SP486CT-L RS422/RS485 Driver IC Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SP486CT-L is a 4/0 Driver RS422/RS485 interface IC manufactured by MaxLinear, Inc., housed in a 16-SOIC package. This component is discontinued at DiGi Electronics but remains available through alternative sources with 1,416 pieces in current inventory. The discontinuation status necessitates identification of functionally equivalent substitute parts to maintain design continuity and ensure component availability for production and repair applications.

Key Parameters

Parameter	SP486CT-L
Manufacturer	MaxLinear, Inc.
Type	Driver
Protocol	RS422, RS485
Number of Drivers/Receivers	4/0
Data Rate	10 Mbps
Voltage - Supply	4.75V ~ 5.25V
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 70°C
Package / Case	16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
RoHS Status	RoHS Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	3 (168 Hours)
Product Status	Discontinued at DiGi Electronics

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the SP486CT-L are qualified based on the following critical parameters:

Protocol Compatibility: RS422/RS485 interface standard
Driver/Receiver Configuration: 4/0 driver-only topology
Package Compatibility: 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width) surface mount
Electrical Specifications: Supply voltage range 4.75V ~ 5.25V
Operating Temperature Range: Minimum 0°C ~ 70°C coverage
RoHS Compliance: Environmental regulatory alignment

The substitute parts listed below maintain functional equivalence across these parameters. Variations in operating temperature range, packaging format (Tube vs. Cut Tape), and moisture sensitivity level do not affect electrical substitutability but may impact storage and handling requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	SP486CT-L	LTC486CSW#PBF	LTC486CSW#TRPBF	LTC486ISW#PBF	LTC486ISW#TRPBF
Manufacturer	MaxLinear, Inc.	Analog Devices Inc.	Analog Devices Inc.	Analog Devices Inc.	Analog Devices Inc.
Type	Driver	Driver	Driver	Driver	Driver
Protocol	RS422, RS485	RS422, RS485	RS422, RS485	RS422, RS485	RS422, RS485
Number of Drivers/Receivers	4/0	4/0	4/0	4/0	4/0
Voltage - Supply	4.75V ~ 5.25V	4.75V ~ 5.25V	4.75V ~ 5.25V	4.75V ~ 5.25V	4.75V ~ 5.25V
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 70°C	0°C ~ 70°C	0°C ~ 70°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C
Package / Case	16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)	16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)	16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)	16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)	16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount	Surface Mount	Surface Mount	Surface Mount	Surface Mount
RoHS Status	RoHS Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	3 (168 Hours)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)
Product Status	Discontinued at DiGi Electronics	Active	Active	Active	Active
Packaging Format	-	Tube	Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel®	Tube	Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel®
Current Inventory	1,416 Pcs	2,000 Pcs	3,758 Pcs	1,480 Pcs	3,320 Pcs

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All listed substitute parts maintain active product status with Analog Devices Inc., ensuring long-term availability and supply chain stability compared to the discontinued SP486CT-L. The LTC486 series (base product number) provides direct functional equivalence across all critical electrical parameters.

For standard operating temperature applications (0°C ~ 70°C): LTC486CSW#PBF or LTC486CSW#TRPBF are suitable direct replacements. The primary distinction is packaging format: Tube packaging (LTC486CSW#PBF) is appropriate for lower-volume applications, while Cut Tape with Digi-Reel® (LTC486CSW#TRPBF) supports automated assembly processes.

For extended operating temperature applications (-40°C ~ 85°C): LTC486ISW#PBF or LTC486ISW#TRPBF provide expanded temperature range coverage. These variants are functionally equivalent to the commercial-grade LTC486C variants but qualified for industrial temperature specifications.

All substitute parts carry ROHS3 compliance, which exceeds the RoHS compliance of the original SP486CT-L. Moisture sensitivity levels for all Analog Devices substitutes (MSL 1, Unlimited) are superior to the original part (MSL 3, 168 Hours), reducing handling and storage constraints.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can LTC486ISW#PBF be used as a direct replacement for SP486CT-L in designs with 0°C ~ 70°C operating requirements?

A: Yes. The LTC486ISW#PBF operates within the 0°C ~ 70°C temperature range and exceeds this specification with -40°C ~ 85°C capability. All electrical parameters, package dimensions, and pin configurations are compatible.

Q: What is the difference between LTC486CSW#PBF and LTC486CSW#TRPBF?

A: Both parts are electrically identical. The difference is packaging format: LTC486CSW#PBF is supplied in Tube packaging for manual handling and lower-volume applications. LTC486CSW#TRPBF is supplied in Cut Tape with Digi-Reel® format, optimized for automated pick-and-place assembly equipment.

Q: Does the improved moisture sensitivity level (MSL 1 vs. MSL 3) affect circuit performance?

A: No. Moisture sensitivity level affects component storage and handling procedures, not electrical performance. MSL 1 (Unlimited) provides more flexible storage conditions compared to MSL 3 (168 Hours), reducing the risk of moisture-induced failures during inventory management.

Q: Are all substitute parts pin-compatible with SP486CT-L?

A: Yes. All substitute parts use the 16-SOIC package with identical pin assignments and electrical characteristics for RS422/RS485 driver functionality.

Q: Which substitute part offers the best inventory availability?

A: LTC486ISW#TRPBF currently has the highest inventory level at 3,320 pieces, followed by LTC486CSW#TRPBF at 3,758 pieces. Both are suitable for immediate procurement.

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