SP481E/SP485E
Enhanced Low Power Half-Duplex 
RS-485 Transceivers
FEATURES
■ +5V Only 
■ Low Power BiCMOS 
■ Driver/Receiver Enable for Multi-Drop 
configurations 
■ Low Power Shutdown Mode
(SP481E) 
■ Enhanced ESD Specifications: 
+15KV Human Body Model 
    +15KV IEC1000-4-2 Air Discharge
+8KV IEC1000-4-2 Contact Discharge 
■ Available in RoHS Compliant, Lead Free 
    Packaging: NSOIC and PDIP
RO   1
RE   2
DE   3
DI   4
R
8    VCC
7    B
6    A
D
SP485
5    GND
Top View
SP481E and SP485E 
Pinout (Top View)
DESCRIPTION
The  SP481E  and  the  SP485E  are  a  family  of  half-duplex  transceivers  that  meet  the 
specifications of RS-485 and RS-422 serial protocols with enhanced ESD performance. The 
ESD tolerance has been improved on these devices to over +15KV for both Human Body 
Model and IEC1000-4-2 Air Discharge Method. These devices are pin-to-pin compatible with 
Sipex's SP481 and SP485 devices as well as popular industry standards. As with the original 
versions, the SP481E and the SP485E feature Sipex's BiCMOS design allowing low power 
operation without sacrificing performance. The SP481E and SP485E meet the requirements 
of the RS-485 and RS-422 protocols up to 10Mbps under load. The SP481E is equipped with 
a low power Shutdown mode.
RO 1
RE 2
DE 3
DI 4
R
D
8 Vcc
7 B
6 A 
5 GND
SP481E and SP485E
May11-2007
SP481E Low Power Half-Duplex RS485 Transceivers 
© 2007 Sipex Corporation
1
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
These are stress ratings only and functional operation of the device at 
these ratings or any other above those indicated in the operation sections 
of the specifications below is not implied. Exposure to absolute maximum 
rating conditions for extended periods of time may affect reliability. 
VCC..........................................................................................................+7V 
Input Voltages
Logic........................................................-0.3V to (VCC+0.5V) 
Drivers..................................................-0.3V to (VCC+0.5V) 
Receivers................................................................. ±15V
TMIN to TMAX  and VCC = 5V ± 5% unless otherwise noted.
Output Voltages
Logic........................................................-0.3V to (VCC+0.5V) 
Drivers...................................................................... ±15V 
Receivers............................................-0.3V to (VCC+0.5V) 
Storage Temperature.......................................................-65˚C to +150˚C 
Power Dissipation per Package 
8-pin NSOIC (derate 6.60mW/oC above +70oC)...........................550mW 
8-pin PDIP (derate 11.8mW/oC above +70oC)............................1000mW
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
MIN. 
TYP. 
MAX.  UNITS  CONDITIONS
VCC 
VCC 
VCC 
Volts 
Volts 
Volts 
Unloaded; R = ∞ ; see Figure 1
with load; R = 50Ω; (RS-422); 
see Figure 1
with load; R = 27Ω; (RS-485);see Figure 1 
0.2 
Volts 
R = 27Ω or R = 50Ω; see Figure 1
3 
0.8 
±10 
Volts 
Volts 
Volts 
µA 
R = 27Ω or R = 50Ω; see Figure 1
Applies to DE, DI, RE
Applies to DE, DI, RE
Applies to DE, DI, RE
±250  mA 
±250  mA 
-7V ≤ VO ≤ +12V
-7V ≤ VO ≤ +12V
Mbps 
ns 
ns 
ns 
ns 
ns 
ns 
ns 
ns 
ns 
ns 
60 
80 
60 
80 
10 
40 
70 
70 
70 
70 
RE = 5V, DE = 5V; RDIFF = 54Ω, 
CL1 = CL2 = 100pF
tPLH; RDIFF = 54Ω, CL1 = CL2 = 100pF; 
see Figures 3 and 5
tPLH; RDIFF = 54Ω, CLI = CL2 = 100pF;
See Figures 3 and 5
tPHL; RDIFF = 54Ω, CL1 = CL2 = 100pF; 
see Figures 3 and 5
tPHL; RDIFF = 54Ω, CL1 = CL2 = 100pF;
see Figures 3 and 5
see Figures 3 and 5, 
tSKEW = | tDPLH - tDPHL |
From 10% to 90%; RDIFF = 54Ω, 
CL1 = CL2  = 100pF; see Figures 3 & 6
CL = 100pF; see  Figures 4 & 6; S2
CL = 100pF; see  Figures 4 & 6; S1
CL = 100pF; see  Figures 4 & 6; S1
CL = 100pF; see  Figures  4 & 6; S2
30 
30 
30 
30 
5 
15 
40 
40 
40 
40 
PARAMETERS 
SP481E/SP485E DRIVER 
DC Characteristics 
Differential Output Voltage 
Differential Output Voltage 
Differential Output Voltage 
Change in Magnitude of Driver 
Differential Output Voltage for 
Complimentary States 
Driver Common-Mode 
Output Voltage 
Input High Voltage 
Input Low Voltage 
Input Current 
Driver Short-Circuit Current
   VOUT = HIGH 
   VOUT = LOW 
SP481E/SP485E DRIVER 
AC Characteristics 
Maximum Data Rate 
Driver Input to Output 
Driver Input to Output 
(SP485EMN ONLY) 
Driver Input to Output 
Driver Input to Output 
(SP485EMN ONLY) 
Driver Skew 
GND 
2 
1.5 
2.0 
10 
20 
20 
20 
20 
Driver Rise or Fall Time 
3 
Driver Enable to Output High 
closed 
Driver Enable to Output Low 
closed 
Driver Disable Time from Low 
closed 
Driver Disable Time from High 
closed
May11-2007
SP481E Low Power Half-Duplex RS485 Transceivers 
© 2007 Sipex Corporation
2
TMIN to TMAX  and VCC = 5V ± 5% unless otherwise noted.
MIN. 
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
TYP. 
MAX.  UNITS  CONDITIONS
-0.2 
-0.4 
3.5 
+0.2  Volts 
+0.4  Volts 
-7V ≤ VCM ≤ +12V
-7V ≤ VCM ≤ +12V
20 
mV 
Volts 
Volts 
VCM = 0V
IO = -4mA, VID = +200mV
IO = +4mA,  VID = -200mV
0.4 
12 
15 
±1 
µA 
kΩ
+1.0  mA 
-0.8  mA 
95  mA 
0.4V ≤ VO ≤ 2.4V; RE = 5V
-7V ≤ VCM ≤ +12V
DE = 0V, VCC = 0V or 5.25V, VIN = 12V
DE = 0V, VCC = 0V or 5.25V, VIN = -7V
0V ≤ VO ≤ VCC
45 
45 
13 
45 
45 
45 
45 
Mbps 
ns 
100 
100 
ns 
ns 
ns 
ns 
ns 
ns 
70 
70 
70 
70 
 = 100pF; Figures 3 & 7
RE = 0V, DE = 0V
tPLH; RDIFF = 54Ω, 
CL1 = CL2
tPHL; RDIFF = 54Ω, 
 = 100pF; Figures 3 & 7
CL1 = CL2
RDIFF = 54Ω; CL1 = CL2 = 100pF; 
Figures 3 & 7
CRL = 15pF; Figures 2 & 8; S1 closed
CRL = 15pF; Figures 2 & 8; S2 closed
CRL = 15pF; Figures 2 & 8; S1 closed
CRL = 15pF; Figures 2 & 8; S2 closed
50 
200 
600 
ns 
RE = 5V, DE = 0V
40 
40 
300 
300 
100 
ns 
100 
ns 
1000  ns 
1000  ns 
CL = 100pF; See Figures 4 & 6; S2 closed
CL = 100pF; See Figures 4 & 6; S1 closed
CL = 15pF; See Figures 2 & 8; S2 closed
CL = 15pF; See Figures 2 & 8; S1 closed
+4.75 
+5.25  Volts
7 
10 
20 
20 
PARAMETERS 
SP481E/SP485E RECEIVER 
DC Characteristics 
Differential Input Threshold 
Differential Input Threshold 
(SP485EMN ONLY) 
Input Hysteresis 
Output Voltage High 
Output Voltage Low 
Three-State (High Impedance) 
Output Current 
Input Resistance 
Input Current (A, B); VIN = 12V 
Input Current (A, B); VIN = -7V 
Short-Circuit Current 
SP481E/SP485E RECEIVER 
AC Characteristics 
Maximum Data Rate 
Receiver Input to Output 
Receiver Input to Output 
Diff. Receiver Skew ItPLH-tPHLI 
Receiver Enable to 
Output Low 
Receiver Enable to 
Output High 
Receiver Disable from Low 
Receiver Disable from High 
SP481E 
Shutdown Timing 
Time to Shutdown 
Driver Enable from Shutdown 
to Output High 
Driver Enable from Shutdown 
to Output Low 
Receiver Enable from
Shutdown to Output High 
Receiver Enable from
Shutdown to Output Low 
POWER REQUIREMENTS 
Supply Voltage 
Supply Current 
SP481E/485E
   No Load 
SP481E
   Shutdown Mode 
ENVIRONMENTAL  AND MECHANICAL
Operating Temperature
   Commercial (_C_) 
   Industrial (_E_) 
   (_M_) 
Storage Temperature 
Package
   Plastic DIP (_P)
   NSOIC (_N)
0 
-40 
-40 
-65 
RE, DI = 0V or VCC; DE = VCC
RE = 0V, DI = 0V or 5V; DE = 0V
DE = 0V, RE=VCC
900 
600 
µA 
µA 
µA 
10 
+70 
+85 
+125 
+150 
°C
°C
°C
°C
May11-2007
SP481E Low Power Half-Duplex RS485 Transceivers 
© 2007 Sipex Corporation
3
RO   1
RE   2
DE   3
DI   4
R
8    VCC
7    B
6    A
D
SP485
5    GND
Top View
SP481E and SP485E 
Pinout (Top View)
PIN FUNCTION
Pin 1 – RO – Receiver Output.
Pin 2 – RE – Receiver Output Enable Active LOW.
Pin 3 – DE – Driver Output Enable Active HIGH.
Pin 4 – DI – Driver Input.
Pin 5 – GND – Ground Connection.
Pin  6  –  A  –  Driver  Output/Receiver  Input
Non-inverting.
Pin 7 – B – Driver Output/Receiver Input Inverting.
Pin 8 – Vcc – Positive Supply 4.75V
INPUTS
OUTPUTS
INPUTS
OUTPUTS
RE DE DI CONDITION B
0
X
X
1
Z
X
X
Z
No Fault
No Fault
1
0
X
X
1
1
0
1
LINE 
X
Fault
A
1
0
Z
Z
RE
0
0
0
1
DE
0
0
0
0
A - B
 +0.2V
 -0.2V
Inputs Open
X
R
1
0
1
Z
Table 2. Receive Function Truth Table
Table 1. Transmit Function Truth Table
DE
A, B 
A, B 
+3V
0V 
5V
VOL
VOH
0V
f = 1MHz;  tR < 10ns;  tF < 10ns
1.5V 
tZL
2.3V
2.3V
tZH
Output normally LOW
Output normally HIGH
1.5V
tLZ
0.5V
0.5V
tHZ
Figure 6. Driver Enable and Disable Times
A – B
V0D2+
V0D2–
R
VOH
VOL
0V 
INPUT
0V
tPHL 
1.5V 
OUTPUT
tPLH
f = 1MHz;  tR < 10ns;  tF < 10ns
1.5V
tSKEW = | tPHL - tPLH |
Figure 7. Receiver Propagation Delays
RE
+3V
0V 
R 
R
5V
VIL
VIH
0V
1.5V 
f = 1MHz;  tR < 10ns;  tF < 10ns
tZL
1.5V
Output normally LOW
Output normally HIGH
1.5V
tZH
1.5V
tLZ
0.5V
0.5V
tHZ
Figure 8. Receiver Enable and Disable Times
May11-2007
SP481E Low Power Half-Duplex RS485 Transceivers 
© 2007 Sipex Corporation
5
DESCRIPTION
Receivers
The SP481E and SP485E are half-duplex differ-
ential transceivers that meet the requirements of
RS-485 and RS-422.  Fabricated with a Sipex
proprietary BiCMOS process, all three products
require a fraction of the power of older bipolar
designs.
The  RS-485  standard  is  ideal  for  multi-drop
applications  and  for  long-distance  interfaces.
RS-485 allows up to 32 drivers and 32 receivers
to be connected to a data bus, making it an ideal
choice  for  multi-drop  applications.    Since  the
cabling  can  be  as  long  as  4,000  feet,  RS-485
transceivers are equipped with a wide (-7V to
+12V)  common  mode  range  to  accommodate
ground potential differences.  Because RS-485 is
a differential interface, data is virtually immune
to noise in the transmission line.
Drivers
The driver outputs of the SP481E and SP485E
are differential outputs meeting the RS-485 and
RS-422 standards.  The typical voltage output
swing with no load will be 0 Volts to +5 Volts.
With worst case loading of 54Ω across the differ-
ential outputs, the drivers can maintain greater
than  1.5V  voltage  levels.    The  drivers  of  the
SP481E,  and  SP485E  have  an  enable  control
line which is active HIGH.  A logic HIGH on DE
(pin 3) will enable the differential driver outputs.
A logic LOW on DE (pin 3) will tri-state the
driver outputs.
The  transmitters  of  the  SP481E  and  SP485E
will operate up to at least 10Mbps.
The SP481E and SP485E receivers have differ-
ential inputs with an input sensitivity as low as
±200mV.  Input impedance of the receivers is
typically 15kΩ (12kΩ minimum).  A wide com-
mon mode range of -7V to +12V allows for large
ground potential differences between systems.
The receivers of the SP481E and SP485E have
a tri-state enable control pin.  A logic LOW on
RE (pin 2) will enable the receiver, a logic HIGH
on RE (pin 2) will disable the receiver.
The receiver for the SP481E and SP485E will
operate up to at least 10Mbps.  The receiver for
each of the  two devices is equipped with the
fail-safe feature.  Fail-safe guarantees that the
receiver output will be in a HIGH state when
the input is left unconnected.
Shutdown Mode 
SP481E
The SP481E is equipped with a Shutdown mode.
To enable the Shutdown state, both the driver
and receiver must be disabled simultaneously.
A logic LOW on DE (pin 3) and a logic HIGH on
RE (pin 2) will put the SP481E into Shutdown
mode.  In Shutdown, supply current will drop to
typically 1µA.
ESD TOLERANCE
The  SP481E  Family  incorporates  ruggedized
ESD cells on all driver output and receiver input
pins.  The ESD structure is improved over our
previous  family  for  more  rugged  applications
and environments sensitive to electro-static dis-
charges and associated transients.  The improved
ESD tolerance is at least ±15kV without damage
nor latch-up.
There  are  different  methods  of  ESD  testing
applied:
a) MIL-STD-883, Method 3015.7
b) IEC1000-4-2 Air-Discharge
c) IEC1000-4-2 Direct Contact
May11-2007
SP481E Low Power Half-Duplex RS485 Transceivers 
© 2007 Sipex Corporation
6
The Human Body Model has been the generally
accepted ESD testing method for semiconductors.
This method is also specified in MIL-STD-883,
Method 3015.7 for ESD testing. The premise of
this ESD test is to simulate the human body’s
potential  to  store  electro-static  energy  and
discharge  it  to  an  integrated  circuit.    The
simulation is performed by using a test model as
shown in Figure 7.   This method will test the
IC’s  capability  to  withstand  an  ESD  transient
during normal handling such as in manufacturing
areas where the ICs tend to be handled frequently.
The  IEC-1000-4-2,  formerly  IEC801-2,  is
generally used for testing ESD on equipment and
systems.  For system manufacturers, they must
guarantee a certain amount of ESD protection
since the system itself is exposed to the outside
environment and human presence.  The premise
with IEC1000-4-2 is that the system is required
to withstand an amount of static electricity when
ESD  is  applied  to  points  and  surfaces  of  the
equipment that are accessible to personnel during
normal usage.  The transceiver IC receives most
of  the  ESD  current  when  the  ESD  source  is
applied to the connector pins.  The test circuit for
IEC1000-4-2 is shown on Figure 8.  There are
two  methods  within  IEC1000-4-2,  the  Air
Discharge  method  and  the  Contact  Discharge
method.
RC
RRCC
RS
RRSS
SW1 
SW1SW1 
SW2
SW2SW2
DC Power
Source 
CS
CCSS
Device
Under
Test
Figure 7. ESD Test Circuit for Human Body Model
RC
RRCC
Contact-Discharge Module
Contact-Discharge Module
Contact-Discharge Module
RS
RRSS
RV
RRVV
SW1
SW1SW1
SW2
SW2SW2
DC Power
Source 
CS
CCSS
Device
Under
Test
RS and RV add up to 330Ω for IEC1000-4-2.
RRS S and 
add up to 330ΩΩ ffor IEC1000-4-2. 
or IEC1000-4-2.
and  RRV V add up to 330 
Figure 8. ESD Test Circuit for IEC1000-4-2
May11-2007
SP481E Low Power Half-Duplex RS485 Transceivers 
© 2007 Sipex Corporation
7
With the Air Discharge Method, an ESD voltage
is  applied  to  the  equipment  under  test  (EUT)
through air.  This simulates an electrically charged
person ready to connect a cable onto the rear of
the system only to find an unpleasant zap just
before the person touches the back panel.  The
high energy potential on the person discharges
through an arcing path to the rear panel of the
system before he or she even touches the system.
This  energy,  whether  discharged  directly  or
through air, is predominantly a function of the
discharge  current  rather  than  the  discharge
voltage.  Variables with an air discharge such as
approach speed of the object carrying the ESD
potential to the system and humidity will tend to
change the discharge current.  For example, the
rise time of the discharge current varies with the
approach speed.
The Contact Discharge Method applies the ESD
current directly to the EUT.  This method was
devised  to  reduce  the  unpredictability  of  the
ESD  arc.    The  discharge  current  rise  time  is
constant since the energy is directly transferred
without  the  air-gap  arc.    In  situations  such  as
hand held systems, the ESD charge can be directly
discharged to the equipment from a person already
holding the equipment.  The current is transferred
on to the keypad or the serial port of the equipment
directly and then travels through the PCB and finally
to the IC.
The circuit model in Figures 7 and 8 represent
the typical ESD testing circuit used for all three
methods.  The CS is initially charged with the DC
power supply when the first switch (SW1) is on.
Now that the capacitor is charged, the second
switch (SW2) is on while SW1 switches off.  The
➙
 
i
30A
15A
0A
t=0ns 
t ➙
t=30ns
Figure 9. ESD Test Waveform for IEC1000-4-2
voltage stored in the capacitor is then applied
through RS, the current limiting resistor, onto the
device under test (DUT).  In ESD tests, the SW2
switch  is  pulsed  so  that  the  device  under  test
receives a duration of voltage.
For the Human Body Model, the current limiting
resistor (RS) and the source capacitor (CS) are
1.5kΩ an 100pF, respectively.  For IEC-1000-4-
2, the current limiting resistor (RS) and the source
capacitor (CS) are 330Ω an 150pF, respectively.
The higher CS value and  lower RS value in the
IEC1000-4-2 model are more stringent than the
Human Body Model.  The larger storage capacitor
injects a higher voltage to the test point when
SW2 is switched on.  The lower current limiting
resistor increases the current charge onto the test
point.
SP481E, SP485E 
FAMILY
                 HUMAN BODY 
                       MODEL           Air Discharge     Direct Contact          Level
 IEC1000-4-2
Driver Outputs 
Receiver Inputs 
            ±15kV 
            ±15kV 
    ±15kV 
        ±8kV 
    ±15kV                      ±8kV 
             4
             4
May11-2007
SP481E Low Power Half-Duplex RS485 Transceivers 
© 2007 Sipex Corporation
8