MC3486N - 4-Channel RS-422/423 Receiver | Texas Instruments
MPN: MC3486N ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.1932 | $0.19 |
| 10 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 100 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 500 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 1,000 | $0 | $0.00 |
MC3486N Overview
A differential line receiver is an interface-circuit type that converts balanced or differential signaling into a single-ended digital signal. It belongs to the broader hierarchy of transceiver interface ICs, communication interfaces, logic-level conversion devices, and semiconductors. In an RS-422 system, the receiver helps recover a reliable logic state from a differential line while rejecting common-mode noise. The MC3486 is intended for systems using the complementary MC3487 quadruple differential line driver.
The principal features visible in the verified manufacturer information are four independent differential-input receivers, TTL-compatible outputs, and a high-impedance output state on each channel. The 3-state outputs support shared-bus arrangements when multiple receivers or bus drivers need to be isolated. The single 5 V supply simplifies interface design, while the 0°C to 70°C characterization targets commercial-temperature equipment.
The MC3486 is suitable for industrial control links, multi-channel data acquisition, instrumentation, computer peripherals, and embedded communication interfaces where balanced differential signaling is preferred over single-ended interconnects. Its four channels allow several receiver functions to share one IC, reducing board area and simplifying firmware or system configuration. The device is intended to be used with suitable line drivers and properly terminated transmission lines.
The main design consideration is ensuring that the selected companion driver, cable, termination, grounding, and logic interface match the system requirements. The manufacturer states that the MC3486 is designed for optimum performance with the MC3487 quadruple differential line driver. Review the official datasheet for electrical limits, enable or output-control details, and application-specific timing before finalizing a circuit.
This page combines the verified manufacturer specifications, distributor package information, source URLs, and practical interface-selection guidance. It is intended to help engineers identify the correct device, compare compatible alternatives, and plan a robust differential-interface implementation.
Drop-in alternatives for MC3486N — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC3486NG4
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC3486
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DS3486N
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SN75ALS175N
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AM26LS32ACN
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC3486N Specifications
| Product Type | Quadruple differential line receiver |
| Number of Channels | 4 independent channels |
| Supported Standards | ANSI TIA/EIA-422-B, TIA/EIA-423-B, ITU V.10 and V.11 |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V |
| Output Type | TTL-compatible |
| Output State | 3-state with high-impedance state |
| Input Type | Differential |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 70°C |
| Package | 16-pin PDIP |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole |
| Companion Driver | MC3487 quadruple differential line driver |
| Differential Interface | RS-422/RS-423 |
| Logic Compatibility | TTL-compatible outputs |
| Output Isolation | High-impedance state per output |
| Manufacturer | Texas Instruments |
| Datasheet Description | Monolithic quadruple differential line receiver with 3-state outputs |
| Distributor Package Designation | 16-PDIP |
MC3486N 16-pdip Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MC3486N (16-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 MC3486N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MC3486N is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Interfaces, Instrumentation and Data Acquisition, Embedded Communication Systems, Multi-Axis Positioning and Motion Control, Computer Peripherals and Legacy Equipment, Distributed Sensor and Monitor Systems.
Industrial Control Interfaces
The MC3486N fits four-channel industrial control links that require balanced differential signaling and TTL-compatible digital outputs. Its four independent receivers allow multiple machine-control or sensor-interface signals to share one 16-pin PDIP device, while the single 5 V supply simplifies the logic-side connection. The 0°C to 70°C characterization makes it appropriate for commercial-temperature equipment, provided the enclosure and cable environment stay within the published range. The MC3487 is identified by Texas Instruments as the intended complementary driver, helping define a complete RS-422/RS-423 interface.
Recommended
Instrumentation and Data Acquisition
The MC3486N is useful in multi-channel instrumentation where several differential digital links feed TTL-based control or measurement logic. Four independent channels reduce the number of receiver packages needed on a crowded controller board, and differential inputs help reject common-mode disturbance when signals are routed through longer cables. The 5 V supply and TTL-compatible outputs align the receiver with conventional digital subsystems. Designers should still verify input thresholds, timing, termination, grounding, and cable length against the official datasheet.
Recommended
Embedded Communication Systems
The MC3486N can provide four differential receiver channels in an embedded control or communication system using balanced RS-422/RS-423 links. It is appropriate when a controller must receive commands, status, or sensor data through electrically robust differential lines rather than single-ended signals. The TTL-compatible outputs can feed a host processor or programmable logic, subject to the voltage and timing requirements of the selected downstream device. The companion MC3487 line driver should be used to establish a matched transmit side.
Recommended
Multi-Axis Positioning and Motion Control
The four receiver channels in the MC3486N can support multi-axis positioning, motion-control, or distributed I/O systems where separate differential command and feedback lines require independent reception. The receiver’s 3-state outputs can help isolate outputs when multiple interface devices share a bus, provided the external control and enable conditions are implemented correctly. The device’s commercial-temperature characterization supports typical indoor equipment, but system designers must calculate cable noise margin, propagation delay, and grounding for the actual actuator environment.
Recommended
Computer Peripherals and Legacy Equipment
The MC3486N is relevant to legacy computer peripherals and industrial equipment interfaces that use balanced differential signaling. The quadruple receiver arrangement can consolidate several receive functions into one IC, while the 5 V supply supports conventional TTL logic systems. Compatibility with the MC3487 driver gives a defined starting point for a complete interface, but legacy systems may use unusual pin assignments or termination schemes. Before substitution, verify every package pin, supply requirement, output-state control, and voltage level in the original system documentation.
Recommended
Distributed Sensor and Monitor Systems
The MC3486N can receive four differential data lines from distributed sensors, monitors, or remote modules in a commercial-temperature control cabinet. Differential reception is useful when sensor signals must cross cables or wiring spaces where common-mode noise can affect single-ended logic. The receiver’s TTL-compatible outputs allow the signals to be routed into a digital controller after appropriate level and timing checks. Cable length, baud rate, termination, shield handling, and fault tolerance remain application-specific and should be validated with the MC3487 interface.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC3486N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC3486NG4 | MC3486 | DS3486N | SN75ALS175N | AM26LS32ACN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments |
| Receiver Channels | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Key Differentiators
- Four independent differential channels in one 16-pin PDIP device (vs SN75176BD)
- TTL-compatible outputs with per-channel high-impedance state (vs SN75175DR)
- MC3487 companion-driver alignment (vs AM26LS32ACN)
Design Notes
Use the MC3486 as part of a balanced differential link rather than treating each receiver input as an isolated single-ended signal. Route the pair with controlled impedance, keep the pair geometry consistent, and verify common-mode voltage, noise margin, and receiver thresholds against the official datasheet. The verified material identifies TIA/EIA-422-B, TIA/EIA-423-B, and ITU V.10/V.11 compatibility, but cable length and data-rate margins remain system-dependent.
Place the receiver close to the connector or cable entry and keep the differential pair away from switching nodes, clocks, and high-current return paths. Provide a solid ground reference, use short return connections, and follow the manufacturer package pinout and recommended decoupling arrangement. The verified data confirms a 16-pin PDIP package and four independent receiver channels but does not provide a complete PCB reference layout, so use the manufacturer datasheet for final placement guidance.
Do not substitute a related receiver solely because the part is described as a quadruple differential receiver. Confirm package, pin names, supply voltage, input thresholds, output-state control, temperature range, and lifecycle status before replacement. SN75176, SN75175, and AM26LS32-family devices may offer related functionality, but the provided comparison data does not prove pin-for-pin equivalence with MC3486N.
Compliance Information
The verified snippets identify ANSI TIA/EIA and ITU interface standards but do not provide RoHS, REACH, AEC-Q100, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals declarations for MC3486N.