RS485 transceivers meet stringent IEC surge standards

Analog Devices announced RS485 transceivers fully certified for Level 4 EMC surge protection, thus eliminating the need for external transient-voltage surge-suppression devices. They are claimed to be the industry’s first. The galvanically isolated ADM2795E, using their iCoupler magnetic-isolation technology, and non-isolated ADM3095E save space and component count, speed time to market, and greatly minimise regulatory compliance issues. The integrated fault protection offered by the devices prevents potentially destructive voltages from damaging the communication interface, which can result from failures, surges, ESD and wiring errors. Designers using the new transceivers no longer need to individually design, test, verify, and formally obtain regulatory certification of their implementation, as these components have the required approval. Also, no external protective components are needed, which eliminates the need to match these discrete devices to the specific transceivers users have selected. This also yields a simplified BOM and smaller-board space footprint for a higher density of RS485 ports. The transceivers meet IEC61000-4-5 Level 4 surge protection requirements, as well as industrial IEC immunity standards (radiated, conducted, and magnetic immunity) and EMC protection against ESD, electrical fast transient, and surge. Both devices are TIA/EIA RS-485/RS-422 compliant over their full supply range of 3V to 5.5V.