News & Events
Intersil Continues Growth of High Performance Interface Family

— ICs offer world's smallest packaging along with extremely low standby current, automaticpower functions and +/-15 kV IEC61000 ESD protection for portables and handhelds

MILPITAS, CA, March 13, 2003 – Intersil Corporation (NASDAQ: ISIL), a world leader in the design and manufacture of high performance analog and wireless networking solutions, today announced two new additions to their growing high-performance RS-232 interface portfolio – the ISL4270E and ISL83387E. Targeted for portable and handheld devices, the ISL4270E joins Intersil’s ISL4260E, ISL424XE and ISL4238E RS-232 transceivers as the world’s smallest in the near-chip-scale 5 X 5 X 0.9 mm Quad Flat No-lead (QFN) package. The ISL83387E is a 24-lead TSSOP packaged version. Both ICs operate from a single 3- to 5.5-V supply and provide extremely low standby current, automatic power-down, and +/-15 kV IEC61000 ESD protection.

The ISL4270E and ISL83387E have 3 transmitters and 3 receivers. Both devices operate over a 3.0-V to 5.5-V supply range and are fully compatible with 3 V, mixed 3 V and 5 V, and 5 V-only systems. Each IC features a very low 300-uA supply current and an even lower power-down current - 300 nA for the ISL4270 and less than 1 uA for the ISL83387E. The ISL83387E is a pin-for-pin match with the MAX3387E and is intended for use in PDAs and other handheld devices requiring an RS-232 link to a PC. Intersil’s ISL424X series transceivers complete the serial communications interface on the PC end of the link.

Each of these transceivers includes an enhanced automatic power-down function, which powers down the on-chip power-supply and driver circuits when all receiver and transmitter inputs detect no signal transitions for a period of 30 seconds. Automatic power-up occurs when a transition on any transmitter or receiver input is sensed. FORCEON and FORCEOFF pins are provided to override these automatic functions.

A unique VL supply pin improves interoperation in mixed-voltage logic systems, by adjusting the input thresholds and output logic levels to match the external supply. The RS-232 transmitters/receivers meet EIA/TIA-232 and V.28/V.24 specifications, even at Vcc = 3 V. ESD protection is provided (+/-15 kV, IEC61000-4-2 Air Gap and Human Body Model) on all transmitter outputs and receiver inputs.

The ISL4270E’s QFN package occupies 50% less board space than the TSSOP package. Small lands on the underside perimeter provide circuit contact so there are no leads to become bent during handling or assembly. Unlike chip-scale packages that utilize an array of solder bumps, the perimeter lands of the QFN package allow post assembly inspection of solder joints. Special manufacturing equipment is not needed.

ISL4270E/ISL83387E Technical Details

• Contains 3 transmitters (3Tx) and 3 receivers (3Rx) to offer design flexibility
• 300 nA (ISL4270E)/less than 1 uA (ISL83387E) powered-down sleep-mode current – industry’s lowest for extended battery use
• Automatic power-up and power-down functions save precious battery power
• ISL4270E - 32-pad 5 X 5 X 0.9 mm QFN package – industry’s smallest and thinnest for miniaturization
• ISL83387E - 24-lead TSSOP package pin-for-pin with MAX3387E
• Meets EIA/TIA-232 and V.28/V.24 specifications, even at Vcc = 3 V
• +/-15 kV ESD protection (IEC61000-4-2 Air Gap and Human Body Model) on transmitter outputs and receiver inputs for reliability
• VL supply pin improves interoperation in mixed-voltage logic systems
• 3.0 V to 5.5 V supply range: compatible with 3 V, mixed 3 V and 5 V, and 5 V-only systems
• FORCEON and FORCEOFF pins override automatic power functions
• On-chip charge pumps require only four external 0.1 uF capacitors
• Guaranteed minimum data rate of 250 kbps at maximum load

Price and Availability
The ISL4270EIR and ISL83387EIV are available now, both with industrial temperature ratings. Pricing for the ISL4270EIR is $2.66 and the ISL83387EIV is $2.24 per IC in 100- to 999-unit quantities. About Intersil
Intersil Corporation is a global semiconductor leader in the design and manufacture of high performance analog and wireless networking solutions. Intersil’s product portfolios address four fast growing markets – flat panel displays, optical storage (CD and DVD recordable), power management and wireless networking. Intersil brings added customer value in providing complete silicon, software and reference design solutions to new products that enhance the computing experience for people wherever they live, work or travel. For more information about Intersil or to find out how to become a member of our winning team, visit the company's web site and career page at: www.intersil.com

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