SN65173N - 4-Channel RS-485 Line Receiver | Texas Instruments
MPN: SN65173N ✓ ActiveSN65173N Overview
A differential line receiver is an interface circuit that compares two signal conductors and converts their voltage difference into a digital logic level. In the broader signal-chain hierarchy, the SN65173N belongs to the line-receiver class, then to interface ICs, and finally to the broader semiconductor and communication-interface categories. It is useful when equipment needs to receive data from long cables or noisy industrial environments while rejecting common-mode voltage differences between the two conductors.
The SN65173N provides four receiver channels with 3-state outputs. The 3-state output capability allows a receiver to present a high-impedance condition when it is not selected, which helps prevent multiple receivers from loading a shared bus. The receiver family is designed around TIA/EIA-423-B, TIA/EIA-485-A, RS-422, and RS-485 requirements, making it appropriate for industrial communications, instrumentation, data acquisition, and control systems.
The key engineering benefit is integration: four differential receivers are placed in one 16-pin PDIP, reducing component count and simplifying termination and routing compared with four separate single receiver packages. Because this is a receiver rather than a line driver, it requires complementary line-driver circuitry for a complete RS-485 transmitter path. The part does not provide level translation between unrelated logic domains; its outputs are intended to interface with compatible digital logic.
Typical uses include factory monitoring equipment, RS-485 sensor networks, industrial control links, laboratory instrumentation, and communication interfaces for factory automation. The receiver can be paired with a suitable RS-485 line driver, such as the SN75174N, to form a balanced communication path. Board-level design should include proper differential routing, controlled impedance where required, connector grounding, and protection suitable for the cable environment.
When evaluating this device, distinguish the receiver from a transceiver and from a driver. SN65173N provides receive conversion and bus release control, while a separate transmitter handles the opposite direction. Confirm logic levels, enable polarity, propagation behavior, supply requirements, and electrical ratings against the manufacturer datasheet before finalizing a design.
This page consolidates the available device description, package information, interface standards, source links, replacement guidance, and application-level engineering context into a practical reference for selecting and integrating the SN65173N.
Drop-in alternatives for SN65173N — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
SN75173N
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SN75173
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SN55173
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SN65173N Specifications
| Product Type | Quadruple differential line receiver |
| Receiver Channel Count | 4 channels |
| Output State Capability | 3-state outputs |
| Supported Interfaces | RS-422, RS-423, RS-485 |
| Design Standard References | TIA/EIA-423-B, TIA/EIA-485-A |
| Package Type | 16-PDIP |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole |
| Manufacturer | Texas Instruments |
SN65173N 16-pdip Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for SN65173N (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 SN65173N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
SN65173N is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial RS-485 Sensor Networks, Factory Automation Control Links, Laboratory Instrumentation Interfaces, Data Acquisition Equipment, Building Automation Equipment, Communication Port Receive-Only Modules.
Industrial RS-485 Sensor Networks
The SN65173N is suitable for receive-side circuitry in industrial RS-485 sensor networks because it combines four differential receiver channels with 3-state outputs in one 16-PDIP package. Each channel can recover a logic signal from a balanced pair, while the tri-state capability allows unused receivers to avoid loading a shared bus. A complementary RS-485 driver can be placed elsewhere in the system for transmission. Designers should verify input sensitivity, common-mode range, maximum data rate, and enable polarity against the manufacturer datasheet, then apply cable-side surge and ESD protection appropriate to the installation.
Recommended
Factory Automation Control Links
The SN65173N can serve as the receive element in factory automation links carrying commands and status between controllers and remote equipment. Four channels in one package reduce the component count for multi-axis machines, production stations, or distributed I/O modules. Because the SN65173N is a receiver rather than a complete transceiver, a separate line driver is required when the controller must transmit. The 3-state outputs are useful when multiple receiver groups share a bus, although the design must preserve correct enable timing and provide termination only where the bus topology requires it.
Recommended
Laboratory Instrumentation Interfaces
The SN65173N is appropriate for laboratory instruments that receive differential measurement-control or status signals over a wired bus. Four receiver channels can handle multiple instrument channels while the 3-state outputs support controlled bus participation. The interface is particularly relevant to RS-485 and RS-423 systems, where differential signaling improves tolerance to common-mode voltage differences compared with a single-ended arrangement. Layout should route each differential pair as a matched pair, minimize stub lengths, connect the signal reference correctly, and use connector or board protection when cables leave the enclosure.
Recommended
Data Acquisition Equipment
The SN65173N can form the receive section of a multi-channel data-acquisition system that accepts commands or sensor data from a remote RS-485 master. Its four-channel integration helps consolidate several differential inputs without using four separate receiver packages. A transmit path can be added with a compatible RS-485 driver, allowing a slave device to reply when required. For reliable operation, the designer should confirm the receiver’s supported data rate against the acquisition timing, use suitable bus termination, and separate noisy digital or switching circuits from the differential input routing.
Recommended
Building Automation Equipment
The SN65173N is useful in building automation controllers, sensors, and gateways that receive differential bus data from distributed field equipment. RS-485 provides a practical wired communication path over distances greater than ordinary board-level interconnects, while the four-channel receiver arrangement supports several endpoints or signal groups. The 3-state outputs help implement bus sharing when the controller enables only the required receiver. Deployment in building equipment still requires attention to cable length, grounding, protection against transients, and the datasheet limits for supply voltage and common-mode input voltage.
Recommended
Communication Port Receive-Only Modules
The SN65173N can be used in receive-only communication modules that need to monitor a differential RS-485 or RS-423 bus without driving it. Four channels allow the module to decode several data lines or participate in a shared bus through controlled 3-state output behavior. This arrangement avoids a transmitter in modules that only receive commands or telemetry. The board should provide a stable receiver supply, maintain differential pair geometry, include a suitable reference connection, and add external protection when the connected cable can be exposed to industrial transients.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for SN65173N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | SN75173N | SN75173 | SN55173 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 16-PDIP | 16-PDIP | 16-PDIP | 16-PDIP |
| Brand | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments |
| Receiver Channels | 4 channels | 4 channels | 4 channels | 4 channels |
| Output Type | 3-state | 3-state | 3-state | 3-state |
| RS-485 Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| RS-422 Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| RS-423 Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Four receive channels integrated in one package (vs SN75173N)
- Tri-state outputs support shared-bus participation (vs SN75173)
- Receiver-only architecture for receive-side designs (vs SN75174N)
Design Notes
Route each receiver input as a differential pair with continuous reference to the appropriate ground or return plane. Keep the pair geometry consistent, avoid long parallel runs with switching-current paths, and place any termination component near the receiver or at the bus endpoint specified by the network topology. Do not add termination indiscriminately because excessive termination can reduce signal quality and power consumption on short buses.
The SN65173N is a receive-only device, so it does not replace the transmitter in a complete RS-485 link. Add a compatible line driver when the board must transmit, and confirm that the driver’s output timing does not conflict with the receiver’s 3-state control. Also avoid treating an RS-423 connection as an RS-485 connection without checking grounding, termination, and common-mode requirements for the selected interface.
Place any connector-side transient protection close to the cable entry and isolate it from sensitive logic. Verify that the protection device’s capacitance, clamping voltage, and common-mode behavior will not prevent the receiver from operating at the required data rate. Use the manufacturer pin-description table for enable, ground, input, and output assignments, and keep unused outputs in a defined state rather than relying on internal behavior.
For cable-attached networks, control reflections with the proper bus termination and keep stub lengths short. Differential routing improves noise rejection, but it does not remove the need for a correct reference connection or common-mode analysis. Check the receiver input thresholds and common-mode limits in the manufacturer datasheet against the maximum expected cable and ground-potential conditions before approving the interface.
Compliance Information
The available device description identifies interface standards but does not provide RoHS, REACH, AEC-Q100, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals declarations. AEC-Q100 is not applicable to this general-purpose interface IC.
