Build with SP481E — Datasheet Specs & AI Design Help

00 — Overview

What the SP481E does

The SP481E and SP485E are half-duplex transceivers designed for RS-485 and RS-422 serial protocols. These devices operate on a single 5V supply and support data rates up to 10 Mbps. They feature enhanced ESD tolerance of ±15kV for the Human Body Model and include driver and receiver enable pins for multi-drop configurations. The SP481E specifically offers a low power shutdown mode to reduce consumption. Both parts utilize a BiCMOS design to maintain low power operation while meeting strict protocol requirements. They are suitable for industrial and commercial applications requiring robust serial communication with improved static discharge protection compared to earlier versions.

Next step

Start building with SP481E → 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 SP481E
Parameter	Min	Typ	Max	Conditions	Source
output voltage	2 V	—	—	With load; R = 50Ω (RS-422); Figure 1; SP481E / SP485E Driver DC Characteristics	MaxLinear datasheet, p. 2 — ESD Ratings
output current	7 mA	—	95 mA	0V \leq V_O \leq VCC; SP481E / SP485E Receiver DC Characteristics	MaxLinear datasheet, p. 3 — Electrical Characteristics (Continued)
supply voltage range	4.75 V	—	5.25 V		MaxLinear datasheet, p. 4 — Electrical Characteristics, Continued
operating temperature	0 °C	—	70 °C		MaxLinear datasheet, p. 9 — Ordering Information
data rate	10 Mbps	—	—	\overline{RE} = 5V, DE = 5V; RDIFF = 54\Omega, CL1 = CL2 = 100pF; SP481E / SP485E Driver AC Characteristics	MaxLinear datasheet, p. 3 — Electrical Characteristics (Continued)
fall time	—	15 ns	40 ns	From 10%-90%; RDIFF = 54\Omega, CL1 = CL2 = 100pF; See Figures 3 and 6; SP481E / SP485E Driver AC Characteristics	MaxLinear datasheet, p. 3 — Electrical Characteristics (Continued)
driver count	—	1	—		MaxLinear datasheet, p. 7
receiver count	—	1	—		MaxLinear datasheet, p. 7

02 — Alternatives

Closest matches to SP481E

GM3485E 10.0× higher output voltage, 1.6× lower operating temperature, 1.5× lower propagation delay

MAX485ESA 4.0× lower data rate, 1.1× lower operating temperature, similar output voltage

SP3485 3.0× lower fall time, 2.3× higher propagation delay, 1.5× lower output current

SP3485E 15.0× higher output voltage, 3.8× lower propagation delay, 1.5× lower supply voltage range

YD3082E 4.2× higher propagation delay, 1.6× lower operating temperature, 1.2× lower supply voltage range

SP490E 2.3× lower propagation delay, 1.6× lower operating temperature, similar data rate

GM3085E 10.0× lower data rate, 10.0× higher output voltage, 4.2× higher propagation delay

ADM2483BRW 20.0× lower data rate, 15.0× higher output voltage, 14.5× higher propagation delay

03 — FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the data rate of the SP481E under the specified driver AC conditions?

The data rate is 10 Mbps when \overline{RE} = 5V, DE = 5V; RDIFF = 54\Omega, CL1 = CL2 = 100pF.

What is the driver count for the SP481E?

The driver count is 1.

What is the fall time specification for the SP481E driver?

The fall time is 15 ns, measured from 10%-90% with RDIFF = 54\Omega and CL1 = CL2 = 100pF.

What is the maximum operating temperature for the SP481E?

The maximum operating temperature is 70 °C.

What is the output current of the SP481E / SP485E Receiver DC Characteristics when 0V ≤ V_O ≤ VCC?

The output current is 95 mA.

What is the output voltage of the SP481E with a 50Ω load (RS-422) as shown in Figure 1?

The output voltage is 2 V.

What is the receiver count for the SP481E?

The receiver count is 1.

What is the maximum supply voltage for the SP481E?

The maximum supply voltage is 5.25 V.