The provider of RF, analog, digtial and mixed-signal integrated circuits, MaxLinear, Inc. (Nasdaq: MXL) has unveiled its latest family of RS-485 serial transceivers designed to deliver peak performance and ensure reliable communication in demanding industrial environments. These transceivers, equipped with ultra-low electromagnetic interference (EMI), have been specifically engineered to operate in harsh conditions with temperature ratings up to 125°C, enabling seamless data transmission over distances exceeding 1 kilometer. The new transceivers are now available to customers.
The introduction of this new family expands MaxLinear’s extensive portfolio of serial transceivers and capitalizes on the company’s 40-year history of designing top-notch industrial communication solutions. The product lineup comprises four distinct chips categorized into two families: MxL8310x and MxL8311x. The MxL8310x devices are compatible with a 5V power supply, while the MxL8311x devices can operate with a power supply ranging from 3V to 5.5V. These transceivers are suitable for bidirectional communication on balanced multi-point bus transmission lines, complying with both RS-485 and RS-422 EIA standards.
“This new line of RS-485 transceivers offers best-in-class features, including a unique combination of slew rate control for low EMI, IEC 61000-4-2 ESD protection, and EFT,” said James Lougheed, Vice President & GM, High Performance Analog at MaxLinear. “With the consolidation of suppliers in the industrial analog semiconductor market and the growing desire for customers to have multiple vendors for supply assurance, we’re delivering on customers’ requests to expand our portfolio in this important backbone of the industrial market.”
The RS-485 transceivers from MaxLinear have been developed with the aim of ensuring reliable communication in even the harshest industrial environments. They offer several key benefits that enhance their performance and usability. The high-tolerance bus pins are designed to withstand IEC 61000-4-4 electrical fast transients (EFT), protecting the system from sudden bursts of high voltage transients caused by switch contactors, relays, faulty power connections, or other sources.
With a wide supply range of 3.3V to 5V, the transceivers guarantee reliable operation across a broad spectrum of applications, even in systems where the power supply may experience fluctuations. This flexibility allows for single product qualification for use in both 3.3V and 5V systems, simplifying procurement and design processes.
The transceivers employ low slew rate output drivers, which reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) transmission, ensuring the protection of sensitive equipment in close proximity and minimizing reflections caused by improperly terminated cables. Additionally, they feature a low-power mode that enables power shutdown, extending the battery life in applications such as industrial notebooks, sensors, and solar-powered systems.
Furthermore, the integration of EFT and ESD protection, along with extended operating conditions up to 125°C, makes this family of products highly suitable for a broad range of applications, ensuring robustness and reliability in demanding environments.
The new RS-485 transceivers from MaxLinear complement the company’s expanding portfolio of solutions in the industrial communications market. As per MarketsandMarkets, this market is projected to reach $26.8 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period.
“These new transceivers can provide a huge upside for interface design and procurement engineers looking to de-risk their supply chains,” said Jon Alexander, Director of Marketing, Serial & Bridge Products at MaxLinear. “Our focus on reliability, robustness, and interoperability makes this family well-suited for a broad range of applications in demanding environments.”
MaxLinear, Inc., headquartered in Carlsbad, California, continues to innovate and deliver cutting-edge connectivity solutions for various industries, including access and connectivity, wired and wireless infrastructure, and industrial application.
