DS36C278TM/NOPB

Overview

The DS36C278TM/NOPB is a low-power CMOS differential transceiver compliant with EIA-RS-485 standards and compatible with TIA/EIA-422-B. It features one driver and one receiver in an 8-pin SOIC package. The device operates at a supply voltage of +5V (range +4.75V to +5.25V) with a maximum quiescent current of 500 μA. It supports a wide common mode range from -7V to +12V and includes thermal shutdown protection. The component is rated for the industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.

Feature Summary

• Low power CMOS design ensures significant energy savings suitable for battery-powered applications
• Built-in power up/down glitch-free circuitry permits safe live insertion and displacement
• On-board thermal shutdown prevents damage during excessive power dissipation or fault conditions
• Receiver open input fail-safe guarantees a high output state when inputs are left non-terminated

Applications

• Multipoint data transmission systems requiring RS-485 compliance
• Battery-powered industrial communication networks
• Applications necessitating live transceiver insertion or displacement without system interruption

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix TM against the Package Option Addendum, as it indicates a lifecycle status that may differ from standard NOPB variants. Confirm the operating temperature range matches the industrial specification (-40°C to +85°C) rather than the commercial range. Ensure the selected package type aligns with the PCB footprint requirements for the 8-pin SOIC configuration.

Selection Notes

Select this component when designing multipoint bus architectures that require more than 32 nodes, as the device offers a ½ unit load option supporting up to 64 nodes. Consider the thermal shutdown feature for environments prone to bus contention. Verify compatibility with existing RS-485 drivers regarding unit load definitions to ensure proper network scaling and signal integrity across the extended node count.

Part Context

This part belongs to the DS36C278 family of low-power multipoint transceivers manufactured by Texas Instruments. It serves as a drop-in replacement for legacy components such as the LTC485, MAX485, DS75176, and DS3695. The device shares functional similarities with the DS36C279 and DS36C280 but lacks their respective automatic sleep mode and slew rate control features.

Replacement Considerations

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