Reduction in the number of parts in RS485/RS232 systems
Configure a shared bus line with a single half-duplex RS485 differential transceiver



Linear Technology Korea announced the release of the RS485/RS232 multi-protocol transceiver (product name: LTC2873) in a small 20mm² package. The LTC2873 integrates all essential features to provide the most compact multi-protocol IC currently available. Supporting ±26kV HBM ESD bus protection, the LTC2873 offers a robust, software-selectable interface for 3V to 5.5V systems.

A single logic interface supporting voltages as low as 1.7V allows a shared bus line to be configured with a single RS232 single-ended transceiver or a half-duplex RS485 differential transceiver. Additionally, an integrated DC/DC boost controller and pin controller RS485 integrated terminal resistor eliminate the need for expensive and space-consuming external circuitry. Multi-protocol transceivers such as the LTC2873 are widely and flexibly used in single PoS terminals, security cameras, traffic control, and industrial automation when supporting commonly used interface standards.

The LTC2873 is supplied in commercial, industrial, and automotive versions and supports operating temperature ranges of 0°C to 70°C, –40°C to 85°C, and –40°C to 125°C. The LTC2873 is available in a RoHS-compliant 24-pin 4mm x 5mm QFN package. The price is $4.45 per unit based on a quantity of 1,000.