STMicroelectronics ST3232ECTR
- Part No.:
- ST3232ECTR
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers
- Package:
- 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
ST3232ECTR.pdf
- Description:
- IC TRANSCEIVER FULL 2/2 16TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:19,123
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Product details
Overview
ST3232ECTR from STMicroelectronics is a 3.0–5.5 V, ±15 kV ESD-protected RS-232 transceiver IC with two drivers and two receivers, guaranteed 250 kbps data rate and 6 V/µs minimum slew rate, used in battery-powered portable systems requiring true RS-232 signaling at low supply voltage.
For engineers reviewing the ST3232ECTR datasheet, ST3232ECTR pinout, ST3232ECTR application, or ST3232ECTR equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 250 kbps operation at 3 V, ±15 kV HBM ESD protection on I/O pins, dual charge pump architecture requiring only four 0.1 µF capacitors, and TSSOP16 footprint compatibility with space-constrained designs.
Technical Context
The ST3232ECTR implements a dual charge pump voltage converter to generate ±VCC-derived RS-232 output levels (±5.4 V) from a single 3–5.5 V supply, eliminating need for external ±12 V rails. Its transmitter output stage uses low-dropout architecture to maintain full swing across the entire supply range.
It features TTL/CMOS-compatible logic inputs with 0.8 V low-threshold and 2.0–2.4 V high-threshold (depending on VCC), and RS-232 receiver inputs tolerant to ±25 V, with 3–7 kΩ input resistance and 0.5 V hysteresis for noise immunity in noisy industrial environments.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage | 3.0–5.5 V - Enables direct integration into 3.3 V or 5 V logic systems without level-shifting. |
| Data Rate | 250 kbps min - Guarantees reliable full-duplex serial communication in portable computing interfaces. |
| ESD Protection | ±15 kV HBM, ±8 kV IEC 61000-4-2 contact - Protects I/O pins against handling and system-level electrostatic discharge events. |
| Supply Current | 300 µA typ - Supports ultra-low-power operation in battery-backed or energy-sensitive applications. |
| Slew Rate | 6 V/µs min - Limits electromagnetic emissions while maintaining signal integrity on long cables. |
| Output Swing | ±5.4 V min - Meets EIA/TIA-232-F specification for driver output amplitude at 3 V supply. |
| Input Threshold | 0.8 V (low), 2.0–2.4 V (high) - Ensures robust logic-level recognition across 3.3 V and 5 V host microcontrollers. |
Pinout & Package
TSSOP16 package: 5.0 mm × 4.4 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch, 1.05 mm max height, lead-free and RoHS-compliant per ECOPACK® specifications.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 C1+ | Charge pump capacitor positive terminal | Connects to + terminal of first 0.1 µF flying capacitor; enables voltage doubling stage. |
| 2 V+ | Doubled voltage output | Provides +2×VCC rail for transmitter output stage; requires local decoupling. |
| 3 C1− | Charge pump capacitor negative terminal | Completes first charge pump loop; ties to ground during pumping phase. |
| 4 C2+ | Second charge pump capacitor positive terminal | Connects to + terminal of second 0.1 µF flying capacitor; enables voltage inversion. |
| 5 C2− | Second charge pump capacitor negative terminal | Completes second charge pump loop; referenced to V+ during inversion cycle. |
| 6 V− | Inverted voltage output | Provides −2×VCC rail for RS-232 negative output swing; requires local decoupling. |
| 7 T2OUT | Second transmitter output | RS-232 compliant differential output driving DB9 pin 3 (TxD) or similar. |
| 8 R2IN | Second receiver input | Accepts RS-232 input (e.g., DB9 pin 2, RxD); tolerant to ±25 V common-mode range. |
| 9 R2OUT | Second receiver output | TTL/CMOS logic-level output compatible with UART RX input of MCU or FPGA. |
| 10 T2IN | Second transmitter input | TTL/CMOS logic-level input accepting UART TX output (e.g., 0–3.3 V). |
| 11 T1IN | First transmitter input | Primary TTL/CMOS logic-level input for main UART TX path. |
| 12 R1OUT | First receiver output | Primary TTL/CMOS logic-level output feeding UART RX of host controller. |
| 13 R1IN | First receiver input | Primary RS-232 input (e.g., DB9 pin 2); includes internal hysteresis for noise rejection. |
| 14 T1OUT | First transmitter output | Primary RS-232 output (e.g., DB9 pin 3); delivers ±5.4 V swing at 250 kbps. |
| 15 GND | Analog/digital ground reference | Common return for all internal circuitry; must be connected to system ground plane. |
| 16 VCC | Positive supply input | Single 3–5.5 V power source; powers logic core and charge pump control circuitry. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual charge pump architecture | Generates ±VCC-scaled RS-232 outputs using only four 0.1 µF external capacitors - eliminates need for ±12 V supplies. |
| Guaranteed 250 kbps at 3 V | Ensures interoperability with legacy and modern UART peripherals without speed degradation in low-voltage systems. |
| ±15 kV HBM ESD protection | Protects I/O pins during board handling and end-user connection/disconnection cycles - reduces field failure risk. |
| Low 300 µA quiescent current | Extends battery life in handheld devices by minimizing standby power draw without sacrificing interface performance. |
| 3–7 kΩ receiver input resistance | Enables direct termination matching and predictable loading on RS-232 bus segments without external biasing. |
Applications
| Industrial Handheld Terminals | Medical Point-of-Care Devices |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Portable diagnostic instruments connecting to PC-based analysis software via RS-232 cable. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional level translation between 3.3 V UART and legacy RS-232 port. Use Value: Enables compact, battery-operated design with guaranteed 250 kbps throughput and ±15 kV ESD resilience during clinical use. |
Use Scenario: Bedside monitors transmitting vital signs to central nursing station via wired RS-232 link. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Isolates sensitive analog front-end from noisy digital communication path while preserving timing integrity. Use Value: Maintains signal fidelity over 15 m cable runs with 6 V/µs slew rate limiting EMI, meeting IEC 60601-1 EMC requirements. |
| POS Terminal Peripherals | Embedded Industrial Controllers |
|
Use Scenario: Credit card swipe readers and receipt printers interfacing with ARM-based POS controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust RS-232 transceiver supporting hot-plug operation and intermittent cable disconnection. Use Value: Withstands repeated ±8 kV IEC 61000-4-2 contact discharge during retail floor maintenance without latch-up or damage. |
Use Scenario: PLC modules communicating with HMI panels using legacy RS-232 protocols in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides galvanically isolated RS-232 interface when paired with optocouplers and discrete power supplies. Use Value: Delivers ±5.4 V output swing at 3 V supply - ensures reliable detection by legacy HMIs with degraded input thresholds. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RS-232 transceiver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX3232ESE+ | Same 2-driver/2-receiver configuration, ±15 kV HBM, but requires 0.1 µF capacitors at 5 V only; 1 mA ISUPPLY at 3 V. | Higher supply current limits battery life in sub-100 µA sleep systems where ST3232ECTR's 300 µA is critical. | Select MAX3232ESE+ only if existing design uses Maxim's layout or capacitor values optimized for 5 V operation. |
| SP3232ECA-L | Lower 1 µA shutdown current (vs. ST3232ECTR's no shutdown mode), same 250 kbps guarantee, but ±10 kV HBM rating. | Lacks full ±15 kV HBM margin required in high-ESD-risk medical or industrial handhelds. | Choose SP3232ECA-L only when ultra-low shutdown power is mandatory and ESD environment is controlled (e.g., lab bench equipment). |
Compared with MAX3232ESE+ and SP3232ECA-L, the ST3232ECTR uniquely balances 300 µA quiescent current, ±15 kV HBM, and guaranteed 250 kbps at 3 V - making it optimal for space-constrained, battery-powered RS-232 links where both ESD robustness and low power are non-negotiable.
Availability
ST3232ECTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook computers, handheld medical devices, and industrial POS terminals requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for ST3232ECTR 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, and sensor solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The ST3232ECTR belongs to ST's RS-232 transceiver product line, engineered specifically for low-voltage, high-ESD-resilience serial communication in portable and battery-powered systems.
FAQ
What external capacitors are required for ST3232ECTR operation at 3.3 V?
The ST3232ECTR requires four 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors (C1+, C1−, C2+, C2−) for charge pump operation at 3.3 V. These must be placed within 5 mm of the respective pins, rated X7R or better, and mounted on the same PCB layer as the IC to minimize parasitic inductance and ensure stable voltage generation.
Does ST3232ECTR support automatic power-down or shutdown mode?
No, the ST3232ECTR does not include an enable/shutdown pin or automatic power-down feature. It operates continuously when VCC is applied. For systems requiring ultra-low standby current, external power gating using a load switch or PMIC-controlled VCC rail is recommended.
Can ST3232ECTR drive standard RS-232 cables up to 15 meters?
Yes - with its guaranteed 6 V/µs slew rate and ±5.4 V output swing, the ST3232ECTR meets EIA/TIA-232-F requirements for driving up to 15 m of standard 24 AWG twisted-pair cable at 250 kbps, provided proper termination and grounding practices are followed per application note AN2322.
Is the TSSOP16 package of ST3232ECTR RoHS-compliant and lead-free?
Yes, the ST3232ECTR in TSSOP16 packaging is fully RoHS-compliant and lead-free, conforming to STMicroelectronics' ECOPACK®2 specifications. The device carries the "E" suffix per ST's environmental compliance marking convention and supports reflow soldering per J-STD-020D.3.
ST3232ECTR 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:
- 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-TSSOP
ST3232ECTR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ST3232ECTR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ST3232ECTR 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 ST3232ECTR reliable?
The price and inventory of ST3232ECTR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ST3232ECTR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ST3232ECTR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ST3232ECTR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ST3232ECTR?
ST3232ECTR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ST3232ECTR 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 ST3232ECTR?
For technical support, including ST3232ECTR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ST3232ECTR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ST3232ECTR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ST3232ECTR 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 ST3232ECTR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ST3232ECTR?
All ST3232ECTR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ST3232ECTR, 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 ST3232ECTR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ST3232ECTR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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