Transceiver Chip Handles RS-232, RS-485 and RS-422

Summary of Transceiver Chip Handles RS-232, RS-485 and RS-422


The SP335 is a multiprotocol transceiver supporting RS-232, RS-485, and RS-422 with integrated, pin-selectable cable termination and biasing—no external resistors required. It offers robust ESD protection, up to 20 Mbps (RS-485/422) and 1 Mbps (RS-232), selectable 250 kbps slew limiting, single-supply operation (3–5.5 V), low shutdown current, and flexible full/half duplex and mode configuration. Packaged in a 32-QFN, it suits industrial, embedded, and automation serial-port applications and requires only four external charge-pump capacitors for full operation.

Parts used in the SP335 Project:

  • SP335 transceiver IC
  • Four external charge pump capacitors
  • Single supply (3 V to 5.5 V) power source
  • VL logic supply (1.65 V to 5.5 V) connection
  • Connector or cable for RS-232/RS-485/RS-422 interfaces
  • PCB with 32 QFN footprint (5 mm x 5 mm)
  • Pins or jumpers for MODE (RS-485/RS-232) selection
  • Pin or jumper for TERM (termination enable)
  • Pin or jumper for HALF/FULL duplex selection
  • Pin or jumper for SLEW (250 kbps slew limiting)

SP335

RS-232/RS-485/RS-422 Transceiver with Internal Termination

Transceiver Chip Handles RS-232, RS-485 and RS-422

Features
  • Pin-Selectable Cable Termination
  • No External Resistors Required for RS-485/422 Termination or Biasing
  • Robust ESD Protection:
    • ±15kV IEC 61000-4-2 Air Gap Discharge
    • ± 8kV IEC 61000-4-2 Contact Discharge
    • ±15kV Human Body Model (HBM)
  • 20Mbps RS-485 and 1Mbps RS-232 Data Rates
  • Pin-Selectable 250kbps Slew Limiting
  • Single Supply Operation from +3V to +5.5V
  • 1.65V to 5.5V Logic Interface VL pin
  • 2 Drivers, 2 Receivers RS-232/V.28
  • 1 Driver, 1 Receiver RS-485/422
    • Full or Half Duplex Configuration
    • 1/8th Unit Load, up to 256 receivers on bus
  • RS-485/422 Enhanced Receiver Fail-safe for open, shorted, or terminated but idle inputs
  • 10nA Shutdown Supply Current (typical)
  • Small 32 QFN package (5mm x 5mm)
Applications
  • Software Programmable Serial Ports (RS-232, RS-422, RS-485)
  • Industrial and Single Board Computers
  • Industrial and Process Control Equipment
  • Point-Of-Sale Equipment
  • HVAC Controls and Networking Equipment
  • Building Security and Automation

Description

The SP335 is an advanced multiprotocol transceiver supporting RS-232, RS-485, and RS-422 serial standards. Integrated cable termination and multiple configuration modes allow all three protocols to be used interchangeably over a single cable or connector with no additional switching components. Full operation requires only four external charge pump capacitors.

The RS-485/RS-232 mode pin selects RS-485 mode when high, and RS-232 mode when low. In RS-485 mode, the TERM pin enables the differential 120Ω termination, and the HALF/FULL pin configures the transceiver as either half or full duplex.

The high speed drivers operate up to 20Mbps in RS-485/422 modes, and up to 1Mbps in RS-232 mode. All drivers can be slew limited to 250kbps in any mode to minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI) by setting the dedicated SLEW pin low.

 

For more detail: Transceiver Chip Handles RS-232, RS-485 and RS-422

Quick Solutions to Questions related to the SP335:

  • What serial standards does the SP335 support?
    The SP335 supports RS-232, RS-485, and RS-422 serial standards.
  • Does the SP335 require external resistors for RS-485/422 termination or biasing?
    No, the SP335 has integrated pin-selectable cable termination and requires no external resistors for RS-485/422 termination or biasing.
  • What data rates does the SP335 support?
    The SP335 supports up to 20 Mbps in RS-485/422 modes and up to 1 Mbps in RS-232 mode.
  • Can the SP335 reduce EMI by limiting slew rate?
    Yes, the SP335 offers pin-selectable 250 kbps slew limiting to minimize EMI when the SLEW pin is set low.
  • What supply voltages does the SP335 operate from?
    The SP335 operates from a single supply of +3 V to +5.5 V and a VL logic interface from 1.65 V to 5.5 V.
  • How many drivers and receivers does the SP335 provide for RS-232 and RS-485/422?
    For RS-232 the SP335 provides 2 drivers and 2 receivers; for RS-485/422 it provides 1 driver and 1 receiver.
  • Does the SP335 include ESD protection?
    Yes, it provides robust ESD protection including ±15 kV IEC 61000-4-2 air gap, ±8 kV contact discharge, and ±15 kV HBM.
  • Is the SP335 configurable for full or half duplex?
    Yes, a HALF/FULL pin configures the transceiver for either half or full duplex in RS-485 mode.
  • How many receivers can be supported on an RS-485 bus with the SP335?
    The SP335 implements a 1/8th unit load, allowing up to 256 receivers on the bus.
  • What external components are needed for full operation of the SP335?
    Full operation requires only four external charge pump capacitors.

About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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