What this quad driver does — and what it doesn't
The MAX3043ESE+ is a quad RS422/RS485 driver with four transmitters and zero receivers on-chip — it is a pure transmit-side part, not a transceiver. For a bidirectional RS485 bus, pair it with a separate RS485 receiver (e.g., MAX3280E) or use a transceiver like the MAX3485. Data rate is 250kbps, which covers Profibus DP at 12Mbps? No — this part is for slower fieldbuses: Modbus RTU at 115.2kbps, BACnet MS/TP at 76.8kbps, or simple point-to-point RS422 links. At 250kbps the driver output slew rate is limited, so reflections on long cables (1000+ ft) are manageable without termination resistors, but termination is still recommended for stub lengths over 30 cm.
Supply rail and temperature — no surprises
Supply voltage is 4.75V to 5.25V — a standard 5V rail only. Do not feed it 3.3V; the driver outputs will not swing to valid RS485 levels. The 5V supply also means the differential output voltage meets the RS485 spec (1.5V min into 54Ω) without a charge pump. This covers most factory-floor cabinets, outdoor telecom enclosures, and HVAC equipment. No extended temp (-125°C) or automotive grade here.
Package and board-fit
Housed in a 16-SOIC package with 0.154-inch (3.90mm) body width — the narrow SOIC footprint, not the wide 7.5mm body. The 1.27mm pin pitch is standard, and the package has no exposed thermal pad, so a 2-layer board with basic copper pour under the part is adequate for thermal dissipation. Supplied in Tube packaging — not tape-and-reel. If your pick-and-place line expects reels, order the tape-and-reel variant (MAX3043ESE+T) or plan for tube feeding.