MAX481CUA+

Overview

The MAX481CUA+ 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 µMAX surface-mount 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 when both Receiver Enable (RE) is high and Driver Enable (DE) is low. The component includes thermal shutdown protection and short-circuit current limiting for the driver outputs.

Feature Summary

• Supports bidirectional data communications on multipoint bus transmission lines for RS-485 and RS-422 protocols
• Features a low-power shutdown mode that significantly reduces supply current consumption when disabled
• Includes fail-safe receiver input circuitry to guarantee a logic-high output if the differential input is open
• Driver outputs are protected against excessive power dissipation via thermal shutdown and short-circuit current limiting

Applications

• Low-Power RS-485 Transceivers
• Low-Power RS-422 Transceivers
• Industrial-Control Local Area Networks
• Transceivers for EMI-Sensitive Applications

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific ordering suffix 'CUA+' corresponds to the 8-pin µMAX package and the commercial temperature range of 0°C to +70°C. Confirm RoHS compliance status as indicated by the '+' suffix in official documentation. Ensure compatibility with the required voltage levels and interface requirements before finalizing procurement orders.

Selection Notes

Select this component for applications requiring half-duplex communication at speeds up to 2.5Mbps. It is suitable for designs where space constraints favor the compact µMAX package over larger SOIC or DIP options. Consider the 300µA operating current and 0.1µA shutdown current for battery-powered systems. Verify that the standard 1-unit load receiver impedance meets the network node count requirements.

Part Context

The MAX481 belongs to a family of low-power transceivers designed for RS-485 and RS-422 communication standards. Unlike slew-rate-limited variants such as the MAX483, the MAX481 does not limit driver slew rates, enabling higher data throughput. It shares pinout compatibility with other devices in the series but differs in electrical specifications regarding speed and power management capabilities.

Replacement Considerations

The MAX485CSA serves as a functional substitute within the same family, offering identical half-duplex operation and 2.5Mbps data rate capability. Both components share similar electrical characteristics and pin configurations, facilitating direct replacement in existing designs without significant circuit modifications.