MAX1480EACPI+ - 2.5Mbps Isolated RS-485/422 | ADI
MPN: MAX1480EACPI+ ✓ ActiveMAX1480EACPI+ Overview
An isolated RS-485/RS-422 transceiver is a data-interface circuit that transfers digital signals between systems while providing electrical isolation between the host logic and the cable-side network. The MAX1480EACPI+ combines a differential line driver, differential receiver, isolation barrier, fail-safe receiver circuitry, and low-power standby capability. This places it within the transceiver hierarchy of interface ICs, communication ICs, and industrial data-conversion components.
The principal benefits are its 2.5 Mbps operating speed, 15 kV ESD protection, isolated outputs, and support for both RS-485 and RS-422 networks. The device is particularly useful where a controller must connect to a long or electrically noisy cable without exposing the local electronics directly to the bus environment. Its integrated isolation also helps suppress ground-potential and common-mode disturbances between connected equipment.
MAX1480EA-series devices use unrestricted driver slew rates for higher-speed communication, whereas MAX1480EC-series devices use reduced slew rates to minimize electromagnetic interference and cable reflections at lower data rates. The MAX1480EACPI+ is therefore most appropriate for links requiring the faster 2.5 Mbps capability rather than reduced-slew-rate operation. Its half-duplex arrangement supports a shared bus when only one transmitter is active at a time.
Typical applications include automated test equipment, industrial-control networks, building-control systems, local area networks, telecom equipment, and isolated RS-485 or RS-422 data interfaces for EMI-sensitive installations. The 28-pin PDIP package favors legacy through-hole industrial equipment, test systems, and prototype platforms that have been designed around a conventional DIP footprint.
For a new PCB, verify the complete pin description and isolation requirements in the manufacturer datasheet before assigning external nodes. Use appropriate bus protection, cable termination, grounding, and isolation barriers at the system level; the integrated 15 kV ESD protection does not remove the need for a sound surge and cabling strategy.
This page consolidates the verified electrical ratings, package information, temperature range, and application requirements while adding engineering guidance for bus layout, protection, and component selection. It also identifies a temperature-grade alternative and clearly distinguishes the limits of the available drop-in replacement set.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX1480EACPI+ — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with MAX1480EACPI+ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature Range, Package, Product Type, Supported Standards.
MAX1480EAEPI+
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →MAX1480EAEPI
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX1480EACPI+ Specifications
| Product Type | Isolated half-duplex RS-485/RS-422 transceiver |
| Driver and Receiver Configuration | 1 driver and 1 receiver |
| Maximum Data Rate | 2.5 Mbps |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| ESD Protection | ±15 kV |
| Isolation | Single-side power isolation |
| Communication Mode | Half-duplex |
| Supported Standards | RS-422 and RS-485 |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 °C to +70 °C |
| Package | 28-pin PDIP |
| Pin Count | 28 pins |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole |
| Standby Feature | Low-power standby |
| Receiver Feature | Fail-safe circuit |
| Driver Slew Rate | Unrestricted |
MAX1480EACPI+ 28-pin pdip Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MAX1480EACPI+ (28-pin pdip package). Pin numbering, functions, and connection diagrams are defined in the manufacturer datasheet. Refer to it for the exact footprint and soldering guidelines.
No detailed pinout data available for MAX1480EACPI+.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MAX1480EACPI+ is suitable for 6 applications: Automated Test Equipment, Industrial Control Networks, Building Control Networks, Telecom Data Interfaces, EMI-Sensitive Data Links, Legacy Through-Hole Control Boards.
Automated Test Equipment
The MAX1480EACPI+ fits automated test equipment that communicates with remote fixtures or instrument racks over isolated RS-485 or RS-422. Its 2.5 Mbps capability supports high-volume command and response traffic, while the 15 kV ESD protection strengthens the interface against electrostatic discharge encountered during routine test-system handling. The isolation barrier helps prevent ground-potential differences between the controller and test equipment from disturbing the local logic. The unrestricted MAX1480EA slew rate should be used only with cables and terminations qualified for the operating rate.
Industrial Control Networks
The MAX1480EACPI+ is suitable for industrial-control networks that need a half-duplex isolated RS-485 or RS-422 connection. One driver and one receiver provide the basic communication path, and the 4.5 V to 5.5 V operating range fits conventional 5 V industrial control logic. Electrical isolation helps protect controller electronics from common-mode bus noise and ground-potential differences. Because the MAX1480EA family uses unrestricted driver slew rate, cable length, topology, termination, and grounding must be checked at the intended 2.5 Mbps rate.
Building Control Networks
The MAX1480EACPI+ can connect building-control equipment through an isolated RS-485 or RS-422 link, particularly where controllers are distributed across floors or where different building sections share ground references. The device combines 2.5 Mbps communication, 15 kV ESD protection, and low-power standby in a 28-pin PDIP package. Its commercial temperature range of 0 °C to +70 °C covers many indoor environments, although enclosure temperature rise must be considered. Select the extended-temperature alternative when the installation requires coverage from -40 °C to +85 °C.
Telecom Data Interfaces
The MAX1480EACPI+ provides an isolated, half-duplex data interface for telecom equipment requiring RS-485 or RS-422 connectivity. Its 2.5 Mbps maximum data rate supports faster supervisory, configuration, or status traffic than reduced-slew-rate MAX1480EC devices. The integrated isolation reduces coupling between the equipment ground and the communications line, while 15 kV ESD protection improves robustness at externally accessible interfaces. Proper surge protection, cable shield termination, and chassis grounding remain system-level requirements and should be designed around the installation environment.
EMI-Sensitive Data Links
The MAX1480EACPI+ is appropriate for isolated RS-422 point-to-point links and RS-485 multidrop buses where electrical separation is important. The 15 kV ESD protection and fail-safe receiver circuit add robustness, while the half-duplex architecture limits the bus to one active driver at a time. The unrestricted slew rate can support 2.5 Mbps but may produce more edge-related EMI and reflections than a reduced-slew-rate family member. Use controlled cable lengths, proper termination, and an engineered ground strategy to prevent signal-integrity problems.
Legacy Through-Hole Control Boards
The MAX1480EACPI+ is well matched to legacy through-hole control boards that already use a 28-pin PDIP footprint and require isolated communications. Its conventional package simplifies inspection, repair, and prototype assembly, while the 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply range aligns with common 5 V logic systems. The device offers low-power standby for systems that periodically disable the interface. Before substitution, verify every physical pin, isolation boundary, supply decoupling position, and bus-protection connection against the manufacturer datasheet.
Engineering reference data for MAX1480EACPI+ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX1480EAEPI+ | MAX1480EAEPI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices |
| Package | 28-pin PDIP | 28-pin PDIP | 28-pin:value |
| Transceiver Configuration | 1 driver and 1 receiver | 1 driver and 1 receiver | 1 driver and 1 receiver |
| Supported Interfaces | RS-485 and RS-422 | RS-485 and RS-422 | RS-485 and RS-422 |
| Maximum Data Rate | 2.5 Mbps | 2.5 Mbps | 2.5 Mbps |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| ESD Protection | ±15 kV | ±15 kV | ±15 kV |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 °C to +70 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C |
| Driver Slew Rate | Unrestricted | Unrestricted | Unrestricted |
| Standby Feature | Low-power standby | Low-power standby | Low-power standby |
Key Differentiators
- Faster MAX1480EA communication capability (vs MAX1480ECPI+)
- Extended-temperature drop-in option (vs MAX1480EACPI+)
- Integrated protection and isolation (vs MAX1480ACPI+)
Design Notes
Route the isolated communication interface as a distinct electrical region and keep copper and surface-mounted components away from the isolation boundary. Place bypass capacitors close to their associated supply pins and connect the transceiver ground and isolated bus-reference nodes according to the manufacturer application diagram. Do not allow board-planning holes, copper pours, or test fixtures to bridge the isolation barrier unintentionally.
The MAX1480EA family has unrestricted driver slew rate and can operate up to 2.5 Mbps, so cable length, branch stub length, topology, and termination must be validated together. Use point-to-point termination for RS-422 networks and placement consistent with the bus topology for RS-485. Avoid long unterminated stubs because fast edges can produce reflections that compromise receiver margin even when the nominal data rate is acceptable.
Confirm the complete order code and temperature grade before replacing the device. MAX1480EACPI+ is specified for 0 °C to +70 °C, while MAX1480EAEPI+ is specified for -40 °C to +85 °C. Verify the 28-pin PDIP pinout, supply range, enable or standby behavior, and isolation boundary in the manufacturer datasheet. Do not substitute a reduced-slew-rate MAX1480EC device when the design depends on the 2.5 Mbps EA-family capability.
The 15 kV ESD rating protects the communications pins from electrostatic discharge but does not replace a complete industrial surge-protection strategy. Use appropriately rated external protection where cables leave the enclosure, bond shields according to the installation architecture, and keep protective-current paths away from sensitive logic. This is especially important when the unrestricted MAX1480EA edge rate is used over long cables.
Compliance Information
The trailing plus designation identifies the lead-free order code, but no explicit RoHS, REACH, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals statement is present in the cited product information. AEC-Q100 status is not applicable to this industrial communication transceiver.