MC1488P - Quad RS-232 Line Driver | STMicroelectronics
N.º de pieza: MC1488P ✓ ActivoMC1488P Descripción general
A line driver is a digital interface component that converts TTL-compatible logic signals into voltage levels suitable for a balanced or unbalanced communications link. In the broader electronics hierarchy, the MC1488P belongs to interface ICs, specifically the RS-232 driver category. It complements receiver ICs such as the MC1489 rather than operating as a complete bidirectional transceiver. Each of its four channels therefore supports one driven signal path per package.
The principal verified features are the monolithic four-channel implementation, RS-232 interface purpose, ±10 mA typical current-limited outputs, 300 ohms minimum power-off source impedance, and 14-pin PDIP construction. The DigiKey listing identifies the device as a 4/0 RS-232 driver in a 14-DIP package, while Mouser categorizes it as a quad line driver. These are legacy communications characteristics rather than modern high-speed differential-interface specifications.
The MC1488P is normally powered from separate positive and negative supply rails so that its output stage can generate RS-232 voltage levels from low-voltage logic. Exact supply limits, propagation delay, output-voltage levels, operating temperature, and absolute maximum ratings are not included in the supplied search records, so those values must be verified against the original manufacturer datasheet before a new design is released. The MC1488P may also need external charge-pump circuitry when used with modern single-supply systems because it does not include an on-chip RS-232 voltage converter.
Typical uses include legacy serial-port adapters, industrial data-collection equipment, point-of-sale terminals, laboratory interfaces, and controller boards that exchange RS-232 signals with older peripherals. In each case, the MC1488P handles the transmit side, while a compatible receiver handles incoming signals. Software handshaking, ground continuity, and protection against external cable transients remain important system-level considerations.
Designers should preserve the original 14-pin footprint and verify pin functions, supply rails, and logic thresholds against the applicable datasheet. Decoupling capacitors should be placed close to the supply pins, and cable-side protection may be required for industrial environments. Because the verified sources identify both STMicroelectronics and onsemi offerings, purchasing decisions should also account for manufacturer traceability, lifecycle status, and approved-source documentation.
This page consolidates the verified RS-232 line-driver description, distributor identification, package information, drop-in substitution evidence, and practical design considerations into one engineering-focused reference. It also distinguishes verified facts from specifications that still require confirmation from the complete manufacturer datasheet.
Alternativas directas para MC1488P — mismo encapsulado, compatible pin a pin. Se excluyen las piezas de otro encapsulado que requieren retrabajo de la PCB.
Variantes de esta serie
Modelos de la misma serie compatibles directamente con MC1488P (mismo factor de forma y huella) — difiere en Package, Product Type.
MC1488N
✅ Sustitución directaConsulte el precio
Ver hoja de datos →MC1488P Especificaciones
| Product Type | Monolithic quadruple RS-232 line driver |
| Driver Channel Count | 4 channels |
| Receiver Channel Count | 0 channels |
| Interface Standard | EIA RS-232C and EIA-232D |
| Typical Output Current | ±10 mA |
| Power-Off Source Impedance | 300 ohm minimum |
| Encapsulado | 14-pin PDIP |
| Logic Direction | Unidirectional driver |
| AEC-Q100 Qualification | not_applicable |
Guía de configuración de pines de MC1488P 14-pin pdip
Configuración de pines para MC1488P (encapsulado 14-pin pdip). La numeración de pines, las funciones y los diagramas de conexión se definen en la hoja de datos del fabricante. Consúltela para conocer el footprint exacto y las directrices de soldadura.
No hay datos detallados de patillaje disponibles para MC1488P.
Consulte la hoja de datos para ver la configuración completa de patillas.
Aplicaciones típicas
MC1488P es adecuado para 6 aplicacións: Legacy Serial Port Adapters, Industrial Data Collection, Point-of-Sale Terminal Equipment, Laboratory Control Interfaces, Instrumentation Signal Interfaces, Embedded Controller Communication.
Legacy Serial Port Adapters
The MC1488P fits legacy serial-port adapter boards because it provides four RS-232 driver channels in a 14-pin PDIP package and uses current-limited outputs of ±10 mA typical. It can sit between TTL-level UART logic and external RS-232 equipment without acting as a full transceiver, so a separate receiver is normally required for incoming data. Designers should preserve the original 14-pin footprint and verify the exact pin functions, positive and negative supply rails, and logic thresholds from the manufacturer datasheet. External protection may be necessary when the adapter connects directly to an unprotected external cable.
Recomendado
Industrial Data Collection
The MC1488P is suitable for legacy industrial data-collection equipment that needs several RS-232 transmit channels but already provides the required positive and negative rails. Its four-driver architecture reduces the number of line-driver packages needed, while ±10 mA typical current limiting provides basic output protection. A production design should confirm operating-temperature limits and add suitable cable-side surge or ESD protection for industrial wiring. The absence of integrated charge-pump circuitry means the board must retain or reproduce the original dual-rail supply arrangement.
Recomendado
Point-of-Sale Terminal Equipment
The MC1488P can support point-of-sale equipment that communicates with older RS-232 peripherals through multiple unidirectional channels. Its four-driver organization is useful where the terminal sends separate commands, status signals, or printer-control signals but receives through another receiver circuit. Because the verified listing confirms a 14-pin PDIP rather than a surface-mount package, it is primarily suited to repair and legacy-board continuation. New compact POS designs may favor an integrated transceiver after confirming that a package and PCB redesign is acceptable.
Recomendado
Laboratory Control Interfaces
The MC1488P is appropriate for laboratory controller boards that retain legacy RS-232 equipment connections and require several driver outputs. Its monolithic four-channel arrangement keeps the driver count low, while the current-limited ±10 mA typical outputs provide a defined protection characteristic. The design must supply suitable positive and negative voltages and route cable transients away from the IC. Before reusing the part in new laboratory hardware, engineers should verify its operating-temperature grade and full electrical limits from the appropriate original datasheet.
Recomendado
Instrumentation Signal Interfaces
The MC1488P can be used in legacy instrumentation systems where control commands travel over RS-232 while measured analog signals use separate signal paths. Four independent driver channels allow one controller to address multiple peripherals, and the verified ±10 mA typical current limiting helps limit fault current at the driver outputs. The IC does not provide receivers or level translation in both directions, so the interface architecture must include a separate receiver and appropriate grounding. For new precision instruments, total supply and ground noise should be assessed before retaining the legacy driver.
Recomendado
Embedded Controller Communication
The MC1488P suits embedded controller boards built around legacy UART peripherals that expose four RS-232 transmit signals. Its 14-pin PDIP package and discrete driver architecture make it appropriate for maintaining an existing controller platform rather than minimizing board area. The controller's logic levels must match the verified input thresholds, and the board must generate the required positive and negative supply rails without excessive ground coupling. An integrated transceiver may simplify a new design, but it is not a footprint-compatible replacement without careful schematic and layout review.
Recomendado
Resumen de productos recomendados
Datos de referencia de ingeniería para MC1488P — comparación, orientación de diseño e información de cumplimiento.
Guía de selección
Comparación con alternativas
| Parámetro | Este producto | MC1488N |
|---|---|---|
| Package | 14-PDIP | 14-PDIP |
| Brand | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics |
| Driver Channels | 4 | 4 |
| Receiver Channels | 0 | 0 |
| Interface Standard | EIA RS-232C and EIA-232D | ANSI EIA/TIA-232-E family description |
| Verified Performance Equivalence | Target device | Identical primary performance profiles reported |
Diferenciadores clave
- Closest verified drop-in candidate (frente a MC1488N)
- Four-channel legacy RS-232 driver (frente a MC1488N)
- Defined current-limited output characteristic (frente a MC1488N)
Notas de diseño
The traditional MC1488 interface requires positive and negative supply rails because the driver must create RS-232 voltage levels from low-voltage logic. Confirm exact rail limits, quiescent current, and output-stage behavior from the manufacturer datasheet before laying out the board. Place the required bypass capacitors close to the supply pins and keep the return current path short; do not substitute a single positive rail unless the interface has been redesigned around an appropriate charge-pump and level-shifting architecture.
Preserve the original 14-pin PDIP footprint when repairing an existing MC1488P board. Verify every physical pin against the selected manufacturer's pinout because the supplied records do not contain individual pin names, and historical versions from Motorola, STMicroelectronics, and onsemi may use separate documents. Keep the driver close to the connector-side protection network, provide a low-impedance ground reference, and avoid routing unprotected external cable traces directly beneath the IC.
The MC1488P is a driver-only device, not a complete RS-232 transceiver. A design that requires incoming data must include a separate receiver, and software must implement the required handshaking. Do not assume that SN75188N or other related quadruple drivers are drop-in substitutes solely because they perform the same general function; package pin count and pinout must match. Also confirm the logic thresholds, propagation delay, and operating-temperature grade before production release.
Información de cumplimiento
The supplied distributor and manufacturer-result snippets do not explicitly state RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals compliance. The MC1488P is not identified as an AEC-Q100-qualified automotive part in the verified data.