ICL3221ECV-T RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The ICL3221ECV-T is a full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by Renesas Electronics Corporation, housed in a 16-TSSOP surface mount package. This part operates across a 3V to 5.5V supply range with a 250kbps data rate and 500mV receiver hysteresis. The ICL3221ECV-T is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and production continuity. Direct replacements and parametric equivalents are available from both Renesas and alternative manufacturers including Texas Instruments.

Key Parameters

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

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the ICL3221ECV-T 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 Range: 3V ~ 5.5V
Package Type: 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
Mounting Type: Surface Mount

Acceptable Variations:

Data Rate: Parts with 250kbps or higher (1Mbps) are acceptable
Operating Temperature: Extended ranges (-40°C ~ 85°C) are acceptable for applications within the original 0°C ~ 70°C window
Product Status: Active parts are preferred over obsolete parts for new designs
RoHS Compliance: ROHS3 compliant parts are preferred but not mandatory for legacy applications
Packaging Format: Cut Tape, Tube, or Tape & Reel formats are interchangeable

Substitutes are grouped into three categories: parametric equivalents (identical electrical specifications with improved product status), direct equivalents (same electrical performance from alternative manufacturers), and upgrades (extended temperature range or enhanced performance).

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Product Status	Data Rate	Operating Temp	Package	RoHS Status	Inventory
ICL3221ECV-T	Renesas	Obsolete	250kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	16-TSSOP	Non-compliant	820 Pcs
ICL3221ECVZ-T	Renesas	Active	250kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	16-TSSOP	ROHS3	1659 Pcs
SN75C3221PW	Texas Instruments	Obsolete	1Mbps	0°C ~ 70°C	16-TSSOP	ROHS3	739 Pcs
SN75C3221PWR	Texas Instruments	Active	1Mbps	0°C ~ 70°C	16-TSSOP	ROHS3	18616 Pcs
TRSF3221ECPW	Texas Instruments	Obsolete	1Mbps	0°C ~ 70°C	16-TSSOP	ROHS3	12900 Pcs
TRSF3221ECPWR	Texas Instruments	Active	1Mbps	0°C ~ 70°C	16-TSSOP	ROHS3	8083 Pcs
SN65C3221PW	Texas Instruments	Obsolete	1Mbps	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-TSSOP	ROHS3	3100 Pcs
SN65C3221PWR	Texas Instruments	Active	1Mbps	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-TSSOP	ROHS3	2547 Pcs
MAX3221CDB	Texas Instruments	Obsolete	250kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SSOP	ROHS3	3056 Pcs
MAX3221CDBR	Texas Instruments	Active	250kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SSOP	ROHS3	35200 Pcs
MAX3221CDBRG4	Texas Instruments	Discontinued	250kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SSOP	ROHS3	2100 Pcs

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Parametric Equivalent (Preferred for Direct Replacement): ICL3221ECVZ-T is the primary substitute for ICL3221ECV-T. It maintains identical electrical specifications (250kbps data rate, 0°C ~ 70°C operating range, 16-TSSOP package) while offering active product status and ROHS3 compliance. This part is manufactured by the same supplier (Renesas) and provides the highest compatibility with existing designs.

Direct Equivalents (Texas Instruments): SN75C3221PWR and TRSF3221ECPWR are active, ROHS3-compliant alternatives from Texas Instruments. Both operate at 1Mbps (exceeding the 250kbps requirement) within the same 0°C ~ 70°C temperature range and 16-TSSOP package. These parts are suitable for applications where higher data rate capability is acceptable. SN75C3221PWR offers the largest available inventory (18,616 pcs).

Extended Temperature Upgrade: SN65C3221PWR extends the operating temperature range to -40°C ~ 85°C while maintaining all other electrical parameters. This part is recommended for applications requiring industrial or automotive temperature specifications. It is active and ROHS3 compliant.

Package Variant (16-SSOP): MAX3221CDBR is an active alternative with identical electrical specifications but uses a 16-SSOP package (0.209", 5.30mm width) instead of 16-TSSOP. This part is suitable only if PCB layout accommodates the wider package footprint. It offers the highest inventory availability (35,200 pcs) among all substitutes.

Obsolete Parts (Not Recommended for New Designs): SN75C3221PW, TRSF3221ECPW, SN65C3221PW, MAX3221CDB, and MAX3221CDBRG4 are obsolete or discontinued. These parts should be used only for legacy system repairs or when new stock of active alternatives is unavailable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use SN75C3221PWR as a direct replacement for ICL3221ECV-T? A: Yes. SN75C3221PWR meets all critical electrical parameters: RS232 protocol, 1/1 driver/receiver configuration, full duplex, 500mV receiver hysteresis, 3V ~ 5.5V supply range, and 16-TSSOP package. The higher 1Mbps data rate is backward compatible with 250kbps applications. Both parts are surface mount with identical package dimensions.

Q: What is the difference between 16-TSSOP and 16-SSOP packages? A: Both are 16-pin surface mount packages, but 16-SSOP has a wider body (0.209" vs 0.173"). The 16-TSSOP is narrower and is the original package for ICL3221ECV-T. Parts like MAX3221CDBR use 16-SSOP and require different PCB footprints. Verify your PCB layout before selecting a 16-SSOP variant.

Q: Is ICL3221ECVZ-T a true equivalent to ICL3221ECV-T? A: Yes. ICL3221ECVZ-T is a parametric equivalent manufactured by Renesas with identical electrical specifications. The primary difference is product status: ICL3221ECVZ-T is active (not obsolete) and ROHS3 compliant. It is the recommended substitute for new designs and ongoing production.

Q: Can I use parts with higher data rates like SN75C3221PWR in place of the 250kbps ICL3221ECV-T? A: Yes. Higher data rate capability is a superset of lower data rate requirements. A 1Mbps transceiver operates correctly in 250kbps applications. No design changes are required.

Q: Why would I choose SN65C3221PWR over SN75C3221PWR? A: SN65C3221PWR extends the operating temperature range to -40°C ~ 85°C, making it suitable for industrial, automotive, or extreme environment applications. If your application requires only 0°C ~ 70°C operation, SN75C3221PWR is sufficient and typically more cost-effective.

Q: Are all substitutes ROHS3 compliant? A: All active and most obsolete substitutes listed are ROHS3 compliant. The original ICL3221ECV-T is RoHS non-compliant. If RoHS compliance is required for your application, select from active parts: ICL3221ECVZ-T, SN75C3221PWR, TRSF3221ECPWR, SN65C3221PWR, MAX3221CDBR, or MAX3221CDBRG4.

Q: What is the MSL (Moisture Sensitivity Level) difference between parts? A: ICL3221ECV-T and most Texas Instruments parts have MSL 1 (unlimited shelf life). ICL3221ECVZ-T has MSL 3 (168 hours maximum exposure to 85°C/85% RH before reflow). For high-volume production with extended storage, verify MSL requirements with your assembly partner.

Q: Can I mix different substitute parts in the same production batch? A: Electrically, yes—all substitutes meet the same functional requirements. However, for traceability and quality control, it is recommended to standardize on a single part number per design revision. If multiple parts are used, document the substitution in your bill of materials and design change records.

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