RS-485 transceivers that can operate from supply voltages as low as 1.8V, eliminating the need for a 3.3V or 5V power supply have been developed by Intersil Corporation, which the company claims are an “industry’s first.”
The company’s ISL32600E, ISL32601E, ISL32602E and ISL32603E are micropower RS-485 transceivers designed for noise-immune data communication. The ISL32602E and ISL32603E are specified to operate from a 1.8V to 3.6V supply voltage. At 1.8V, they consume only 105uA quiescent supply current, and shutdown current consumption is an ultra-low 10nA, extending battery life in remotely powered nodes. All versions are ±15kV IEC61000 ESD protected and designed to operate in hostile environments up to 125°C.
The ISL32600E and ISL32601E operate with Vcc >= 2.7V, with a supply current of 80uA when both the transmitter and receiver are enabled.
The low voltage and low quiescent current requirements make the family ideal for applications such as flow meters or security systems, where the voltage and power must be minimal, especially if the application must be intrinsically safe. They can also be designed into process control networks, security camera networks, or building environmental control systems.
Receivers included on series feature symmetrical switching thresholds and increased hysteresis to improve noise immunity and reduced duty cycle distortion in the presence of slow moving input signals.
Intersil Corporation
