MAX3485ESA-T RS422/RS485 Half-Duplex Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX3485ESA-T is a half-duplex RS422/RS485 transceiver manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated, housed in an 8-SOIC surface mount package. This component is classified as obsolete, though 961 pieces remain in new original stock. The part operates across a 3V to 3.6V supply range with a 10 Mbps data rate and supports industrial temperature ranges from -40°C to 85°C. Due to its obsolete status, identifying functionally equivalent active alternatives is essential for ongoing design support and production continuity.

Key Parameters

Parameter	MAX3485ESA-T
Manufacturer	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
Protocol	RS422, RS485
Duplex Configuration	Half
Number of Drivers/Receivers	1/1
Data Rate	10 Mbps
Receiver Hysteresis	50 mV
Supply Voltage	3V – 3.6V
Operating Temperature	-40°C to 85°C
Package/Case	8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
MSL Rating	1 (Unlimited)
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the MAX3485ESA-T is determined by strict alignment across the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Protocol: RS422/RS485 half-duplex configuration
Driver/Receiver Configuration: 1/1 topology
Package: 8-SOIC form factor (0.154", 3.90mm width)
Supply Voltage Range: 3V to 3.6V nominal operation
Operating Temperature: -40°C to 85°C
Mounting Type: Surface mount

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

Data Rate: 10 Mbps or higher (backward compatible)
Receiver Hysteresis: 50 mV nominal (±15 mV variance acceptable)
RoHS3 Compliance and MSL Level 1 rating

Substitutes are grouped into three categories: parametric equivalents (identical specifications, different packaging), direct manufacturer alternatives (active status, minor parameter variance), and manufacturer-recommended alternatives (functional equivalence with noted data rate or hysteresis differences).

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Product Status	Data Rate	Receiver Hysteresis	Supply Voltage	Package	Inventory
MAX3485ESA-T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Obsolete	10 Mbps	50 mV	3V – 3.6V	8-SOIC	961 Pcs
MAX3485ESA+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	10 Mbps	50 mV	3V – 3.6V	8-SOIC	55,354 Pcs
SN65HVD11DR	Texas Instruments	Active	10 Mbps	35 mV	3V – 3.6V	8-SOIC	20,100 Pcs
ADM3483ARZ	Analog Devices Inc.	Active	250 kbps	50 mV	3V – 3.6V	8-SOIC	12,900 Pcs
ADM3483ARZ-REEL7	Analog Devices Inc.	Active	250 kbps	50 mV	3V – 3.6V	8-SOIC	1,451 Pcs
ADM3483EARZ	Analog Devices Inc.	Active	250 kbps	50 mV	3V – 3.6V	8-SOIC	1,915 Pcs
ADM3483EARZ-REEL7	Analog Devices Inc.	Active	250 kbps	50 mV	3V – 3.6V	8-SOIC	21,898 Pcs
ADM3485ARZ	Analog Devices Inc.	Active	10 Mbps	50 mV	3V – 3.6V	8-SOIC	1,471 Pcs
ADM3485EARZ	UMW	Active	12 Mbps	30 mV	2.97V – 3.63V	8-SOIC	3,917 Pcs
ADM3486EARZ	Analog Devices Inc.	Active	2.5 Mbps	50 mV	3V – 3.6V	8-SOIC	2,200 Pcs
ADM3486EARZ-REEL7	Analog Devices Inc.	Active	2.5 Mbps	50 mV	3V – 3.6V	8-SOIC	5,400 Pcs

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Tier 1 – Direct Parametric Equivalent (Recommended for Drop-In Replacement)

MAX3485ESA+T is the primary substitute. It maintains identical electrical specifications (10 Mbps data rate, 50 mV hysteresis, 3V–3.6V supply) and package form factor as the obsolete MAX3485ESA-T. The only difference is product status (active vs. obsolete) and packaging format (Cut Tape & Digi-Reel vs. standard). With 55,354 pieces in stock, this part ensures design continuity without circuit modification. Both parts carry ROHS3 compliance and MSL Level 1 rating.

Tier 2 – Cross-Manufacturer Alternative (Active Status, Minor Parameter Variance)

SN65HVD11DR from Texas Instruments operates at identical 10 Mbps data rate and supply voltage (3V–3.6V) within the same 8-SOIC package. The receiver hysteresis is 35 mV versus the 50 mV specification of the original part. This 15 mV difference falls within acceptable tolerance for most RS485 applications. With 20,100 pieces available, this part provides robust supply chain diversity and active manufacturer support.

Tier 3 – Manufacturer-Recommended Alternatives (Functional Equivalence with Trade-offs)

ADM3485ARZ and ADM3485EARZ maintain the 10 Mbps data rate and 50 mV hysteresis of the original part, ensuring full electrical compatibility. Both are active Analog Devices products in 8-SOIC packages. ADM3485ARZ offers 1,471 pieces in tube packaging; ADM3485EARZ (UMW variant) provides 3,917 pieces with slightly enhanced data rate (12 Mbps) and tighter supply voltage tolerance (2.97V–3.63V).

Lower Data Rate Alternatives (Application-Dependent)

ADM3483 series parts (ARZ, EARZ, and reel variants) operate at 250 kbps, suitable only for applications not requiring the 10 Mbps capability of the original part. ADM3486 series parts operate at 2.5 Mbps, also representing reduced bandwidth. These alternatives are listed for completeness but should only be selected if application requirements permit lower data rates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX3485ESA+T directly replace MAX3485ESA-T without circuit modification?

A: Yes. MAX3485ESA+T is a parametric equivalent with identical electrical specifications, supply voltage range, operating temperature, and 8-SOIC package dimensions. The only difference is packaging format (Cut Tape & Digi-Reel vs. standard) and product status (active vs. obsolete). No PCB or firmware changes are required.

Q: What is the significance of the receiver hysteresis difference in SN65HVD11DR?

A: SN65HVD11DR specifies 35 mV receiver hysteresis compared to 50 mV in the MAX3485ESA-T. This 15 mV variance affects noise immunity margins but remains within acceptable tolerance for standard RS485 bus implementations. Applications with marginal signal integrity should prioritize parts with 50 mV hysteresis (MAX3485ESA+T or ADM3485 variants).

Q: Are ADM3483 and ADM3486 series parts suitable replacements?

A: ADM3483 and ADM3486 parts are not direct replacements due to reduced data rate specifications (250 kbps and 2.5 Mbps respectively, versus 10 Mbps for the original). These alternatives are only appropriate for applications with lower bandwidth requirements. Verify application data rate requirements before selection.

Q: What packaging options are available for substitute parts?

A: All listed substitutes maintain the 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm width) surface mount package. Packaging format variations include Tube, Cut Tape & Digi-Reel, and Tape & Reel configurations. These format differences do not affect electrical performance or PCB compatibility.

Q: Do all substitute parts meet RoHS3 and MSL Level 1 requirements?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts carry ROHS3 compliance and MSL Level 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity ratings, matching the environmental and regulatory compliance profile of the original MAX3485ESA-T.

Q: Which substitute offers the best supply chain availability?

A: MAX3485ESA+T provides the highest inventory level at 55,354 pieces, followed by ADM3483EARZ-REEL7 (21,898 pieces) and SN65HVD11DR (20,100 pieces). For immediate procurement needs, MAX3485ESA+T is the optimal choice.

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