MAX481CPA

Overview

The MAX481CPA is a low-power, half-duplex RS-485 and RS-422 transceiver manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated. It integrates one driver and one receiver within an 8-pin Plastic DIP package. The device supports data transmission rates up to 2.5Mbps with a typical quiescent supply current of 300µA. It operates from a single 5V power supply (4.75V to 5.25V) and features a low-current shutdown mode consuming only 0.1µA. The component includes thermal shutdown protection and fail-safe receiver inputs that guarantee a logic-high output when the input is open.

Feature Summary

• Half-duplex communication capability for bidirectional data transmission on multipoint bus lines
• Low-power operation with a dedicated shutdown mode for minimal standby current consumption
• Integrated thermal shutdown circuitry to protect against excessive power dissipation
• Fail-safe receiver design ensuring a defined high logic state during open-circuit conditions

Applications

• Industrial-control local area networks
• Low-power RS-485 communication systems
• Low-power RS-422 communication systems
• Level translation applications

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific ordering suffix to confirm the package type and temperature range. The 'C' designation indicates commercial grade operation, while 'E' denotes extended industrial specifications. Ensure the selected variant matches the required environmental operating conditions for the target application before procurement.

Selection Notes

Select this component for half-duplex RS-485 or RS-422 applications requiring data rates up to 2.5Mbps. It is suitable for systems where low power consumption is critical due to its shutdown capability. Note that unlike the MAX487, this device has a standard unit-load impedance, limiting the bus to 32 transceivers.

Part Context

The MAX481 belongs to a family of low-power transceivers including the MAX483, MAX485, and MAX1487. While sharing similar interfaces, the MAX481 is distinguished by its unrestricted slew rate, allowing higher data speeds compared to the slew-rate-limited MAX483. It serves as a core interface solution for robust serial communication in industrial environments.

Replacement Considerations

The MAX485CPA offers identical pinout and functionality but lacks the low-power shutdown feature. The MAX483CPA provides reduced electromagnetic interference through slew-rate limiting but restricts data rates to 250kbps. Verify electrical compatibility and functional requirements before substituting.