Exar Introduces Ultra-Versatile 3.3V/5.0V Single-Chip RS-232/RS-485/RS-422 Serial Transceiver

FREMONT, Calif., March 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Exar Corporation (Nasdaq: EXAR) released the next generation single-chip RS-232/RS-485/RS-422 serial transceiver – the SP336.  In addition to supporting industry interface standards, the device has 1/8th unit load capability (up to 256 transceivers on the serial communication bus), full or half duplex configuration capability, and diagnostic loop-back function.  These characteristics, plus other advanced features, make the product ideal for factory automation, process controls, embedded PCs, security networks, and point-of-sales equipment, amongst others.

"Exar continues to strengthen its leadership position in single-chip, high performance multiprotocol transceivers with the addition of the SP336," said Hensen Wong, technical marketing manager, Interface Product Line.  "Building on Exar's highly successful single-chip SP33x family, the SP336's unmatched flexibility and superior ESD performance will significantly reduce component count and streamline serial port designs."  

Product Features

The SP336 is a highly integrated multiprotocol serial transceiver that contains both RS-232 and RS-485/RS-422 drivers and receivers.  The SP336 may be reconfigured into eight operating modes including RS-232-only (4Tx/4Rx), RS-485/RS-422-only (2Tx/2Rx) full or half duplex, two RS-232/RS-485/RS-422 mixed-modes, two shutdown modes and a diagnostic loop-back mode.  This high degree of re-configurability enables customers to configure the serial port to meet many application needs.  All bus-pins are protected against severe ESD events up to +/-15kV (IEC 61000-4-2 air-gap) and +/-8kV (IEC 61000-4-2 contact). The selectable slew rate controlled outputs minimize problems with reflections and ringing on long or un-terminated cables. When configured in RS-485/RS-422 mode, each driver may be individually enabled or tri-stated, simplifying use on shared buses or bidirectional communication. Products are available in Commercial (0 to +70 degrees C) and Industrial (-40 to +85 degrees C) operating temperature ranges.

Prices, Packages, Availability and Additional Information

The SP336 is available now in volume quantities in a RoHS compliant 28-pin TSSOP or 28-pin WSOIC package.  Pricing starts at $5.53 per unit for 1K pieces.  Additional information on this product can be found at: http://www.exar.com/Common/Content/ProductDetails.aspx?ID=SP336.

Exar's broad portfolio of transceiver solutions can be found at: http://www.exar.com/Common/Content/Product.aspx?Parent=1&ID=118&SubID=5.

About Exar

Exar Corporation delivers highly differentiated silicon, software and subsystem solutions for industrial, datacom and storage applications.  For nearly 40 years, Exar's comprehensive knowledge of end-user markets along with the underlying analog, mixed signal and digital technology has enabled innovative solutions that meet the needs of the evolving connected world.  Exar's product portfolio includes power management and interface components, communications products, storage optimization solutions, network security and applied service processors.  Exar has locations worldwide providing real-time customer support to drive rapid product development.  For more information about Exar, visit: http://www.exar.com.

SOURCE Exar Corporation