Linear Technology Corporation has introduced the LTC2872 multiprotocol transceiver with switchable integrated termination for 3.3V and 5V systems. RS485 systems require a termination resistor on the ends of the communication bus to minimize signal reflections. The LTC2872 integrates pin-controlled termination resistors for easy interface reconfiguration, eliminating external resistors and control relays. The termination resistors, when enabled, are automatically switched in or out to match the transceiver's protocol selection of RS232 or RS485.
The device also features high ESD protection: ±16kV HBM on the transceiver bus pins, when powered off or operating. The LTC2872 can be configured as four RS232 single-ended transceivers or two RS485 differential transceivers, or combinations of both, on shared I/O lines, reducing component count for multiprotocol networks, offering on-the-fly configurability.
The LTC2872 is suitable for a wide range of applications, including software-selectable multiprotocol interface ports, point-of-sale terminals, security cameras, cable repeaters and protocol translators. An optional 1.7V to 5.5V logic supply enables convenient digital interfacing, and an integrated DC/DC boost converter eliminates the need for multiple supplies to drive RS232 levels. Drivers and receivers are independently disabled, leaving them in a high impedance state, consuming only 9µA in a low power shutdown mode. Aside from automatic termination selection, the LTC2872 provide half- and full-duplex RS485 switching and a logic loopback mode that steers the driver inputs to the receiver outputs for diagnostic self-test and debug.
Other protective measures include high ESD of ±4kV or better on all pins, thermal shutdown protection and a full failsafe RS485 receiver for floating, shorted or terminated inputs that eliminates the need for external network biasing resistors and UART lockup. The LTC2872 is available in 38-pin 5mm x 7mm QFN package and is available today in production quantities. Pricing starts at $6.45 each in 1,000 piece quantities.
