
9
FN6051.6
All the receivers include a “fail-safe if open” function that 
guarantees a high level receiver output if the receiver inputs 
are unconnected (floating). 
Receivers easily meet the data rates supported by the 
corresponding driver, and receiver outputs are three-statable 
via the active low RE input. 
Driver Features
The RS-485/422 driver is a differential output device that 
delivers at least 1.5V across a 54
 load (RS-485), and at 
least 2V across a 100
 load (RS-422). The drivers feature 
low propagation delay skew to maximize bit width, and to 
minimize EMI.
Driver outputs are three-statable via the active high DE 
input. 
The ISL8487E and ISL81487L driver outputs are slew rate 
limited to minimize EMI, and to minimize reflections in 
unterminated or improperly terminated networks. Data rate 
on these slew rate limited versions is a maximum of 
250kbps. ISL81487E drivers are not limited, so faster output 
transition times allow data rates of at least 5Mbps.
Data Rate, Cables, and Terminations 
RS-485/422 are intended for network lengths up to 4000’, 
but the maximum system data rate decreases as the 
transmission length increases. Devices operating at 5Mbps 
are limited to lengths less than a few hundred feet, while the 
250kbps versions can operate at full data rates with lengths 
in excess of 1000’.
Twisted pair is the cable of choice for RS-485/422 networks. 
Twisted pair cables tend to pick up noise and other 
electromagnetically induced voltages as common mode 
signals, which are effectively rejected by the differential 
receivers in these ICs.
To minimize reflections, proper termination is imperative 
when using the 5Mbps device. Short networks using the 
250kbps versions need not be terminated, but, terminations 
are recommended unless power dissipation is an overriding 
concern.
In point-to-point, or point-to-multipoint (single driver on bus) 
networks, the main cable should be terminated in its 
characteristic impedance (typically 120
) at the end farthest 
from the driver. In multi-receiver applications, stubs 
connecting receivers to the main cable should be kept as 
short as possible. Multipoint (multi-driver) systems require 
that the main cable be terminated in its characteristic 
impedance at both ends. Stubs connecting a transceiver to 
the main cable should be kept as short as possible.
Built-In Driver Overload Protection
As stated previously, the RS-485 spec requires that drivers 
survive worst case bus contentions undamaged. These 
devices meet this requirement via driver output short circuit 
current limits, and on-chip thermal shutdown circuitry.
The driver output stages incorporate short circuit current 
limiting circuitry which ensures that the output current never 
exceeds the RS-485 spec, even at the common mode 
voltage range extremes. Additionally, these devices utilize a 
foldback circuit which reduces the short circuit current, and 
thus the power dissipation, whenever the contending voltage 
exceeds either supply.
In the event of a major short circuit condition, these devices 
also include a thermal shutdown feature that disables the 
drivers whenever the die temperature becomes excessive. 
This eliminates the power dissipation, allowing the die to 
cool. The drivers automatically re-enable after the die 
temperature drops about 15 degrees. If the contention 
persists, the thermal shutdown/re-enable cycle repeats until 
the fault is cleared. Receivers stay operational during 
thermal shutdown.
Low Power Shutdown Mode (Excluding 
ISL81487E)
These CMOS transceivers all use a fraction of the power 
required by their bipolar counterparts, but the ISL8487E 
and ISL81487L include a shutdown feature that reduces 
the already low quiescent I
CC
 to a 500nA trickle. They 
enter shutdown whenever the receiver and driver are 
simultaneously 
disabled (RE = V
CC
 and DE = GND) for a 
period of at least 600ns. Disabling both the driver and the 
receiver for less than 50ns guarantees that shutdown is not 
entered.
Note that receiver and driver enable times increase when 
enabling from shutdown. Refer to Notes 5-9, at the end of 
the Electrical Specification table, for more information.
ESD Protection
All pins on these interface devices include class 3 Human 
Body Model (HBM) ESD protection structures, but the 
RS-485 pins (driver outputs and receiver inputs) 
incorporate advanced structures allowing them to survive 
ESD events in excess of 
±
15kV HBM. The RS-485 pins are 
particularly vulnerable to ESD damage because they 
typically connect to an exposed port on the exterior of the 
finished product. Simply touching the port pins, or 
connecting a cable, can cause an ESD event that might 
destroy unprotected ICs. These new ESD structures 
protect the device whether or not it is powered up, protect 
without allowing any latchup mechanism to activate, and 
without degrading the RS-485 common mode range of -7V 
to +12V. This built-in ESD protection eliminates the need 
for board level protection structures (e.g., transient 
suppression diodes), and the associated, undesirable 
capacitive load they present.
ISL8487E, ISL81487L, ISL81487E