Maxim Delivers Tiny Half-Duplex RS-485 Transceivers

Heralded as the industry's smallest, the MAX13485E and MAX13486E half-duplex RS-485 transceivers emerge in 8-pin microDFN or SO packages measuring 2 mm x 2 mm. Both devices integrate ESD protection, fail-safe circuitry, and feature hot-swap capabilities. The MAX13485E offers ±15kV ESD protection via the IEC 61000-4-2 air-gap discharge method, and both transceivers provide ±15kV ESD protection using the human body model. The MAX13485E employs slew-rate-limited drivers that reduce EMI and ensure operation in noisy environments and error-free transmissions at speeds up to 500 kb/s. The MAX13486E delivers data rates up to 16 Mb/s. Additionally, both devices provide a 0.25-unit load receiver input impedance, allowing up to 128 transceivers on the bus. Pricing starts at $1.25 each/1,000. MAXIM INTEGRATED PRODUCTS, Sunnyvale, CA. (800) 998-8800.