RS485/RS422 transceiver for 16 Mbps industrial links
The Maxim MAX3078EASA+T is a half-duplex RS485/RS422 transceiver with a single driver and single receiver in an 8-SOIC package. It handles data rates up to 16 Mbps over the supply range of 3 V to 3.6 V, making it a 3.3 V-only part — not 5 V tolerant. The 100 mV receiver hysteresis improves noise margin on long twisted-pair runs in factory-floor or building-automation wiring. Rated for -40°C to 125°C, it suits outdoor telecom cabinets, motor-drive comms ports, and under-hood automotive modules where the ambient can spike above 85°C.
16 Mbps — what it means for the bus
At 16 Mbps the part supports Profibus DP, DMX512-A, and other high-speed serial protocols that need fast bit transitions. The half-duplex architecture shares the same pair for TX and RX, so the firmware must manage the driver-enable toggling. The slew rate is not limited, so at 16 Mbps the edges are fast — keep stub lengths under 6 inches and terminate the bus with 120 Ω at both ends to avoid reflections. For lower-speed applications (below 500 kbps) a slew-limited variant like the MAX3070E would reduce EMI, but the MAX3078E is the pick when throughput is the priority.
Supply and temperature — fit check
The 3 V to 3.6 V supply range ties this part to a regulated 3.3 V rail. If your design has a 5 V bus supply, you will need a local LDO. The -40°C to 125°C operating range covers industrial and extended-temperature environments — cold starts in outdoor enclosures and hot spots near power stages. The 8-SOIC footprint is common and hand-solderable for prototypes.
Sourcing and lifecycle
Maxim lists the MAX3078EASA+T as Active and ROHS3 compliant. The part is available through independent distribution; we source and quote it to order against an RFQ, confirming availability and current pricing at quote time.