
10
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 spec 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 RS422 and RS-485 
specifications.
Receiver input impedance surpasses the RS-422 spec of 
4k
, and meets the RS-485 “Unit Load” requirement of 
12k
 minimum.
Receiver inputs function with common mode voltages as 
great as +9V/-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 rates supported by the 
corresponding driver.
ISL83483, ISL83485, ISL83491 receiver outputs are tri-
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
 load (RS-485), and 
at least 2V across a 100
 load (RS-422) even with 
V
CC
= 3V. The drivers feature low propagation delay skew 
to maximize bit width, and to minimize EMI.
Drivers of the ISL83483, ISL83485, ISL83491 are tri-statable 
via the active high DE input. 
ISL83483/88 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. Outputs of 
ISL83485, ISL83490, ISL83491 drivers are not limited, so 
faster output transition times allow data rates of at least 
10Mbps.
Data Rate, Cables, and Terminations 
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’.
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.
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
) 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. The 
ISL834XX 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, ISL834XX 
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 degrees. If the contention 
persists, the thermal shutdown/reenable cycle repeats until 
the fault is cleared. Receivers stay operational during 
thermal shutdown.
ISL83483, ISL83485, ISL83488, ISL83490, ISL83491