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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
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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