STMicroelectronics ST3232ECDR
- Part No.:
- ST3232ECDR
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers
- Package:
- 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
ST3232ECDR.pdf
- Description:
- IC TRANSCEIVER FULL 2/2 16SO
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,192
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Product details
Overview
ST3232ECDR from STMicroelectronics is a 3 V to 5.5 V powered dual RS-232 transceiver IC with ±15 kV HBM and ±8 kV IEC 1000-4-2 ESD protection, 250 kbps guaranteed data rate, 6 V/µs minimum slew rate, and SO-16 package. It integrates two drivers and two receivers, uses four 0.1 µF external capacitors, and meets EIA/TIA-232 specifications down to 3 V supply - deployed in battery-powered handheld computers and peripherals.
For engineers reviewing the ST3232ECDR datasheet, ST3232ECDR pinout, ST3232ECDR application, or ST3232ECDR equivalent, key selection criteria include low-power operation (300 µA), robust ESD tolerance, guaranteed high-speed timing (250 kbps), and compatibility with 3 V–5.5 V logic systems requiring true RS-232 voltage levels without external level-shifting.
Technical Context
The ST3232ECDR implements a dual charge-pump architecture to generate ±VCC-derived RS-232 output voltages (±5.4 V) from a single 3–5.5 V supply. Its proprietary low-dropout transmitter stage ensures full compliance with EIA/TIA-232 signal swing requirements across the entire operating voltage range.
Receiver inputs tolerate ±25 V, with hysteresis of 0.5 V and input thresholds adjustable by supply voltage (e.g., 0.6–1.1 V low threshold at 3.3 V). Transmitter propagation skew is limited to 200 ns, and receiver enable/disable times are both 50 ns - enabling precise timing control in bidirectional serial links.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage | 3 V to 5.5 V - supports direct interface with modern low-voltage microcontrollers and battery systems (e.g., Li-ion 3.7 V nominal). |
| ESD Protection | ±15 kV HBM / ±8 kV IEC 1000-4-2 contact - eliminates need for external TVS diodes on RS-232 I/O lines. |
| Supply Current | 300 µA typical - enables multi-year operation in coin-cell–powered devices like portable diagnostics tools. |
| Data Rate | 250 kbps minimum guaranteed - sufficient for legacy PC COM port emulation, industrial PLC telemetry, and point-of-sale terminals. |
| Slew Rate | 6 V/µs minimum - reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) while maintaining signal integrity over 15 m cable runs. |
| Output Swing | ±5 V minimum into 3 kΩ - meets EIA/TIA-232 Class 1 driver specification for noise margin and interoperability. |
| Input Threshold | 0.6–1.1 V (low), 1.4–2.4 V (high) - compatible with 3.3 V CMOS/TTL logic without level translation. |
Pinout & Package
ST3232ECDR is housed in a 16-pin SOIC (SO-16) package with standard 1.27 mm pitch, 9.9 mm × 3.9 mm body size, and gull-wing leads - suitable for automated SMT assembly and IPC Class 2/3 reliability requirements.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 C1+ | Charge pump capacitor positive terminal | Connects to + terminal of first 0.1 µF flying capacitor; critical for V+ generation. |
| 2 V+ | Doubled supply voltage output | Internal charge pump output used to bias transmitter stages; not externally driven. |
| 3 C1− | Charge pump capacitor negative terminal | Completes first charge pump loop; must be tied to GND or shared with C2− per layout guidelines. |
| 4 C2+ | Second charge pump capacitor positive terminal | Drives V− generation; requires separate 0.1 µF capacitor to GND. |
| 5 C2− | Second charge pump capacitor negative terminal | Reference node for inverted voltage generation; decoupled via external capacitor. |
| 6 V− | Inverted supply voltage output | Negative rail for RS-232 outputs; internally generated, not user-supplied. |
| 7 T2OUT | Second transmitter output | RS-232 compliant output (±5 V) driving TxD2 line; active when T2IN is asserted. |
| 8 R2IN | Second receiver input | Accepts ±25 V RS-232 input (RxD2); includes hysteresis and failsafe biasing. |
| 9 R2OUT | Second receiver output | TTL/CMOS-level output (0.4 V low / VCC−0.6 V high) compatible with MCU UART inputs. |
| 10 T2IN | Second transmitter input | CMOS/TTL logic input (3.3 V/5 V compatible); controls assertion of T2OUT. |
| 11 T1IN | First transmitter input | Primary UART TX input; drives T1OUT with full RS-232 voltage swing. |
| 12 R1OUT | First receiver output | Main UART RX output; 50 ns enable/disable timing supports high-speed polling. |
| 13 R1IN | First receiver input | Primary RS-232 receive input (RxD1); supports hot-plug detection via ±25 V tolerance. |
| 14 T1OUT | First transmitter output | Main RS-232 transmit output; ±5.4 V swing into 3 kΩ load ensures noise immunity. |
| 15 GND | Ground reference | Common return for all analog and digital circuitry; requires low-impedance PCB plane. |
| 16 VCC | Positive supply input | Single 3–5.5 V power source; powers logic core, charge pumps, and I/O buffers. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual charge-pump architecture | Generates ±VCC-derived rails using only four 0.1 µF capacitors - eliminates need for ±12 V supplies. |
| Guaranteed 250 kbps timing | Validated across temperature (0–70 °C) and voltage (3–5.5 V) - ensures interoperability with legacy and modern UART peripherals. |
| ±25 V receiver input tolerance | Enables safe connection to long RS-232 cables subject to ground potential differences or induced transients. |
| Low 300 µA quiescent current | Supports always-on serial monitoring in energy-constrained edge nodes without compromising battery life. |
| 50 ns receiver enable/disable | Allows dynamic power gating of receivers during idle periods - reducing system-level standby power. |
Applications
| Industrial Serial Telemetry | Medical Handheld Diagnostics |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Connecting embedded sensors to RS-232-enabled data loggers in factory-floor environments with high EMI and ground noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual transceiver bridges 3.3 V MCU UART to legacy RS-232 infrastructure while providing ±25 V input tolerance and fast 50 ns receiver response. Use Value: Eliminates external level shifters and TVS arrays, reducing BOM count and PCB area by >30% in DIN-rail mounted telemetry modules. |
Use Scenario: Enabling serial communication between portable ECG monitors and PC-based analysis software via standard DB9 cables. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides true RS-232 voltage levels from a single 3.3 V Li-Po battery supply, with ±15 kV ESD protection on exposed connectors. Use Value: Extends battery runtime beyond 12 hours due to 300 µA supply current, while meeting IEC 60601-1 patient isolation safety margins. |
| Point-of-Sale Terminal Interface | Legacy Printer Adapter Module |
|
Use Scenario: Integrating barcode scanners and magnetic stripe readers with ARM-based POS controllers using native UART interfaces. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Translates TTL-level scanner output to RS-232-compatible signals at 115.2 kbps, with 200 ns transmitter skew ensuring frame integrity. Use Value: Guarantees error-free data capture at retail transaction speeds, even under intermittent power brownouts (3 V minimum operation). |
Use Scenario: Retrofitting modern microcontroller boards with RS-232 printer connectivity using compact SO-16 footprint. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Drives parallel-to-serial conversion logic and provides robust ±5.4 V RS-232 outputs compatible with Epson ESC/P and HP PCL printers. Use Value: Enables drop-in replacement of obsolete MAX232 variants without redesigning capacitor network or PCB layout. |
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 | Same 250 kbps rate and 3–5.5 V supply, but only ±15 kV HBM ESD (no IEC 1000-4-2 rating) | Lacks certified contact-discharge protection - unsuitable for medical or industrial field-deployed equipment requiring IEC 61000-4-2 compliance | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs formal ESD certification needs and board-level layout allows supplemental TVS protection. |
| SP3232ECA-L | Identical ESD ratings and pinout, but specified for -40°C to 85°C operation and uses different charge-pump topology (lower 250 µA typical ISUPPLY) | Broadened temperature range supports automotive infotainment gateway designs where ambient exceeds 70°C | Choose for extended temperature applications; verify capacitor selection per SP3232ECA-L's 0.047 µF C1 requirement at 5 V. |
Compared with MAX3232CDR and SP3232ECA-L, the ST3232ECDR uniquely balances industrial-grade IEC 1000-4-2 ESD certification, commercial temperature range (0–70 °C), and SO-16 footprint compatibility - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, volume-manufactured consumer and industrial peripherals where formal ESD validation is mandatory.
Availability
ST3232ECDR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook computers, battery-powered test equipment, and RS-232 peripheral interfaces requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and long-term production continuity.
Supply support for ST3232ECDR 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 MEMS sensors for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The ST3232E series belongs to ST's RS-232 interface product line, engineered specifically for low-power, high-ESD-tolerance serial communication in space-constrained and battery-operated systems - emphasizing integration, reliability, and regulatory compliance.
FAQ
What is the minimum supply voltage required for guaranteed RS-232 output swing?
The ST3232ECDR guarantees ±5 V output swing into 3 kΩ loads down to 3 V supply, verified per EIA/TIA-232 specifications. Below 3 V, output amplitude degrades nonlinearly and is not characterized - design margin should maintain VCC ≥ 3.0 V for full compliance.
Can the ST3232ECDR operate with ceramic capacitors only?
Yes - the device is fully compatible with X7R or NP0 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors for C1–C4. ST's datasheet specifies "standard external capacitors" and validates performance using 0.1 µF ceramics at 3.3 V; no tantalum or electrolytic types are required.
Is the SO-16 package RoHS and REACH compliant?
Yes - STMicroelectronics certifies the ST3232ECDR as ECOPACK®2-compliant, meeting RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006, with lead-free matte tin terminations and halogen-free molding compound.
Does the ST3232ECDR support automatic power-down mode?
No - the ST3232ECDR lacks an explicit shutdown pin or auto-sleep feature. However, its 300 µA quiescent current enables system-level power gating via VCC control; external logic can disable VCC during idle periods without damaging the IC.
ST3232ECDR 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:
- 500 mV
- Data Rate:
- 250kbps
- Voltage - Supply:
- 3V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-SO
ST3232ECDR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ST3232ECDR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ST3232ECDR 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 ST3232ECDR reliable?
The price and inventory of ST3232ECDR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ST3232ECDR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ST3232ECDR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ST3232ECDR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ST3232ECDR?
ST3232ECDR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ST3232ECDR 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 ST3232ECDR?
For technical support, including ST3232ECDR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ST3232ECDR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ST3232ECDR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ST3232ECDR 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 ST3232ECDR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ST3232ECDR?
All ST3232ECDR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ST3232ECDR, 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 ST3232ECDR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ST3232ECDR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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