MAX485ESA+ – Low Power RS 485/RS 422 Transceiver

Key features:

  • Single 5V supply operation
  • Data rate up to 2.5 Mbps
  • Half-duplex communication
  • Low power consumption: 300 µA (typical)
  • ±15 kV ESD protection on bus pins
  • Thermal shutdown protection
  • Short-circuit current limiting
  • Receiver fail-safe (open-circuit output high)
  • Up to 32 nodes on a single bus
  • Industrial temperature range: -40°C to +85°C
  • SOIC-8 package

The MAX485ESA+ from Maxim Integrated (now part of Analog Devices) is a low-power transceiver designed for RS-485 and RS-422 communication protocols. It contains one driver and one receiver, making it ideal for half-duplex bidirectional data transmission over long distances or in electrically noisy environments.

The device operates from a single +5V supply and features an unlimited driver slew rate, enabling error-free data transmission up to 2.5Mbps. It draws only 300µA to 500µA of supply current when unloaded or with disabled drivers, making it suitable for power-sensitive applications.

Built-in protection features include short-circuit current limiting and thermal shutdown circuitrythat places driver outputs into a high-impedance state during excessive power dissipation. The receiver fail-safe feature guarantees a logic-high output if the input is open circuit. Bus pins are protected against ±15kV ESD shocks without latchup, ensuring robustness in harsh industrial environments.

The MAX485ESA+ is designed for half-duplex applications, using the same pair of wires for both transmission and reception with direction control via the driver enable (DE) and receiver enable (RE) pins.

Parameters

Parameters Specifications
Manufacturer Maxim Integrated / Analog Devices
Part Number MAX485ESA+
Type RS-485/RS-422 Transceiver
Protocol RS-422, RS-485
Number of Drivers/Receivers 1/1
Duplex Mode Half Duplex
Supply Voltage (VCC) 4.75V to 5.25V (typical 5V)
Supply Current (Operating) 300µA to 500µA typical
Data Rate (Max) 2.5 Mbps
Receiver Hysteresis 70mV
ESD Protection ±15 kV (HBM) on bus pins
Number of Nodes Up to 32
Fail-Safe Feature Open-circuit protection
Driver Output Voltage Range -8V to +12.5V
Receiver Input Voltage Range -8V to +12.5V
Common Mode Voltage Range -7V to +12V
Operating Temperature -40°C to +85°C
Package SOIC-8 (5mm × 4mm)
Mounting Surface Mount
RoHS Compliant Yes

Applications

  • Industrial control networks – PLC systems, factory automation, process control

  • Building automation – HVAC control, lighting systems, access control

  • Security systems – Surveillance equipment, alarm systems

  • Data acquisition systems – Sensor networks, remote monitoring

  • Networked communication devices – RS-485/RS-422 interface modules

  • Telecommunications equipment – Base station control and status monitoring

  • Motor control systems – Industrial motor drives and robotics

  • Medical devices – Patient monitoring systems, diagnostic equipment

  • Automatic meter reading (AMR) – Utility metering and smart grid applications

  • Long-distance serial communication – Extending UART signals up to 4000 feet


Note: The MAX485ESA+ is an industry-standard device widely used for robust long-distance serial communication. For applications requiring higher node capacity (up to 128 nodes), consider the MAX487E variant. For slew-rate limited versions (250kbps) that reduce EMI, consider the MAX483E or MAX487E.

Scroll to Top