and has TTL/CMOS input thresholds centered at 0.8 V (low) and 2.0 V (high), optimized for 5 V logic families. Driving T1IN/T2IN from 3.3 V outputs risks marginal low-state recognition; level-shifting circuitry is required for reliable interfacing with 3.3 V MCUs.
How many external capacitors does the ST232ECN require, and what values are recommended?
The ST232ECN requires four 1 µF ceramic capacitors: C1+, C1−, C2+, and C2−. These are explicitly specified in the datasheet's "Typical application" section and Table 7, distinguishing it from the ST202EC (which uses 0.1 µF). X7R or better dielectric types with 10 % tolerance are recommended for stable charge-pump operation.
Is the ST232ECN pin-compatible with the ST232EB variant?
Yes-both ST232ECN and ST232EB share identical pinout, package (SO16), and electrical specifications except for temperature grade: ST232ECN is rated for 0 to 70 °C, while ST232EB supports –40 to 85 °C. The 'C' and 'B' suffixes denote commercial and extended temperature grades respectively, with no functional or layout differences.
ST232ECN Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Transceiver
- Protocol:
- RS232
- Number of Drivers/Receivers:
- 2/2
- Duplex:
- Full
- Receiver Hysteresis:
- 500 mV
- Data Rate:
- 230kbps
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.5V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-DIP
ST232ECN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ST232ECN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ST232ECN 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 ST232ECN reliable?
The price and inventory of ST232ECN are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ST232ECN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ST232ECN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ST232ECN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ST232ECN?
ST232ECN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ST232ECN 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 ST232ECN?
For technical support, including ST232ECN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ST232ECN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ST232ECN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ST232ECN 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 ST232ECN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ST232ECN?
All ST232ECN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ST232ECN, 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 ST232ECN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ST232ECN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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