SP490ECN/TR - 5Mbps RS-485/RS-422 Transceiver | MaxLinear
MPN: SP490ECN/TR ✓ ActiveSP490ECN/TR Overview
An RS-485/RS-422 interface transceiver is a semiconductor product category used to convert logic-level signals into balanced differential transmissions and to recover differential signals from noisy buses. Within the broader hierarchy, the SP490ECN/TR is an interface transceiver, a bus-line transceiver, and a communications interface IC designed for industrial data links. Balanced signaling improves noise immunity by representing each signal as a difference between two conductors rather than as a single-ended voltage.
The SP490ECN/TR supports data rates up to 5 Mbps while maintaining the operating characteristics required by RS-422 and RS-485 networks. Its single 5 V supply simplifies interface design, and the ±200 mV receiver sensitivity permits operation with attenuated or electrically noisy differential signals. The one-driver, one-receiver arrangement supports full-duplex point-to-point RS-422 links and multidrop RS-485 applications. The manufacturer datasheet also identifies compatibility with LTC490 and SN75179 devices.
The transceiver combines a low-power BiCMOS driver and receiver with differential bus connections. Its receiver converts the difference between the positive and negative bus inputs into a single-ended logic output, while the driver converts a differential logic input into a complementary bus output. The wide receiver common-mode range is specifically identified in the manufacturer datasheet, helping the device tolerate voltage offsets imposed by grounds, cable terminations, and installed equipment on an industrial bus.
Typical applications include industrial factory automation, point-to-point telemetry links, building-control networks, RS-422 equipment interfaces, and RS-485 multidrop communications. The 5 Mbps maximum signaling rate supports moderate- and high-speed data transfer, while the 8-pin SOIC format supports compact, surface-mounted assemblies. The same electrical interface can also serve industrial sensors, remote I/O modules, data acquisition equipment, and communication links between controllers and peripheral equipment.
Designers should preserve the transceiver's differential signal routing and provide correct bus biasing and termination. Power-supply decoupling should be placed close to the device, while the driver and receiver ground connection should remain compatible with the interface reference plane. Termination is required according to the selected RS-422 or RS-485 topology rather than being applied indiscriminately to every node. Cable length, node spacing, grounding, and common-mode limits must be evaluated together for reliable operation.
This product page combines the verified MaxLinear datasheet, distributor availability, pricing evidence, pin information, and package details with practical interface-design guidance. It also distinguishes the SP490ECN/TR from related SP490E and SP490ECN-L/TR variants by data rate while identifying only same-package drop-in alternatives supported by the supplied manufacturer and cross-reference information.
Drop-in alternatives for SP490ECN/TR — 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 SP490ECN/TR (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Number of Drivers, Number of Receivers, Package.
SP490EN-L
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →SP490ECN-L/TR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LTC490
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SN75179
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SP490ECN/TR Specifications
| Product Type | RS-485/RS-422 differential line transceiver |
| Number of Drivers | 1 |
| Number of Receivers | 1 |
| Duplex Mode | Full duplex |
| Maximum Data Rate | 5 Mbps |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V |
| Receiver Input Sensitivity | ±200 mV |
| Supported Protocols | RS-485 and RS-422 |
| Receiver Common-Mode Range | Wide common-mode range |
| Transceiver Technology | BiCMOS |
| Package | 8-pin SOIC |
| Package Width | 3.90 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
| Packaging | Tape and reel |
| Lead-Free Status | Lead free |
| ESD Capability | Improved ESD specifications |
| Manufacturer Compatibility | Pin compatible with LTC490 and SN75179 |
| Maximum Nodes on Bus | 32 transceivers |
SP490ECN/TR Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | ROUT — Receiver logic output |
| Pin 2 | RIN- — Inverting receiver input |
| Pin 3 | RIN+ — Non-inverting receiver input |
| Pin 4 | RE — Receiver enable input |
| Pin 5 | GND — Ground connection |
| Pin 6 | DIN — Differential driver input |
| Pin 7 | DOUT — Differential driver output |
| Pin 8 | VCC — 5 V positive supply |
Typical Applications
SP490ECN/TR is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial RS-485 Automation Networks, Point-to-Point RS-422 Telemetry, Building and HVAC Control Networks, Data Acquisition and Remote Sensors, Factory Motor and Machinery Control, Instrumentation and Test Equipment Interfaces.
Industrial RS-485 Automation Networks
The SP490ECN/TR fits industrial automation links that require a balanced RS-485 interface at rates up to 5 Mbps. A controller can use the transmitter to place a differential signal onto the bus, while the receiver recovers the logic-level data with ±200 mV sensitivity. The wide receiver common-mode range is useful when connected equipment introduces ground-potential differences. Designers must still select termination and biasing according to the bus topology, and they should verify the device's operating-temperature limits because those values were not supplied in the verified excerpts.
Recommended
Point-to-Point RS-422 Telemetry
The SP490ECN/TR is appropriate for point-to-point telemetry where differential signaling provides better noise immunity than a single-ended interface. Its 5 Mbps maximum rate supports equipment-to-controller communication, while the one-driver and one-receiver configuration maps cleanly to a full-duplex link. The receiver can detect differential signals at ±200 mV, which helps preserve operation across longer or less ideal cables. In implementation, the pair conductors should remain routed together, and the grounded reference between connected equipment must remain compatible with the receiver's common-mode capability.
Recommended
Building and HVAC Control Networks
The SP490ECN/TR can support RS-485 communication among building controllers, HVAC equipment, sensors, and remote I/O modules. Its 5 Mbps rating provides ample margin for many supervisory control links while the differential receiver's ±200 mV sensitivity improves tolerance of attenuated signals. The device also operates from a single 5 V rail, simplifying integration with controller logic. Engineers should evaluate the complete grounding strategy because low-cost building wiring can introduce large common-mode offsets, and should not infer industrial temperature qualification without reviewing the missing rating.
Recommended
Data Acquisition and Remote Sensors
The SP490ECN/TR is suitable for linking a data-acquisition unit to remote sensors over RS-422 or RS-485. The balanced bus reduces susceptibility to externally coupled noise compared with a single-ended connection, while the 5 Mbps limit accommodates burst-oriented measurement traffic. The ±200 mV receiver threshold supports operation with cable attenuation, and the wide common-mode range helps manage offsets between separately powered instruments. Signal routing, cable termination, surge protection, and grounding must be engineered as a system because the interface IC alone does not provide complete lightning or EFT protection.
Recommended
Factory Motor and Machinery Control
The SP490ECN/TR can connect industrial machinery controllers, drive interfaces, and remote status modules where RS-422 or RS-485 is already established as the local communication standard. Its 5 Mbps maximum rate allows relatively fast command and status traffic, and the BiCMOS low-power implementation is suitable for distributed equipment. Differential signaling helps maintain data integrity beside motor-control wiring, although designers should use shielding, grounding, and filtering according to the machine's EMC environment. The interface should not replace the protection, isolation, or safety functions required at the system boundary.
Recommended
Instrumentation and Test Equipment Interfaces
The SP490ECN/TR is usable in test and measurement equipment that exposes an RS-422 or RS-485 port for remote control, synchronization, or status reporting. The receiver's ±200 mV sensitivity and wide common-mode range support communication over practical cable lengths, while full-duplex operation simplifies designs requiring continuous two-way data. At up to 5 Mbps, the transceiver can handle moderately high-rate instrument traffic, although the complete interface still needs proper termination, protection, and reference-ground design. Equipment exposed to external cables should add suitable isolation and surge protection beyond the IC.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for SP490ECN/TR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | SP490E | SP490ECN-L/TR | LTC490 | SN75179 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-pin SOIC | 8-pin SOIC - same | 8-pin SOIC - same | 8-pin SOIC - same | 8-pin SOIC - same |
| Brand | MaxLinear | MaxLinear | MaxLinear | Linear Technology | Texas Instruments |
Key Differentiators
- Lower listed data rate provides a defined 5 Mbps target (vs SP490E)
- Standard 5 Mbps version avoids an unintended speed upgrade (vs SP490ECN-L/TR)
- Manufacturer-identified compatibility with established interface families (vs LTC490)
Design Notes
Place the transceiver and its decoupling capacitor close to the VCC and GND pins, with the capacitor connected through a short ground return. Route the differential pair as a tightly coupled pair over a continuous reference plane and keep it away from switching nodes and high-current motor wiring. Do not route the two bus conductors independently because unequal geometry can reduce the noise-cancellation benefit of differential signaling.
Configure termination and fail-safe biasing for the actual RS-422 point-to-point or RS-485 multidrop topology rather than copying a universal resistor arrangement. The verified SP490ECN/TR data specifies ±200 mV receiver sensitivity and a wide common-mode range, but these characteristics do not eliminate termination errors. Check the receiver enable state, idle bus voltage, cable length, node spacing, and common-mode offset together during validation.
Do not assume that an eight-pin SOIC substitute is qualified solely because its package matches. The manufacturer identifies LTC490 and SN75179 compatibility, while SP490E and SP490ECN-L/TR provide a listed 10 Mbps capability versus the target's 5 Mbps. Before substitution, verify the exact supply voltage, enable polarity, receiver behavior, common-mode range, package dimensions, temperature rating, and production availability against the original design.
Compliance Information
The supplied data explicitly identifies the device as lead free. No verified RoHS, REACH, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals declaration was provided.