MAX488EPA

MAX488EPA is a Maxim Integrated RS-485/RS-422 transceiver. It provides a single differential bus driver/receiver pair for 2-wire, half‑duplex RS-485 networks. Operates from a 5 V supply with low power consumption and uses 1/8 unit‑load, enabling more nodes on a bus. It includes a DE (driver enable) and RE (receiver enable) for easy direction control and a fail‑safe receiver that guarantees a defined RO level when the bus is idle or open. The device offers bus-pin protection and is suited for industrial environments (temperature range depends on the variant). It typically comes in an 8‑pin package (e.g., SOIC/DIP). Applications include industrial automation, PLCs, building management, and remote sensors requiring robust, long‑distance serial communication. For exact electrical specs, pinout, and packaging, consult the MAX488EPA datasheet.

Equivalent RS-485/RS-422 transceivers from other vendors include TI SN65HVD178 (and SN65HVD178A); Analog Devices ADM485; STMicroelectronics ST485. Other vendors with comparable parts include NXP and Onsemi; verify pinout, supply voltage, data rate, and 1/8-unit-load compatibility.

Pin count: 8 pins (8-pin package).
Function: RS-485/RS-422 transceiver (half-duplex). It integrates a driver and a receiver with pins: DI (data input), RO (receiver output), DE (driver enable), /RE (receiver enable, active low), A and B (bus lines), VCC, and GND.

Manufacturer: Maxim Integrated (now part of Analog Devices).
Kind of company: A fabless semiconductor company that designs and markets analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits; the Maxim brand is now under Analog Devices.

Applications of MAX488EPA (RS-485/RS-422 transceiver):
- Industrial automation (Modbus RS-485 networks)
- Building automation (BACnet MS/TP)
- Process control and instrumentation
- PLC I/O and motor drives
- Data acquisition and remote telemetry
- Point-to-point or multi-drop serial links over twisted pair
Key benefits: low-power, 5V supply, half‑duplex RS‑485/RS‑422, robust ESD protection, failsafe receiver—ideal for harsh environments and long cable runs.

MAX488EPA is in an 8-pin DIP package (DIP-8).