
8
FN6073.4
July 26, 2007
Application Information
RS-485 and RS-422 are differential (balanced) data 
transmission standards for use in long haul or noisy 
environments. RS-422 is a subset of RS-485, so RS-485 
transceivers are also RS-422 compliant. RS-422 is a 
point-to-multipoint (multidrop) standard, which allows only 
one driver and up to 10 (assuming one unit load devices) 
receivers on each bus. RS-485 is a true multipoint standard, 
which allows up to 32 one unit load devices (any combination 
of drivers and receivers) on each bus. To allow for multipoint 
operation, the RS-485 specification requires that drivers must 
handle bus contention without sustaining any damage. 
Another important advantage of RS-485 is the extended 
common mode range (CMR), which specifies that the driver 
outputs and receiver inputs withstand signals that range from 
+12V to -7V. RS-422 and RS-485 are intended for runs as 
long as 4000’, so the wide CMR is necessary to handle 
ground potential differences, as well as voltages induced in 
the cable by external fields.
Receiver Features
These devices utilize a differential input receiver for 
maximum noise immunity and common mode rejection. 
Input sensitivity is ±200mV, as required by the RS-422 and 
RS-485 specifications.
Receiver input resistance surpasses the RS-422 
specification of 4k
Ω
, and meets the RS-485 “Unit Load” 
requirement of 12k
Ω
 minimum.
Receiver inputs function with common mode voltages as 
great as 
±
7V outside the power supplies (i.e., +12V and 
-7V), making them ideal for long networks where induced 
voltages are a realistic concern.
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 rate supported by the 
corresponding driver. ISL8489E/ISL8491E receiver outputs 
are three-statable via the active low RE input.
Driver Features
The RS-485/RS-422 driver is a differential output device that 
delivers at least 1.5V across a 54
Ω
 load (RS-485), and at 
least 2V across a 100
Ω
 load (RS-422). The drivers feature 
low propagation delay skew to maximize bit width, and to 
minimize EMI. ISL8489E/ISL8491E driver outputs are three-
statable via the active high DE input.
The ISL8488E/ISL8489E driver outputs are slew rate limited 
to further reduce EMI, and to minimize reflections in 
unterminated or improperly terminated networks. Data rates 
on these slew rate limited versions are a maximum of 
250kbps. Outputs of ISL8490E/ISL8491E drivers are not 
limited, so faster output transition times allow data rates of at 
least 10Mbps.
Data Rate, Cables, and Terminations 
Twisted pair is the cable of choice for RS-485/RS-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.
RS-485/RS-422 are intended for network lengths up to 
4000’, but the maximum system data rate decreases as the 
transmission length increases. Devices operating at 10Mbps 
are limited to lengths of a few hundred feet, while the 
250kbps versions can operate at full data rates with lengths 
in excess of 1000’.
Proper termination is imperative, when using the 10Mbps 
devices, to minimize reflections. 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
Ω
) 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 specification requires that 
drivers survive worst case bus contentions undamaged. The 
ISL84xxE 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 specification, 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, ISL84xxE 
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 reenable after the 
die temperature drops about 15°. If the contention persists, 
the thermal shutdown/reenable cycle repeats until the fault is 
cleared. Receivers stay operational during thermal 
shutdown.
ESD Protection
All pins on these 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 
ISL8488E, ISL8489E, ISL8490E, ISL8491E