DS36C278MX

Overview

The DS36C278MX is a low-power CMOS differential transceiver compliant with the RS-485 standard and compatible with TIA/EIA-422-B. It features a single driver and receiver in an SOIC-8 package, operating at a supply voltage of +5V (range +4.75V to +5.25V). The device supports up to 12 nodes on a multipoint bus due to its quarter unit load input characteristic. Key electrical parameters include a maximum power supply current of 500 μA, a common mode range of −7V to +12V, and an industrial temperature rating of 0°C to +70°C.

Feature Summary

• Quarter unit load design enabling connection of up to 12 nodes per bus
• Low power CMOS architecture for battery-powered applications
• Built-in thermal shutdown circuitry to prevent damage from excessive power dissipation
• Glitch-free power-up/down circuitry permitting live insertion and displacement

Applications

• Multipoint data transmission systems requiring RS-485 compliance
• Battery-powered instrumentation and control networks
• Industrial communication buses supporting live insertion and displacement

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific ordering suffix against the manufacturer's official documentation to confirm the exact package type and temperature range. Confirm RoHS compliance status and lead finish details directly from the datasheet or addendum before procurement. Ensure the selected variant matches the required operational temperature specifications for the intended application environment.

Selection Notes

Select this component when designing multipoint networks requiring high node density within the constraints of the quarter unit load specification. Verify that the system operates within the recommended +4.75V to +5.25V supply voltage range. Consider the thermal shutdown feature for environments where excessive power dissipation might occur during bus contention events.

Part Context

This part belongs to the DS36C278 series of low-power RS-485 transceivers manufactured by Texas Instruments. It serves as a drop-in replacement for legacy bipolar devices such as the LTC485, MAX485, DS75176, and DS3695. The series offers significant power savings compared to older technologies while maintaining ruggedness against ESD damage.

Replacement Considerations

Publicly confirmed direct replacements include the LTC485, MAX485, DS75176, and DS3695.