Build with MAX485 — Datasheet Specs & AI Design Help

00 — Overview

What the MAX485 does

The MAX485 is a low-power transceiver for RS-485 and RS-422 communication. This family includes half-duplex versions with one driver and one receiver. It supports data rates up to 2.5 Mbps and allows up to 32 transceivers on the bus. The device operates from a single 5V supply with a quiescent current between 120µA and 500µA. Common-mode input voltage ranges from -7V to +12.5V. Features include current-limiting, thermal shutdown, and a fail-safe receiver input that guarantees a logic-high output if the input is open circuit. The part handles operating temperatures from -40°C to +105°C.

Next step

Start building with MAX485 → 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 MAX485
Parameter	Min	Typ	Max	Conditions	Source
quiescent current	—	500 µA	900 µA	DE = VCC; (note 3); 6.DC Electrical Characteristics	UMW datasheet, p. 4 — 6.DC Electrical Characteristics (continued)
supply voltage range	—	5 V	—		UMW datasheet, p. 1
operating temperature (abs max)	-40 °C	—	105 °C		UMW datasheet, p. 2 — 4. Absolute Maximum Ratings
propagation delay	10 ns	30 ns	60 ns	CL1 = CL2 = 100pF; 7. Switching Characteristics	UMW datasheet, p. 4 — 7. Switching Characteristics
data rate	2.5 Mbps	—	—	7. Switching Characteristics	UMW datasheet, p. 4 — 7. Switching Characteristics
output voltage high	3.5 V	—	—	IO = -4mA, VID = 200mV; receiver; 5. Electrical Characteristics	UMW datasheet, p. 3 — 5. Electrical Characteristics
output voltage low	—	—	400 mV	IO = 4mA, VID = -200mV; receiver; 5. Electrical Characteristics	UMW datasheet, p. 3 — 5. Electrical Characteristics
channel count	—	1	—		UMW datasheet, p. 1
driver count	—	1	—		UMW datasheet, p. 1
receiver count	—	1	—		UMW datasheet, p. 1

02 — Alternatives

Closest matches to MAX485

MAX3232 10.0× lower data rate, 10.0× higher propagation delay, 1.7× lower quiescent current

GM3232E 5.0× lower data rate, 3.0× lower propagation delay, 1.7× lower quiescent current

SN65HVD3082E 13.0× higher output voltage, 12.5× lower data rate, 2.7× lower output voltage low

SP3485E 15.0× higher output voltage, 4.8× higher data rate, 3.8× lower propagation delay

TP8485E 11.3× higher propagation delay, 2.5× higher output voltage, 1.7× lower output voltage low

GM3485E 10.0× higher output voltage, 4.0× higher data rate, 1.5× lower propagation delay

PCA9509 12.5× lower data rate, 3.6× higher propagation delay, 2.0× lower output voltage low

SP481E 4.0× higher data rate, 1.1× higher operating temperature, similar output voltage

03 — FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the channel count of the MAX485ESA?

The channel count is 1.

What is the data rate under the 7. Switching Characteristics condition?

The data rate is 2.5 Mbps.

What is the driver count for the MAX485ESA?

The driver count is 1.

What is the maximum operating temperature for the MAX485ESA?

The maximum operating temperature is 105 °C.

What is the output voltage high for the receiver when IO = -4mA and VID = 200mV?

The output voltage high is 3.5 V.

What is the output voltage low specification for the MAX485ESA receiver?

The output voltage low is 400 mV when IO = 4mA and VID = -200mV.

What is the propagation delay when CL1 = CL2 = 100pF under Switching Characteristics?

The propagation delay is 30 ns.

What is the quiescent current when DE = VCC?

The quiescent current is 500 µA.

What is the receiver count for the MAX485ESA?

The receiver count is 1.

What is the supply voltage range for the MAX485ESA?

The supply voltage range is 5 V.