MC1488PG - Quad RS-232 Line Driver | onsemi | PDIP-14
MPN: MC1488PG ✗ End of LifeMC1488PG Overview
An RS-232 line driver is a digital interface component that converts TTL-compatible logic levels into bipolar voltage levels suitable for transmission over an RS-232 port. A line driver belongs to the broader interface IC hierarchy and works alongside line receivers, transceivers, and protection devices in the wider data-communications and industrial-control equipment category. The MC1488 therefore provides the transmit-side function in a conventional RS-232 interface, while a separate receiver is required for incoming signals.
Key features include four driver channels in one monolithic package and current-limited outputs rated to ±10 mA typical. The MC1488PG is associated with EIA-232D interface requirements and uses a 14-pin PDIP package for through-hole PCB assembly. These characteristics make it suitable for legacy computer ports, industrial control links, embedded serial equipment, and other systems that continue to use the bipolar RS-232 physical interface.
The four driver outputs allow several communications lines to share the same supply and package, reducing PCB component count compared with discrete single-channel driver designs. Because the outputs are current limited, the device is suited to driving conventional RS-232 loads rather than high-current or long-distance cable networks. Designers should still provide the required bypass capacitance, observe the supply-voltage limits, and verify receiver and cable characteristics at the system level.
Typical applications include multi-channel RS-232 equipment interfaces, legacy PC communication ports, test instruments, point-to-point industrial serial links, and embedded control systems. The four-channel arrangement is particularly useful when a board must transmit several RS-232 signals through a single interface package. A complementary receiver, such as a compatible RS-232 receiver IC, is required when the same port must also receive data.
For a new PCB, confirm the manufacturer's MC1488 datasheet for the exact pin assignment, supply limits, output-current conditions, and decoupling recommendations. For an existing board, verify footprint, pinout, logic polarity, and operating-voltage compatibility before substitution, especially when the assembly includes protection networks or unusual cable loading.
This product page combines the MC1488PG device identity, RS-232 design considerations, drop-in replacement guidance, and practical application context to help engineers evaluate legacy-interface repair, modernization, and sourcing decisions without relying on a raw catalog listing.
Drop-in alternatives for MC1488PG — 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 MC1488PG (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Product Type, Interface Standard.
MC1488P
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →MC1488N
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →SN75188N
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →SN55188N
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SN75188
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC1488PG Specifications
| Product Type | Monolithic quadruple RS-232 line driver |
| Driver Channel Count | 4 channels |
| Receiver Channel Count | 0 channels |
| Interface Standard | EIA-232D |
| Output Type | Bipolar RS-232 line driver |
| Typical Output Current | ±10 mA |
| Package | PDIP-14 |
| Pin Count | 14 pins |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole |
| Output Current Limiting | Current-limited outputs |
| Power Supply Configuration | Single positive supply |
| Signal Direction | Transmit only |
MC1488PG Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GND — Ground connection |
| Pin 2 | OUT1 — RS-232 driver output 1 |
| Pin 3 | OUT2 — RS-232 driver output 2 |
| Pin 4 | OUT3 — RS-232 driver output 3 |
| Pin 5 | OUT4 — RS-232 driver output 4 |
| Pin 6 | VCC — Positive supply connection |
| Pin 7 | IN4 — Logic input for driver output 4 |
| Pin 8 | IN3 — Logic input for driver output 3 |
| Pin 9 | IN2 — Logic input for driver output 2 |
| Pin 10 | IN1 — Logic input for driver output 1 |
| Pin 11 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 12 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 13 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 14 | NC — Not connected |
Typical Applications
MC1488PG is suitable for 6 applications: Legacy Computer RS-232 Ports, Industrial Control Serial Links, Test and Measurement Equipment, Embedded Serial Communication Equipment, Point-to-Point Data Terminal Interfaces, Legacy Equipment Maintenance and Repair.
Legacy Computer RS-232 Ports
The MC1488PG fits legacy computer and peripheral interfaces that require several bipolar RS-232 transmit channels in one through-hole package. Its four driver outputs reduce the component count compared with four separate single-channel devices, while the ±10 mA typical current-limited output characteristic suits conventional EIA-232D signaling. Install the driver close to the connector and protection network, verify the logic levels feeding each input, and provide the supply decoupling specified by the manufacturer datasheet. Because MC1488PG is transmit-only, pair it with a separate receiver when the port must support incoming data.
Recommended
Industrial Control Serial Links
MC1488PG is appropriate for industrial equipment that retains an RS-232 transmit interface on a through-hole control board. Four independently controlled channels can carry status, command, alarm, or service signals while preserving the bipolar voltage levels expected by RS-232 equipment. The monolithic four-channel implementation simplifies inventory and reduces PCB area relative to separate driver packages. Engineers should confirm supply tolerance, grounding strategy, cable length, and receiver thresholds for each machine interface. Maintain compatible logic levels and avoid treating the RS-232 driver as an isolated industrial field-bus transceiver.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Equipment
The MC1488PG can support multi-channel RS-232 control and response ports in test instruments, analyzers, and laboratory equipment built with through-hole logic boards. Four current-limited driver outputs provide the transmit-side conversion from TTL-compatible logic to the bipolar RS-232 interface. This allows a single package to handle multiple command, status, and data lines where a compact modern transceiver would not match the existing footprint. Verify signal polarity, connector mapping, and voltage margins against the receiving equipment before use, especially when connecting to older instruments with nonstandard RS-232 behavior.
Recommended
Embedded Serial Communication Equipment
MC1488PG is useful in embedded systems whose external control interface predates compact multi-voltage transceivers. The four driver channels can connect processor logic to RS-232 peripherals, while the 14-pin PDIP format simplifies repair of older through-hole assemblies. Current-limited outputs with a typical ±10 mA capability align with conventional EIA-232D loads, but engineers must still account for supply headroom, capacitor selection, and cable capacitance. Choose this device when footprint continuity is more important than integrating transmit and receive functions into one modern package.
Recommended
Point-to-Point Data Terminal Interfaces
The MC1488PG fits point-to-point DTE-to-DCE arrangements that require several driver channels and retain a legacy PDIP PCB. Its four outputs can support separate data, control, and status signaling paths while maintaining the voltage interface expected by RS-232 equipment. The main design trade-off is that it provides transmission only and may require more board space than a contemporary combined transceiver. Confirm grounding, protection, and logic polarity at both ends, and verify the receiver's thresholds because cable noise can influence communication margin on long or poorly shielded links.
Recommended
Legacy Equipment Maintenance and Repair
MC1488PG is especially relevant to maintenance of legacy serial equipment where the original PCB uses a 14-pin through-hole quad line driver. Matching the package and four-channel driver architecture can simplify board restoration when a compatible DIP-14 part is qualified for the operating environment. Before installation, compare the exact pin description, supply voltage, output-current conditions, and temperature range with the original device. Check connector-side protection components as well, since failed transient-protection diodes can prevent a replacement driver from operating correctly even when the IC itself is sound.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC1488PG — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC1488P | MC1488N | SN75188N | SN55188N | SN75188 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PDIP-14 | PDIP-14 | PDIP-14 | PDIP-14 | PDIP-14 | PDIP-14 |
| Brand | onsemi | onsemi | onsemi | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments |
| Device Type | Quad RS-232 line driver | Quad RS-232 line driver | Quad RS-232 line driver | Quad RS-232 line driver | Quad RS-232 line driver | Quad RS-232 line driver |
| Driver Channels | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Receiver Channels | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Interface Standard | EIA-232D | EIA-232D | EIA-232D | ANSI EIA/TIA-232-E | ANSI EIA/TIA-232-E | ANSI EIA/TIA-232-E |
| Output Current Limiting | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole | Through-hole | Through-hole | Through-hole | Through-hole | Through-hole |
Key Differentiators
- Four independent transmit channels in one legacy through-hole package (vs MC1488P)
- Military-temperature characterization available in the same driver family (vs SN75188N)
- Direct onsemi family sourcing for DIP-14 legacy boards (vs SN75188N)
Design Notes
Place the supply bypass capacitor close to the VCC and GND pins, following the manufacturer datasheet's recommended capacitance and ESR requirements. Check the power source for adequate startup and transient current because four outputs switching simultaneously can disturb the local rail. Decouple the interface circuit from noisy digital supplies, and verify the maximum supply voltage against the exact manufacturer suffix before energizing a legacy board.
Confirm the 14-pin PDIP footprint, pin-1 orientation, and output-to-connector trace order before replacement. RS-232 routing should keep driver outputs away from sensitive clock, audio, and reference nets, while the receiver side should use a separate return path where practical. Do not rely solely on package shape; compare the manufacturer's pin description with the installed circuit because different driver suffixes can differ in supply handling or enabled behavior.
Do not use MC1488PG as a full transceiver: it contains four driver outputs and no receiver channels. A port requiring both transmission and reception requires separate receive circuitry. Also avoid confusing an RS-232 line driver with an RS-485 or RS-422 transceiver, since their voltage levels, polarity, and topology are not interchangeable. Validate the connector-side ground strategy and protection components when repairing an older installation.
Keep the four RS-232 outputs routed as unbalanced lines away from switching nodes and maintain a consistent ground reference between connected equipment. Although the outputs are current limited, long cables and poor grounding can still reduce noise margin at the receiver. Use the manufacturer's output-current conditions to judge drive capability, and inspect the receiving threshold because not all RS-232 implementations provide identical margin.
Compliance Information
No definitive RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals statement is identified for the obsolete MC1488PG ordering code. AEC-Q100 is not applicable because MC1488PG is not identified as an automotive-qualified device.
