Tx/Rx Switches Pack Clamping Diodes

To provide a layer of protection while trimming circuit size by about 50%, the MAX4936 and MAX4937 high-voltage, octal transmit/receive (tx/rx) switches integrate clamping diodes to isolate low-voltage receive paths from high-voltage transmit signals. This protects the receiver input from voltage spikes due to leakage currents. Shared features include eight programmable switches controlled via a SPI with a 12-bit shift register and transparent latch, a conventional diode topology with adjustable current biasing through the serial interface, and an operating temperature range from 0°C to +70°C. Available in 56-pin TQFN packages measuring 5 mm x 11 mm, prices start at $12 each/1,000. MAXIM INTEGRATED PRODUCTS, Sunnyvale, CA. (800) 998-8800.