Build with MAX3485 — Datasheet Specs & AI Design Help

00 — Overview

What the MAX3485 does

The MAX3485ESA is a 3.3V powered, half-duplex RS-485/RS-422 transceiver designed for robust serial communication. It supports data rates up to 12Mbps and connects up to 256 nodes on a single bus. The device features a 1/8 unit load, allowing multiple transceivers to share the communication line effectively. Key specifications include a supply voltage range of 3.0 to 3.6V, an operating temperature range from -40 to 105°C, and integrated protection functions like over-temperature and short-circuit safeguards. Engineers typically use this component in industrial and commercial systems requiring reliable, noise-immune data transfer over long distances or electrically noisy environments.

Next step

Start building with MAX3485 → Every number above is cited straight from the datasheet — ask what they mean for your design, and the assistant answers from the same source documents.

01 — Key specifications

Datasheet parameters

Datasheet parameters for MAX3485
Parameter	Min	Typ	Max	Conditions	Source
quiescent current	—	520 µA	800 µA	/RE = 0V, DE = 0V; 8. Supply Current	UTD Semiconductor Co.,Limited datasheet, p. 5 — 8. Supply Current
output voltage	—	3.3 V	—	(no load); 6. Driver Electrical Characteristics	UTD Semiconductor Co.,Limited datasheet, p. 4 — 6. Driver Electrical Characteristics
operating temperature (abs max)	-40 °C	—	105 °C		UTD Semiconductor Co.,Limited datasheet, p. 3 — 5. Limiting Values
propagation delay	—	8 ns	35 ns	(see Figure 3 and Figure 4); 9. Driver Switching Characteristics	UTD Semiconductor Co.,Limited datasheet, p. 6 — 9. Driver Switching Characteristics
data rate	—	12 bps	—		UTD Semiconductor Co.,Limited datasheet, p. 1
output voltage low	—	—	400 mV	IOUT = 2.5mA, VID = -200 mV; 7. Receiver Electrical Characteristics	UTD Semiconductor Co.,Limited datasheet, p. 5 — 7. Receiver Electrical Characteristics
driver count	—	1	—		UTD Semiconductor Co.,Limited datasheet, p. 1
receiver count	—	1	—		UTD Semiconductor Co.,Limited datasheet, p. 1

02 — Alternatives

Closest matches to MAX3485

SP3485E 1.1× higher operating temperature, similar output current, similar output voltage

GM3085E 15.9× higher propagation delay, 3.7× lower quiescent current, 1.5× lower output voltage

GM3232E 1.8× higher output current, 1.7× lower quiescent current, 1.4× lower operating temperature

GM3485E 2.5× higher propagation delay, 1.5× lower output voltage, 1.5× higher output current

MAX3232 1.7× lower quiescent current, 1.1× higher operating temperature, similar output current

PCA9509 13.6× higher propagation delay, 2.0× lower output voltage low, 1.7× lower output current

SP3222ECA-L 1.8× higher output voltage, 1.7× lower quiescent current, 1.1× higher operating temperature

MAX485ESA 15.0× lower output voltage, 3.8× higher propagation delay, similar quiescent current

03 — FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the data rate of the MAX3485ESA?

The data rate is 12 bps.

What is the driver count for the MAX3485ESA?

The driver count is 1.

What is the maximum operating temperature for the MAX3485ESA?

The maximum operating temperature is 105 °C.

What is the output voltage under no load conditions?

The output voltage is 3.3 V.

What is the output voltage low when IOUT = 2.5mA and VID = -200 mV?

The output voltage low is 400 mV.

What is the propagation delay under Driver Switching Conditions (see Figure 3 and Figure 4)?

The propagation delay is 8 ns.

What is the quiescent current when /RE = 0V and DE = 0V?

The quiescent current is 520 µA.

What is the receiver count for the MAX3485ESA?

The receiver count is 1.