MAX488CPA Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX488CPA is a full-duplex RS422/RS485 transceiver manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated in an 8-DIP through-hole package. This component is classified as obsolete, which necessitates identification of equivalent and substitute parts for ongoing design support and procurement. The MAX488CPA operates at 250 kbps data rate with a 70 mV receiver hysteresis and is designed for industrial communication applications requiring reliable serial data transmission over twisted-pair cabling.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	MAX488CPA
Manufacturer	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS422, RS485
Number of Drivers/Receivers	1/1
Duplex	Full
Receiver Hysteresis	70 mV
Data Rate	250 kbps
Voltage - Supply	4.75V ~ 5.25V
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 70°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package / Case	8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
Product Status	Obsolete
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MAX488CPA is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Protocol compatibility: RS422/RS485 full-duplex operation
Electrical interface: 1/1 driver/receiver configuration
Package form factor: 8-DIP through-hole mounting
Receiver hysteresis: 70 mV (primary electrical characteristic)
Data rate capability: 250 kbps minimum
Supply voltage range: 4.75V ~ 5.25V (or compatible superset range)
Operating temperature range: 0°C ~ 70°C (or compatible superset range)

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: parametric equivalents (identical electrical and mechanical specifications) and manufacturer-recommended alternatives (functionally equivalent with extended operating ranges or improved compliance status).

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Protocol	Drivers/Receivers	Receiver Hysteresis	Data Rate	Supply Voltage	Operating Temperature	Package	Product Status	RoHS Status
MAX488CPA	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS422, RS485	1/1	70 mV	250 kbps	4.75V ~ 5.25V	0°C ~ 70°C	8-DIP	Obsolete	RoHS non-compliant
MAX488CPA+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS422, RS485	1/1	70 mV	250 kbps	4.75V ~ 5.25V	0°C ~ 70°C	8-DIP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX488ECPA+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS422, RS485	1/1	70 mV	250 kbps	4.75V ~ 5.25V	0°C ~ 70°C	8-DIP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM488ANZ	Analog Devices Inc.	RS422, RS485	1/1	70 mV	250 kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-DIP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
SN65LBC179P	Texas Instruments	RS422, RS485	1/1	45 mV	—	4.75V ~ 5.25V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-DIP	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant
SN75LBC179P	Texas Instruments	RS422, RS485	1/1	45 mV	—	4.75V ~ 5.25V	0°C ~ 70°C	8-DIP	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For direct replacement of MAX488CPA in active production designs, MAX488CPA+ or MAX488ECPA+ are the preferred selections. Both parts maintain identical electrical specifications and package form factor while offering active product status and ROHS3 compliance, eliminating obsolescence risk and regulatory concerns associated with the original part.

ADM488ANZ represents a manufacturer-recommended alternative from Analog Devices Inc. with extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C) and expanded supply voltage tolerance (4.5V ~ 5.5V). This part is suitable for applications requiring enhanced environmental performance while maintaining the core 70 mV receiver hysteresis specification.

SN65LBC179P and SN75LBC179P are Texas Instruments alternatives with identical protocol support and package form factor. Both parts feature 45 mV receiver hysteresis (lower than MAX488CPA) and are classified as obsolete. SN65LBC179P supports extended operating temperature (-40°C ~ 85°C), while SN75LBC179P maintains the original 0°C ~ 70°C range. These parts are suitable only when receiver hysteresis reduction is acceptable for the application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX488CPA+ be used as a direct drop-in replacement for MAX488CPA?

A: Yes. MAX488CPA+ is electrically and mechanically identical to MAX488CPA, differing only in product status (active vs. obsolete) and RoHS compliance (ROHS3 vs. non-compliant). No circuit modifications are required.

Q: What is the significance of the receiver hysteresis difference between MAX488CPA and SN65LBC179P?

A: Receiver hysteresis determines the voltage differential required to switch the receiver output state. MAX488CPA specifies 70 mV hysteresis, while SN65LBC179P specifies 45 mV. Lower hysteresis increases sensitivity to noise but may improve response time in low-noise environments. Application-specific signal integrity analysis is necessary to determine acceptability.

Q: Is ADM488ANZ suitable for designs with temperature extremes?

A: ADM488ANZ supports -40°C ~ 85°C operating temperature, compared to MAX488CPA's 0°C ~ 70°C range. This extended range makes ADM488ANZ suitable for industrial and automotive applications requiring wider temperature tolerance. The 70 mV receiver hysteresis remains unchanged.

Q: Why are SN65LBC179P and SN75LBC179P classified as obsolete?

A: Both Texas Instruments parts are listed as obsolete in current product catalogs. While inventory may be available through distributors, long-term procurement cannot be guaranteed. For new designs, active alternatives such as MAX488CPA+ or ADM488ANZ are recommended.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in 8-DIP through-hole packaging?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts are available in 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm) through-hole package form factor, ensuring mechanical compatibility with existing PCB layouts.

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