STMicroelectronics ST3232BTR
- Part No.:
- ST3232BTR
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers
- Package:
- 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
ST3232BTR.pdf
- Description:
- IC TRANSCEIVER FULL 2/2 16TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
ST3232BTR 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 down to 3 V and operates in battery-powered portable systems requiring true RS-232 signaling with minimal external components.
For engineers reviewing the ST3232BTR datasheet, ST3232BTR pinout, ST3232BTR application, or ST3232BTR equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 300 kbps operation at 3 V, internal charge pump architecture eliminating need for ±12 V supplies, dual-channel full-duplex capability, and compatibility with SO16, SO16L, and TSSOP16 footprints.
Technical Context
The ST3232BTR integrates a proprietary low-dropout transmitter output stage enabling true RS-232 voltage levels (±5 V) from a single 3–5.5 V supply via on-chip charge pumps. Its receiver input range spans ±25 V, supporting robust noise immunity in industrial serial links.
It uses four 0.1 µF external capacitors for charge pump operation and delivers TTL/CMOS-compatible logic outputs (VOH ≥ VCC − 0.6 V, VOL ≤ 0.4 V), with propagation delays under 0.2 µs and skew < 100 ns between transmitter channels.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage Range | 3 V to 5.5 V - enables direct integration into modern low-voltage embedded systems without level-shifting circuitry |
| Supply Current (ISUPPLY) | 300 µA typical at 3 V - supports multi-year battery life in portable RS-232 peripherals |
| Data Rate | 300 kbps minimum guaranteed - ensures reliable UART communication at standard industrial baud rates (e.g., 115.2 kbps, 230.4 kbps) |
| Slew Rate | 6 V/µs minimum - limits EMI while maintaining signal integrity on PCB traces up to 1 m |
| Receiver Input Range | ±25 V - withstands cable-induced transients and ground potential differences in noisy environments |
| Transmitter Output Swing | ±5 V minimum - satisfies EIA/TIA-232 compliance for interoperability with legacy equipment |
| Logic Compatibility | TTL/CMOS inputs and outputs - interfaces directly with microcontrollers (e.g., STM32, PIC, AVR) without external buffers |
Pinout & Package
ST3232BTR is supplied in a 16-pin SOIC narrow-body (SO16) package with 1.27 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant and ECOPACK® certified. The package measures 9.8–10.0 mm × 5.8–6.2 mm × 1.75 mm height and supports tape-and-reel delivery (2500 units/reel).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 C1+ | Charge pump capacitor positive terminal | Connects to 0.1 µF capacitor for voltage doubling stage; critical for stable V+ generation |
| 2 V+ | Doubled supply voltage output | Internal +2×VCC rail used by transmitters; not externally driven |
| 3 C1− | Charge pump capacitor negative terminal | Completes first charge pump loop; must be tied to GND via capacitor |
| 4 C2+ | Second charge pump capacitor positive terminal | Feeds inverted voltage generator; requires dedicated 0.1 µF capacitor |
| 5 C2− | Second charge pump capacitor negative terminal | Reference node for V− generation; connects to V− pin via capacitor |
| 6 V− | Inverted supply voltage output | Internal −1×VCC rail; powers negative RS-232 output swing |
| 7 T2OUT | Second transmitter output | RS-232 compliant output (±5 V); drives DB9 pin 3 (TxD) or similar |
| 8 R2IN | Second receiver input | Accepts ±25 V RS-232 signals (e.g., DB9 pin 2, RxD); includes hysteresis |
| 9 R2OUT | Second receiver output | TTL/CMOS logic-level output (0–VCC); connects to MCU UART RX |
| 10 T2IN | Second transmitter input | TTL/CMOS logic input; accepts MCU UART TX signal directly |
| 11 T1IN | First transmitter input | Primary UART TX interface; electrically identical to T2IN |
| 12 R1OUT | First receiver output | Primary UART RX output; routed to MCU; matches T1IN timing |
| 13 R1IN | First receiver input | Main RS-232 input channel (e.g., DB9 pin 2); same ±25 V tolerance as R2IN |
| 14 T1OUT | First transmitter output | Main RS-232 output (e.g., DB9 pin 3); fully compliant with EIA/TIA-232 |
| 15 GND | Ground reference | Common return for all analog and digital sections; must be low-impedance |
| 16 VCC | Positive supply input | Single 3–5.5 V power source; powers logic core and charge pumps |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low-power charge pump architecture | Enables full RS-232 compliance from 3 V with only four 0.1 µF capacitors - eliminates need for ±12 V supplies and reduces BOM count |
| Dual independent transceiver channels | Supports simultaneous full-duplex UART communication (e.g., main port + debug port) without multiplexing or timing constraints |
| Guaranteed 300 kbps operation at 3 V | Ensures interoperability with high-speed UART peripherals (e.g., GPS modules, modems) even under brown-out conditions |
| ±25 V receiver input tolerance | Protects against ESD and ground-loop transients in industrial cabling, reducing need for external TVS diodes |
| ECOPACK® SO16 package | Meets RoHS and halogen-free requirements; compatible with standard reflow profiles and automated assembly lines |
Applications
| Industrial Serial Gateways | Medical Handheld Diagnostics |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Connecting PLCs and HMIs over long RS-232 cables in factory automation cabinets with variable ground potentials. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-channel transceiver providing isolated UART bridging between 3.3 V microcontroller and legacy RS-232 field devices. Use Value: ±25 V receiver tolerance prevents communication loss during motor switching transients; 300 µA quiescent current extends uptime in unpowered backup modes. | Use Scenario: Battery-powered ultrasound probe with embedded UART for firmware updates and sensor data streaming to base station. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power RS-232 interface enabling bidirectional diagnostic command exchange while minimizing impact on 200 mAh Li-ion battery life. Use Value: 300 µA supply current allows >1 year standby with periodic polling; SO16 footprint simplifies layout in space-constrained handheld enclosures. |
| Point-of-Sale Peripheral Controllers | Embedded Test Equipment Interfaces |
Use Scenario: Compact receipt printer controller board interfacing with ARM-based payment terminal via RS-232 while sharing 3.3 V rail. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Level translator and driver ensuring EIA/TIA-232 signal integrity across 15 cm PCB trace to DB9 connector. Use Value: 6 V/µs slew rate suppresses radiated emissions in FCC-certified retail environments; 0.2 µs propagation delay preserves timing margins at 115.2 kbps. | Use Scenario: Automated test fixture using RS-232 to configure DUTs (e.g., power supplies, sensors) under PC control in lab settings. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust UART interface handling repeated hot-plug cycles and cable disconnects without latch-up or reset. Use Value: Absolute maximum ratings allow safe operation during accidental short-circuits on T1OUT/R1IN; internal charge pump prevents supply rail collapse during load surges. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RS-232 transceiver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX3232CSE+ | Higher 1 µA shutdown current; identical 3–5.5 V range and 250 kbps min rate; requires same 0.1 µF caps | Wider operating temperature range (0°C to 70°C vs. −40°C to 85°C for ST3232BTR) | Select MAX3232CSE+ only if commercial-temp operation suffices and Maxim's qualification path is required |
| SP3232ECA-L | Lower 1 µA ISUPPLY typ; 250 kbps min rate; pinout differs (T1IN/R1IN swapped vs. ST3232BTR) | Requires PCB redesign due to non-identical pin mapping; same SO16 package footprint | Choose SP3232ECA-L only when migrating legacy designs originally built for Exar parts |
Compared with MAX3232CSE+ and SP3232ECA-L, ST3232BTR offers wider industrial temperature support (−40°C to 85°C), lower active supply current (300 µA vs. 1 mA), and native pin compatibility with ST's broader 3232-series ecosystem - making it optimal for new designs targeting ruggedized embedded deployment.
Availability
ST3232BTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial serial gateways, medical handheld diagnostics, point-of-sale peripheral controllers, and embedded test equipment interfaces requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for ST3232BTR 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, power management ICs, sensors, and analog/mixed-signal products for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.
The ST3232BTR belongs to ST's RS-232 transceiver product line, engineered specifically for low-voltage, low-power serial communication in portable and battery-operated equipment where space, energy efficiency, and EIA/TIA-232 compliance are critical.
FAQ
What external capacitors are required for ST3232BTR operation?
The ST3232BTR requires four 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors (C1+, C1−, C2+, C2−) for internal charge pump operation. At 3.0–3.6 V supply, all four are 0.1 µF; at 4.5–5.5 V, C1 may be reduced to 0.047 µF while C2–C4 remain 0.33 µF per ST's recommended values. No electrolytic or tantalum capacitors are needed.
Does ST3232BTR support automatic power-down mode?
No, the ST3232BTR does not include an enable/shutdown pin or automatic power-down mode. It operates continuously when powered. For ultra-low-power applications requiring sleep states, consider ST's ST3243 or ST3222 families, which integrate EN pins and sub-1 µA shutdown current.
Can ST3232BTR drive standard RS-232 loads such as 3 kΩ and 1000 pF?
Yes - ST3232BTR is characterized for RL = 3 kΩ and CL = 1000 pF, delivering guaranteed 300 kbps data rate and 6 V/µs slew rate under those conditions. Its transmitter output resistance is 300 Ω typical, ensuring proper signal termination and edge fidelity across standard RS-232 cable lengths up to 15 m.
Is ST3232BTR pin-compatible with older ST3232 variants like ST3232CDR?
Yes - ST3232BTR shares identical pinout, electrical characteristics, and package dimensions with ST3232CDR and ST3232CTR. The 'B' suffix denotes extended temperature range (−40°C to 85°C), while 'C' indicates 0°C to 70°C. All share SO16, SO16L, and TSSOP16 package options and require identical external components.
ST3232BTR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm 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-TSSOP
ST3232BTR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ST3232BTR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ST3232BTR 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 ST3232BTR reliable?
The price and inventory of ST3232BTR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ST3232BTR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ST3232BTR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ST3232BTR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ST3232BTR?
ST3232BTR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ST3232BTR 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 ST3232BTR?
For technical support, including ST3232BTR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ST3232BTR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ST3232BTR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ST3232BTR 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 ST3232BTR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ST3232BTR?
All ST3232BTR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ST3232BTR, 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 ST3232BTR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ST3232BTR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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