ICL3221ECV RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The ICL3221ECV is a 1/1 full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by Renesas Electronics Corporation in a 16-TSSOP surface mount package. This part is classified as obsolete, with 895 units currently in stock. The ICL3221ECV operates across a 3V to 5.5V supply range with a 250 kbps data rate and 500 mV receiver hysteresis, designed for legacy RS232 communication applications. Due to its obsolete status and limited availability, identifying equivalent and substitute parts is essential for design continuity and long-term component sourcing.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	ICL3221ECV
Manufacturer	Renesas Electronics Corporation
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers	1/1
Duplex	Full
Data Rate	250 kbps
Voltage - Supply	3V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 70°C
Package / Case	16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Receiver Hysteresis	500 mV
Product Status	Obsolete
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the ICL3221ECV is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Critical Matching Parameters:

Protocol: RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers: 1/1
Duplex: Full
Receiver Hysteresis: 500 mV
Voltage - Supply: 3V ~ 5.5V
Package / Case: 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
Mounting Type: Surface Mount

Acceptable Variation Parameters:

Data Rate: The ICL3221ECV operates at 250 kbps; substitute parts operating at 1 Mbps or higher are functionally compatible as they exceed the original specification
Operating Temperature: The ICL3221ECV operates 0°C ~ 70°C; substitute parts with extended temperature ranges (-40°C ~ 85°C) are compatible for standard applications
Product Status: Active parts are preferred over obsolete parts for new designs and long-term availability
RoHS Compliance: ROHS3 compliant parts are preferred; RoHS non-compliant parts remain functionally equivalent
Packaging Format: Tube and Tape & Reel (TR) formats are interchangeable for the same part number

Substitute parts are grouped into four categories: Parametric Equivalents (identical electrical specifications, different packaging), Direct Manufacturers (same functionality, different manufacturers), Upgrades (extended temperature range), and Similar Parts (different package format but same core functionality).

Parameter Comparison

Manufacturer Part Number	Manufacturer	Protocol	Drivers/Receivers	Data Rate	Voltage Supply	Operating Temp	Package	Product Status	RoHS Status
ICL3221ECV	Renesas	RS232	1/1	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-TSSOP	Obsolete	RoHS non-compliant
ICL3221ECVZ	Renesas	RS232	1/1	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-TSSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
SN75C3221PW	Texas Instruments	RS232	1/1	1 Mbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-TSSOP	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant
SN75C3221PWR	Texas Instruments	RS232	1/1	1 Mbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-TSSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
TRSF3221ECPW	Texas Instruments	RS232	1/1	1 Mbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-TSSOP	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant
TRSF3221ECPWR	Texas Instruments	RS232	1/1	1 Mbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-TSSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
SN65C3221PW	Texas Instruments	RS232	1/1	1 Mbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-TSSOP	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant
SN65C3221PWR	Texas Instruments	RS232	1/1	1 Mbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-TSSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3221CDB	Texas Instruments	RS232	1/1	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SSOP	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3221CDBR	Texas Instruments	RS232	1/1	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3221CDBRG4	Texas Instruments	RS232	1/1	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SSOP	Discontinued at DiGi Electronics	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Same Electrical Specifications): The ICL3221ECVZ is the primary parametric equivalent, offering identical electrical performance to the ICL3221ECV with the advantage of active product status and ROHS3 compliance. This part is recommended for new designs and applications requiring long-term component availability.

For Active Product Status with Enhanced Performance: The SN75C3221PWR and TRSF3221ECPWR are active Texas Instruments alternatives that maintain full compatibility while offering 1 Mbps data rate capability, exceeding the 250 kbps specification of the original part. Both are ROHS3 compliant and available in Tape & Reel packaging for production volumes.

For Extended Temperature Range Applications: The SN65C3221PWR and SN65C3221PW provide an upgrade path with operating temperature range extended to -40°C ~ 85°C, suitable for industrial and automotive environments. These parts maintain all other electrical parameters and are ROHS3 compliant.

For Package Format Alternatives: The MAX3221CDBR offers identical electrical specifications in a 16-SSOP package format (0.209", 5.30mm Width) with active product status and ROHS3 compliance. This option is suitable when PCB layout accommodates the slightly wider package footprint.

Compliance Considerations: All recommended substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant, addressing regulatory requirements that the original ICL3221ECV does not meet. For applications with strict legacy component requirements, the ICL3221ECVZ maintains Renesas manufacturer continuity while achieving compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use SN75C3221PWR as a direct replacement for ICL3221ECV? A: Yes. The SN75C3221PWR is electrically compatible, maintaining the same 1/1 full-duplex RS232 configuration, 500 mV receiver hysteresis, 3V ~ 5.5V supply range, and 16-TSSOP package. The higher 1 Mbps data rate is backward compatible with 250 kbps applications. The part is active and ROHS3 compliant.

Q: What is the difference between 16-TSSOP and 16-SSOP packages? A: Both are surface mount packages with 16 pins, but differ in physical dimensions. The 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width) is narrower than the 16-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width). PCB layout and footprint compatibility must be verified before substitution. Pin configurations remain identical for these RS232 transceiver parts.

Q: Why should I choose ICL3221ECVZ over other substitutes? A: The ICL3221ECVZ provides parametric equivalence to the original ICL3221ECV with identical electrical specifications and package format, while offering active product status and ROHS3 compliance. It maintains Renesas manufacturer continuity and is recommended for designs requiring minimal qualification changes.

Q: Are there temperature range limitations I should consider? A: The ICL3221ECV and most direct substitutes operate 0°C ~ 70°C. For applications requiring extended temperature operation, the SN65C3221PWR and SN65C3221PW extend this to -40°C ~ 85°C. Verify your application's thermal requirements before selecting an upgrade part.

Q: What does ROHS3 compliance mean for my application? A: ROHS3 compliance indicates the part meets Restriction of Hazardous Substances regulations, restricting lead and other hazardous materials. The original ICL3221ECV is RoHS non-compliant. All recommended substitutes are ROHS3 compliant, supporting regulatory requirements in most markets.

Q: Can I mix packaging formats (Tube vs. Tape & Reel) in production? A: Tube and Tape & Reel formats contain identical parts with different packaging for handling and automation. The electrical and mechanical specifications are identical. Mixing formats is acceptable from a component perspective, though production processes may require adjustment for different packaging inputs.

Q: What is the significance of "Active" vs. "Obsolete" product status? A: Active parts are currently manufactured and supported by the vendor with guaranteed long-term availability. Obsolete parts are no longer manufactured; existing inventory may be limited. For new designs and long-term production, active parts are strongly preferred to avoid future supply chain disruptions.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message