The Intersil ISL4485E is a high speed, BiCMOS 5V powered, single transceiver that meets both the RS-485 and RS-422 standards for balanced communication. Each driver output/receiver input is protected against ±15kV ESD strikes, without latch-up. Unlike competitive devices, this Intersil device is specified for 10% tolerance supplies (4. 5V to 5. 5V). The excellent differential output voltage coupled with high drive-current output stages allow 20Mbps operation over twisted pair networks up to 450 feet in length. The 25kΩ receiver input resistance presents a single unit load to the RS-485 bus, allowing up to 32 transceivers on the network. Receiver (Rx) inputs feature a fail-safe if open design, which ensures a logic high Rx output if Rx inputs are floating. Driver (Tx) outputs are short circuit protected, even for voltages exceeding the power supply voltage. Additionally, on-chip thermal shutdown circuitry disables the Tx outputs to prevent damage if power dissipation becomes excessive. The half duplex configuration multiplexes the Rx inputs and Tx outputs to allow transceivers with Rx and Tx disable functions in 8 lead packages.