What this isolated RS485 transceiver does that a non-isolated part cannot
The ADM2491EBRWZ-REEL7 is an Analog Devices iCoupler isolated RS422/RS485 transceiver that integrates a 5000 Vrms magnetic isolation barrier directly into the signal path. It handles 16 Mbps data rates with 60 ns propagation delay on both edges, and its 25 kV/µs common-mode transient immunity keeps data intact when motor drives or inverters slam voltage across the isolation boundary. The three unidirectional channels — two on side 1, one on side 2 — map to a standard RS485 driver, receiver, and a dedicated logic-side input for the driver enable, so you get the full DE/RE control without external glue. No isolated power is generated on-chip — you bring your own isolated DC-DC or a separate isolated rail for the bus side.
5000 Vrms isolation — where it fits in the system safety budget
The 5000 Vrms isolation rating puts this part in the reinforced-isolation tier for industrial RS485 buses that cross a safety boundary — think motor-drive feedback links, VFD comms, or PLC-to-fieldbus interfaces where the cable leaves the cabinet and could pick up a ground potential rise. The 25 kV/µs CMTI means it holds data integrity through the fast common-mode swings that couple across the barrier during a motor phase-step or an inverter switching event. If your application only needs basic isolation at 2500 Vrms, the ADM2482EBRWZ covers that at a lower isolation voltage, but the 5000 Vrms part is the one to spec when the safety standard demands reinforced isolation or the cable run is exposed to surge potentials.
16 Mbps data rate — what it gates
At 16 Mbps this transceiver supports Profibus DP, RS485 at the higher end of the practical baud-rate range, and most multi-drop industrial networks that run at 12 Mbps or below. The 60 ns propagation delay (max) on both edges leaves timing margin for a bus with several nodes and a few metres of cable. If your link runs at 500 kbps or slower — say a Modbus RTU line — the ADM2484EBRWZ-REEL7 is a lower-cost option at the same 5000 Vrms isolation, but the 16 Mbps part gives you headroom if the network speed gets bumped in a future revision.
Package and temperature range for the bill of materials
Cut Tape quantities are also available for prototyping or low-volume builds.
Sourcing and lifecycle posture
For dual-sourcing consideration, the ADM2490EBRWZ is a two-channel variant (one driver, one receiver) in the same iCoupler family with the same 16 Mbps data rate and 5000 Vrms isolation, but it lacks the third channel for the driver-enable signal, so the pinout and control logic differ.