The LTC486 is a low power differential bus/line driver designed for multipoint data transmission standard RS485 applications with extended common-mode range (12V to –7V). It also meets RS422 requirements.The CMOS design offers significant power savings over its bipolar counterpart with out sacrificing ruggedness against overload or ESD damage.The driver features three-state outputs, with the driver outputs maintaining high impedance over the entire common-mode range. Excessive power dissipation caused by bus contention or faults is prevented by a thermal shutdown circuit which forces the driver outputs into a high impedance state.Both AC and DC specifications are guaranteed from 0°C to 70°C (Commercial), –40°C to 85°C (Industrial), over the 4.75V to 5.25V supply voltage range.ApplicationsLow Power RS485/RS422 DriversLevel Translator