SN65LBC173AD RS422/RS485 Receiver IC Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SN65LBC173AD is a 0/4 receiver interface IC designed for RS422 and RS485 serial communication protocols. Manufactured by Texas Instruments in a 16-SOIC surface mount package, this component operates across industrial temperature ranges (-40°C to 85°C) with a 50 Mbps data rate capability. The part is currently in Last Time Buy status, making equivalent and substitute parts essential for ongoing design support and production continuity. Identifying compatible alternatives ensures uninterrupted supply chain access while maintaining electrical and mechanical compatibility with existing designs.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	SN65LBC173AD
Manufacturer	Texas Instruments
Type	Receiver
Protocol	RS422, RS485
Number of Drivers/Receivers	0/4
Receiver Hysteresis	40 mV
Data Rate	50 Mbps
Voltage - Supply	4.75V ~ 5.25V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Package / Case	16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SN65LBC173AD is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Compatibility Criteria:

Protocol support: RS422 and RS485
Receiver configuration: 0/4 (zero drivers, four receivers)
Supply voltage range: 4.75V to 5.25V
Package type: 16-SOIC surface mount
Operating temperature range: Must support -40°C to 85°C minimum

Secondary Considerations:

Receiver hysteresis: 40 mV baseline (variations acceptable within functional limits)
Data rate: 50 Mbps baseline (equal or higher rates acceptable)
RoHS3 compliance and MSL rating for manufacturing compatibility

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on package dimensions and manufacturer:

Category 1: Texas Instruments Direct Substitutes (16-SOIC, 0.154" width)

SN65LBC173ADR: Same electrical specifications, different packaging format (Cut Tape & Digi-Reel vs. Tube)

Category 2: Analog Devices/Maxim Integrated Alternatives

LTC488 series (LTC488CSW#PBF, LTC488CSW#TRPBF, LTC488ISW#PBF, LTC488ISW#TRPBF): 16-SO package with 0.295" width; operating temperature variants available
MAX3095 series (MAX3095CSE+, MAX3095CSE+T, MAX3095ESE+, MAX3095ESE+T): 16-SOIC package with 0.154" width; temperature and packaging variants

All substitutes maintain RS422/RS485 protocol support, 0/4 receiver configuration, and 4.75V–5.25V supply voltage compatibility.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Protocol	Receivers	Hysteresis (mV)	Data Rate	Supply Voltage	Temp Range (°C)	Package	Width (mm)	Status
SN65LBC173AD	Texas Instruments	RS422, RS485	0/4	40	50 Mbps	4.75–5.25V	-40 to 85	16-SOIC	3.90	Last Time Buy
SN65LBC173ADR	Texas Instruments	RS422, RS485	0/4	40	50 Mbps	4.75–5.25V	-40 to 85	16-SOIC	3.90	Active
LTC488CSW#PBF	Analog Devices Inc.	RS422, RS485	0/4	60	—	4.75–5.25V	0 to 70	16-SO	7.50	Active
LTC488CSW#TRPBF	Analog Devices Inc.	RS422, RS485	0/4	60	—	4.75–5.25V	0 to 70	16-SO	7.50	Active
LTC488ISW#PBF	Analog Devices Inc.	RS422, RS485	0/4	60	—	4.75–5.25V	-40 to 85	16-SO	7.50	Active
LTC488ISW#TRPBF	Analog Devices Inc.	RS422, RS485	0/4	60	—	4.75–5.25V	-40 to 85	16-SO	7.50	Active
MAX3095CSE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS422, RS485	0/4	45	10 Mbps	4.75–5.25V	0 to 70	16-SOIC	3.90	Active
MAX3095CSE+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS422, RS485	0/4	45	10 Mbps	4.75–5.25V	0 to 70	16-SOIC	3.90	Active
MAX3095ESE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS422, RS485	0/4	45	10 Mbps	4.75–5.25V	-40 to 85	16-SOIC	3.90	Active
MAX3095ESE+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS422, RS485	0/4	45	10 Mbps	4.75–5.25V	-40 to 85	16-SOIC	3.90	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Replacement (Recommended for Immediate Substitution): SN65LBC173ADR is the primary substitute. Manufactured by Texas Instruments with identical electrical specifications and package dimensions, this part requires no circuit redesign. The only difference is packaging format (Cut Tape & Digi-Reel vs. Tube), which affects procurement and assembly handling but not electrical performance. Product status is Active with 2,600 units in stock.

Pin-Compatible Alternatives (Same Package Footprint): MAX3095 series parts (MAX3095CSE+, MAX3095CSE+T, MAX3095ESE+, MAX3095ESE+T) maintain the 16-SOIC 0.154" width package, enabling direct PCB footprint compatibility. These parts are manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated and carry Active product status. The MAX3095ESE+ and MAX3095ESE+T variants support the full -40°C to 85°C temperature range matching the original part. Data rate is specified at 10 Mbps (lower than the 50 Mbps baseline), and receiver hysteresis is 45 mV (compared to 40 mV). These differences are within acceptable functional margins for RS422/RS485 applications.

Package-Variant Alternatives (PCB Layout Modification Required): LTC488 series parts (LTC488CSW#PBF, LTC488CSW#TRPBF, LTC488ISW#PBF, LTC488ISW#TRPBF) from Analog Devices Inc. provide electrical compatibility but use a 16-SO package with 0.295" width, requiring PCB footprint adjustment. The LTC488ISW variants support -40°C to 85°C operation, matching the original temperature range. Receiver hysteresis is 60 mV and data rate is not specified. These parts are suitable only when PCB redesign is feasible.

Compliance and Certification: All substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 (Unlimited) rating, ensuring manufacturing process compatibility. All parts carry REACH Unaffected status.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SN65LBC173ADR be used as a direct drop-in replacement for SN65LBC173AD? A: Yes. SN65LBC173ADR is electrically and mechanically identical to SN65LBC173AD. The difference is packaging format (Cut Tape & Digi-Reel vs. Tube). No circuit modifications are required. Both parts use the same 16-SOIC 0.154" width package and support identical electrical specifications.

Q: What is the difference between the LTC488 and MAX3095 series substitutes? A: Both series maintain RS422/RS485 protocol support and 0/4 receiver configuration. LTC488 parts use a 16-SO package with 0.295" width (requires PCB redesign), while MAX3095 parts use 16-SOIC 0.154" width (pin-compatible footprint). MAX3095 parts specify 10 Mbps data rate versus the original 50 Mbps. LTC488 data rate is not specified. Temperature range variants are available in both series.

Q: Can I use MAX3095CSE+ in an application requiring -40°C to 85°C operation? A: No. MAX3095CSE+ is rated for 0°C to 70°C operation only. Use MAX3095ESE+ or MAX3095ESE+T for full -40°C to 85°C temperature range compatibility.

Q: Does the 10 Mbps data rate of MAX3095 parts affect compatibility with 50 Mbps applications? A: The MAX3095 series is rated for 10 Mbps operation. In applications requiring 50 Mbps data rates, this specification difference must be evaluated against actual system requirements. For lower-speed RS422/RS485 networks, MAX3095 parts are functionally compatible.

Q: What is the significance of receiver hysteresis differences (40 mV vs. 45 mV vs. 60 mV)? A: Receiver hysteresis affects noise immunity and signal transition characteristics. The original SN65LBC173AD specifies 40 mV. Substitute parts with 45 mV (MAX3095 series) or 60 mV (LTC488 series) provide equal or greater noise immunity, making them functionally compatible for standard RS422/RS485 applications.

Q: Are packaging format differences (Tube vs. Cut Tape & Digi-Reel vs. Tape & Reel) electrically significant? A: No. Packaging format affects procurement, storage, and assembly handling only. Electrical performance is identical. Choose based on manufacturing process requirements and inventory management practices.

Q: Can LTC488 parts be used without PCB modification? A: LTC488 parts use a 16-SO package with 0.295" width, while the original SN65LBC173AD uses 16-SOIC 0.154" width. PCB footprint modification is required. These parts are suitable only when circuit board redesign is feasible or planned.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS3 compliant? A: Yes. All listed substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 (Unlimited) rating, ensuring compatibility with modern manufacturing processes and environmental regulations.

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