News & Events
Intersil Expands Family of World's Smallest RS-232 Transceivers Offering Extremely Low Current, Automatic Power Functions and +/-15 kV ESD
MILPITAS, CA, May 14, 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 expanding high-performance RS-232 interface portfolio the ISL4221E and ISL4223E. Targeted for portables, handhelds and data cables, these new ICs join Intersils ISL4270E, ISL4260E, ISL424XE and ISL4238E RS-232 family of the worlds smallest transceivers all available in the near-chip-scale 5 X 5 X 0.9 mm Quad Flat No-lead (QFN) package.
The ISL4221E contains one transmitter and 1 receiver (1Tx/1Rx). The ISL4223E has 2 transmitters and 2 receivers (2Tx/2Rx). Both ICs operate from a single 2.7- to 5.5-V supply range and are fully compatible with 3 V, mixed 3 V and 5 V, and 5 V-only systems. The ICs transmitters and receivers meet EIA/TIA-232 and V.28/V.24 specifications, even at Vcc = 3.0 V. At 2.7 V the devices are still RS-232 compatible. Each IC features a low 300-uA supply current and a very low 150-na power-down current. All exposed transmitter and receiver pins are Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) protected to +/-15 kV in compliance with the IEC61000-4-2 Air Gap and Human Body Model standard.
Each of these transceivers features an automatic power-down function that powers down the on-chip power supply and driver circuits. This occurs when an attached peripheral device is shut off or the RS-232 cable is removed, conserving system power automatically without changes to the hardware or operating system. It powers up again when a valid RS-232 voltage is applied to any receiver input. FORCEON and FORCEOFF pins are provided to override these automatic functions.
The 20-pad 5 X 5 mm QFN package occupies 40% less board space and is 20% thinner than a 20-lead TSSOP package used by competing products. Small lands on the underside perimeter of the QFN package 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.
These ICs are intended for use in PDAs and other handheld devices requiring an RS-232 link to a PC. Intersils ISL424X series ICs complete the serial communications interface on the PC end of the link.
ISL4221E and ISL4223E Technical Details
- ISL4221EIR 1 Tx and 1 Rx, -40 to +85 deg. C range, 16-pad 5 X 5 X 0.9 mm QFN
- ISL4223EIR 2 Tx and 2 Rx, -40 to +85 deg. C range, 20-pad 5 X 5 X 0.9 mm QFN
- Guaranteed minimum data rate of 250 kbps at maximum load
- +2.7-V to +5.5-V single supply ICs have onboard voltage converters
- On-chip charge pumps require only four external 0.1 uF capacitors
- 300 uA powered-up supply current
- 150 nA powered-down sleep-mode current industrys lowest for extended battery use
- Automatic power-up and power-down functions save precious battery power
- FORCEON and FORCEOFF pins override automatic power functions
- Near-chip-scale 5 X 5 X 0.9 mm QFN package for space savings
- 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
The ISL4221EIR and ISL4223EIR are available now, both with industrial temperature ratings. Pricing for the ISL4221EIR is $1.58 and the ISL4223EIR is $2.32 per IC in 100- to 999-unit quantities. These are also available on Tape and Reel (ISL4221EIR-T and ISL4223EIR-T). 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
This release may include "forward looking statements" that are subject to risks and uncertainties. For information identifying economic, political, climatic, currency, regulatory, technological, competitive and some other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward looking statements, see Intersil’s Safe Harbor Forward Looking Statement disclaimer found at http://www.intersil.com/legal.asp, as well as Intersil’s SEC filings as updated from time to time, found at http://www.sec.gov. All other trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.
