ISL31490E, ISL31491E, ISL31492E, ISL31493E, ISL31495E,
13 FN7637.1
December 22, 2011
Application Information
RS-485 and RS-422 are differential (balanced) data
transmission standards used for 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’, thus the wide CMR is necessary to handle ground
potential differences, as well as voltages induced in the cable by
external fields.
The ISL3149xE is a family of ruggedized RS-485 transceivers
that improves on the RS-485 basic requirements, and therefore
increases system reliability. The CMR increases to ±25V, while
the RS-485 bus pins (receiver inputs and driver outputs) include
fault protection against voltages and transients up to ±60V.
Additionally, larger than required differential output voltages
(VOD) increase noise immunity.
Receiver (Rx) Features
These devices utilize a differential input receiver for maximum
noise immunity and common mode rejection. Input sensitivity is
better than ±200mV, as required by the RS-422 and RS-485
specifications.
Receiver input (load) current surpasses the RS-422 specification
of 3mA, and is four times lower than the RS-485 “Unit Load (UL)”
requirement of 1mA maximum. Thus, these products are known
as “one-quarter UL” transceivers, and there can be up to 128 of
these devices on a network while still complying with the RS-485
loading specification.
The Rx functions with common mode voltages as great as ±25V,
making them ideal for industrial, or long networks where induced
voltages are a realistic concern.
All the receivers include a “full fail-safe” function that guarantees
a high level receiver output if the receiver inputs are unconnected
(floating), shorted together, or connected to a terminated bus
with all the transmitters disabled (i.e., an idle bus).
Rx outputs feature high drive levels (typically 22mA @ VOL =1V) to
ease the design of optically coupled isolated interfaces.
Receivers easily meet the data rates supported by the
corresponding driver, and all receiver outputs are three-statable
via the active low RE input (except on the ISL31491E).
The Rx in the 250kbps and 1Mbps versions include noise filtering
circuitry to reject high frequency signals. The 1Mbps version
typically rejects pulses narrower than 50ns (equivalent to
20Mbps), while the 250kbps Rx rejects pulses below 150ns
(6.7Mbps).
Driver (Tx) Features
The RS-485/RS-422 driver is a differential output device that
delivers at least 1.5V across a 54Ω load (RS-485), and at least
2.4V across a 100Ω load (RS-422). The drivers feature low
propagation delay skew to maximize bit width, and to minimize
EMI, and all drivers are three-statable via the active high DE
input.
The 250kbps and 1Mbps driver outputs are slew rate limited to
minimize EMI, and to minimize reflections in unterminated or
improperly terminated networks. Outputs of the ISL31496E and
ISL31498E drivers are not limited, thus faster output transition
times allow data rates of at least 15Mbps.
High Overvoltage (Fault) Protection
Increases ruggedness
Note: The available smaller pitch packages (e.g., MSOP and
TDFN) may not meet the creepage and clearance (C&C)
requirements for ±60V levels. The user is advised to determine
his C&C requirements before selecting a package type.
The ±60V (referenced to the IC GND) fault protection on the
RS-485 pins, makes these transceivers some of the most rugged
on the market. This level of protection makes the ISL3149xE
perfect for applications where power (e.g., 24V and 48V supplies)
must be routed in the conduit with the data lines, or for outdoor
applications where large transients are likely to occur. When
power is routed with the data lines, even a momentary short
between the supply and data lines will destroy an unprotected
device. The ±60V fault levels of this family are at least five times
higher than the levels specified for standard RS-485 ICs. The
ISL3149xE protection is active whether the Tx is enabled or
disabled, and even if the IC is powered down.
If transients or voltages (including overshoots and ringing)
greater than ±60V are possible, then additional external
protection is required.
Widest Common Mode Voltage (CMV)
Tolerance Improves Operating Range
RS-485 networks operating in industrial complexes, or over long
distances, are susceptible to large CMV variations. Either of these
operating environments may suffer from large node-to-node
ground potential differences, or CMV pickup from external
electromagnetic sources, and devices with only the minimum
required +12V to -7V CMR may malfunction. The ISL3149xE’s
extended ±25V CMR is the widest available, allowing operation in
environments that would overwhelm lesser transceivers.
Additionally, the Rx will not phase invert (erroneously change
state) even with CMVs of ±40V, or differential voltages as large
as 40V.
High VOD Improves Noise Immunity and
Flexibility
The ISL3149xE driver design delivers larger differential output
voltages (VOD) than the RS-485 standard requires, or than most
RS-485 transmitters can deliver. The typical ±2.5V VOD provides
more noise immunity than networks built using many other
transceivers.