Full duplex vs half duplex — the bus topology decision
The full-duplex capability with separate driver and receiver pairs supports simultaneous transmit and receive on a four-wire RS-422 bus or a four-wire RS-485 network.
Package and mounting — MRO and panel fit
The 14-DIP (0.300", 7.62 mm) through-hole package is socket-friendly and easy to hand-replace in the field — a real advantage for MRO spares on existing PLC I/O cards or serial interface boards. No fine-pitch soldering, no reflow profile to worry about. The PDIP footprint also gives good mechanical retention in high-vibration industrial environments when socketed with a dual-wipe contact.
