MAX481ECPA RS422/RS485 Half-Duplex Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX481ECPA is a half-duplex RS422/RS485 transceiver IC in 8-DIP packaging manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated. This part is classified as obsolete, with 10,100 units available in new original stock. The MAX481ECPA operates as a 1/1 driver/receiver configuration, supporting data rates up to 2.5 Mbps with a supply voltage range of 4.75V to 5.25V and operating temperature range of 0°C to 70°C. Due to its obsolete status, identifying equivalent and substitute parts ensures design continuity and supply chain reliability for applications requiring RS422/RS485 communication interfaces.

Substiute Parts

MAX481ECPA
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 10152MAX481ECPA Datasheet
MAX481ECPA
Current Part
MAX1487CPA+
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 2377MAX1487CPA+ Datasheet
MAX1487CPA+
Parametric Equivalent
MAX1487ECPA+
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 3364MAX1487ECPA+ Datasheet
MAX1487ECPA+
Parametric Equivalent
MAX481CPA+
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 4246MAX481CPA+ Datasheet
MAX481CPA+
Parametric Equivalent
MAX481ECPA+
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 4324MAX481ECPA+ Datasheet
MAX481ECPA+
Parametric Equivalent
MAX485CPA+
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 3256MAX485CPA+ Datasheet
MAX485CPA+
Parametric Equivalent
MAX485ECPA+
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 1276MAX485ECPA+ Datasheet
MAX485ECPA+
Parametric Equivalent
ADM1485ANZ
Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 1937ADM1485ANZ Datasheet
ADM1485ANZ
MFR Recommended
ADM1485JNZ
Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 1889ADM1485JNZ Datasheet
ADM1485JNZ
MFR Recommended
ADM485ANZ
Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 4114ADM485ANZ Datasheet
ADM485ANZ
MFR Recommended
ADM485JNZ
Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 6342ADM485JNZ Datasheet
ADM485JNZ
MFR Recommended
LT1785AIN8#PBF
Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 3639LT1785AIN8#PBF Datasheet
LT1785AIN8#PBF
MFR Recommended
LT1785CN8#PBF
Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 3458LT1785CN8#PBF Datasheet
LT1785CN8#PBF
MFR Recommended
LT1785IN8#PBF
Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 2307LT1785IN8#PBF Datasheet
LT1785IN8#PBF
MFR Recommended
LTC1481CN8#PBF
Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 926LTC1481CN8#PBF Datasheet
LTC1481CN8#PBF
MFR Recommended
LTC1481IN8#PBF
Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 5164LTC1481IN8#PBF Datasheet
LTC1481IN8#PBF
MFR Recommended
SN65LBC176AP
Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 17633SN65LBC176AP Datasheet
SN65LBC176AP
MFR Recommended
SN75LBC176AP
Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 6147SN75LBC176AP Datasheet
SN75LBC176AP
MFR Recommended

Key Parameters

Parameter Value
Manufacturer Part Number MAX481ECPA
Manufacturer Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
Type Transceiver
Protocol RS422, RS485
Number of Drivers/Receivers 1/1
Duplex Half
Data Rate 2.5 Mbps
Receiver Hysteresis 70 mV
Voltage - Supply 4.75V ~ 5.25V
Operating Temperature 0°C ~ 70°C
Mounting Type Through Hole
Package / Case 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
Supplier Device Package 8-PDIP
Product Status Obsolete
RoHS Status RoHS non-compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) 1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the MAX481ECPA are selected based on strict parameter matching across the following critical criteria:

Electrical Parameters (Must Match):

  • Protocol: RS422/RS485
  • Number of Drivers/Receivers: 1/1
  • Duplex Mode: Half
  • Receiver Hysteresis: 70 mV
  • Voltage Supply Range: 4.75V ~ 5.25V
  • Package / Case: 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
  • Supplier Device Package: 8-PDIP
  • Mounting Type: Through Hole

Allowable Variations:

  • Data Rate: Substitute parts may exceed 2.5 Mbps (higher data rates are backward compatible)
  • Operating Temperature: Substitute parts may have extended temperature ranges (wider ranges are acceptable)
  • Product Status: Active status parts are preferred over obsolete
  • RoHS Compliance: ROHS3 compliant parts are preferred for regulatory alignment

Substitutes are grouped into two categories: Parametric Equivalents (matching all core electrical parameters with identical base product families) and Manufacturer Recommended alternatives (from the same manufacturer with enhanced specifications).

Parameter Comparison

Part Number Manufacturer Protocol Drivers/Receivers Duplex Data Rate Supply Voltage Operating Temp Package Product Status RoHS Status
MAX481ECPA Analog Devices/Maxim RS422/RS485 1/1 Half 2.5 Mbps 4.75V ~ 5.25V 0°C ~ 70°C 8-DIP Obsolete RoHS non-compliant
MAX481CPA+ Analog Devices/Maxim RS422/RS485 1/1 Half 2.5 Mbps 4.75V ~ 5.25V 0°C ~ 70°C 8-DIP Active ROHS3 Compliant
MAX481ECPA+ Analog Devices/Maxim RS422/RS485 1/1 Half 2.5 Mbps 4.75V ~ 5.25V 0°C ~ 70°C 8-DIP Active ROHS3 Compliant
MAX485CPA+ Analog Devices/Maxim RS422/RS485 1/1 Half 2.5 Mbps 4.75V ~ 5.25V 0°C ~ 70°C 8-DIP Active ROHS3 Compliant
MAX485ECPA+ Analog Devices/Maxim RS422/RS485 1/1 Half 2.5 Mbps 4.75V ~ 5.25V 0°C ~ 70°C 8-DIP Active ROHS3 Compliant
MAX1487CPA+ Analog Devices/Maxim RS422/RS485 1/1 Half 2.5 Mbps 4.75V ~ 5.25V 0°C ~ 70°C 8-DIP Active ROHS3 Compliant
MAX1487ECPA+ Analog Devices/Maxim RS422/RS485 1/1 Half 2.5 Mbps 4.75V ~ 5.25V 0°C ~ 70°C 8-DIP Active ROHS3 Compliant
ADM1485ANZ Analog Devices RS422/RS485 1/1 Half 30 Mbps 4.75V ~ 5.25V -40°C ~ 85°C 8-DIP Active ROHS3 Compliant
ADM1485JNZ Analog Devices RS422/RS485 1/1 Half 30 Mbps 4.75V ~ 5.25V 0°C ~ 70°C 8-DIP Active ROHS3 Compliant
ADM485ANZ Analog Devices RS422/RS485 1/1 Half 5 Mbps 4.75V ~ 5.25V -40°C ~ 85°C 8-DIP Active ROHS3 Compliant
ADM485JNZ Analog Devices RS422/RS485 1/1 Half 5 Mbps 4.75V ~ 5.25V 0°C ~ 70°C 8-DIP Active ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Parametric Equivalents (Direct Substitutes):

MAX481CPA+, MAX481ECPA+, MAX485CPA+, MAX485ECPA+, MAX1487CPA+, and MAX1487ECPA+ are direct parametric equivalents to the MAX481ECPA. All maintain identical electrical specifications including 2.5 Mbps data rate, 1/1 driver/receiver configuration, half-duplex operation, and 8-DIP packaging. These parts are in active product status with ROHS3 compliance, making them suitable for new designs and obsolescence mitigation. The primary distinction among these equivalents is the base product number (MAX481, MAX485, or MAX1487 series), which reflects different internal design generations from Maxim Integrated, though all meet the same functional requirements.

Manufacturer Recommended Alternatives:

ADM1485ANZ and ADM1485JNZ offer enhanced performance with 30 Mbps data rate capability, exceeding the MAX481ECPA's 2.5 Mbps specification. These parts maintain full backward compatibility with RS422/RS485 protocols and identical 1/1 half-duplex configuration. ADM1485ANZ supports extended temperature range (-40°C to 85°C), while ADM1485JNZ maintains the standard 0°C to 70°C range. Both are ROHS3 compliant and in active production.

ADM485ANZ and ADM485JNZ provide alternative solutions with 5 Mbps data rate capability. ADM485ANZ includes extended temperature range (-40°C to 85°C), while ADM485JNZ operates within the standard 0°C to 70°C range. These parts are suitable for applications requiring moderate data rate performance with full RS422/RS485 protocol support.

Selection Criteria:

For direct replacement in existing designs, select MAX481CPA+, MAX481ECPA+, MAX485CPA+, or MAX485ECPA+ to maintain identical electrical performance and minimize design validation effort. For new designs or applications requiring enhanced performance, ADM1485ANZ or ADM1485JNZ provide higher data rate capability with extended temperature options. All recommended substitutes are ROHS3 compliant and in active production status, ensuring long-term supply availability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX481ECPA be directly replaced with MAX481CPA+ or MAX481ECPA+?

A: Yes. MAX481CPA+ and MAX481ECPA+ are parametric equivalents with identical electrical specifications: 2.5 Mbps data rate, 1/1 driver/receiver configuration, half-duplex RS422/RS485 operation, 4.75V to 5.25V supply voltage, and 8-DIP packaging. The primary difference is product status (active vs. obsolete) and RoHS compliance (ROHS3 vs. non-compliant). No design changes are required for direct substitution.

Q: What is the difference between MAX485 and MAX1487 series substitutes?

A: MAX485 and MAX1487 are different base product families from Maxim Integrated, representing different design generations. Both maintain identical electrical parameters for the MAX481ECPA substitution: 2.5 Mbps data rate, 1/1 configuration, half-duplex operation, and 8-DIP packaging. Selection between these families depends on design preference and availability; both are functionally equivalent for this application.

Q: Are ADM1485 parts backward compatible with MAX481ECPA?

A: Yes. ADM1485ANZ and ADM1485JNZ are backward compatible with MAX481ECPA. They maintain the same RS422/RS485 protocol support, 1/1 driver/receiver configuration, half-duplex operation, 4.75V to 5.25V supply voltage, and 8-DIP packaging. The enhanced 30 Mbps data rate is backward compatible with applications designed for 2.5 Mbps operation. Temperature range differences (ADM1485ANZ: -40°C to 85°C; ADM1485JNZ: 0°C to 70°C) should be evaluated based on application requirements.

Q: Can I use ADM485 series parts as substitutes for MAX481ECPA?

A: ADM485ANZ and ADM485JNZ are functionally compatible with MAX481ECPA for RS422/RS485 communication. Both maintain 1/1 driver/receiver configuration, half-duplex operation, 4.75V to 5.25V supply voltage, and 8-DIP packaging. The 5 Mbps data rate exceeds MAX481ECPA's 2.5 Mbps specification and is backward compatible. These parts are suitable for applications where the enhanced data rate capability is beneficial or where supply availability of higher-performance alternatives is preferred.

Q: What packaging considerations apply to these substitutes?

A: All substitute parts listed maintain identical 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm) through-hole packaging and 8-PDIP supplier device package specification. Pin-to-pin compatibility is maintained across all substitutes, allowing direct PCB socket replacement without layout modifications. Verify component lead spacing and PCB hole diameter specifications match 0.300" DIP standard dimensions.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: All substitute parts listed (MAX481CPA+, MAX481ECPA+, MAX485CPA+, MAX485ECPA+, MAX1487CPA+, MAX1487ECPA+, ADM1485ANZ, ADM1485JNZ, ADM485ANZ, ADM485JNZ) are ROHS3 compliant. The original MAX481ECPA is RoHS non-compliant. For applications requiring RoHS compliance, any of the listed substitutes satisfy regulatory requirements.

Q: What is the inventory status of substitute parts?

A: Inventory availability varies: MAX481CPA+ (4,200 units), MAX481ECPA+ (4,300 units), MAX485CPA+ (3,179 units), MAX485ECPA+ (1,199 units), MAX1487CPA+ (2,270 units), MAX1487ECPA+ (3,289 units), ADM1485ANZ (1,920 units), ADM1485JNZ (1,800 units), ADM485ANZ (4,049 units), ADM485JNZ (6,300 units). All parts are available as new original stock. Verify current availability with your supplier for production requirements.

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