MAX487ESA RS422/RS485 Half-Duplex Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX487ESA 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, with 5200 units available in new original stock. The MAX487ESA operates at 250 kbps data rate with a 70 mV receiver hysteresis and supports supply voltages from 4.75V to 5.25V across an operating temperature range of -40°C to 85°C. Due to its obsolete status and RoHS non-compliance, identifying active equivalent and substitute parts is essential for new designs and ongoing production requirements.

Key Parameters

Parameter	MAX487ESA
Type	Transceiver Half-Duplex
Protocol	RS422, RS485
Number of Drivers/Receivers	1/1
Data Rate	250 kbps
Receiver Hysteresis	70 mV
Supply Voltage	4.75V ~ 5.25V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C
Package / Case	8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Product Status	Obsolete
RoHS Status	RoHS Non-Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MAX487ESA is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Protocol compatibility: RS422/RS485 half-duplex operation
Electrical configuration: 1 driver / 1 receiver
Receiver hysteresis: 70 mV
Supply voltage range: 4.75V ~ 5.25V
Package type: 8-SOIC surface mount
Mechanical dimensions: 0.154" width, 3.90mm width
Moisture sensitivity level: 1 (Unlimited)

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Parametric Equivalents (MAX483/MAX487 Series): Parts that maintain identical electrical specifications and package form factor. These include MAX483EESA+, MAX483ESA+, MAX487EESA+, and MAX487ESA+. All parametric equivalents are active products with RoHS3 compliance, addressing the obsolescence and compliance limitations of the original MAX487ESA.

Manufacturer Recommended Alternatives (ADM1485/ADM1486 Series): Parts that maintain core RS422/RS485 half-duplex functionality, 1/1 driver/receiver configuration, 70 mV receiver hysteresis, and 8-SOIC packaging. The ADM1485 and ADM1486 series operate at higher data rates (30 Mbps) and are available in multiple packaging options (Tube, Cut Tape, Digi-Reel). Temperature-rated variants (ARZ for -40°C ~ 85°C, JRZ for 0°C ~ 70°C) accommodate different application requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Product Status	Protocol	Data Rate	Supply Voltage	Operating Temp	Package	RoHS Status	Inventory
MAX487ESA	Analog Devices/Maxim	Obsolete	RS422, RS485	250 kbps	4.75V ~ 5.25V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Non-Compliant	5200
MAX483EESA+	Analog Devices/Maxim	Active	RS422, RS485	250 kbps	4.75V ~ 5.25V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	ROHS3 Compliant	5400
MAX483ESA+	Analog Devices/Maxim	Active	RS422, RS485	250 kbps	4.75V ~ 5.25V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	ROHS3 Compliant	20100
MAX487EESA+	Analog Devices/Maxim	Active	RS422, RS485	250 kbps	4.75V ~ 5.25V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	ROHS3 Compliant	1415
MAX487ESA+	Analog Devices/Maxim	Active	RS422, RS485	250 kbps	4.75V ~ 5.25V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	ROHS3 Compliant	3200
ADM1485ARZ	Analog Devices	Active	RS422, RS485	30 Mbps	4.75V ~ 5.25V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	ROHS3 Compliant	19566
ADM1485ARZ-REEL	Analog Devices	Active	RS422, RS485	30 Mbps	4.75V ~ 5.25V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	ROHS3 Compliant	30400
ADM1485ARZ-REEL7	Analog Devices	Active	RS422, RS485	30 Mbps	4.75V ~ 5.25V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	ROHS3 Compliant	15100
ADM1485JRZ	Analog Devices	Active	RS422, RS485	30 Mbps	4.75V ~ 5.25V	0°C ~ 70°C	8-SOIC	ROHS3 Compliant	16500
ADM1485JRZ-REEL	Analog Devices	Active	RS422, RS485	30 Mbps	4.75V ~ 5.25V	0°C ~ 70°C	8-SOIC	ROHS3 Compliant	19479
ADM1486ARZ	Analog Devices	Active	RS422, RS485	30 Mbps	4.75V ~ 5.25V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	ROHS3 Compliant	9798

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For applications currently using the obsolete MAX487ESA, the following selection criteria apply:

Direct Parametric Replacement: MAX483ESA+ and MAX487ESA+ are the preferred direct replacements. Both maintain identical electrical specifications (250 kbps data rate, 70 mV hysteresis, -40°C to 85°C operation) and 8-SOIC packaging. These parts are active products with ROHS3 compliance and high inventory availability (20100 and 3200 units respectively). No circuit modifications are required for these substitutions.

Extended Temperature Range Requirement: If the application requires the full -40°C to 85°C operating range with higher data rate capability, ADM1485ARZ, ADM1485ARZ-REEL, ADM1485ARZ-REEL7, and ADM1486ARZ are suitable. These parts operate at 30 Mbps, maintain identical supply voltage and package specifications, and are ROHS3 compliant. Inventory availability is substantial across all variants.

Commercial Temperature Range: ADM1485JRZ and ADM1485JRZ-REEL are applicable for applications with 0°C to 70°C operating requirements. These parts offer 30 Mbps data rate capability and are available in both Tube and Cut Tape/Digi-Reel packaging options.

Packaging Consideration: All substitute parts use the 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width) surface mount package, ensuring mechanical compatibility with existing PCB layouts. Packaging variants (Tube, Cut Tape, Digi-Reel) do not affect electrical performance and are selected based on procurement and assembly requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX483ESA+ directly replace MAX487ESA without circuit modifications?

A: Yes. MAX483ESA+ maintains identical electrical specifications including 250 kbps data rate, 70 mV receiver hysteresis, 4.75V to 5.25V supply voltage, and -40°C to 85°C operating temperature. The 8-SOIC package is mechanically identical. No circuit changes are required.

Q: What is the primary difference between MAX487ESA and ADM1485ARZ?

A: The ADM1485ARZ operates at 30 Mbps data rate compared to the MAX487ESA's 250 kbps. Both maintain identical supply voltage (4.75V ~ 5.25V), receiver hysteresis (70 mV), and 8-SOIC packaging. The higher data rate of ADM1485ARZ provides additional performance margin for applications that do not require the full 30 Mbps capability.

Q: Are there temperature-rated variants available?

A: Yes. ADM1485ARZ and ADM1486ARZ are rated for -40°C to 85°C operation, matching the MAX487ESA temperature range. ADM1485JRZ is rated for 0°C to 70°C commercial temperature range. Selection depends on application environmental requirements.

Q: What packaging options are available for the ADM1485 series?

A: ADM1485ARZ is supplied in Tube packaging. ADM1485ARZ-REEL and ADM1485ARZ-REEL7 are supplied in Cut Tape (CT) and Digi-Reel packaging. All variants maintain identical electrical specifications and 8-SOIC package form factor. Packaging selection is based on procurement volume and assembly process requirements.

Q: Is RoHS compliance a factor in selecting a substitute?

A: Yes. The original MAX487ESA is RoHS non-compliant. All substitute parts listed (MAX483 series, MAX487 series with "+" suffix, and ADM1485/ADM1486 series) are ROHS3 compliant, meeting current regulatory requirements for new designs and production.

Q: Can ADM1485JRZ be used in applications requiring -40°C to 85°C operation?

A: No. ADM1485JRZ is rated for 0°C to 70°C operation only. For full -40°C to 85°C temperature range, use ADM1485ARZ, ADM1485ARZ-REEL, ADM1485ARZ-REEL7, or ADM1486ARZ.

Q: Are all substitute parts pin-compatible with MAX487ESA?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts use the 8-SOIC package with identical pin configuration and electrical interface. Direct PCB substitution is possible without layout modifications.

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