The Intersil ICL3238E contains 3.0V to 5.5V powered RS-232 transmitters/receivers which meet ElA/TIA-232 and V.28/V.24 specifications, even at VCC = 3.0V. Additionally, it provides 15kV ESD protection (IEC61000-4-2 Air Gap and Human Body Model) on transmitter outputs and receiver inputs (RS-232 pins). Targeted applications are cell phones, Palmtops, and data cables where the low operational, and even lower standby, power consumption is critical. Efficient on-chip charge pumps, coupled with manual and enhanced automatic powerdown functions, reduce the standby supply current to a 10nA trickle. Small footprint packaging, and the use of small, low value capacitors ensure board space savings as well. Data rates greater than 250kbps are guaranteed at worst case load conditions providing compatibility with popular PC communication software. The ICL3238E is a 5 driver, 3 receiver device optimized for DCE applications with full hardware handshaking. It also includes a noninverting always-active receiver for RING INDICATOR monitoring.