Linear Technology Corp. has introduced a family of single and dual RS-232 transceivers that operate over an input supply range from 1.8 V to 5.5 V. The low voltage accommodates systems powered from two alkaline, NiCd or NiMH cells, or systems that interface directly to a low-voltage logic supply. This is beneficial for applications ranging from board-level diagnostics to portable instruments.

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Offering low 1 microampere shutdown current and a 15 microamperes receiver-active current, the ICs are a suitable solution for any application that communicates through the RS-232 interface. The LTC2802 and LTC2804 support up to 1 Mbps data rates for proprietary diagnostic links. The LTC2801 and LTC2803 are capable of rates as high as 250 kbps.

The ICs integrate a boost converter for generating the required RS-232 output signal levels. Control pins invoke optional shutdown, receiver active and driver disable features. The ±10 kV ESD protection on the RS-232 pins guards against electrostatic discharges that can be encountered during operation, while eliminating the need for external components.

The LTC2801 and LTC2802 are single transceivers, offered in tiny 3 mm x 4 mm DFN packages. The LTC2803 and LTC2804 are dual transceivers offered in 16-lead SSOP and 16-lead DFN packages. Specified over the commercial and industrial temperature ranges and available from stock, pricing begins at $1.60 each in 1000-piece quantities.