ICL3241ECA RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The ICL3241ECA is a full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by Renesas Electronics Corporation, configured with 3 drivers and 5 receivers in a 28-SSOP surface mount package. This component operates across 3V to 5.5V supply voltage with a 250kbps data rate and 500mV receiver hysteresis. The ICL3241ECA is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and production continuity.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	ICL3241ECA
Manufacturer	Renesas Electronics Corporation
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers	3/5
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	28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
Product Status	Obsolete
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the ICL3241ECA is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Critical Parameters for Substitution:

Protocol: RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers: 3/5
Duplex: Full
Voltage Supply Range: 3V ~ 5.5V
Package / Case: 28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
Mounting Type: Surface Mount

Allowable Parameter Variations:

Receiver Hysteresis: 300mV or 500mV (both acceptable for RS232 operation)
Data Rate: 235kbps or 250kbps (both meet or exceed minimum requirements)
Operating Temperature: 0°C ~ 70°C or -40°C ~ 85°C (extended range acceptable)
Product Status: Active substitutes preferred over obsolete
RoHS Compliance: ROHS3 Compliant preferred; RoHS non-compliant acceptable for legacy designs
Packaging Format: Tube, Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel®, or Tape & Reel (TR) formats interchangeable

Substitute parts are grouped into three categories: Parametric Equivalents (ICL3241ECAZ, ICL3243ECAZ), Direct Equivalents (MAX3241ECAI+T, ST3241ECPR), and Similar Parts (MAX3241 series variants) based on the degree of parameter alignment with the main part.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Drivers/Receivers	Protocol	Receiver Hysteresis	Data Rate	Supply Voltage	Operating Temp	Package	Product Status	RoHS Status	Inventory
ICL3241ECA	Renesas	3/5	RS232	500 mV	250kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	28-SSOP	Obsolete	RoHS non-compliant	1303 Pcs
ICL3241ECAZ	Renesas	3/5	RS232	500 mV	250kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	2519 Pcs
ICL3243ECAZ	Renesas	3/5	RS232	500 mV	250kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	2716 Pcs
MAX3241ECAI+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	3/5	RS232	500 mV	250kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	6900 Pcs
ST3241ECPR	STMicroelectronics	3/5	RS232	300 mV	250kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	2610 Pcs
MAX3241CAI+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	3/5	RS232	300 mV	235Kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	2200 Pcs
MAX3241CAI+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	3/5	RS232	300 mV	235Kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	4260 Pcs
MAX3241EAI+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	3/5	RS232	300 mV	235Kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	2200 Pcs
MAX3241EAI+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	3/5	RS232	300 mV	235Kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	2200 Pcs
MAX3241EEAI+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	3/5	RS232	500 mV	250kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	1635 Pcs
MAX3241EEAI+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	3/5	RS232	500 mV	250kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	15779 Pcs

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Identical Electrical Performance): ICL3241ECAZ is the primary substitute, offering identical electrical specifications with active product status and ROHS3 compliance. This part maintains 500mV receiver hysteresis and 250kbps data rate matching the original ICL3241ECA.

For Active Product Status with Compliance: MAX3241EEAI+T provides the highest inventory availability (15,779 pcs) with identical electrical parameters (500mV hysteresis, 250kbps data rate) and extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C). This part is suitable for designs requiring modern RoHS compliance and long-term supply assurance.

For Cost-Optimized Selection: MAX3241CAI+ or MAX3241CAI+T offer active status with ROHS3 compliance at lower cost points. These parts operate at 235kbps data rate and 300mV receiver hysteresis, both acceptable for standard RS232 applications within the 0°C ~ 70°C temperature range.

For Extended Temperature Applications: MAX3241EAI+ and MAX3241EAI+T extend operating range to -40°C ~ 85°C while maintaining 3V ~ 5.5V supply compatibility. These are suitable for industrial or automotive environments requiring wider temperature tolerance.

For STMicroelectronics Ecosystem: ST3241ECPR provides an alternative from STMicroelectronics with 300mV receiver hysteresis and active product status. This part is compatible with designs standardized on STMicroelectronics components.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I substitute ICL3241ECA with ICL3241ECAZ? A: Yes. ICL3241ECAZ is a parametric equivalent with identical electrical specifications (3/5 drivers/receivers, 500mV hysteresis, 250kbps data rate, 3V ~ 5.5V supply). The primary difference is product status (Active vs. Obsolete) and RoHS compliance (ROHS3 vs. non-compliant). Both operate within 0°C ~ 70°C temperature range and use 28-SSOP packaging.

Q: What is the difference between 500mV and 300mV receiver hysteresis? A: Receiver hysteresis affects input threshold switching behavior. Both 500mV and 300mV hysteresis values are valid for RS232 protocol operation. The 500mV specification provides greater noise immunity, while 300mV is acceptable for standard applications. Selection depends on signal integrity requirements in your specific circuit environment.

Q: Can I use MAX3241EEAI+T instead of ICL3241ECA? A: Yes. MAX3241EEAI+T meets all critical substitution parameters: 3/5 drivers/receivers, RS232 protocol, full duplex, 3V ~ 5.5V supply, and 28-SSOP package. It offers 500mV hysteresis and 250kbps data rate identical to the original. The extended operating temperature (-40°C ~ 85°C) and high inventory (15,779 pcs) make it suitable for production designs.

Q: Are packaging formats (Tube, Cut Tape, Tape & Reel) interchangeable? A: Yes. Tube, Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel®, and Tape & Reel (TR) are packaging and delivery formats only. They do not affect electrical performance or component functionality. Selection depends on assembly process requirements and volume handling.

Q: Why do some substitutes have 235kbps data rate instead of 250kbps? A: Both 235kbps and 250kbps data rates exceed typical RS232 application requirements. The 235kbps specification is acceptable for standard RS232 communication. Selection of 250kbps parts provides additional margin for high-speed applications.

Q: Is RoHS compliance mandatory for substitution? A: RoHS compliance is not mandatory for substitution but is preferred for new designs and long-term supply assurance. ROHS3 compliant parts (ICL3241ECAZ, MAX3241 series) are recommended for production designs. RoHS non-compliant parts may be used in legacy designs or where compliance is not required.

Q: Can I use parts with extended temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C) in place of 0°C ~ 70°C parts? A: Yes. Extended temperature range parts are backward compatible with designs specified for 0°C ~ 70°C operation. They provide additional margin for environmental stress and are suitable for industrial applications.

Q: What is the difference between ICL3241ECAZ and ICL3243ECAZ? A: Both parts are parametric equivalents with identical electrical specifications for the ICL3241ECA. The base product numbers differ (ICL3241 vs. ICL3243), but both maintain 3/5 drivers/receivers, 500mV hysteresis, 250kbps data rate, and 28-SSOP packaging. Selection between them depends on availability and supply chain preferences.

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