The SN65C3222E and SN75C3222E consist of two line drivers, two line receivers, and a dual charge-pump circuit with ±15-kV ESD protection pin to pin (serial-port connection pins, including GND).

The devices meet the requirements of TIA/EIA-232-F and provide the electrical interface between an asynchronous communication controller and the serial-port connector. The charge pump and four small external capacitors allow operation from a single 3-V to 5.5-V supply. The devices operate at typical data signaling rates up to 1000 kbit/s and are improved drop-in replacements for industry-popular '3222 two-driver, two-receiver functions.

The SN65C3222E and SN75C3222E can be placed in the power-down mode by setting the power-down (PWRDOWN) input low, which draws only 1 μA from the power supply. When the devices are powered down, the receivers remain active while the drivers are placed in the high-impedance state. Also, during power down, the onboard charge pump is disabled; V+ is lowered to V_CC, and V- is raised toward GND. Receiver outputs also can be placed in the high-impedance state by setting enable (EN) high.