Interface Transceivers Cut Board Space But Add Flexibility

Sept. 15, 2003

The LTC2847/LTC2845 interface transceivers form the smallest multiprotocol serial port for local-area network (LAN) and wide-area network (WAN) equipment with remote access ports. They come in 5- by 7-mm QFN packages and include integrated cable termination. Operating from a single 5-V supply but offering a separate logic supply input, the LTC2847 generates the necessary rails for all the supported protocols. Separate logic supplies on both parts allow them to interface with 3-V logic levels on most processors and FPGAs. The two-chip solution can be configured for RS-232, RS-449, EIA-530, EIA-530-A, V.35, V.36, and X.21 protocols. Data-termination-equipment (DTE) or data-communications-equipment (DCE) configurations of any of the protocols can be selected simply with three mode-selection pins. The LTC2847 incorporates three configurable drivers and receivers for the data and clock signals. Meanwhile, the LTC2845 contains five configurable drivers and receivers for the control signals, including the optional local loopback, remote loopback, and test mode signals. The two-chip set is priced at $17.90/set in quantities of 1000 units.

Linear Technology Corp.www.linear.com

About the Author

Dave Bursky

Technologist

Dave Bursky, the founder of New Ideas in Communications, a publication website featuring the blog column Chipnastics – the Art and Science of Chip Design. He is also president of PRN Engineering, a technical writing and market consulting company. Prior to these organizations, he spent about a dozen years as a contributing editor to Chip Design magazine. Concurrent with Chip Design, he was also the technical editorial manager at Maxim Integrated Products, and prior to Maxim, Dave spent over 35 years working as an engineer for the U.S. Army Electronics Command and an editor with Electronic Design Magazine.