ICL3241CBZ Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The ICL3241CBZ is a full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by Renesas Electronics Corporation, configured with 3 drivers and 5 receivers in a 28-SOIC package. This interface IC operates across a 3V to 5.5V supply range and supports data rates up to 250kbps with a receiver hysteresis of 300mV. The part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support, maintenance, and new production requirements where continued availability of the original part cannot be guaranteed.

Key Parameters

Parameter	ICL3241CBZ Value
Manufacturer	Renesas Electronics Corporation
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers	3/5
Duplex	Full
Receiver Hysteresis	300mV
Data Rate	250kbps
Voltage - Supply	3V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 70°C
Package / Case	28-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	3 (168 Hours)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the ICL3241CBZ is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Protocol: RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers: 3/5
Duplex: Full
Voltage Supply Range: 3V ~ 5.5V
Package / Case: 28-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
Mounting Type: Surface Mount

Secondary Compatibility Parameters:

Data Rate: 250kbps (minimum requirement)
Receiver Hysteresis: 300mV (nominal specification)
Operating Temperature: 0°C ~ 70°C (minimum requirement)

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Category 1: Parametric Equivalents — Parts that match all primary criteria and secondary parameters exactly. These parts are direct functional replacements with identical electrical and mechanical specifications.

Category 2: Similar Parts — Parts that match all primary criteria but may vary in secondary parameters such as receiver hysteresis, data rate, operating temperature range, or manufacturer. These parts are functionally compatible but require verification of application-specific requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Drivers/Receivers	Package	Receiver Hysteresis	Data Rate	Operating Temp	Product Status	MSL
ICL3241CBZ	Renesas	3/5	28-SOIC	300mV	250kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	Obsolete	3
ICL3243CBZ	Renesas	3/5	28-SOIC	300mV	250kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	3
MAX3241CWI+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim	3/5	28-SOIC	300mV	235Kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	1
MAX3241ECWI+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim	3/5	28-SOIC	500mV	250kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	1
MAX3241ECWI+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim	3/5	28-SOIC	500mV	250kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	1
MAX3241EEWI+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim	3/5	28-SOIC	500mV	250kbps	-40°C ~ 85°C	Active	1
MAX3241EEWI+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim	3/5	28-SOIC	500mV	250kbps	-40°C ~ 85°C	Active	1
MAX3241EWI+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim	3/5	28-SOIC	500mV	1Mbps	-40°C ~ 85°C	Active	1
MAX3243CDW	Texas Instruments	3/5	28-SOIC	300mV	250kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	Obsolete	1
MAX3243ECWI+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim	3/5	28-SOIC	300mV	250kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	1
ICL3241EIVZ	Renesas	3/5	28-TSSOP	500mV	250kbps	-40°C ~ 85°C	Active	3

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Recommended Primary Substitutes (Parametric Equivalents):

ICL3243CBZ and MAX3243ECWI+ are parametric equivalents to the ICL3241CBZ. Both parts maintain identical electrical specifications (3/5 drivers/receivers, 300mV receiver hysteresis, 250kbps data rate, 0°C to 70°C operating range) and identical 28-SOIC packaging. ICL3243CBZ is manufactured by Renesas and carries active product status with MSL 3 rating. MAX3243ECWI+ is manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated with active product status and MSL 1 rating, offering superior moisture handling characteristics.

Secondary Substitutes (Similar Parts with Extended Temperature Range):

MAX3241EEWI+ and MAX3241EEWI+T provide extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) compared to the original specification (0°C to 70°C). These parts maintain 250kbps data rate and 3/5 driver/receiver configuration in 28-SOIC packaging. The increased receiver hysteresis (500mV versus 300mV) and MSL 1 rating represent improved noise immunity and moisture resistance. These parts are suitable for applications requiring wider temperature operation.

Secondary Substitutes (Similar Parts with Enhanced Data Rate):

MAX3241EWI+ supports 1Mbps data rate with extended temperature range (-40°C to 85°C), providing performance headroom beyond the original 250kbps specification. This part is suitable for applications where higher data rate capability is beneficial, though the original 250kbps requirement remains satisfied.

Alternative Package Consideration:

ICL3241EIVZ is manufactured by Renesas in 28-TSSOP package (0.173", 4.40mm Width) instead of 28-SOIC. This part is suitable only for designs where TSSOP package footprint is acceptable and PCB layout can accommodate the narrower package width.

All recommended substitutes maintain ROHS3 compliance and EAR99 ECCN classification consistent with the original part.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX3241ECWI+ be used as a direct replacement for ICL3241CBZ?

A: MAX3241ECWI+ is functionally compatible as a substitute. Both parts share identical 3/5 driver/receiver configuration, 28-SOIC package, 3V to 5.5V supply range, and 250kbps data rate. The receiver hysteresis differs (500mV versus 300mV), which increases noise immunity. Operating temperature range is identical (0°C to 70°C). MSL rating differs (1 versus 3), indicating superior moisture handling. No circuit modifications are required for substitution.

Q: What is the difference between ICL3243CBZ and MAX3243ECWI+?

A: Both parts are parametric equivalents with identical electrical specifications and 28-SOIC packaging. ICL3243CBZ is manufactured by Renesas with MSL 3 rating. MAX3243ECWI+ is manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated with MSL 1 rating. The MSL difference indicates MAX3243ECWI+ has superior moisture resistance (unlimited shelf life versus 168 hours at MSL 3). Both parts are active products suitable for new designs.

Q: Why does ICL3241EIVZ have a different package than ICL3241CBZ?

A: ICL3241EIVZ uses 28-TSSOP package (0.173" width) while ICL3241CBZ uses 28-SOIC package (0.295" width). TSSOP is a narrower surface-mount package. Substitution requires PCB layout redesign to accommodate the different footprint. Electrical specifications remain identical (3/5 drivers/receivers, 250kbps, 3V to 5.5V supply). This part is suitable only when package footprint change is acceptable.

Q: Can parts with 500mV receiver hysteresis replace parts with 300mV hysteresis?

A: Yes. Receiver hysteresis determines the input threshold differential. Higher hysteresis (500mV) provides increased noise immunity compared to lower hysteresis (300mV). Parts with 500mV hysteresis are functionally compatible replacements for 300mV specifications. The application will experience improved noise rejection with no adverse effects.

Q: What does MSL rating mean for component substitution?

A: Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) indicates how long a component can be stored in ambient conditions before moisture absorption affects reliability. MSL 1 (unlimited shelf life) is superior to MSL 3 (168 hours maximum). Parts with MSL 1 rating require less stringent storage and handling procedures. Substituting MSL 3 parts with MSL 1 parts reduces manufacturing risk and storage complexity.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All parts listed in the parameter comparison table maintain ROHS3 compliance consistent with the original ICL3241CBZ specification.

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