RS-485/-422 Transmitters Tout Best-In-Class ESD Protection

The ISL329xE series 3.3V RS-485/RS-422 single transmitters provide ±16.5 kV of ESD protection, reportedly the best around. The devices come in small TDFN and SOT23 packages with both package types available in either industrial or extended industrial temperature ranges. In addition, data rate options are available to match the application speed. For low-speed applications, the family offers slew rate-limited versions at 250 Kb/s (ISL3293E and ISL3296E) and 500 Kb/s (ISL3294E and ISL3297E). The ISL3295E and ISL3298E operate up to 20 Mb/s for high-speed applications. Each device in the family specifies a maximum quiescent supply current of 150 µA and feature a Tx enable pin that places the IC in a low-power shutdown mode at 1 µA. Prices depend on the device and temperature range and start at $0.87 each/1,000. INTERSIL CORP., Milpitas, CA. (888) 352-6832.