ICL3232IAZ RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The ICL3232IAZ is a 2/2 full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by Renesas Electronics Corporation in a 16-SSOP surface mount package. This part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support, production continuity, and system maintenance. The ICL3232IAZ operates across a 3V to 5.5V supply range with a 250kbps data rate and 300mV receiver hysteresis, suitable for legacy serial communication applications requiring full RS232 protocol compliance.

Key Parameters

Parameter	ICL3232IAZ
Manufacturer	Renesas Electronics Corporation
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers	2/2
Duplex	Full
Data Rate	250kbps
Voltage Supply	3V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C
Receiver Hysteresis	300mV
Package / Case	16-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
MSL Rating	3 (168 Hours)
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the ICL3232IAZ is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Critical Matching Parameters:

Protocol: RS232 full-duplex
Number of Drivers/Receivers: 2/2 configuration
Voltage Supply Range: 3V ~ 5.5V
Package Type: 16-SSOP or 16-TSSOP (same pinout family)
Mounting Type: Surface Mount
Data Rate: Minimum 250kbps
Receiver Hysteresis: 300mV or higher acceptable
Operating Temperature: Must support at least 0°C ~ 70°C (commercial grade minimum)

Acceptable Variations:

Receiver Hysteresis: 500mV is acceptable (higher threshold does not compromise functionality)
Data Rate: Higher rates (235kbps, 250kbps, 1Mbps) are acceptable
Operating Temperature: Extended range (-40°C ~ 85°C) is acceptable; commercial range (0°C ~ 70°C) is acceptable for commercial applications
Package Width Variation: 16-SSOP (5.30mm) and 16-TSSOP (4.40mm) are mechanically compatible with PCB redesign consideration

Non-Substitutable Configurations:

1/1 driver/receiver configuration (ICL3221 series) does not meet 2/2 requirement
Different protocols or single-ended interfaces

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Drivers/Receivers	Data Rate	Receiver Hysteresis	Operating Temp	Package	Product Status	Inventory
ICL3232IAZ	Renesas	2/2	250kbps	300mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-SSOP	Obsolete	2067 Pcs
ICL3232EIAZ	Renesas	2/2	250kbps	500mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-SSOP	Active	23920 Pcs
MAX3232CAE+	Analog Devices/Maxim	2/2	235kbps	300mV	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SSOP	Active	1420 Pcs
MAX3232CAE+T	Analog Devices/Maxim	2/2	235kbps	300mV	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SSOP	Active	945 Pcs
MAX3232CDBR	Texas Instruments	2/2	250kbps	300mV	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SSOP	Active	10400 Pcs
MAX3232CPW	Texas Instruments	2/2	250kbps	300mV	0°C ~ 70°C	16-TSSOP	Obsolete	3100 Pcs
MAX3232CPWR	Texas Instruments	2/2	250kbps	300mV	0°C ~ 70°C	16-TSSOP	Active	25200 Pcs
MAX3232CPWRG4	Texas Instruments	2/2	250kbps	300mV	0°C ~ 70°C	16-TSSOP	Discontinued	3100 Pcs
MAX3232ECAE+	Analog Devices/Maxim	2/2	1Mbps	500mV	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SSOP	Active	2780 Pcs
MAX3232ECAE+T	Analog Devices/Maxim	2/2	1Mbps	500mV	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SSOP	Active	1530 Pcs

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: ICL3232EIAZ

The ICL3232EIAZ is the direct functional equivalent manufactured by Renesas Electronics Corporation. It maintains identical electrical specifications with the exception of receiver hysteresis (500mV vs. 300mV), which represents improved noise immunity without compromising compatibility. The part is active in production with substantial inventory availability (23920 pcs). Both parts share the 16-SSOP package, identical pinout, and ROHS3 compliance. This substitution requires no PCB redesign.

Secondary Recommendation: MAX3232CDBR

The MAX3232CDBR from Texas Instruments provides full electrical and mechanical compatibility with identical 2/2 driver/receiver configuration, 250kbps data rate, and 300mV receiver hysteresis. The 16-SSOP package matches the original part exactly. Product status is active with high inventory (10400 pcs). Operating temperature range is commercial grade (0°C ~ 70°C), suitable for standard industrial applications. ROHS3 compliance is maintained.

Alternative for Extended Temperature Range: ICL3232EIAZ

If the extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C) of the original ICL3232IAZ is required, the ICL3232EIAZ remains the only substitute that maintains this specification while meeting all other electrical parameters.

Package Consideration: MAX3232CPWR

For applications where 16-TSSOP package (4.40mm width) is acceptable, the MAX3232CPWR offers the highest inventory availability (25200 pcs) and active product status. This part requires PCB layout modification due to package width difference but maintains all electrical specifications. Data rate and receiver hysteresis match the original part exactly.

Not Recommended: ICL3221IAZ

The ICL3221IAZ features only 1/1 driver/receiver configuration and does not meet the 2/2 requirement of the original design. This part is not a functional substitute.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use MAX3232ECAE+ as a direct replacement for ICL3232IAZ?

A: The MAX3232ECAE+ meets all critical electrical requirements (2/2 configuration, RS232 protocol, 3V ~ 5.5V supply, 16-SSOP package). However, it operates at 0°C ~ 70°C commercial temperature range versus the original -40°C ~ 85°C extended range. If your application requires extended temperature operation, this part is not suitable. Additionally, the data rate is 1Mbps and receiver hysteresis is 500mV, both of which exceed original specifications but do not prevent substitution.

Q: What is the difference between 16-SSOP and 16-TSSOP packages?

A: Both are 16-pin surface mount packages with identical pinout and electrical compatibility. The primary difference is package width: 16-SSOP is 5.30mm wide, while 16-TSSOP is 4.40mm wide. Substituting between these packages requires PCB layout modification to accommodate the different footprint dimensions. Electrical functionality remains identical.

Q: Why is receiver hysteresis important for substitution?

A: Receiver hysteresis determines the voltage threshold difference between logic high and low transitions. The original ICL3232IAZ specifies 300mV. Substitutes with 500mV hysteresis provide improved noise immunity and are fully compatible. Lower hysteresis values would not be acceptable as they reduce noise margin.

Q: Is the ICL3232EIAZ truly equivalent to ICL3232IAZ?

A: Yes. The ICL3232EIAZ is functionally equivalent with one parameter variation: receiver hysteresis is 500mV versus 300mV. This represents an improvement in noise immunity. All other specifications—protocol, driver/receiver count, data rate, supply voltage, package, and pinout—are identical. The part is active in production with substantial inventory.

Q: Can I use MAX3232CPWR if my application requires -40°C operation?

A: No. The MAX3232CPWR operates at 0°C ~ 70°C commercial temperature range and does not support -40°C operation. If extended temperature range is required, use ICL3232EIAZ, which maintains -40°C ~ 85°C operation.

Q: What does ROHS3 compliance mean for substitution?

A: ROHS3 compliance indicates the part meets Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive requirements. All listed substitutes maintain ROHS3 compliance, ensuring regulatory compatibility with the original design.

Q: Are there any pinout differences between substitute parts?

A: No. All 16-SSOP and 16-TSSOP variants listed maintain identical RS232 transceiver pinout. The only consideration is physical package footprint when using 16-TSSOP variants, which requires PCB layout adjustment but no schematic changes.

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