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MAX481ESA Equivalent & Substitute Parts
Part Overview
The MAX481ESA is a half-duplex RS422/RS485 transceiver IC manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated in an 8-SOIC surface mount package. This part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for new designs and ongoing production requirements. The MAX481ESA provides single driver/receiver functionality with 2.5 Mbps data rate capability and operates across the industrial temperature range of -40°C to 85°C with a 4.75V to 5.25V supply voltage.
Substiute Parts
Key Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Part Number | MAX481ESA |
| Manufacturer | Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated |
| Type | Transceiver |
| Protocol | RS422, RS485 |
| Number of Drivers/Receivers | 1/1 |
| Duplex | Half |
| Receiver Hysteresis | 70 mV |
| Data Rate | 2.5 Mbps |
| Voltage - Supply | 4.75V ~ 5.25V |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C ~ 85°C |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Package / Case | 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width) |
| Product Status | Obsolete |
| RoHS Status | RoHS non-compliant |
Substitute Part Grouping Explanation
Substitution for the MAX481ESA is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:
- Protocol support: RS422 and RS485
- Driver/Receiver configuration: 1/1 (single driver, single receiver)
- Duplex mode: Half-duplex operation
- Receiver hysteresis: 70 mV
- Data rate capability: 2.5 Mbps minimum
- Supply voltage range: 4.75V to 5.25V
- Operating temperature range: -40°C to 85°C
- Package type: 8-SOIC form factor
- Mounting: Surface mount
Substitute parts are categorized into three groups: parametric equivalents (identical electrical specifications with active product status), direct equivalents (functionally compatible with minor package designation variations), and manufacturer-recommended alternatives (enhanced performance specifications while maintaining core compatibility).
Parameter Comparison
| Part Number | Manufacturer | Protocol | Drivers/Receivers | Duplex | Data Rate | Supply Voltage | Temp Range | Package | Product Status | RoHS Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAX481ESA | Analog Devices/Maxim | RS422, RS485 | 1/1 | Half | 2.5 Mbps | 4.75V ~ 5.25V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 8-SOIC | Obsolete | Non-compliant |
| MAX1487EESA+ | Analog Devices/Maxim | RS422, RS485 | 1/1 | Half | 2.5 Mbps | 4.75V ~ 5.25V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 8-SOIC | Active | ROHS3 Compliant |
| MAX1487ESA+ | Analog Devices/Maxim | RS422, RS485 | 1/1 | Half | 2.5 Mbps | 4.75V ~ 5.25V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 8-SOIC | Active | ROHS3 Compliant |
| MAX481EESA+ | Analog Devices/Maxim | RS422, RS485 | 1/1 | Half | 2.5 Mbps | 4.75V ~ 5.25V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 8-SOIC | Active | ROHS3 Compliant |
| MAX481ESA+ | Analog Devices/Maxim | RS422, RS485 | 1/1 | Half | 2.5 Mbps | 4.75V ~ 5.25V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 8-SOIC | Active | ROHS3 Compliant |
| MAX485EESA+ | Analog Devices/Maxim | RS422, RS485 | 1/1 | Half | 2.5 Mbps | 4.75V ~ 5.25V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 8-SOIC | Active | ROHS3 Compliant |
| MAX485ESA+ | Analog Devices/Maxim | RS422, RS485 | 1/1 | Half | 2.5 Mbps | 4.75V ~ 5.25V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 8-SOIC | Active | ROHS3 Compliant |
| LTC485IS8#PBF | Analog Devices | RS422, RS485 | 1/1 | Half | Not specified | 4.75V ~ 5.25V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 8-SO | Active | ROHS3 Compliant |
| LTC485IS8#TRPBF | Analog Devices | RS422, RS485 | 1/1 | Half | Not specified | 4.75V ~ 5.25V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 8-SO | Active | ROHS3 Compliant |
| ADM1485ARZ | Analog Devices | RS422, RS485 | 1/1 | Half | 30 Mbps | 4.75V ~ 5.25V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 8-SOIC | Active | ROHS3 Compliant |
| ADM1485ARZ-REEL | Analog Devices | RS422, RS485 | 1/1 | Half | 30 Mbps | 4.75V ~ 5.25V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 8-SOIC | Active | ROHS3 Compliant |
Engineering Selection Recommendations
For applications requiring direct replacement of the obsolete MAX481ESA, the parametric equivalents MAX481ESA+, MAX481EESA+, MAX485ESA+, and MAX485EESA+ provide identical electrical specifications with the advantage of active product status and ROHS3 compliance. These parts maintain the 2.5 Mbps data rate and are available in standard tube packaging.
The MAX1487EESA+ and MAX1487ESA+ variants offer the same core functionality with active status and RoHS compliance, providing additional supply chain flexibility.
For applications where enhanced performance is acceptable, the ADM1485ARZ and ADM1485ARZ-REEL are manufacturer-recommended alternatives offering 30 Mbps data rate capability while maintaining full backward compatibility with the MAX481ESA electrical interface and 8-SOIC package. These parts are actively produced and RoHS3 compliant.
The LTC485IS8#PBF and LTC485IS8#TRPBF are direct functional equivalents with 8-SO package designation. These parts maintain protocol, voltage, temperature, and duplex specifications but differ in package labeling and tape/reel availability options.
All recommended substitutes maintain the critical parameters of 1/1 driver/receiver configuration, half-duplex operation, 70 mV receiver hysteresis, 4.75V to 5.25V supply voltage range, and -40°C to 85°C operating temperature range.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can MAX481ESA+ be used as a direct replacement for MAX481ESA?
A: Yes. The MAX481ESA+ is a parametric equivalent with identical electrical specifications, including 2.5 Mbps data rate, 1/1 driver/receiver configuration, half-duplex RS422/RS485 operation, and 8-SOIC package. The primary difference is product status (active vs. obsolete) and RoHS3 compliance.
Q: What is the difference between MAX481ESA+ and MAX485ESA+?
A: Both parts are parametric equivalents with identical electrical specifications and package type. The difference lies in the base product number designation (MAX481 vs. MAX485 series). Both are suitable substitutes for the MAX481ESA.
Q: Can ADM1485ARZ replace MAX481ESA in existing designs?
A: Yes. The ADM1485ARZ maintains full compatibility with the MAX481ESA across all critical parameters: RS422/RS485 protocol, 1/1 driver/receiver, half-duplex operation, 70 mV hysteresis, 4.75V to 5.25V supply, -40°C to 85°C temperature range, and 8-SOIC package. The ADM1485ARZ offers enhanced 30 Mbps data rate capability, which does not affect backward compatibility.
Q: What is the difference between LTC485IS8#PBF and LTC485IS8#TRPBF?
A: Both parts are functionally identical. The primary difference is packaging format: LTC485IS8#PBF is supplied in tube packaging, while LTC485IS8#TRPBF is supplied in cut tape and Digi-Reel format. Both maintain the same electrical specifications and 8-SO package type.
Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?
A: All recommended substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant. The original MAX481ESA is RoHS non-compliant. If RoHS compliance is required for your application, select from the active substitute parts listed.
Q: Can I use MAX1487EESA+ instead of MAX481ESA?
A: Yes. The MAX1487EESA+ is a parametric equivalent with identical electrical specifications and 8-SOIC package. The base product number differs (MAX1487 vs. MAX481), but all functional parameters match the MAX481ESA requirements.
Q: What packaging options are available for substitutes?
A: Substitute parts are available in tube packaging (standard for production) and cut tape with Digi-Reel format (for automated assembly). The 8-SOIC package type is consistent across all parametric equivalents. The LTC485 variants use 8-SO package designation but maintain the same physical form factor.
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