General Description
The MAX481, MAX483, MAX485, MAX487–MAX491, and
MAX1487 are low-power transceivers for RS-485 and RS-
422 communication. Each part contains one driver and one
receiver. The MAX483, MAX487, MAX488, and MAX489
feature reduced slew-rate drivers that minimize EMI and
reduce reflections caused by improperly terminated cables,
thus allowing error-free data transmission up to 250kbps.
The driver slew rates of the MAX481, MAX485, MAX490,
MAX491, and MAX1487 are not limited, allowing them to
transmit up to 2.5Mbps.
These transceivers draw between 120µA and 500µA of
supply current when unloaded or fully loaded with disabled
drivers. Additionally, the MAX481, MAX483, and MAX487
have a low-current shutdown mode in which they consume
only 0.1µA. All parts operate from a single 5V supply.
Drivers are short-circuit current limited and are protected
against excessive power dissipation by thermal shutdown
circuitry that places the driver outputs into a high-imped-
ance state. The receiver input has a fail-safe feature that
guarantees a logic-high output if the input is open circuit.
The MAX487 and MAX1487 feature quarter-unit-load
receiver input impedance, allowing up to 128 MAX487/
MAX1487 transceivers on the bus. Full-duplex communi-
cations are obtained using the MAX488–MAX491, while
the MAX481, MAX483, MAX485, MAX487, and MAX1487
are designed for half-duplex applications.
________________________Applications
Low-Power RS-485 Transceivers
Low-Power RS-422 Transceivers
Level Translators
Transceivers for EMI-Sensitive Applications
Industrial-Control Local Area Networks
__Next Generation Device Features
oFor Fault-Tolerant Applications
MAX3430: ±80V Fault-Protected, Fail-Safe, 1/4
Unit Load, +3.3V, RS-485 Transceiver
MAX3440E–MAX3444E: ±15kV ESD-Protected,
±60V Fault-Protected, 10Mbps, Fail-Safe,
RS-485/J1708 Transceivers
oFor Space-Constrained Applications
MAX3460–MAX3464: +5V, Fail-Safe, 20Mbps,
Profibus RS-485/RS-422 Transceivers
MAX3362: +3.3V, High-Speed, RS-485/RS-422
Transceiver in a SOT23 Package
MAX3280E–MAX3284E: ±15kV ESD-Protected,
52Mbps, +3V to +5.5V, SOT23, RS-485/RS-422,
True Fail-Safe Receivers
MAX3293/MAX3294/MAX3295: 20Mbps, +3.3V,
SOT23, RS-485/RS-422 Transmitters
oFor Multiple Transceiver Applications
MAX3030E–MAX3033E: ±15kV ESD-Protected,
+3.3V, Quad RS-422 Transmitters
oFor Fail-Safe Applications
MAX3080–MAX3089: Fail-Safe, High-Speed
(10Mbps), Slew-Rate-Limited RS-485/RS-422
Transceivers
oFor Low-Voltage Applications
MAX3483E/MAX3485E/MAX3486E/MAX3488E/
MAX3490E/MAX3491E: +3.3V Powered, ±15kV
ESD-Protected, 12Mbps, Slew-Rate-Limited,
True RS-485/RS-422 Transceivers
MAX481/MAX483/MAX485/
MAX487–MAX491/MAX1487
Low-Power, Slew-Rate-Limited
RS-485/RS-422 Transceivers
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim Direct at
1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim Integrated’s website at www.maximintegrated.com.
______________________________________________________________Selection Table
19-0122; Rev 10; 9/14
PART
NUMBER
HALF/FULL
DUPLEX
DATA
RATE
(Mbps)
SLEW-RATE
LIMITED
LOW-
POWER
SHUTDOWN
RECEIVER/
DRIVER
ENABLE
QUIESCENT
CURRENT
(μA)
NUMBER OF
RECEIVERS ON
BUS
PIN
COUNT
MAX481 Half 2.5 No Yes Yes 300 32 8
MAX483 Half 0.25 Yes Yes Yes 120 32 8
MAX485 Half 2.5 No No Yes 300 32 8
MAX487 Half 0.25 Yes Yes Yes 120 128 8
MAX488 Full 0.25 Yes No No 120 32 8
MAX489 Full 0.25 Yes No Yes 120 32 14
MAX490 Full 2.5 No No No 300 32 8
MAX491 Full 2.5 No No Yes 300 32 14
MAX1487 Half 2.5 No No Yes 230 128 8
Ordering Information appears at end of data sheet.
Low-Power, Slew-Rate-Limited
RS-485/RS-422 Transceivers
2 Maxim Integrated
MAX481/MAX483/MAX485/
MAX487–MAX491/MAX1487
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
Supply Voltage (VCC).............................................................12V
Control Input Voltage (RE, DE)...................-0.5V to (VCC + 0.5V)
Driver Input Voltage (DI).............................-0.5V to (VCC + 0.5V)
Driver Output Voltage (A, B)...................................-8V to +12.5V
Receiver Input Voltage (A, B).................................-8V to +12.5V
Receiver Output Voltage (RO)....................-0.5V to (VCC + 0.5V)
Continuous Power Dissipation (TA= +70°C)
8-Pin Plastic DIP (derate 9.09mW/°C above +70°C) ....727mW
14-Pin Plastic DIP (derate 10.00mW/°C above +70°C) ..800mW
8-Pin SO (derate 5.88mW/°C above +70°C).................471mW
14-Pin SO (derate 8.33mW/°C above +70°C)...............667mW
8-Pin µMAX (derate 4.1mW/°C above +70°C) ..............830mW
8-Pin CERDIP (derate 8.00mW/°C above +70°C).........640mW
14-Pin CERDIP (derate 9.09mW/°C above +70°C).......727mW
Operating Temperature Ranges
MAX4_ _C_ _/MAX1487C_ A ...............................0°C to +70°C
MAX4_ _E_ _/MAX1487E_ A.............................-40°C to +85°C
MAX4_ _M_/MAX1487MJA .............................-55°C to +125°C
Storage Temperature Range .............................-65°C to +160°C
Lead Temperature (soldering, 10sec) .............................+300°C
DC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(VCC = 5V ±5%, TA= TMIN to TMAX, unless otherwise noted.) (Notes 1, 2)
Stresses beyond those listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and functional
operation of the device at these or any other conditions beyond those indicated in the operational sections of the specifications is not implied. Exposure to
absolute maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.
V
VIN = -7V
VIN = 12V
VIN = -7V
VIN = 12V
Input Current
(A, B) IIN2
VTH
kΩ48-7V ≤VCM ≤12V, MAX487/MAX1487
RIN
Receiver Input Resistance
-7V ≤VCM ≤12V, all devices except
MAX487/MAX1487
R = 27Ω(RS-485), Figure 4
0.4V ≤VO≤2.4V
R = 50Ω(RS-422)
IO = 4mA, VID = -200mV
IO= -4mA, VID = 200mV
VCM = 0V
-7V ≤VCM ≤12V
DE, DI, RE
DE, DI, RE
MAX487/MAX1487,
DE = 0V, VCC = 0V or 5.25V
DE, DI, RE
R = 27Ωor 50Ω, Figure 4
R = 27Ωor 50Ω, Figure 4
R = 27Ωor 50Ω, Figure 4
DE = 0V;
VCC = 0V or 5.25V,
all devices except
MAX487/MAX1487
CONDITIONS
kΩ12
µA±1IOZR
Three-State (high impedance)
Output Current at Receiver
V
0.4VOL
Receiver Output Low Voltage
3.5VOH
Receiver Output High Voltage
mV70ΔVTH
Receiver Input Hysteresis
V-0.2 0.2
Receiver Differential Threshold
Voltage
-0.2 mA
0.25
mA
-0.8
1.0
1.5 5
VOD2
Differential Driver Output
(with load) V
2
V5VOD1
Differential Driver Output (no load)
µA±2IIN1
Input Current
V0.8VIL
Input Low Voltage
V2.0VIH
Input High Voltage
V0.2ΔVOD
Change in Magnitude of Driver
Common-Mode Output Voltage
for Complementary Output States
V0.2ΔVOD
Change in Magnitude of Driver
Differential Output Voltage for
Complementary Output States
V3VOC
Driver Common-Mode Output
Voltage
UNITSMIN TYP MAXSYMBOLPARAMETER
Low-Power, Slew-Rate-Limited
RS-485/RS-422 Transceivers
Maxim Integrated 3
MAX481/MAX483/MAX485/
MAX487–MAX491/MAX1487
SWITCHING CHARACTERISTICS—MAX481/MAX485, MAX490/MAX491, MAX1487
(VCC = 5V ±5%, TA= TMIN to TMAX, unless otherwise noted.) (Notes 1, 2)
DC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
(VCC = 5V ±5%, TA= TMIN to TMAX, unless otherwise noted.) (Notes 1, 2)
mA
7950V ≤VO≤VCC
IOSR
Receiver Short-Circuit Current
mA35 250-7V ≤VO≤12V (Note 4)IOSD2
Driver Short-Circuit Current,
VO= Low
mA35 250-7V ≤VO≤12V (Note 4)IOSD1
Driver Short-Circuit Current,
VO= High
MAX1487,
RE = 0V or VCC
250 400
350 650
ns
10 30 60tPHL
Driver Rise or Fall Time
Figures 6 and 8, RDIFF = 54Ω, CL1 = CL2 = 100pF
ns
MAX490M, MAX491M
MAX490C/E, MAX491C/E 20 90 150
MAX481, MAX485, MAX1487
MAX490M, MAX491M
MAX490C/E, MAX491C/E
MAX481, MAX485, MAX1487
Figures 6 and 8, RDIFF = 54Ω,
CL1 = CL2 = 100pF
MAX481 (Note 5)
Figures 5 and 11, CRL = 15pF, S2 closed
Figures 5 and 11, CRL = 15pF, S1 closed
Figures 5 and 11, CRL = 15pF, S2 closed
Figures 5 and 11, CRL = 15pF, S1 closed
Figures 6 and 10, RDIFF = 54Ω,
CL1 = CL2 = 100pF
Figures 6 and 8,
RDIFF = 54Ω,
CL1 = CL2 = 100pF
Figures 6 and 10,
RDIFF = 54Ω,
CL1 = CL2 = 100pF
CONDITIONS
ns
510tSKEW
ns50 200 600tSHDN
Time to Shutdown
Mbps2.5fMAX
Maximum Data Rate
ns20 50tHZ
Receiver Disable Time from High
ns
10 30 60tPLH
20 50tLZ
Receiver Disable Time from Low
ns20 50tZH
Driver Input to Output
Receiver Enable to Output High
ns20 50tZL
Receiver Enable to Output Low
20 90 200
ns
ns
13
40 70tHZ
tSKD
Driver Disable Time from High
|tPLH - tPHL |Differential
Receiver Skew
ns40 70tLZ
Driver Disable Time from Low
ns
40 70tZL
Driver Enable to Output Low
31540
ns
51525
ns
31540
tR, tF
20 90 200
Driver Output Skew to Output
tPLH, tPHL
Receiver Input to Output
40 70tZH
Driver Enable to Output High
UNITSMIN TYP MAXSYMBOLPARAMETER
CONDITIONS UNITSMIN TYP MAXSYMBOLPARAMETER
230 400
300 500
MAX481/MAX485,
RE = 0V or VCC
500 900
MAX490/MAX491,
DE, DI, RE = 0V or VCC 300 500
MAX488/MAX489,
DE, DI, RE = 0V or VCC 120 250
DE = VCC
300 500DE = 0V
DE = VCC
DE = 0V
µA
MAX481/483/487, DE = 0V, RE = VCC 0.1 10ISHDN
Supply Current in Shutdown
120 250
ICC
No-Load Supply Current
(Note 3)
DE = 5V
DE = 0V
MAX483
MAX487
MAX483/MAX487,
RE = 0V or VCC
Figures 7 and 9, CL= 100pF, S2 closed
Figures 7 and 9, CL= 100pF, S1 closed
Figures 7 and 9, CL= 15pF, S1 closed
Figures 7 and 9, CL= 15pF, S2 closed
µA
Low-Power, Slew-Rate-Limited
RS-485/RS-422 Transceivers
4 Maxim Integrated
MAX481/MAX483/MAX485/
MAX487–MAX491/MAX1487
SWITCHING CHARACTERISTICS—MAX483, MAX487/MAX488/MAX489
(VCC = 5V ±5%, TA= TMIN to TMAX, unless otherwise noted.) (Notes 1, 2)
SWITCHING CHARACTERISTICS—MAX481/MAX485, MAX490/MAX491, MAX1487 (continued)
(VCC = 5V ±5%, TA= TMIN to TMAX, unless otherwise noted.) (Notes 1, 2)
300 1000
Figures 7 and 9, CL= 100pF, S2 closed
Figures 7 and 9, CL= 100pF, S1 closed
Figures 5 and 11, CL= 15pF, S2 closed,
A - B = 2V
CONDITIONS
ns40 100tZH(SHDN)
Driver Enable from Shutdown to
Output High (MAX481)
ns
Figures 5 and 11, CL= 15pF, S1 closed,
B - A = 2V
tZL(SHDN)
Receiver Enable from Shutdown
to Output Low (MAX481)
ns40 100tZL(SHDN)
Driver Enable from Shutdown to
Output Low (MAX481)
ns300 1000tZH(SHDN)
Receiver Enable from Shutdown
to Output High (MAX481)
UNITSMIN TYP MAXSYMBOLPARAMETER
tPLH
tSKEW Figures 6 and 8, RDIFF = 54Ω,
CL1 = CL2 = 100pF
tPHL
Figures 6 and 8, RDIFF = 54Ω,
CL1 = CL2 = 100pF
Driver Input to Output
Driver Output Skew to Output ns100 800
ns
ns2000
MAX483/MAX487, Figures 7 and 9,
CL= 100pF, S2 closed
tZH(SHDN)
Driver Enable from Shutdown to
Output High
250 2000
ns2500
MAX483/MAX487, Figures 5 and 11,
CL= 15pF, S1 closed
tZL(SHDN)
Receiver Enable from Shutdown
to Output Low
ns2500
MAX483/MAX487, Figures 5 and 11,
CL= 15pF, S2 closed
tZH(SHDN)
Receiver Enable from Shutdown
to Output High
ns2000
MAX483/MAX487, Figures 7 and 9,
CL= 100pF, S1 closed
tZL(SHDN)
Driver Enable from Shutdown to
Output Low
ns50 200 600MAX483/MAX487 (Note 5) tSHDN
Time to Shutdown
tPHL
tPLH, tPHL < 50% of data period
Figures 5 and 11, CRL = 15pF, S2 closed
Figures 5 and 11, CRL = 15pF, S1 closed
Figures 5 and 11, CRL = 15pF, S2 closed
Figures 5 and 11, CRL = 15pF, S1 closed
Figures 7 and 9, CL= 15pF, S2 closed
Figures 6 and 10, RDIFF = 54Ω,
CL1 = CL2 = 100pF
Figures 7 and 9, CL= 15pF, S1 closed
Figures 7 and 9, CL= 100pF, S1 closed
Figures 7 and 9, CL= 100pF, S2 closed
CONDITIONS
kbps250fMAX
250 800 2000
Maximum Data Rate
ns20 50tHZ
Receiver Disable Time from High
ns
250 800 2000
20 50tLZ
Receiver Disable Time from Low
ns20 50tZH
Receiver Enable to Output High
ns20 50tZL
Receiver Enable to Output Low
ns
ns
100
300 3000tHZ
tSKD
Driver Disable Time from High
ItPLH - tPHL IDifferential
Receiver Skew
Figures 6 and 10, RDIFF = 54Ω,
CL1 = CL2 = 100pF
ns300 3000tLZ
Driver Disable Time from Low
ns250 2000tZL
Driver Enable to Output Low
ns
Figures 6 and 8, RDIFF = 54Ω,
CL1 = CL2 = 100pF ns250 2000tR, tF
250 2000
Driver Rise or Fall Time
ns
tPLH
Receiver Input to Output
250 2000tZH
Driver Enable to Output High
UNITSMIN TYP MAXSYMBOLPARAMETER
MAX481/MAX483/MAX485/MAX487–MAX491/MAX1487
30
0
02.5
OUTPUT CURRENT vs.
RECEIVER OUTPUT LOW VOLTAGE
5
25
MAX481-01
OUTPUT LOW VOLTAGE (V)
OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
1.5
15
10
0.5 1.0 2.0
20
35
40
45
0.9
0.1
-50 -25 25 75
RECEIVER OUTPUT LOW VOLTAGE vs.
TEMPERATURE
0.3
0.7
TEMPERATURE (°C)
OUTPUT LOW VOLTAGE (V)
050
0.5
0.8
0.2
0.6
0.4
0
100 125
MAX481-04
IRO = 8mA
-20
-4
1.5 2.0 3.0 5.0
OUTPUT CURRENT vs.
RECEIVER OUTPUT HIGH VOLTAGE
-8
-16
MAX481-02
OUTPUT HIGH VOLTAGE (V)
OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
2.5 4.0
-12
-18
-6
-14
-10
-2
0
3.5 4.5
4.8
3.2
-50 -25 25 75
RECEIVER OUTPUT HIGH VOLTAGE vs.
TEMPERATURE
3.6
4.4
TEMPERATURE (°C)
OUTPUT HIGH VOLTAGE (V)
050
4.0
4.6
3.4
4.2
3.8
3.0
100 125
MAX481-03
IRO = 8mA
90
0
0 1.0 3.0 4.5
DRIVER OUTPUT CURRENT vs.
DIFFERENTIAL OUTPUT VOLTAGE
10
70
MAX481-05
DIFFERENTIAL OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
2.0 4.0
50
30
80
60
40
20
0.5 1.5 2.5 3.5
2.3
1.5
-50 -25 25 125
DRIVER DIFFERENTIAL OUTPUT VOLTAGE
vs. TEMPERATURE
1.7
2.1
MAX481-06
TEMPERATURE (°C)
DIFFERENTIAL OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
075
1.9
2.2
1.6
2.0
1.8
10050
2.4
R = 54Ω
__________________________________________Typical Operating Characteristics
(VCC = 5V, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
Low-Power, Slew-Rate-Limited
RS-485/RS-422 Transceivers
Maxim Integrated 5
MAX481/MAX483/MAX485/
MAX487–MAX491/MAX1487
NOTES FOR ELECTRICAL/SWITCHING CHARACTERISTICS
Note 1: All currents into device pins are positive; all currents out of device pins are negative. All voltages are referenced to device
ground unless otherwise specified.
Note 2: All typical specifications are given for VCC = 5V and TA= +25°C.
Note 3: Supply current specification is valid for loaded transmitters when DE = 0V.
Note 4: Applies to peak current. See
Typical Operating Characteristics.
Note 5: The MAX481/MAX483/MAX487 are put into shutdown by bringing RE high and DE low. If the inputs are in this state for less
than 50ns, the parts are guaranteed not to enter shutdown. If the inputs are in this state for at least 600ns, the parts are
guaranteed to have entered shutdown. See
Low-Power Shutdown Mode (MAX481/MAX483/MAX487)
section.
MAX481/MAX483/MAX485/MAX487–MAX491/MAX1487
____________________________Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(VCC = 5V, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
120
0
08
OUTPUT CURRENT vs.
DRIVER OUTPUT LOW VOLTAGE
20
100
MAX481-07
OUTPUT LOW VOLTAGE (V)
OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
6
60
40
24
80
10 12
140
-120
0
-7 -5 -1 5
OUTPUT CURRENT vs.
DRIVER OUTPUT HIGH VOLTAGE
-20
-80
MAX481-08
OUTPUT HIGH VOLTAGE (V)
OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
-3 1
-60
3
-6 -4 -2 0 2 4
-100
-40
100
-40-60 -20 40 100 120
MAX1487
SUPPLY CURRENT vs. TEMPERATURE
300
MAX481-13
TEMPERATURE (°C)
SUPPLY CURRENT (μA)
20 60 80
500
200
600
400
0
0140
MAX1487; DE = VCC, RE = X
MAX1487; DE = 0V, RE = X
100
-50 -25 50 100
MAX481/MAX485/MAX490/MAX491
SUPPLY CURRENT vs. TEMPERATURE
300
MAX481-11
TEMPERATURE (°C)
SUPPLY CURRENT (μA)
25 75
500
200
600
400
0
0125
MAX481/MAX485; DE = VCC, RE = X
MAX481; DE = 0, RE = VCC
MAX485; DE = 0, RE = X,
MAX481; DE = RE = 0
MAX490/MAX491; DE = RE = X
100
-50 -25 50 100
MAX483/MAX487–MAX489
SUPPLY CURRENT vs. TEMPERATURE
300
MAX481-12
TEMPERATURE (°C)
SUPPLY CURRENT (μA)
25 75
500
200
600
400
0
0125
MAX483; DE = VCC, RE = X
MAX487; DE = VCC, RE = X
MAX483/MAX487; DE = 0, RE = VCC
MAX483/MAX487; DE = RE = 0,
MAX488/MAX489; DE = RE = X
Low-Power, Slew-Rate-Limited
RS-485/RS-422 Transceivers
6 Maxim Integrated
MAX481/MAX483/MAX485/
MAX487–MAX491/MAX1487
Low-Power, Slew-Rate-Limited
RS-485/RS-422 Transceivers
Maxim Integrated 7
MAX481/MAX483/MAX485/
MAX487–MAX491/MAX1487
______________________________________________________________Pin Description
MAX481
MAX483
MAX485
MAX487
MAX1487
TOP VIEW
NOTE: PIN LABELS Y AND Z ON TIMING, TEST, AND WAVEFORM DIAGRAMS REFER TO PINS A AND B WHEN DE IS HIGH.
TYPICAL OPERATING CIRCUIT SHOWN WITH DIP/SO PACKAGE.
1
2
3
4
8
5
VCC
GND
DI
DE
RE
RO R
D
Rt
Rt
7
6
D
R
DE
RE
DI
RO
A
B
1
2
3
4
8
7
6
5
VCC
B
A
GND
DI
DE
RE
RO
DIP/SO
R
D
1
2
3
4
8
7
6
5
VCC
A
GND
DE
RE
B
RO
μMAX
B
A
DI
MAX481
MAX483
MAX485
MAX487
MAX1487
Figure 1. MAX481/MAX483/MAX485/MAX487/MAX1487 Pin Configuration and Typical Operating Circuit
µMAX
—
—
5
6
7
8
—
2
—
1
3
—
µMAX
4
5
6
7
—
—
8
—
1
—
2
—
DIP/SO DIP/SO
2 3 Receiver Output Enable. RO is enabled when RE is low; RO is
high impedance when RE is high.
3 4
Driver Output Enable. The driver outputs, Y and Z, are enabled
by bringing DE high. They are high impedance when DE is low. If
the driver outputs are enabled, the parts function as line drivers.
While they are high impedance, they function as line receivers if
RE is low.
DIP/SO
—
4 5 Driver Input. A low on DI forces output Y low and output Z high.
Similarly, a high on DI forces output Y high and output Z low.
56, 7 Ground
— 9 Noninverting Driver Output
—10 Inverting Driver Output
—
3
4
6 — Noninverting Receiver Input and Noninverting Driver Output
—12 Noninverting Receiver Input
5
6
—
8
RE
DE
DI
GND
Y
Z
A
A
7 — — B Inverting Receiver Input and Inverting Driver Output
— 7 11 BInverting Receiver Input
8 1 14 VCC Positive Supply: 4.75V ≤VCC ≤5.25V
— — 1, 8, 13 N.C. No Connect—not internally connected
FUNCTION
NAME
431 2 Receiver Output: If A > B by 200mV, RO will be high;
If A < B by 200mV, RO will be low.
2RO
PIN
FUNCTIONNAME
MAX481/MAX483/
MAX485/MAX487/
MAX1487
MAX488/
MAX490
MAX489/
MAX491
Low-Power, Slew-Rate-Limited
RS-485/RS-422 Transceivers
8 Maxim Integrated
MAX481/MAX483/MAX485/
MAX487–MAX491/MAX1487
__________Applications Information
The MAX481/MAX483/MAX485/MAX487–MAX491 and
MAX1487 are low-power transceivers for RS-485 and RS-
422 communications. The MAX481, MAX485, MAX490,
MAX491, and MAX1487 can transmit and receive at data
rates up to 2.5Mbps, while the MAX483, MAX487,
MAX488, and MAX489 are specified for data rates up to
250kbps. The MAX488–MAX491 are full-duplex trans-
ceivers while the MAX481, MAX483, MAX485, MAX487,
and MAX1487 are half-duplex. In addition, Driver Enable
(DE) and Receiver Enable (RE) pins are included on the
MAX481, MAX483, MAX485, MAX487, MAX489,
MAX491, and MAX1487. When disabled, the driver and
receiver outputs are high impedance.
MAX487/MAX1487:
128 Transceivers on the Bus
The 48kΩ, 1/4-unit-load receiver input impedance of the
MAX487 and MAX1487 allows up to 128 transceivers
on a bus, compared to the 1-unit load (12kΩinput
impedance) of standard RS-485 drivers (32 trans-
ceivers maximum). Any combination of MAX487/
MAX1487 and other RS-485 transceivers with a total of
32 unit loads or less can be put on the bus. The
MAX481/MAX483/MAX485 and MAX488–MAX491 have
standard 12kΩReceiver Input impedance.
MAX488
MAX490
TOP VIEW
1
2
3
4
RO
DI
GND
8
7
6
5
A
B
Z
Y
VCC
DIP/SO
R
DRt
Rt
VCC
5
6
7
8
RO
DI
GND
4
GND
DI
RO
3
2
A
B
Y
Z
VCC
DR
RD
1
3
VCC
4
RO
2
A
1
6
5
7
8
GND
DI
Y
Z
B
μMAX
MAX488
MAX490
NOTE: TYPICAL OPERATING CIRCUIT SHOWN WITH DIP/SO PACKAGE.
MAX489
MAX491
DIP/SO
TOP VIEW
Rt
Rt
DE VCC
RE GND
VCC RE
GND DE
RO
DI
9
10
12
11
B
A
Z
Y
5
RO
NC
DI
2
1, 8, 13
3 6, 7
144
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
VCC
N.C.
N.C.
A
B
Z
Y
N.C.
RO
RE
DE
DI
GND
GND
R
D
D
RD
R
Figure 2. MAX488/MAX490 Pin Configuration and Typical Operating Circuit
Figure 3. MAX489/MAX491 Pin Configuration and Typical Operating Circuit
Low-Power, Slew-Rate-Limited
RS-485/RS-422 Transceivers
Maxim Integrated 9
MAX481/MAX483/MAX485/
MAX487–MAX491/MAX1487
MAX483/MAX487/MAX488/MAX489:
Reduced EMI and Reflections
The MAX483 and MAX487–MAX489 are slew-rate limit-
ed, minimizing EMI and reducing reflections caused by
improperly terminated cables. Figure 12 shows the dri-
ver output waveform and its Fourier analysis of a
150kHz signal transmitted by a MAX481, MAX485,
MAX490, MAX491, or MAX1487. High-frequency har-
monics with large amplitudes are evident. Figure 13
shows the same information displayed for a MAX483,
MAX487, MAX488, or MAX489 transmitting under the
same conditions. Figure 13’s high-frequency harmonics
have much lower amplitudes, and the potential for EMI
is significantly reduced.
R
R
Y
Z
VOD
VOC
RECEIVER
OUTPUT
TEST POINT
1kΩ
1kΩ
S1
S2
VCC
CRL
15pF
DI
DE
3V
Y
Z
CL1
CL2
A
B
RO
RE
RDIFF
VID
OUTPUT
UNDER TEST
500ΩS1
S2
VCC
CL
_________________________________________________________________Test Circuits
Figure 4. Driver DC Test Load Figure 5. Receiver Timing Test Load
Figure 6. Driver/Receiver Timing Test Circuit Figure 7. Driver Timing Test Load
Low-Power, Slew-Rate-Limited
RS-485/RS-422 Transceivers
10 Maxim Integrated
MAX481/MAX483/MAX485/
MAX487–MAX491/MAX1487
_______________________________________________________Switching Waveforms
DI
3V
0V
Z
Y
VO
0V
-VO
VO
1.5V
tPLH
1/2 VO
10%
tR
90% 90%
tPHL
1.5V
1/2 VO
10%
tF
VDIFF = V (Y) - V (Z)
VDIFF
tSKEW = | tPLH - tPHL |
OUTPUT NORMALLY LOW
OUTPUT NORMALLY HIGH
3V
0V
Y, Z
VOL
Y, Z
0V
1.5V 1.5V
VOL + 0.5V
VOH - 0.5V
2.3V
2.3V
tZL(SHDN), tZL tLZ
tZH(SHDN), tZH tHZ
DE
VOH
VOL
VID
-VID
1.5V
0V
1.5V
OUTPUT
INPUT 0V
RO
A-B
tPLH
tPHL
OUTPUT NORMALLY LOW
OUTPUT NORMALLY HIGH
3V
0V
VCC
RO
RO
0V
1.5V 1.5V
VOL + 0.5V
VOH - 0.5V
1.5V
1.5V
tZL(SHDN), tZL tLZ
tZH(SHDN), tZH tHZ
RE
_________________Function Tables
(MAX481/MAX483/MAX485/MAX487/MAX1487)
Figure 8. Driver Propagation Delays Figure 9. Driver Enable and Disable Times (except MAX488 and
MAX490)
Figure 10. Receiver Propagation Delays Figure 11. Receiver Enable and Disable Times (except MAX488
and MAX490)
Table 1. Transmitting Table 2. Receiving
INPUTS OUTPUT
RE DE A-B RO
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
> +0.2V
< -0.2V
Inputs open
X
1
0
1
High-Z*
INPUTS OUTPUTS
RE DE DI Z Y
X
X
0
1
1
1
0
0
1
0
X
X
0
1
High-Z
High-Z*
1
0
High-Z
High-Z*
X = Don’t care
High-Z = High impedance
*
Shutdown mode for MAX481/MAX483/MAX487
X = Don’t care
High-Z = High impedance
*
Shutdown mode for MAX481/MAX483/MAX487
Low-Power, Slew-Rate-Limited
RS-485/RS-422 Transceivers
Maxim Integrated 11
MAX481/MAX483/MAX485/
MAX487–MAX491/MAX1487
Low-Power Shutdown Mode
(MAX481/MAX483/MAX487)
A low-power shutdown mode is initiated by bringing
both RE high and DE low. The devices will not shut
down unless both the driver and receiver are disabled.
In shutdown, the devices typically draw only 0.1µA of
supply current.
RE and DE may be driven simultaneously; the parts are
guaranteed not to enter shutdown if RE is high and DE
is low for less than 50ns. If the inputs are in this state
for at least 600ns, the parts are guaranteed to enter
shutdown.
For the MAX481, MAX483, and MAX487, the tZH and
tZL enable times assume the part was not in the low-
power shutdown state (the MAX485/MAX488–MAX491
and MAX1487 can not be shut down). The tZH(SHDN)
and tZL(SHDN) enable times assume the parts were shut
down (see
Electrical Characteristics
).
It takes the drivers and receivers longer to become
enabled from the low-power shutdown state
(tZH(SHDN), tZL(SHDN)) than from the operating mode
(tZH, tZL). (The parts are in operating mode if the –
R
—
E
–,
DE inputs equal a logical 0,1 or 1,1 or 0, 0.)
Driver Output Protection
Excessive output current and power dissipation caused
by faults or by bus contention are prevented by two
mechanisms. A foldback current limit on the output
stage provides immediate protection against short cir-
cuits over the whole common-mode voltage range (see
Typical Operating Characteristics
). In addition, a ther-
mal shutdown circuit forces the driver outputs into a
high-impedance state if the die temperature rises
excessively.
Propagation Delay
Many digital encoding schemes depend on the differ-
ence between the driver and receiver propagation
delay times. Typical propagation delays are shown in
Figures 15–18 using Figure 14’s test circuit.
The difference in receiver delay times, | tPLH - tPHL |, is
typically under 13ns for the MAX481, MAX485,
MAX490, MAX491, and MAX1487 and is typically less
than 100ns for the MAX483 and MAX487–MAX489.
The driver skew times are typically 5ns (10ns max) for
the MAX481, MAX485, MAX490, MAX491, and
MAX1487, and are typically 100ns (800ns max) for the
MAX483 and MAX487–MAX489.
10dB/div
0Hz 5MHz
500kHz/div
10dB/div
0Hz 5MHz
500kHz/div
Figure 12. Driver Output Waveform and FFT Plot of MAX481/
MAX485/MAX490/MAX491/MAX1487 Transmitting a 150kHz
Signal
Figure 13. Driver Output Waveform and FFT Plot of MAX483/
MAX487–MAX489 Transmitting a 150kHz Signal
Low-Power, Slew-Rate-Limited
RS-485/RS-422 Transceivers
12 Maxim Integrated
MAX481/MAX483/MAX485/
MAX487–MAX491/MAX1487
TTL IN
tR, tF < 6ns DR
100pF
B
100pF
A
RECEIVER
OUT
R = 54Ω
Z
Y
500mV/div
20ns/div
A
B
RO
2V/div
VCC = 5V
TA = +25°C
500mV/div
20ns/div
A
B
RO
2V/div
VCC = 5V
TA = +25°C
500mV/div
400ns/div
A
B
RO
2V/div
VCC = 5V
TA = +25°C
500mV/div
400ns/div
A
B
RO
2V/div
VCC = 5V
TA = +25°C
Figure 14. Receiver Propagation Delay Test Circuit
Figure 15. MAX481/MAX485/MAX490/MAX491/MAX1487
Receiver tPHL
Figure 16. MAX481/MAX485/MAX490/MAX491/MAX1487
Receiver tPLH
Figure 17. MAX483, MAX487–MAX489 Receiver tPHL Figure 18. MAX483, MAX487–MAX489 Receiver tPLH
Low-Power, Slew-Rate-Limited
RS-485/RS-422 Transceivers
Maxim Integrated 13
MAX481/MAX483/MAX485/
MAX487–MAX491/MAX1487
Line Length vs. Data Rate
The RS-485/RS-422 standard covers line lengths up to
4000 feet. For line lengths greater than 4000 feet, see
Figure 23.
Figures 19 and 20 show the system differential voltage
for the parts driving 4000 feet of 26AWG twisted-pair
wire at 110kHz into 120Ωloads.
Typical Applications
The MAX481, MAX483, MAX485, MAX487–MAX491, and
MAX1487 transceivers are designed for bidirectional data
communications on multipoint bus transmission lines.
Figures 21 and 22 show typical network applications
circuits. These parts can also be used as line
repeaters, with cable lengths longer than 4000 feet, as
shown in Figure 23.
To minimize reflections, the line should be terminated at
both ends in its characteristic impedance, and stub
lengths off the main line should be kept as short as possi-
ble. The slew-rate-limited MAX483 and MAX487–MAX489
are more tolerant of imperfect termination.
DI
VY-VZ
RO
5V
0V
1V
0V
-1V
5V
0V
2μs/div
DI
VY-VZ
RO
5V
0V
1V
0V
-1V
5V
0V
2μs/div
DI RO DE
RE
A
B
RE
RERE
RO
RO
RO
DI
DI
DI
DE
DE
DE
DD
D
R
R
R
BB
B
AAA
120Ω120Ω
D
R
MAX481
MAX483
MAX485
MAX487
MAX1487
Figure 19. MAX481/MAX485/MAX490/MAX491/MAX1487 System
Differential Voltage at 110kHz Driving 4000ft of Cable
Figure 20. MAX483, MAX487–MAX489 System Differential
Voltage at 110kHz Driving 4000ft of Cable
Figure 21. MAX481/MAX483/MAX485/MAX487/MAX1487 Typical Half-Duplex RS-485 Network
Low-Power, Slew-Rate-Limited
RS-485/RS-422 Transceivers
14 Maxim Integrated
MAX481/MAX483/MAX485/
MAX487–MAX491/MAX1487
Figure 22. MAX488–MAX491 Full-Duplex RS-485 Network
120Ω120Ω
R
D
RO
RE
DE
DI
A
B
Y
120Ω120Ω
DI
DI DIRO RO
RO
DE DE
DE
RE
RE
RE
Z
Z
Z
Z
YY
Y
AA
A
BB
B
DD
D
RR
R
MAX488–MAX491
NOTE: RE AND DE ON MAX489/MAX491 ONLY.
Figure 23. Line Repeater for MAX488–MAX491
120Ω
120ΩDATA IN
DATA OUT
R
D
RO
RE
DE
DI
A
B
Z
Y
MAX488–MAX491
NOTE: RE AND DE ON MAX489/MAX491 ONLY.
Isolated RS-485
For isolated RS-485 applications, see the MAX253 and
MAX1480 data sheets.
Low-Power, Slew-Rate-Limited
RS-485/RS-422 Transceivers
Maxim Integrated 15
MAX481/MAX483/MAX485/
MAX487–MAX491/MAX1487
_______________Ordering Information
*
Contact factory for dice specifications.
14 CERDIP-55°C to +125°CMAX489MJD
14 SO-40°C to +85°CMAX489ESD
14 Plastic DIP-40°C to +85°CMAX489EPD
Dice*0°C to +70°CMAX489C/D
14 SO0°C to +70°CMAX489CSD
14 Plastic DIP0°C to +70°C
MMAAXX448899CPD
8 CERDIP-55°C to +125°CMAX488MJA
8 SO-40°C to +85°CMAX488ESA
8 Plastic DIP-40°C to +85°CMAX488EPA
Dice*0°C to +70°CMAX488C/D
8 SO0°C to +70°CMAX488CSA
8 Plastic DIP0°C to +70°C
MMAAXX448888CPA
8 CERDIP-55°C to +125°CMAX487MJA
8 SO-40°C to +85°CMAX487ESA
8 Plastic DIP-40°C to +85°CMAX487EPA
Dice*0°C to +70°CMAX487C/D
8 SO0°C to +70°CMAX487CSA
8 Plastic DIP0°C to +70°C
MMAAXX448877CPA
8 CERDIP-55°C to +125°CMAX485MJA
8 SO-40°C to +85°CMAX485ESA
8 Plastic DIP-40°C to +85°CMAX485EPA
Dice*0°C to +70°CMAX485C/D
8 SO0°C to +70°CMAX485CSA
8 Plastic DIP0°C to +70°C
MMAAXX448855CPA
8 CERDIP
-55°C to +125°CMAX483MJA
8 SO-40°C to +85°CMAX483ESA
8 Plastic DIP-40°C to +85°CMAX483EPA
8 CERDIP-55°C to +125°CMAX481MJA
8 Plastic DIP0°C to +70°C
MMAAXX448811CPA
PIN-PACKAGETEMP RANGEPART
14 CERDIP-55°C to +125°CMAX491MJD
14 SO-40°C to +85°CMAX491ESD
14 Plastic DIP-40°C to +85°CMAX491EPD
Dice*0°C to +70°CMAX491C/D
14 SO0°C to +70°CMAX491CSD
14 Plastic DIP0°C to +70°C
MMAAXX449911CPD
8 CERDIP-55°C to +125°CMAX490MJA
8 SO-40°C to +85°CMAX490ESA
8 Plastic DIP-40°C to +85°CMAX490EPA
Dice*0°C to +70°CMAX490C/D
8 Plastic DIP0°C to +70°C
MMAAXX449900CPA
PIN-PACKAGETEMP RANGEPART
8 SO-40°C to +85°CMAX481ESA
8 µMAX0°C to +70°CMAX485CUA
8 µMAX0°C to +70°CMAX487CUA
8 µMAX0°C to +70°CMAX488CUA
8 SO0°C to +70°CMAX490CSA
8 µMAX0°C to +70°CMAX490CUA
__Ordering Information (continued)
8 CERDIP-55°C to +125°CMAX1487MJA
8 SO-40°C to +85°CMAX1487ESA
8 Plastic DIP-40°C to +85°CMAX1487EPA
Dice*0°C to +70°CMAX1487C/D
8 SO0°C to +70°CMAX1487CSA
8 Plastic DIP0°C to +70°C
MMAAXX11448877CPA
8 µMAX0°C to +70°CMAX1487CUA
8 µMAX0°C to +70°CMAX483CUA
Dice*0°C to +70°CMAX483C/D
8 SO0°C to +70°CMAX483CSA
8 Plastic DIP0°C to +70°C
MMAAXX448833CPA
8 Plastic DIP-40°C to +85°CMAX481EPA
Dice*0°C to +70°CMAX481C/D
8 µMAX0°C to +70°CMAX481CUA
8 SO0°C to +70°CMAX481CSA
14 CERDIP-55°C to +125°CMAX491MSD/PR-T
14 CERDIP-55°C to +125°CMAX491MSD/PR
Low-Power, Slew-Rate-Limited
RS-485/RS-422 Transceivers
16 Maxim Integrated
MAX481/MAX483/MAX485/
MAX487–MAX491/MAX1487
Package Information
For the latest package outline information and land patterns, go to www.maximintegrated.com/packages. Note that a “+”, “#”, or “-”
in the package code indicates RoHS status only. Package drawings may show a different suffix character, but the drawing pertains
to the package regardless of RoHS status.
PACKAGE TYPE PACKAGE CODE OUTLINE NO. LAND PATTERN NO.
8 PDIP P8-1 21-0043 —
8 SO S8-2 21-0041 90-0096
8 MAX U8-1 21-0036 90-0092
8 CERDIP J8-2 21-0045 —
14 PDIP P14-3 21-0043 —
14 SO S14-1 21-0041 90-0112
14 CERDIP J14-3 21-0045 —
REVISION
NUMBER
REVISION
DATE DESCRIPTION PAGES
CHANGED
0 1/93 Initial release. —
9 9/09 Changed column name in Selection Table to “Number of Receivers on Bus.” 1
10 9/14 Added MAX491MSD/PR and MAX491MSD/PR-T to data sheet. Updated Absolute
Maximum Ratings.2, 15
Mouser Electronics
Authorized Distributor
Click to View Pricing, Inventory, Delivery & Lifecycle Information:
Maxim Integrated:
MAX1487CPA+ MAX1487CSA+ MAX481CPA+ MAX481CSA+ MAX481ESA+ MAX483CPA+ MAX483CSA+
MAX483ESA+ MAX485CPA+ MAX485CSA+ MAX485EPA+ MAX485ESA+ MAX487CPA+ MAX487CSA+
MAX487CUA+ MAX487EPA+ MAX487ESA+ MAX488CPA+ MAX488CSA+ MAX488CUA+ MAX488EPA+
MAX488ESA+ MAX489CPD+ MAX489CSD+ MAX489EPD+ MAX489ESD+ MAX490CPA+ MAX490CSA+
MAX490EPA+ MAX490ESA+ MAX491CPD+ MAX491CSD+ MAX491ESD+ MAX1487CSA+T MAX1487CUA+
MAX1487CUA+T MAX1487EPA+ MAX1487ESA+ MAX1487ESA+T MAX481CSA+T MAX481CUA+ MAX481CUA+T
MAX481EPA+ MAX481ESA+T MAX483CSA+T MAX483CUA+ MAX483CUA+T MAX483EPA+ MAX483ESA+T
MAX485CSA+T MAX485CUA+ MAX485CUA+T MAX485ESA+T MAX487CSA+T MAX487CUA+T MAX487ESA+T
MAX488CSA+T MAX488CUA+T MAX488ESA+T MAX489CSD+T MAX489ESD+T MAX490CSA+T MAX490CUA+
MAX490CUA+T MAX490ESA+T MAX491CSD+T MAX491EPD+ MAX491ESD+T MAX488ESA MAX488ESA-T
MAX490MJA MAX481MJA MAX483MJA MAX485MJA MAX487MJA MAX488MJA MAX489MJD MAX491MJD
MAX483MSA/PR MAX483MSA/PR-T MAX485MJA/883B MAX490ESA-T