ADM3485EAR vs ADM3488ARZN

This in-depth comparison of the ADM3485EAR and ADM3488ARZN provides valuable insights into their specifications and key features. We cover important factors in detail, including RoHS compliance, REACH status, series, mounting style, package type, and other relevant characteristics. Presenting the differences side by side simplifies component selection, making it easier for you to select the best option for your specific application.

Technical review by ETEI Component Engineering Source: manufacturer documentation

Replacement verdict

Compatible functional replacement candidate

The ADM3485EAR and ADM3488ARZN are both half-duplex RS-485/RS-422 transceivers in 8-lead SOIC packages with 3.3 V supply operation, making them strong functional candidates for substitution. However, the ADM3485EAR offers a higher maximum data rate and full ±15 kV ESD protection on the bus pins, while the ADM3488ARZN provides a lower data rate with reduced ESD rating. Designers should validate data-rate headroom and ESD robustness requirements before finalizing the replacement.

Package Type High match
Supply Voltage High match
Data Rate Validation required
ESD Protection Validation required

Parts at a glance

Part A

ADM3485EAR

Analog Devices Inc.

Lifecycle
Active
Stock
3150 PCS
Package
SOIC-8
Series
Interface - Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers
Part B

ADM3488ARZN

Analog Devices Inc.

Lifecycle
Active
Stock
4406 PCS
Package
SOIC-8
Series
Interface - Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers

Key differences

Rows are prioritized by design impact. Highlighted values require attention during substitution.

Key electrical and mechanical differences between the two devices

Parameter ADM3485EAR ADM3488ARZN Why it matters
Data Rate 10 Mbps 250 kbps Maximum signaling speed; the two parts are not speed-compatible, so a drop-in swap changes achievable bus throughput.
Duplex Mode Half duplex Full duplex Determines whether transmit and receive can occur simultaneously and how many bus wires are required; a direct functional substitution is not possible.
Number of Drivers / Receivers 1 / 1 1 / 1 Confirms the transceiver channel count; both provide a single differential driver and receiver pair.
Receiver Input Impedance (Unit Loads) 1 unit load (12 kΩ) 1 unit load (12 kΩ) Sets how many nodes can share the RS-485 bus; both are standard 1-unit-load devices supporting up to 32 nodes.
Supply Voltage 3.3 V 3.3 V Both operate from a 3.3 V rail, so power-supply compatibility is maintained.
Operating Temperature Range -40 °C to +85 °C -40 °C to +85 °C Indicates the industrial temperature envelope in which the device is guaranteed to meet specifications.
Package / Mounting 8-lead SOIC (surface mount) 8-lead SOIC (surface mount) Same footprint and mounting style allow board-level interchangeability without layout changes.
Fail-Safe Receiver Yes (open-circuit fail-safe) Yes (open-circuit fail-safe) Ensures a defined logic output when the bus is idle or disconnected, preventing indeterminate receiver states.
ESD Protection (Bus Pins) ±15 kV (HBM) ±15 kV (HBM) Bus-pin ESD robustness affects field reliability and handling tolerance in harsh environments.

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Full specification comparison

Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.

Specification ADM3485EAR ADM3488ARZN
Supplier - Analog Devices Inc.,Rochester Electronics, LLC
Part Status Obsolete Obsolete
Type Transceiver Transceiver
Protocol RS422, RS485 RS422, RS485
Number of Drivers/Receivers 1/1 1/1
Duplex Half Full
Receiver Hysteresis 50 mV 50 mV
Data Rate 10Mbps 250kbps
Voltage - Supply 3V ~ 3.6V 3V ~ 3.6V
Operating Temperature -40°C ~ 85°C -40°C ~ 85°C
Mounting Type Surface Mount Surface Mount

Frequently asked questions

What are the primary differences between the ADM3485EAR and ADM3488ARZN?

The ADM3485EAR is a 3.3 V, half-duplex RS-485/RS-422 transceiver specified for data rates up to 12 Mbps, while the ADM3488ARZN is a 3.3 V, full-duplex RS-485/RS-422 transceiver specified for data rates up to 250 kbps. The ADM3485EAR is offered in an 8-lead SOIC package, whereas the ADM3488ARZN is offered in a 14-lead SOIC package to accommodate the full-duplex pinout.

Are the ADM3485EAR and ADM3488ARZN pin-to-pin compatible?

No. The ADM3485EAR uses an 8-lead SOIC package with a half-duplex pinout (including DE and /RE control pins), while the ADM3488ARZN uses a 14-lead SOIC package with a full-duplex pinout (separate A/B driver outputs and Y/Z receiver inputs). The different package sizes and pin functions prevent direct pin-to-pin substitution.

Can the ADM3485EAR and ADM3488ARZN be used interchangeably in an existing design?

Not without design changes. The ADM3485EAR is half-duplex and requires DE and /RE control for bus direction, while the ADM3488ARZN is full-duplex and uses independent driver and receiver pairs. The differing package footprints, pinouts, and duplex configurations mean a direct drop-in replacement is not possible.

What are the maximum data rates of the ADM3485EAR and ADM3488ARZN?

The ADM3485EAR is specified for data rates up to 12 Mbps. The ADM3488ARZN is specified for data rates up to 250 kbps. The data rate difference reflects the different target applications and slew-rate characteristics of each device.

Do both devices operate from a 3.3 V supply?

Yes. Both the ADM3485EAR and ADM3488ARZN are 3.3 V RS-485/RS-422 transceivers designed to operate from a single 3.3 V supply, making them suitable for low-power and mixed-supply systems.

What are the package options for the ADM3485EAR and ADM3488ARZN?

The ADM3485EAR is available in an 8-lead SOIC package. The ADM3488ARZN is available in a 14-lead SOIC package. The package difference is driven by the half-duplex versus full-duplex pin requirements of each device.

Which device should be selected for a full-duplex RS-485 application?

The ADM3488ARZN should be selected for full-duplex RS-485/RS-422 applications because it provides separate driver outputs and receiver inputs for simultaneous transmit and receive operation. The ADM3485EAR is a half-duplex device and is not suitable for full-duplex bus configurations.

Are the ADM3485EAR and ADM3488ARZN compliant with RS-485 and RS-422 standards?

Yes. Both devices are designed as RS-485/RS-422 transceivers and are intended to meet the electrical requirements of those standards. Designers should confirm specific compliance parameters against the respective manufacturer datasheets for their target application.