Quad RS-422/RS-485 driver for 3.3 V backplanes
The AM26LV31IDR: It packs four drivers into a single 16-SOIC (3.90 mm width) package, with no receivers on-chip — this is a pure-driver part for unidirectional or half-duplex transmit paths.
The supply range directly matches 3.3 V ±10% rails common in modern MCU and FPGA systems. No extra level translator is needed when the UART or SPI port of a 3.3 V controller drives the AM26LV31IDR inputs. The 3V lower bound also covers 3.0 V coin-cell or battery-backed domains, though the driver's output differential voltage will be at the lower end of the RS-422 spec at that rail — check the receiver threshold margin if the cable run exceeds a few metres.
16-SOIC narrow-body — footprint and rework
The 16-SOIC package uses the narrow-body 3.90 mm width.
The active status also simplifies multi-year supply commitments — no need to stockpile or budget for a forced redesign.