What this transceiver does — and where it still fits
115 kbps data rate — design-in reality check
At 115 kbps this part is not a candidate for high-speed fieldbuses like Profibus or CAN FD. It belongs in legacy RS-485 links — building automation, HVAC zone controllers, or industrial sensor networks where the bus clock stays under 100 kbaud. The half-duplex line means you need software-controlled direction gating or an automatic direction-sense circuit on the microcontroller side.
5 V only — no 3.3 V operation
If your system is 3.3 V logic, you need a level translator or a 3.3 V-rated RS-485 part such as the SN65HVD1780 series.
Industrial temperature grade — what it covers
The PDIP package is through-hole, which simplifies rework and proto builds but takes up more board area than an SOIC footprint.
Obsolete — last-time-buy reality
TI has marked the SN65HVD1794P obsolete. Expect to work with a broker who can screen date codes and verify authenticity — PDIP packages are less commonly counterfeited than smaller SMT forms, but the usual MSL and bake requirements still apply.