UM3222EEUE Fail-Safe, Single Supply RS-232 Transceivers

Overview

The Union UM3222EEUE is a high-performance RS-232 transceiver with ±15kV ESD protection, dual transmitters and receivers, and operates from a single 3.0V to 5.5V power supply. It targets reliable serial communication over extended distances in demanding industrial and consumer environments. In contrast, TPS2513ADBVR is a USB DCP (Dedicated Charging Port) controller, designed specifically for USB charging applications rather than data communication. Given the differing application domains, UM3222EEUE stands out in data communication applications, whereas TPS2513ADBVR is designed for power negotiation.

Functionality & Application Domain

The UM3222EEUE is a full-featured RS-232 interface device, compliant with EIA/TIA-232 standards, and supports asynchronous data transmission. It’s used in embedded systems, point-of-sale equipment, industrial control, and medical systems.

On the other hand, TPS2513ADBVR functions strictly as a charging controller for USB ports, emulating BC1.2 and Apple/Samsung charging protocols. It does not support data transmission, which immediately limits its relevance outside of charging circuits. Thus, for applications requiring robust serial data communication, UM3222EEUE is the appropriate and superior choice.

Power Supply and Logic Level Compatibility

The UM3222EEUE operates from a wide voltage range (3.0V to 5.5V), ensuring flexibility across 3.3V and 5V logic systems. This broad compatibility simplifies integration in mixed-voltage environments. Meanwhile, TPS2513ADBVR is limited to 4.5V to 5.5V operation, restricting its use to systems with a stable 5V rail.

Therefore, in low-voltage systems (e.g., battery-powered devices or modern MCUs operating at 3.3V), UM3222EEUE offers greater adaptability.

ESD Protection and Robustness

Union’s UM3222EEUE provides robust ±15kV ESD protection (IEC61000-4-2, contact discharge) on RS-232 lines, making it suitable for use in harsh and exposed environments. This ensures long-term device stability even in industrial systems with frequent human interface or EMI exposure.

TPS2513ADBVR also integrates ESD protection, but its use is limited to USB D+ and D− lines, and primarily within controlled environments. Thus, UM3222EEUE demonstrates superior resilience in electrically noisy and rugged deployment contexts.

Package and Integration

The UM3222EEUE is offered in compact 16-pin SOP and TSSOP packages, ideal for high-density layouts and drop-in compatibility with legacy devices like MAX3222 or SP3222. It also integrates charge-pump capacitors, reducing external component count and simplifying board design.

The TPS2513ADBVR, in contrast, is housed in a smaller SOT-23-6 package tailored for portable charging products. However, this minimalism comes at the cost of reduced system functionality in non-charging applications.

Performance and Data Rate

The UM3222EEUE supports up to 250 kbps or higher data rates, sufficient for a broad range of UART-based protocols. With guaranteed slew rate control and compliant voltage swings, it ensures signal integrity even over long cables.

By contrast, TPS2513ADBVR does not transmit any user data, and thus is not applicable to communication systems. This further underscores the fact that UM3222EEUE is more functionally capable in any data-related context.

Availability, Cost Efficiency, and System Value

Union offers competitive pricing and stable lead times for the UM3222EEUE, with a reliable supply chain and robust packaging options. For high-volume applications, this translates to better cost-efficiency and lower total BOM cost versus similar RS-232 solutions.

Although TPS2513ADBVR may be cost-optimized for USB charging, it brings no value to systems where RS-232 communication is required. Therefore, in price/performance ratio for UART systems, UM3222EEUE offers superior value.

Conclusion

While TPS2513ADBVR is optimized for USB charging roles, the Union UM3222EEUE is clearly superior in all aspects of RS-232 serial communication. Its advantages include:

• Wide voltage compatibility (3.0V to 5.5V)

• ±15kV IEC ESD protection for enhanced robustness

• Compact packaging and integration simplicity

• Reliable data rates up to 250 kbps

• Proven applicability in industrial, consumer, and embedded systems

• Cost-effective with strong supply assurance

For customers designing reliable, efficient, and compact RS-232 communication systems, UM3222EEUE is the optimal solution.