What this part is and where it fits
The Maxim MAX1486CUB+ is a full-duplex RS422/RS485 transceiver in a 10-uMAX/uSOP surface-mount package. It integrates one driver and one receiver on a single chip, handles data rates up to 12 Mbps, and operates from a 4.75V to 5.25V supply. The 70 mV receiver hysteresis provides noise immunity on long cable runs. This is a commercial-temperature-grade part (0°C to 70°C), suited for indoor industrial control, building automation, and test equipment where the bus runs inside a cabinet or conditioned space.
5V-only supply — what it means for your BOM
The supply range is 4.75V to 5.25V, so this is a 5V-only transceiver. It will not run from a 3.3V rail without a level translator or a separate 5V supply. If your system is 3.3V, you need the MAX1487CUB+ or another 3.3V-rated variant in the family. The 5V logic levels also mean the driver inputs and receiver outputs are 5V-tolerant; connecting a 3.3V UART directly may need a voltage divider or a level-shifter on the receiver output side.
12 Mbps data rate — bus timing and cable length
At 12 Mbps, the MAX1486CUB+ supports fast data throughput, but cable length is inversely proportional to data rate for RS485. For a 12 Mbps link, keep the cable run under a few hundred feet to avoid signal degradation from reflections and attenuation. The full-duplex capability means separate twisted pairs for transmit and receive, so no need for direction control — the receiver is always enabled when the driver is active. The 70 mV hysteresis helps reject noise on the differential lines, which matters at higher speeds where the bit period is short.
Package and footprint notes
The MAX1486CUB+ comes in a 10-lead uMAX/uSOP (also called 10-TFSOP, 10-MSOP) with a 0.118-inch (3.00 mm) body width. It is a small-outline, surface-mount package with a 0.5 mm pin pitch. The exposed pad is not present on this package — all thermal dissipation is through the leads and the PCB copper. For layout, keep the decoupling capacitor (0.1 µF ceramic) as close as possible to the supply pin, and route the differential pairs with controlled impedance if the cable runs are long. MSL is typically 1 for this package family, but verify the reel label for bake requirements if the moisture barrier bag is compromised.
Lifecycle and sourcing reality
It is ROHS3 compliant. No LTB window or successor has been announced.