ADM223ARS - 120kB/s 5V RS-232 Interface | Analog Devices
MPN: ADM223ARS ✗ End of LifeADM223ARS Overview
An RS-232 interface is a transceiver category that converts logic-level signals into RS-232-compatible levels and converts received RS-232 signals back into CMOS logic. The ADM223ARS belongs to the interface IC hierarchy, which includes RS-232 transceivers, line drivers, line receivers, and multi-channel interface controllers. These devices connect conventional microcontroller, processor, and instrumentation logic to cable-based serial ports using differential bipolar voltage signaling.
Key features include operation from a single +5 V supply, compliance with the stated EIA-232-E and V.28 specifications, a maximum data rate of 120 kB/s, approximately 9 V transmitter output swing, and support for small 1 F charge-pump capacitors. A low-power shutdown function reduces consumption when the interface is not needed, while the receiver channels remain active during shutdown. The receivers also provide a stated 30 V input capability.
The integrated DC-DC conversion architecture removes the need for a separate external 5 V-to-approximately 9 V supply rail. This simplifies board design and reduces the number of power-supply connections around the transceiver. Because charge-pump capacitors and high-voltage driver outputs are involved, placement and return-current management remain important even though the device operates internally from only 5 V.
Typical applications include RS-232 ports in industrial control equipment, data-acquisition systems, instrumentation, embedded control systems, and legacy serial-port interfaces. The combination of five receiver channels and four driver channels is useful when a system needs additional receive-only status or handshake signals beyond the four conductors required for bidirectional communication.
A critical design consideration is that the S suffix denotes the 28-pin SSOP package used by this ordering code, so board layout and pin count must be checked before substitution. Cable protection, ground continuity, and isolation should also be evaluated because RS-232 is a physical-layer standard rather than a guarantee of surge immunity.
This page consolidates verified manufacturer and distributor information, interface specifications, sourcing data, and replacement constraints into an engineer-oriented resource. It also separates verified drop-in replacements from broader functional equivalents to avoid implying PCB compatibility that the available cross-reference evidence does not establish.
Drop-in alternatives for ADM223ARS — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
No drop-in alternatives available for this product.
Request AlternativesADM223ARS Specifications
| Product Type | +5 V powered CMOS RS-232 drivers and receivers |
| Number of Transmitters | 4 |
| Number of Receivers | 5 |
| Supply Voltage | +5 V |
| Maximum Data Rate | 120 kB/s |
| Transmitter Output Swing | 9 V |
| Charge-Pump Capacitor Value | 1 F |
| Receiver Input Voltage Capability | 30 V |
| Low-Power Shutdown | Supported |
| Receiver Operation During Shutdown | Receivers remain active |
| On-Board DC-DC Converter | Yes |
| Package | 28-pin SSOP |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
ADM223ARS 28-pin ssop Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ADM223ARS (28-pin ssop package). Pin numbering, functions, and connection diagrams are defined in the manufacturer datasheet. Refer to it for the exact footprint and soldering guidelines.
No detailed pinout data available for ADM223ARS.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ADM223ARS is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial RS-232 Control Ports, Data-Acquisition Instrumentation, Legacy Computer Serial Ports, Communication and Network Equipment, Low-Power Shutdown Systems, Receiver-Only Monitoring Interfaces.
Industrial RS-232 Control Ports
The ADM223ARS fits legacy industrial control and test equipment that requires a compact multi-channel RS-232 interface from a single +5 V rail. Its four transmitters support outbound command or data channels, while five receivers can accept independent status, alarm, or handshake signals. The integrated on-board DC-DC converters deliver a stated 9 V output swing from +5 V, avoiding a separate elevated supply. Operation at up to 120 kB/s supports common serial protocols, although industrial noise immunity still requires a suitable enclosure, grounded cable shield, and validated transient protection.
Recommended
Data-Acquisition Instrumentation
The ADM223ARS is suitable for data-acquisition instruments that must exchange commands and measurements over established RS-232 links. Four driver channels can support multiple outbound paths, and the fifth receiver provides flexibility for an additional equipment-status signal. Its single +5 V architecture simplifies instrumentation designed around modern mixed-signal systems, while on-board DC-DC conversion eliminates a separate 9 V rail. At 120 kB/s, the interface accommodates moderate-rate legacy acquisition protocols. Engineers should isolate external cables and verify grounding because the supplied evidence does not establish an ESD or surge rating.
Recommended
Legacy Computer Serial Ports
The ADM223ARS can provide a compact logic-side interface for equipment that retains an RS-232 port but uses a modern embedded controller. Four transmitters and five receivers offer more channels than the minimum required for bidirectional data, allowing separate status inputs to remain available. Operation from +5 V is particularly useful when the surrounding controller uses a 3.3 V or 5 V mixed-signal design and requires level translation. The 28-pin SSOP package reduces board area relative to many larger transceivers, but firmware must implement the required handshake protocol and software timing.
Recommended
Communication and Network Equipment
The ADM223ARS is appropriate for communication equipment with legacy RS-232 management, service, or diagnostic ports. The five receiver channels can monitor distinct control, carrier, or equipment-status inputs, while four transmitter channels support outgoing commands. Its integrated charge-pump circuitry operates from one +5 V supply and is specified for small 1 F capacitors, simplifying power planning in compact embedded modules. Because RS-232 uses single-ended bipolar signaling relative to ground, cable length, common-mode conditions, and grounding can affect reliability even when the logical data rate is below 120 kB/s.
Recommended
Low-Power Shutdown Systems
The ADM223ARS supports systems that periodically disable their RS-232 transmitter circuitry while retaining receive-side monitoring. Its low-power shutdown function is useful in battery-operated or duty-cycled equipment because the transmitters can enter a reduced-power state, while the five receivers remain active according to the manufacturer datasheet. This allows a controller to wake for transmitted commands while continuing to observe incoming status. Designers should confirm the exact external-device behavior in shutdown, avoid treating an inactive transmitter output as a guaranteed valid RS-232 level, and test the system against its power-budget target.
Recommended
Receiver-Only Monitoring Interfaces
The ADM223ARS benefits designs that need more receive channels than the four conductors used by a basic bidirectional RS-232 link. Five receivers allow the equipment to monitor several incoming lines, such as data, request-to-send, data-terminal-ready, or application-defined status signals, while four transmitters support the associated outbound paths. The verified 30 V receiver input capability may also help when externally exposed lines present larger voltage excursions, but it should not be interpreted as a complete surge-protection rating. Cable-side protection and application-level validation remain necessary for reliable operation.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ADM223ARS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Key Differentiators
- Five receiver channels (vs ADM213E)
- Integrated elevated-voltage generation (vs MAX232DR)
- Receiver availability during shutdown (vs SP485ECN-L)
Design Notes
Place the specified 1 F charge-pump capacitors close to their associated ADM223ARS pins and provide a low-impedance return path. Keep the elevated transmitter traces away from sensitive receiver and logic nets. Because the interface generates approximately 9 V from a 5 V supply internally, layout should follow the manufacturer diagram even though the external supply remains at +5 V.
Treat the RS-232 cable as a single-ended, bipolar interface and preserve a reliable ground reference between connected equipment. Route the four driver and five receiver functions according to the verified pinout from the manufacturer datasheet before PCB release. Do not infer pin functions from the 28-pin SSOP package, since the supplied data identifies the package but does not provide a complete pin table.
Do not substitute a functionally similar RS-232 or RS-485 part solely by function. ADM213E is named in the cross-reference results, but pin compatibility was not established, while SP485ECN-L represents a different physical-layer architecture. Verify package, pin functions, supply voltage, channel count, shutdown polarity, external capacitance, and signal levels before approving a replacement.
Validate both normal and shutdown supply current against the system power budget. The ADM223ARS can shut down its low-power state while its receivers remain active, so the receiver and external-equipment currents may remain significant. Use measured currents rather than assuming that shutdown eliminates all interface power, especially in battery-operated or duty-cycled installations.
Compliance Information
The supplied verified data does not explicitly state RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals status. AEC-Q100 is not applicable because the ADM223ARS is an RS-232 interface IC rather than an automotive-qualified component in the supplied information.