SN75LBC173AD RS422/RS485 Receiver IC Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SN75LBC173AD is a 0/4 receiver interface IC designed for RS422 and RS485 serial communication protocols. Manufactured by Texas Instruments, this 16-SOIC surface mount component operates within a 4.75V to 5.25V supply voltage range and supports data rates up to 50 Mbps. The device is classified as Last Time Buy, indicating end-of-life status. Identifying equivalent and substitute parts is essential for design continuity, long-term availability, and supply chain resilience when the primary part reaches obsolescence.

Substiute Parts

SN75LBC173AD

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 1915SN75LBC173AD Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SN65LBC173ADR

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 2646SN65LBC173ADR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX3095CSE+

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 2131MAX3095CSE+ Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX3095CSE+T

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 15144MAX3095CSE+T Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX3095ESE+

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 100124MAX3095ESE+ Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX3095ESE+T

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 3872MAX3095ESE+T Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SN75LBC173AD is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Compatibility Criteria:

• Protocol support: RS422 and RS485
• Receiver configuration: 0/4 (4 receivers, 0 drivers)
• Package type: 16-SOIC form factor
• Supply voltage range: 4.75V to 5.25V
• Mounting type: Surface mount

Secondary Compatibility Considerations:

• Receiver hysteresis: 40 mV (SN75LBC173AD) to 45 mV (MAX3095 series) — acceptable variance for RS422/RS485 applications
• Data rate: 50 Mbps (SN75LBC173AD) versus 10 Mbps (MAX3095 series) — substitutes operate at lower maximum rates but remain compatible with standard RS422/RS485 communication speeds
• Operating temperature range: Extended temperature variants (-40°C to 85°C) provide broader environmental coverage compared to the standard range (0°C to 70°C)

All identified substitute parts meet the core electrical and mechanical requirements for direct functional replacement in RS422/RS485 receiver applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: SN65LBC173ADR

The SN65LBC173ADR is the manufacturer-recommended substitute from Texas Instruments. This part maintains identical electrical specifications to the SN75LBC173AD (40 mV hysteresis, 50 Mbps data rate, 4.75V to 5.25V supply) while offering an extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C). The part is in Active product status with higher inventory availability (2600 units) and is supplied in Cut Tape and Digi-Reel packaging. This option provides the most direct replacement path with no design modifications required.

Secondary Recommendation: MAX3095 Series (Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated)

The MAX3095 family comprises four compatible variants: MAX3095CSE+, MAX3095CSE+T, MAX3095ESE+, and MAX3095ESE+T. All variants maintain RS422/RS485 protocol support, 0/4 receiver/driver configuration, and 16-SOIC packaging. These parts operate at 10 Mbps maximum data rate (lower than the primary part's 50 Mbps specification) but remain fully compatible with standard RS422/RS485 communication implementations. The MAX3095 series offers:

• Extended temperature variants (MAX3095ESE+ and MAX3095ESE+T) rated for -40°C to 85°C operation
• Standard temperature variants (MAX3095CSE+ and MAX3095CSE+T) rated for 0°C to 70°C operation
• Packaging options in both Tube and Cut Tape formats
• All parts maintain Active product status with substantial inventory availability

Selection between MAX3095 variants depends on packaging preference (Tube versus Cut Tape) and temperature range requirements. The ESE+ variants provide extended temperature coverage; the CSE+ variants match the original operating range.

Compliance and Certification:

All substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH Unaffected status, consistent with the original SN75LBC173AD specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the SN65LBC173ADR directly replace the SN75LBC173AD without PCB modifications?

A: Yes. The SN65LBC173ADR is pin-compatible and electrically equivalent to the SN75LBC173AD. Both parts use the 16-SOIC package with identical pinout. No PCB layout changes are required. The primary difference is the extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C versus 0°C to 70°C) and Active product status, making it suitable for immediate design transition.

Q: What is the functional difference between the SN75LBC173AD and MAX3095 series substitutes?

A: Both part families function as RS422/RS485 receiver ICs with 0/4 configuration (4 receivers, no drivers). The primary electrical difference is the maximum data rate specification: SN75LBC173AD supports 50 Mbps, while MAX3095 variants support 10 Mbps. For most industrial and commercial RS422/RS485 applications operating at standard baud rates (up to 115.2 kbps or higher), this difference is not functionally limiting. Receiver hysteresis differs slightly (40 mV versus 45 mV), which remains within acceptable noise immunity margins for RS422/RS485 signaling.

Q: Which MAX3095 variant should I select?

A: Selection depends on two factors: packaging format and operating temperature requirements. For standard temperature operation (0°C to 70°C), choose MAX3095CSE+ (Tube packaging) or MAX3095CSE+T (Cut Tape packaging). For extended temperature operation (-40°C to 85°C), choose MAX3095ESE+ (Tube packaging) or MAX3095ESE+T (Cut Tape packaging). Tube packaging is suitable for manual assembly and lower-volume applications; Cut Tape packaging is optimized for automated pick-and-place assembly.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. The SN65LBC173ADR and all MAX3095 variants are ROHS3 compliant and REACH Unaffected, matching the compliance status of the original SN75LBC173AD.

Q: What inventory considerations should guide my selection?

A: The SN65LBC173ADR offers 2600 units in stock. Among MAX3095 variants, MAX3095ESE+ provides the highest inventory (100,098 units), followed by MAX3095CSE+T (15,100 units), MAX3095ESE+T (3,780 units), and MAX3095CSE+ (2,100 units). For long-term supply security, MAX3095ESE+ represents the most available option.

Q: Can I use MAX3095 parts in applications requiring 50 Mbps data rates?

A: The MAX3095 series is specified for 10 Mbps maximum data rate. While the devices may function at higher rates in specific circuit configurations, operation beyond the specified maximum data rate is not guaranteed and falls outside the manufacturer's rated performance envelope. For applications requiring 50 Mbps operation, the SN65LBC173ADR is the appropriate substitute, as it maintains the original 50 Mbps specification.