What this RS-485/RS-422 transceiver does
It handles both full and half-duplex communication on a single 5V supply rail (4.75V to 5.25V). The part offers three selectable data rates — 115 kbps, 500 kbps, and 10 Mbps — making it usable on legacy 115-kbps fieldbus links as well as higher-speed point-to-point RS-422 runs.
10 Mbps top speed — what it buys you
The 10 Mbps data rate is the headline figure. On a short, properly terminated RS-422 link (a few metres), 10 Mbps moves sensor or encoder data fast enough to keep up with a high-speed PLC scan cycle. The 25 mV of receiver hysteresis cleans up noise on longer cable runs at the lower rates. If your bus runs at 115 kbps or 500 kbps, the part handles those too — no external clock switching needed.
Package and temperature — where it fits
That makes it a natural choice for prototype boards, low-volume production, or retrofitting an older design that already has a DIP footprint.
Lifecycle and compliance note
One catch: it is marked RoHS non-compliant. If your BOM requires lead-free / RoHS-compliant parts, this variant will not pass inspection. For builds that accept tin-lead solder (or where a RoHS exemption applies), it remains a viable through-hole choice.