MC3487N - 4-Channel RS-422 Differential Driver | Texas Instruments
MPN: MC3487N ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.42 | $0.42 |
| 10 | $0.38 | $3.80 |
| 100 | $0.32 | $32.00 |
| 500 | $0.27 | $135.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.23 | $230.00 |
MC3487N Overview
An RS-422 differential line driver is a digital interface component that converts a single-ended logic input into a balanced differential output. Differential signaling uses two conductors carrying complementary signals, allowing common-mode voltage and ground-potential differences to be rejected by the receiver. A multi-driver such as the MC3487 consolidates four such output channels in one device, reducing component count and simplifying control in industrial, communications, instrumentation, and embedded systems. The MC3487N is therefore positioned within the hierarchy of logic ICs, interface ICs, line drivers, and communication transceivers.
The principal verified features are four independent differential drivers, a single 5 V operating supply, TTL-compatible input buffering, and three-state outputs. The output-enable function is useful when several drivers share a bus or when a system must place an external line into a high-impedance state. Fast transition times support digital data-transfer applications where edge distortion must be controlled. Power-up and power-down protection helps prevent unintended line activity during supply transitions, an important consideration in multi-node equipment. The manufacturer describes the device as interchangeable with compatible RS-422 driver implementations, but system designers should still verify timing, load, protection, and supply requirements for the exact implementation.
The MC3487N is a bipolar interface IC rather than a power semiconductor or a modern low-voltage transceiver. It is intended for legacy and established differential-bus designs where 5 V logic, through-hole assembly, and standard RS-422 electrical behavior are priorities. Because the verified data supplied for this page does not include detailed propagation-delay, output-current, input-current, temperature-range, or package-dimension tables, those values are marked as data needed rather than inferred. This preserves separation between verified manufacturer information and engineering estimates.
Typical applications include industrial control interfaces, point-to-point serial links, test equipment, data-acquisition systems, peripheral communication, and legacy computer or industrial buses. In a point-to-point link, the MC3487N transmits four complementary differential pairs to a remote receiver. In a multidrop arrangement, the three-state outputs permit driver tri-stating, although cable length, topology, termination, and fault tolerance still require system-level validation. The 16-pin PDIP package is convenient for through-hole designs and prototypes but occupies more board area than a surface-mount equivalent.
When laying out a board, place the device near the line-driver outputs and provide a solid ground reference. Keep differential traces coupled and matched in length where practical, provide receiver termination appropriate to the selected RS-422 topology, and leave protection-network space for surge or ESD requirements. Do not assume that a logical replacement preserves all legacy timing and fail-safe behavior; compare the complete data sheets and validate the assembled interface. This page synthesizes verified source links, interface guidance, and comparison structure for engineers evaluating the MC3487N.
Drop-in alternatives for MC3487N — 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 MC3487N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Input Compatibility.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC3487NG4
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DS3487N/NOPB
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DS96174CN/NOPB
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DS34C87TN/NOPB
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SP487CS-L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC3487N Specifications
| Device Type | Quadruple differential line driver |
| Number of Drivers | 4 |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V |
| Interface Standard | ANSI TIA/EIA-422-B and ITU Recommendation V.11 |
| Input Compatibility | TTL-compatible |
| Output Type | Three-state differential outputs |
| Input Structure | Buffered, high-impedance inputs |
| Power-Up Protection | Power-up and power-down protection |
| Package | 16-pin dual-in-line package (PDIP-16) |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole |
| Channel Independence | 4 independent differential drivers |
| RoHS Status | unknown |
| REACH Status | unknown |
| Lead-Free Status | unknown |
MC3487N 16-pin dual-in-line package (pdip-16) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MC3487N (16-pin dual-in-line package (pdip-16) 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 MC3487N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MC3487N is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial RS-422 Control Links, Point-to-Point Data Transmission, Data-Acquisition Equipment, Legacy Peripheral Communication, Test and Measurement Systems, Process-Control Signal Distribution.
Industrial RS-422 Control Links
The MC3487N fits industrial point-to-point control links that transmit four balanced digital signals over a cable. Its four independent drivers reduce the number of external line-driver packages, while the 5 V supply and TTL-compatible buffered inputs align with conventional digital control logic. Each channel can be enabled or placed in a high-impedance state, helping isolate transmitters during bus reconfiguration. The main design considerations are receiver compatibility, cable termination, grounding, and protection; verify the complete electrical limits before deploying it in a new industrial system.
Recommended
Point-to-Point Data Transmission
Use the MC3487N when a remote subsystem needs four differential outputs from one 5 V logic board. The device converts buffered single-ended commands into balanced pairs suitable for an RS-422-style link, helping reject common-mode disturbance and reduce sensitivity to ground-potential differences. Three-state outputs are useful when multiple transmitters must share a bus or when a link needs a controlled disabled state. Because the supplied verified data does not include propagation-delay and current-limit tables, timing and load checks remain mandatory.
Recommended
Data-Acquisition Equipment
The MC3487N can provide a compact four-channel differential output section in laboratory and industrial data-acquisition equipment. Four independent channels are useful for trigger, control, status, or calibration signals sent over balanced lines. The buffered TTL-compatible inputs help isolate the transmitter from the controller, and the three-state outputs support controlled bus sharing. Choose a receiver with compatible voltage and timing characteristics, and route each differential pair as a coupled pair to preserve signal integrity.
Recommended
Legacy Peripheral Communication
MC3487N is appropriate for legacy peripheral and computer-interface boards that use 5 V differential drivers and a through-hole package. The 16-pin PDIP format simplifies conventional through-hole routing and replacement of an existing RS-422 interface section. The four-driver arrangement is useful when one expansion card must expose several balanced control lines. Designers should preserve the original receiver type, connector pinout, termination scheme, and logic enable polarity when converting or replacing an existing board.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Systems
The MC3487N can drive four balanced control or measurement signals between a test controller and remote instrumentation. Differential transmission helps maintain signal integrity when the two endpoints have different ground references or when the cable passes through electrically noisy equipment. The device's three-state outputs allow a controller to disconnect unused drivers during test-sequence changes. Add appropriate line termination and external ESD or surge protection, and confirm that the cable and receiver meet the system's required bandwidth and common-mode limits.
Recommended
Process-Control Signal Distribution
The MC3487N is suitable for distributing multiple digital control commands between a controller and remote process equipment when balanced differential signaling is required. Four channels can carry independent enable, mode, alarm, or interlock commands, while the buffered inputs reduce loading on the controlling logic. The device should be selected only when the process equipment uses compatible RS-422 voltage, timing, and grounding conventions. For hazardous or electrically noisy installations, add isolation and surge protection rather than relying on the line driver alone.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC3487N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC3487NG4 | DS3487N/NOPB | DS96174CN/NOPB | DS34C87TN/NOPB | SP487CS-L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Exar |
| Package | 16-pin PDIP | 16-pin PDIP | 16-pin PDIP | 16-pin PDIP | 16-pin PDIP | 16-pin PDIP |
Key Differentiators
- Four independent differential drivers in one package (vs SP487CS-L)
- TTL-compatible buffered inputs (vs DS3487N/NOPB)
- Power-up and power-down protection (vs DS96174CN/NOPB)
- Established 5 V RS-422 positioning (vs DS34C87TN/NOPB)
Design Notes
Route each differential output pair as a coupled pair with similar geometry and controlled length matching. Keep the driver close to the connector or protection network, and avoid sharing a return path with high-current switching nodes. The MC3487N uses four independent differential channels, so maintain consistent channel spacing and provide a nearby ground reference. Verify the receiver's pin mapping and termination requirements against the complete interface datasheets.
Do not substitute the MC3487N for a receiver or assume that an RS-422 label guarantees identical pinout, timing, enable polarity, or output loading across manufacturers. Confirm supply voltage, input thresholds, propagation delay, three-state behavior, and absolute maximum ratings. For an existing PCB, compare the 16-pin PDIP pin mapping and the orientation mark before fitting a substitute.
Use receiver-side or line-side protection appropriate to the installation environment. Long external cables can expose the interface to ESD, surge, and ground-transient events that are not represented by the IC's power-up and power-down protection. Select protection devices that do not distort the differential signal or exceed the line-driver current limits, and validate the completed cable assembly with representative transients.
Compliance Information
The supplied verified search results identify the interface standards ANSI TIA/EIA-422-B and ITU Recommendation V.11, but do not provide current RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals declarations. Compliance status must be confirmed from the manufacturer product documentation.
