Devices in the MAX3483E family (MAX3483E/MAX3485E/MAX3486E/MAX3488E/MAX3490E/MAX3491E) are ±15kV ESD-protected, +3.3V, low-power transceivers for RS-485 and RS-422 communications. Each device contains one driver and one receiver. The MAX3483E and MAX3488E feature slew-rate-limited drivers that minimize EMI and reduce reflections caused by improperly terminated cables, allowing error-free data transmission at data rates up to 250kbps. The partially slew-rate-limited MAX3486E transmits up to 2.5Mbps. The MAX3485E, MAX3490E, and MAX3491E transmit at up to 12Mbps.

All devices feature enhanced electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection. All transmitter outputs and receiver inputs are protected to ±15kV using IEC 1000-4-2 Air-Gap Discharge, ±8kV using IEC 1000-4-2 Contact Discharge, and ±15kV using the Human Body Model.

Drivers are short-circuit current limited and are protected against excessive power dissipation by thermal shutdown circuitry that places the driver outputs into a high-impedance state. The receiver input has a fail-safe feature that guarantees a logic-high output if both inputs are open circuit.

The MAX3488E, MAX3490E, and MAX3491E feature full-duplex communication, while the MAX3483E, MAX3485E, and MAX3486E are designed for half-duplex communication.