MAX488CSA RS422/RS485 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX488CSA is a 1/1 full-duplex RS422/RS485 transceiver manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated in 8-SOIC surface mount packaging. This part is classified as obsolete, with 14,662 units currently in stock. Due to its obsolete status, identifying functionally equivalent active alternatives is essential for new designs and long-term supply chain planning. Substitute parts must maintain identical electrical specifications and mechanical compatibility to ensure direct replacement capability.

Key Parameters

Parameter	MAX488CSA
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	Surface Mount
Package / Case	8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MAX488CSA is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Protocol compatibility: RS422/RS485 full-duplex operation
Driver/Receiver configuration: 1/1 topology
Receiver hysteresis: 70 mV specification
Data rate: 250 kbps minimum capability
Supply voltage range: Must encompass or match 4.75V ~ 5.25V
Operating temperature range: Must support 0°C ~ 70°C minimum
Package: 8-SOIC form factor with 0.154" (3.90mm) width
Mounting type: Surface mount only

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

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Protocol	Drivers/Receivers	Receiver Hysteresis	Data Rate	Supply Voltage	Operating Temp	Package	Product Status	RoHS Status
MAX488CSA	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim	RS422, RS485	1/1	70 mV	250 kbps	4.75V ~ 5.25V	0°C ~ 70°C	8-SOIC	Obsolete	Non-compliant
MAX488CSA+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim	RS422, RS485	1/1	70 mV	250 kbps	4.75V ~ 5.25V	0°C ~ 70°C	8-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX488ECSA+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim	RS422, RS485	1/1	70 mV	250 kbps	4.75V ~ 5.25V	0°C ~ 70°C	8-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM488ABRZ	Analog Devices Inc.	RS422, RS485	1/1	70 mV	250 kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM488ABRZ-REEL7	Analog Devices Inc.	RS422, RS485	1/1	70 mV	250 kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM488ARZ-REEL	Analog Devices Inc.	RS422, RS485	1/1	70 mV	250 kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM488ARZ-REEL7	Analog Devices Inc.	RS422, RS485	1/1	70 mV	250 kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
DS8921M/NOPB	Texas Instruments	RS422, RS485	1/1	70 mV	Not specified	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	8-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ISL8488EIBZA	Renesas Electronics	RS422, RS485	1/1	70 mV	250 kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ISL8488EIBZA-T	Renesas Electronics	RS422, RS485	1/1	70 mV	250 kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
LTC2863CS8-1#PBF	Analog Devices Inc.	RS422, RS485	1/1	150 mV	20 Mbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	8-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Parametric Equivalents (Direct Replacement):

MAX488CSA+ and MAX488ECSA+ are parametric equivalents with identical electrical specifications to the MAX488CSA. Both parts are active products with ROHS3 compliance, addressing the obsolescence and regulatory compliance limitations of the original part. These are the primary candidates for direct substitution in existing designs.

Manufacturer-Recommended Alternatives (Enhanced Specifications):

The ADM488 series (ADM488ABRZ, ADM488ABRZ-REEL7, ADM488ARZ-REEL, ADM488ARZ-REEL7) and ISL8488 series (ISL8488EIBZA, ISL8488EIBZA-T) offer extended operating temperature ranges (-40°C to 85°C) and wider supply voltage tolerance (4.5V ~ 5.5V) compared to the MAX488CSA. These parts maintain the 70 mV receiver hysteresis and 250 kbps data rate specifications. All are active products with ROHS3 compliance and represent suitable alternatives for applications requiring enhanced environmental performance.

Cross-Manufacturer Alternative:

DS8921M/NOPB from Texas Instruments maintains protocol, driver/receiver configuration, hysteresis, and package compatibility. Operating temperature range matches the original specification (0°C ~ 70°C). This part is active and ROHS3 compliant.

Enhanced Performance Alternative:

LTC2863CS8-1#PBF from Analog Devices Inc. provides significantly higher data rate capability (20 Mbps versus 250 kbps) and wider supply voltage range (3V ~ 5.5V). Receiver hysteresis is specified at 150 mV, which differs from the 70 mV specification. This part is suitable only for applications where the higher hysteresis specification is acceptable and the enhanced data rate capability is beneficial.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX488CSA+ be used as a direct replacement for MAX488CSA?

A: Yes. MAX488CSA+ is a parametric equivalent with identical electrical specifications: 1/1 full-duplex RS422/RS485 transceiver, 70 mV receiver hysteresis, 250 kbps data rate, 4.75V ~ 5.25V supply voltage, and 0°C ~ 70°C operating temperature. The primary difference is product status (active versus obsolete) and RoHS compliance (ROHS3 compliant). Pin-to-pin compatibility and package dimensions are identical.

Q: What is the difference between ADM488ABRZ and ADM488ARZ-REEL variants?

A: Both ADM488ABRZ and ADM488ARZ-REEL variants maintain identical electrical specifications. The differences are packaging format: ADM488ABRZ is supplied in Tube packaging, while ADM488ARZ-REEL and ADM488ARZ-REEL7 are supplied in Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel® format. ADM488ABRZ-REEL7 is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) format. All variants are electrically identical and suitable for the same applications.

Q: Why does LTC2863CS8-1#PBF have different receiver hysteresis (150 mV versus 70 mV)?

A: LTC2863CS8-1#PBF is a higher-performance transceiver with enhanced specifications. The 150 mV receiver hysteresis specification differs from the MAX488CSA's 70 mV. This part is suitable only for applications where the higher hysteresis specification does not create compatibility issues with connected devices. The 20 Mbps data rate capability significantly exceeds the 250 kbps specification of the original part.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: All substitute parts listed are ROHS3 compliant. The original MAX488CSA is RoHS non-compliant. This compliance difference is significant for applications subject to RoHS regulations.

Q: Can I use ISL8488EIBZA in place of MAX488CSA in a 0°C ~ 70°C operating environment?

A: Yes. ISL8488EIBZA operates across -40°C ~ 85°C, which encompasses the 0°C ~ 70°C requirement of the MAX488CSA. All other electrical specifications (1/1 full-duplex RS422/RS485, 70 mV hysteresis, 250 kbps data rate) and package dimensions are compatible. The extended temperature range provides additional operational margin.

Q: What is the difference between ISL8488EIBZA and ISL8488EIBZA-T?

A: Both parts are electrically identical. ISL8488EIBZA is supplied in Tube packaging, while ISL8488EIBZA-T is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) format. Packaging format does not affect electrical performance or pin compatibility.

Q: Is DS8921M/NOPB a suitable substitute if data rate specification is not explicitly required?

A: DS8921M/NOPB maintains protocol, driver/receiver configuration, receiver hysteresis (70 mV), and package compatibility with the MAX488CSA. Data rate is not specified for this part. It is suitable for applications where data rate specification is not a critical design parameter. Operating temperature range (0°C ~ 70°C) and supply voltage range (4.5V ~ 5.5V) are compatible.

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