STMicroelectronics ST3232BDR
- Part No.:
- ST3232BDR
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers
- Package:
- 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
ST3232BDR.pdf
- Description:
- IC TRANSCEIVER FULL 2/2 16SO
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,583
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Product details
Overview
ST3232BDR from STMicroelectronics is a 3–5.5 V, low-power RS-232 transceiver IC with two drivers and two receivers, 300 µA supply current, 300 kbps minimum data rate, and 6 V/µs minimum slew rate. It meets EIA/TIA-232 specifications down to 3 V and operates in industrial temperature range (−40 to +85 °C), enabling reliable serial communication in battery-powered portable systems.
For engineers reviewing the ST3232BDR datasheet, ST3232BDR pinout, ST3232BDR application, or ST3232BDR equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 300 kbps operation at 3 V, internal charge pump requiring only four 0.1 µF capacitors, SO16 package compatibility, and dual-transceiver channel count for full-duplex UART interfaces.
Technical Context
The ST3232BDR integrates a proprietary low-dropout transmitter output stage that generates true ±5.4 V RS-232 output swing from a single 3–5.5 V supply using an internal charge pump. Its receiver input threshold is configurable across 3.3 V and 5 V logic levels, with hysteresis of 0.3 V for noise immunity.
It supports full-duplex asynchronous communication with independent driver/receiver channels, propagation delays under 0.2 µs, and transmitter skew ≤100 ns. The device uses external 0.1 µF charge pump capacitors and requires no external voltage rails beyond VCC and GND.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage Range | 3 V to 5.5 V - enables direct integration into 3.3 V and 5 V systems without level-shifting circuitry |
| Supply Current (ISUPPLY) | 300 µA at 3 V - reduces quiescent power draw in always-on or sleep-mode serial interfaces |
| Data Rate | 300 kbps min., 400 kbps typ. - supports standard UART baud rates up to 384 kbps with margin |
| Slew Rate | 6 V/µs min. - limits EMI while maintaining signal integrity on long RS-232 cables |
| RS-232 Output Swing | ±5 V min. - ensures robust noise margin over 15 m cable runs per EIA/TIA-232 |
| Input Threshold Hysteresis | 0.3 V - suppresses false triggering from line noise in electrically noisy environments |
| Operating Temperature | −40 °C to +85 °C - qualified for industrial and extended-temperature embedded applications |
Pinout & Package
ST3232BDR is housed in a 16-pin SOIC (SO16) package with 1.27 mm pitch, 10.0 mm × 3.9 mm body, and ECOPACK® RoHS-compliant finish. Pin layout supports compact PCB routing and standard reflow soldering profiles.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 C1+ | Charge pump capacitor positive terminal | Connects to + terminal of first 0.1 µF flying capacitor for voltage doubling |
| 2 V+ | Doubled voltage output | Provides +2×VCC rail internally generated for RS-232 driver output stage |
| 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 capacitor for voltage inversion |
| 5 C2− | Second charge pump capacitor negative terminal | Completes second charge pump loop; referenced to V+ during inversion phase |
| 6 V− | Inverted voltage output | Provides −VCC rail internally generated for negative RS-232 output swing |
| 7 T2OUT | Second transmitter output | RS-232-level output (±5 V) driven by second UART TX line |
| 8 R2IN | Second receiver input | Accepts RS-232 input (±25 V tolerant) and converts to TTL/CMOS logic level |
| 9 R2OUT | Second receiver output | TTL/CMOS-compatible output (0.4 V low / VCC−0.6 V high) for second UART RX line |
| 10 T2IN | Second transmitter input | TTL/CMOS input accepting 0.8 V low / 2.0 V high thresholds for second UART TX |
| 11 T1IN | First transmitter input | TTL/CMOS input for primary UART TX line with same logic thresholds as T2IN |
| 12 R1OUT | First receiver output | TTL/CMOS output for primary UART RX line, compatible with standard microcontroller inputs |
| 13 R1IN | First receiver input | RS-232 input terminal with 3–7 kΩ input resistance and ±25 V fault tolerance |
| 14 T1OUT | First transmitter output | Primary RS-232 output driving DB9 or similar connector with ±5 V swing |
| 15 GND | Analog/digital ground reference | Common return path for all internal charge pump, driver, and receiver circuits |
| 16 VCC | Positive supply input | Single 3–5.5 V supply powering entire IC including charge pump and logic core |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low-power charge pump architecture | Eliminates need for external ±12 V supplies while delivering full RS-232 voltage levels from 3 V |
| Guaranteed 300 kbps operation at 3 V | Enables high-speed UART communication in energy-constrained battery-powered designs |
| Integrated 0.3 V input hysteresis | Improves noise rejection on long or unshielded RS-232 lines without external Schmitt triggers |
| ±25 V receiver input tolerance | Protects against ESD and line faults in industrial fieldbus or peripheral docking scenarios |
| SO16 footprint compatibility | Supports drop-in replacement for legacy RS-232 transceivers (e.g., MAX232) in existing layouts |
Applications
| Industrial Serial Gateways | Medical Handheld Diagnostics |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Connecting PLCs and HMIs via RS-232 in factory automation cabinets with limited airflow and wide ambient temperature swings. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-channel transceiver providing isolated UART-to-RS-232 conversion with ±25 V input tolerance and −40 °C to +85 °C operation. Use Value: Eliminates need for external DC-DC converters and discrete protection components, reducing BOM cost and board area by >35% versus discrete solutions. |
Use Scenario: Enabling bidirectional serial communication between portable ultrasound probes and tablet-based diagnostic software. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-quiescent-current RS-232 interface preserving battery life while supporting 115.2 kbps firmware updates and sensor telemetry. Use Value: 300 µA supply current extends probe runtime by >8 hours per charge compared to legacy 1 mA transceivers. |
| POS Terminal Peripherals | Ruggedized Barcode Scanners |
Use Scenario: Interfacing thermal receipt printers and magnetic stripe readers to embedded ARM-based POS controllers in retail environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Full-duplex RS-232 bridge with fast 0.2 µs propagation delay ensuring deterministic command-response timing for transactional protocols. Use Value: Guaranteed 300 kbps data rate prevents print buffer underruns and reader timeout errors during peak checkout throughput. |
Use Scenario: Integrating RS-232 barcode scanning engines into handheld units subjected to repeated 1.5 m drops onto concrete floors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust transceiver with ±25 V input tolerance and internal ESD protection (IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4) surviving mechanical shock-induced transients. Use Value: Reduces field failure rate from ESD-related receiver latch-up by >92% versus non-protected alternatives. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RS-232 transceiver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX3232CDR | Higher 1 mA typical supply current; identical SO16 package and pinout | Less suitable for sub-1 mA battery budget constraints; same industrial temp grade | Select when legacy MAX3232 design reuse is prioritized over ultra-low power |
| SP3232EBCY-L | 0.35 mA typical ISUPPLY; TSSOP-16 package; lower 2.7 V min. supply | Better for space-constrained PCBs; supports wider supply range but lacks −40 °C rating | Select when board area is critical and operating temperature stays above 0 °C |
Compared with ST3232BDR, MAX3232CDR consumes ~3.3× more quiescent current but offers broader third-party design support, while SP3232EBCY-L saves 15% board area and extends low-voltage operation but sacrifices industrial temperature capability.
Availability
ST3232BDR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial serial gateways, medical handheld diagnostics, and POS terminal peripherals requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for ST3232BDR 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 microcontrollers, analog ICs, power management devices, and sensors for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The ST3232BDR belongs to ST's RS-232 interface product line, engineered specifically for low-power, single-supply serial communication in portable and battery-operated equipment where size, efficiency, and reliability are critical.
FAQ
What external capacitors are required for ST3232BDR operation at 3.3 V?
The ST3232BDR requires four 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors: C1+ and C1− form the voltage doubler stage; C2+ and C2− form the inverter stage. These must be placed within 5 mm of their respective pins and use X7R or better dielectric for stable charge pump performance across −40 °C to +85 °C.
Does ST3232BDR support automatic power-down mode?
No, the ST3232BDR does not include an enable/shutdown pin or automatic power-down feature. Its 300 µA quiescent current is achieved through optimized charge pump efficiency and low-leakage CMOS design, not dynamic state control. External power gating is required for zero-current standby.
Can ST3232BDR drive standard RS-232 loads up to 15 meters?
Yes - with its ±5 V minimum output swing, 3 kΩ output impedance, and 6 V/µs slew rate, the ST3232BDR meets EIA/TIA-232-F requirements for driving 3 kΩ loads over 15 m cables at 300 kbps, provided proper termination and shielding are used per specification.
How does ST3232BDR handle RS-232 input voltages beyond ±15 V?
The ST3232BDR receiver inputs tolerate −25 V to +25 V continuously per absolute maximum ratings. Internal clamping diodes and high-impedance (3–7 kΩ) input structure prevent damage and maintain logic integrity even during transient surges, making it suitable for unshielded field wiring environments.
ST3232BDR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Transceiver
- Protocol:
- RS232
- Number of Drivers/Receivers:
- 2/2
- Duplex:
- Full
- Receiver Hysteresis:
- 300 mV
- Data Rate:
- 400kbps
- Voltage - Supply:
- 3V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-SO
ST3232BDR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ST3232BDR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ST3232BDR 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 ST3232BDR reliable?
The price and inventory of ST3232BDR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ST3232BDR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ST3232BDR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ST3232BDR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ST3232BDR?
ST3232BDR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ST3232BDR 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 ST3232BDR?
For technical support, including ST3232BDR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ST3232BDR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ST3232BDR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ST3232BDR 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 ST3232BDR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ST3232BDR?
All ST3232BDR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ST3232BDR, 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 ST3232BDR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ST3232BDR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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