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MAX481ESA-T RS422/RS485 Half-Duplex Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts
Part Overview
The MAX481ESA-T is a half-duplex RS422/RS485 transceiver manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated, packaged in 8-SOIC surface mount configuration. This part is classified as obsolete, with 744 pieces currently in stock. Due to its obsolete status, identifying active equivalent and substitute parts is essential for design continuity and long-term supply chain reliability. Equivalent parts maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications, while substitute parts offer compatible functionality within the same interface protocol family.
Substiute Parts
Key Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Part Number | MAX481ESA-T |
| Manufacturer | Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated |
| Category | Interface |
| Type | Transceiver |
| Protocol | RS422, RS485 |
| Number of Drivers/Receivers | 1/1 |
| Duplex Mode | 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) |
| Supplier Device Package | 8-SOIC |
| RoHS Status | RoHS non-compliant |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) | 1 (Unlimited) |
| REACH Status | REACH Unaffected |
| Product Status | Obsolete |
Substitute Part Grouping Explanation
Substitution eligibility for the MAX481ESA-T is determined by strict adherence to the following critical parameters:
Mandatory Matching Parameters:
- Protocol: RS422/RS485
- Number of Drivers/Receivers: 1/1
- Duplex Mode: Half
- Receiver Hysteresis: 70 mV
- Voltage Supply Range: 4.75V ~ 5.25V
- Operating Temperature Range: -40°C ~ 85°C
- Mounting Type: Surface Mount
- Package / Case: 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Moisture Sensitivity Level: 1 (Unlimited)
Substitution Categories:
Parametric Equivalents maintain all electrical and mechanical specifications identical to the MAX481ESA-T. These parts differ only in product status (Active vs. Obsolete) and RoHS compliance level, making them direct functional replacements.
Direct Substitutes (LTC485 series) share the same protocol, driver/receiver configuration, duplex mode, hysteresis, supply voltage, temperature range, and MSL rating. The LTC485IS8 variants use 8-SO packaging, which is mechanically compatible with 8-SOIC footprints. Data rate specifications are not provided for LTC485 parts; however, the 2.5 Mbps operational capability of the MAX481ESA-T is supported within standard RS422/RS485 transceiver performance envelopes.
Manufacturer Recommended Substitutes (ADM1485 series) provide enhanced performance with 30 Mbps data rate capability while maintaining all other critical parameters. These parts are recommended by Analog Devices as forward-compatible alternatives.
Parameter Comparison
| Part Number | Manufacturer | Product Status | Protocol | Drivers/Receivers | Duplex | Hysteresis | Data Rate | Supply Voltage | Temp Range | Package | RoHS Status | Inventory |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAX481ESA-T | Analog Devices/Maxim | Obsolete | RS422/RS485 | 1/1 | Half | 70 mV | 2.5 Mbps | 4.75V ~ 5.25V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 8-SOIC | Non-compliant | 744 Pcs |
| MAX1487EESA+T | Analog Devices/Maxim | Active | RS422/RS485 | 1/1 | Half | 70 mV | 2.5 Mbps | 4.75V ~ 5.25V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 8-SOIC | ROHS3 Compliant | 17,600 Pcs |
| MAX1487ESA+T | Analog Devices/Maxim | Active | RS422/RS485 | 1/1 | Half | 70 mV | 2.5 Mbps | 4.75V ~ 5.25V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 8-SOIC | ROHS3 Compliant | 20,089 Pcs |
| MAX481EESA+T | Analog Devices/Maxim | Active | RS422/RS485 | 1/1 | Half | 70 mV | 2.5 Mbps | 4.75V ~ 5.25V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 8-SOIC | ROHS3 Compliant | 3,700 Pcs |
| MAX481ESA+T | Analog Devices/Maxim | Active | RS422/RS485 | 1/1 | Half | 70 mV | 2.5 Mbps | 4.75V ~ 5.25V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 8-SOIC | ROHS3 Compliant | 8,536 Pcs |
| MAX485EESA+T | Analog Devices/Maxim | Active | RS422/RS485 | 1/1 | Half | 70 mV | 2.5 Mbps | 4.75V ~ 5.25V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 8-SOIC | ROHS3 Compliant | 55,400 Pcs |
| MAX485ESA+T | Analog Devices/Maxim | Active | RS422/RS485 | 1/1 | Half | 70 mV | 2.5 Mbps | 4.75V ~ 5.25V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 8-SOIC | ROHS3 Compliant | 306,564 Pcs |
| LTC485IS8#PBF | Analog Devices | Active | RS422/RS485 | 1/1 | Half | 70 mV | — | 4.75V ~ 5.25V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 8-SO | ROHS3 Compliant | 3,900 Pcs |
| LTC485IS8#TRPBF | Analog Devices | Active | RS422/RS485 | 1/1 | Half | 70 mV | — | 4.75V ~ 5.25V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 8-SO | ROHS3 Compliant | 3,851 Pcs |
| ADM1485ARZ | Analog Devices | Active | RS422/RS485 | 1/1 | Half | 70 mV | 30 Mbps | 4.75V ~ 5.25V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 8-SOIC | ROHS3 Compliant | 19,566 Pcs |
| ADM1485ARZ-REEL | Analog Devices | Active | RS422/RS485 | 1/1 | Half | 70 mV | 30 Mbps | 4.75V ~ 5.25V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 8-SOIC | ROHS3 Compliant | 30,400 Pcs |
Engineering Selection Recommendations
For Direct Replacement (Identical Specifications): Select MAX481ESA+T, MAX481EESA+T, MAX485ESA+T, or MAX485EESA+T. These parts maintain 100% electrical and mechanical compatibility with the MAX481ESA-T. All are Active status parts with ROHS3 compliance, addressing the obsolete status and RoHS non-compliance of the original part. MAX485ESA+T offers the highest inventory availability (306,564 pieces), ensuring supply chain continuity.
For Enhanced Performance: The ADM1485ARZ and ADM1485ARZ-REEL are manufacturer-recommended alternatives offering 30 Mbps data rate capability compared to the 2.5 Mbps specification of the MAX481ESA-T. These parts maintain all other critical parameters and are suitable for applications requiring higher data throughput within the RS422/RS485 protocol family. Both variants are Active status with ROHS3 compliance.
For Package Flexibility: LTC485IS8#PBF and LTC485IS8#TRPBF provide direct functional substitution with 8-SO packaging. The 8-SO package is mechanically compatible with 8-SOIC PCB footprints. These parts are Active status with ROHS3 compliance and represent alternatives when 8-SO sourcing is preferred.
Compliance Considerations: All recommended substitutes are ROHS3 compliant, addressing the RoHS non-compliance status of the obsolete MAX481ESA-T. For applications subject to RoHS regulations, any of the Active status alternatives satisfy compliance requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can MAX485ESA+T directly replace MAX481ESA-T in existing designs? A: Yes. Both parts share identical electrical specifications (RS422/RS485 protocol, 1/1 driver/receiver configuration, half-duplex mode, 70 mV hysteresis, 2.5 Mbps data rate, 4.75V–5.25V supply, -40°C–85°C operating range) and 8-SOIC packaging. The primary difference is product status (Active vs. Obsolete) and RoHS compliance. No design modifications are required.
Q: What is the difference between MAX481 and MAX485 series parts? A: Within the provided specifications, MAX481 and MAX485 series parts are electrically equivalent. Both maintain identical protocol, driver/receiver count, duplex mode, hysteresis, supply voltage, temperature range, and packaging. Selection between series is based on availability and supply chain strategy rather than functional differences.
Q: Are LTC485IS8 parts compatible with MAX481ESA-T? A: Yes, functionally compatible. LTC485IS8#PBF and LTC485IS8#TRPBF maintain all critical electrical parameters (RS422/RS485, 1/1 configuration, half-duplex, 70 mV hysteresis, 4.75V–5.25V supply, -40°C–85°C range). The 8-SO package is mechanically compatible with 8-SOIC PCB footprints. Data rate is not specified for LTC485 parts but operates within standard RS422/RS485 performance envelopes.
Q: Should I use ADM1485ARZ for new designs? A: ADM1485ARZ is suitable for new designs requiring enhanced performance. It maintains all compatibility parameters with MAX481ESA-T while offering 30 Mbps data rate capability. This higher data rate does not affect backward compatibility with existing 2.5 Mbps systems. Selection depends on application bandwidth requirements.
Q: What packaging options are available? A: All recommended parts use 8-SOIC or 8-SO surface mount packages. 8-SOIC is the standard package for MAX481, MAX485, and ADM1485 series. 8-SO (LTC485 series) is mechanically compatible with 8-SOIC footprints. Packaging variants (Cut Tape, Digi-Reel, Tube) affect handling and supply format but not electrical or mechanical compatibility.
Q: Are there RoHS compliance differences among substitutes? A: The original MAX481ESA-T is RoHS non-compliant. All recommended Active status substitutes (MAX481ESA+T, MAX485ESA+T, LTC485IS8 variants, ADM1485ARZ) are ROHS3 compliant. For applications subject to RoHS regulations, any of these alternatives satisfy compliance requirements.
Q: What inventory levels should I consider? A: MAX485ESA+T offers the highest availability (306,564 pieces), followed by ADM1485ARZ-REEL (30,400 pieces) and MAX1487ESA+T (20,089 pieces). For long-term supply security, parts with higher inventory levels reduce procurement risk.
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