HIN232CPZ Dual RS-232 Transceiver IC
Renesas Electronics Corporation HIN232CPZ +5V dual RS-232 transceiver for industrial, instrumentation, embedded and legacy serial communication systems.
The HIN232CPZ combines two RS-232 transmitters, two receivers and an integrated charge-pump voltage converter in a 16-pin Through Hole PDIP package.
The HIN232CPZ is designed for systems that need a simple and proven connection between digital logic and an RS-232 serial port.
A microcontroller UART normally produces logic-level signals referenced to ground. A conventional RS-232 cable, however, uses positive and negative voltage levels. The HIN232CPZ performs the electrical translation between those two environments.
The device also includes an internal charge-pump system. This is important because it allows the transceiver to generate the positive and negative driver rails needed for RS-232 communication from a single +5V supply.
As a result, a board does not need a separate external positive and negative serial-interface power supply. This reduces power-system complexity and makes the HIN232CPZ easy to integrate into established 5V controllers and industrial boards.
HIN232CPZ Supplier: Renesas Electronics Corporation
Renesas Electronics Corporation is the manufacturer and supplier associated with the current HIN232CPZ product listing.
For BOM management, sourcing and component-database purposes, the supplier field can therefore be entered as: Renesas Electronics Corporation.
The HIN232CPZ belongs to the HIN232 RS-232 interface family and is offered as a commercial-temperature 16-lead PDIP device.
HIN232CPZ Technical Specifications
| Parameter | HIN232CPZ | Engineering Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier | Renesas Electronics Corporation | Current manufacturer / supplier identification. |
| Series | HIN232 | RS-232 interface transceiver family. |
| Type | Transceiver | Contains both RS-232 transmitter and receiver functions. |
| Protocol | RS-232 | Designed for standard asynchronous serial communication. |
| Drivers / Receivers | 2 / 2 | Two driver outputs and two receiver channels. |
| Duplex | Full | Transmit and receive channels can operate simultaneously. |
| Receiver Hysteresis | 500 mV | Provides useful noise margin around receiver switching thresholds. |
| Maximum Data Rate | 120 Kbps | Supports common baud rates up to approximately 115.2 kbps. |
| Voltage - Supply | 4.5V ~ 5.5V | Optimized for nominal +5V systems. |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C ~ +70°C | Commercial operating-temperature range. |
| Grade | Commercial | Commercial-temperature device option. |
| Qualification | Standard | Standard commercial component qualification. |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole | Pins pass through plated PCB holes rather than mounting directly on the board surface. |
| Package / Case | 16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm) | Standard dual-inline through-hole body format. |
| Supplier Device Package | 16-PDIP | Supplier package designation. |
| Packaging | Tube | Typical packaging format for DIP integrated circuits. |
| Product Status | Active | Suitable for current sourcing subject to distributor availability. |
What Does Through Hole Mean for HIN232CPZ?
The HIN232CPZ mounting type is Through Hole. This means its metal leads pass through drilled holes in the printed circuit board and are soldered on the opposite side.
This mounting method is different from surface-mount technology, where IC leads or pads are soldered directly onto pads on the PCB surface.
For modern compact products, Through Hole packaging takes more board area than a small surface-mount package. However, it also offers several practical advantages.
- Easy manual assembly: The DIP-16 body can be installed using conventional through-hole assembly and hand soldering.
- Simple replacement: A socket can be used so the HIN232CPZ can be removed without soldering the IC directly during future service.
- Convenient troubleshooting: The exposed leads are relatively easy to probe with an oscilloscope or logic analyzer.
- Legacy PCB compatibility: Many industrial and instrumentation boards already use standard 16-pin DIP footprints.
Package/Case: 16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
Mounting Type: Through Hole
Supplier Device Package: 16-PDIP
How HIN232CPZ Converts UART to RS-232
The function of the HIN232CPZ can be understood by looking at the communication path from a microcontroller to the external serial connector.
When the host controller sends data, its UART output enters T1IN or T2IN. The HIN232CPZ transmitter converts that logic-level signal into the larger positive and negative voltage swing expected by the RS-232 cable.
For received data, the process works in reverse. An external RS-232 signal enters R1IN or R2IN. The receiver section detects the line state and produces a logic-level output at R1OUT or R2OUT.
The result is a complete two-channel transmit and receive interface between an embedded controller and conventional RS-232 equipment.
Why HIN232CPZ Uses a Charge Pump
The RS-232 electrical standard requires voltage levels that are different from ordinary +5V logic.
Instead of requiring the board designer to provide a separate positive and negative power supply, HIN232CPZ contains an internal switched-capacitor charge-pump system.
External capacitors connected around C1+, C1−, C2+, C2−, V+ and V− allow the device to create the internal rails required by the line drivers.
This approach was important in classic RS-232 transceiver design because it reduced the number of external power rails while keeping the serial interface compatible with standard equipment.
Where Is Renesas HIN232CPZ Used?
- Industrial control systems: Used for configuration, diagnostic and service serial ports in controllers, drives and industrial equipment.
- Instrumentation: Useful in meters, analyzers, laboratory instruments and test systems using serial command interfaces.
- Embedded controllers: Provides the electrical translation between an MCU UART and an external RS-232 connector.
- Modems and communication equipment: Can support configuration or management ports in communications hardware.
- Printers and terminals: Suitable for classic serial peripherals and long-life commercial equipment.
- Legacy system repair: The Through Hole PDIP package makes it convenient for replacement and maintenance of older PCB assemblies.
Why HIN232CPZ Still Makes Sense in Legacy Designs
RS-232 is old compared with USB, Ethernet and modern wireless interfaces, but age does not automatically make an interface obsolete.
Industrial and laboratory equipment often remains in service for many years. A controller installed fifteen years ago may still perform its primary job correctly and need only a simple serial port for configuration or maintenance.
Replacing an entire control architecture only to remove RS-232 may add cost without improving the main function of the equipment.
In those systems, HIN232CPZ provides a familiar and easy to diagnose physical interface.
Its 120 kbps maximum data rate also covers standard asynchronous serial rates such as 9.6, 19.2, 38.4, 57.6 and 115.2 kbps.
For a service port sending configuration commands, those speeds are generally more than sufficient.
Can HIN232CPZ Be Used with a 3.3V MCU?
This should be checked carefully rather than assumed.
HIN232CPZ is designed around a +5V supply. Modern microcontrollers commonly operate at 3.3V, 1.8V or other lower logic voltages.
A UART protocol can be logically compatible while still being electrically incompatible.
Before connecting HIN232CPZ directly to a 3.3V microcontroller, verify the HIN232CPZ logic-input thresholds and confirm that the microcontroller can safely accept the receiver output voltage.
For a new 3.3V-only platform, a modern low-voltage RS-232 transceiver may be a better architectural choice.
For an existing +5V board, HIN232CPZ remains a natural solution.
HIN232CPZ PCB Design and Troubleshooting Tips
- Verify the 5V rail: Make sure the supply remains within the required operating range under actual load.
- Check V+ and V−: Weak charge-pump rails can indicate capacitor, layout or power problems.
- Keep charge-pump loops short: Place external capacitors close to the device.
- Check UART activity first: Before replacing the IC, verify that T1IN or T2IN is receiving data from the controller.
- Measure RS-232 output: T1OUT and T2OUT should show the expected bipolar line behavior rather than ordinary TTL levels.
- Verify cable wiring: Incorrect TX/RX crossing and DTE/DCE wiring can make a healthy transceiver appear defective.
HIN232CPZ Buying Checklist
When sourcing HIN232CPZ, use the complete manufacturer and ordering information rather than searching only for a generic RS-232 IC.
| Item | Recommended Check | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Renesas Electronics Corporation | Reduces confusion with generic or incorrectly labeled replacement parts. |
| Part Number | HIN232CPZ | Confirms the required package and commercial option. |
| Package | 16-PDIP | Must match the through-hole PCB footprint. |
| Mounting | Through Hole | Different from surface-mount SOIC or TSSOP variants. |
| Temperature | 0°C to +70°C | Confirm the environment is suitable for the commercial grade. |
| Supplier Traceability | Verify source and lot information | Important when supporting long-life industrial equipment. |
HIN232CPZ FAQ
Who manufactures HIN232CPZ?
What is the HIN232CPZ mounting type?
What package does HIN232CPZ use?
What is HIN232CPZ used for?
How many drivers and receivers are inside HIN232CPZ?
What is the HIN232CPZ data rate?
What supply voltage does HIN232CPZ use?
Is HIN232CPZ a surface-mount IC?
What is the operating temperature range of HIN232CPZ?
Can HIN232CPZ replace every MAX232-type device?
Final Summary
The Renesas Electronics Corporation HIN232CPZ is a dual RS-232 transceiver designed for +5V serial interface systems.
It combines two transmitters, two receivers and an integrated charge-pump voltage converter, allowing logic-level UART signals to communicate with conventional RS-232 equipment.
Its defining configuration includes a 4.5V to 5.5V supply, 120 Kbps maximum data rate, 2/2 driver-receiver configuration and 16-lead PDIP package.
For component databases, one particularly important detail is the mounting method: HIN232CPZ is a Through Hole component.
The recommended product-data entries are Package/Case: 16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm), Mounting Type: Through Hole and Supplier Device Package: 16-PDIP.
This combination makes HIN232CPZ especially useful in industrial equipment, instrumentation, embedded controllers, communication equipment and legacy systems where a serviceable through-hole RS-232 interface is still required.
