Evaluation kits for robust and compliant RS-485 transceivers with signal isolation

Skyworks Solutions Inc. SI8585x-KIT Evaluation Kits, available now from Mouser, provide a demonstration and development platform for the Si858x Integrated Isolated RS-485 Transceivers. These devices incorporate robust, fully compliant RS-485 transceivers with signal isolation. The transceivers are excellent for industrial automation applications requiring isolated interfaces for FieldBus systems, forming a communication network for connecting sensors, actuators, and controllers.

Each kit features a pre-installed Si858x RS-485 Transceiver device in a SOIC-16 WB package. Power connectors and an RS-485 bus connector are also supplied, and test points permit access to all key signals. An onboard controller interface facilitates connection to a microcontroller board (not included).

Since the devices are isolated RS-485 transceivers, two isolated voltage power supplies are needed to power up the kit. VDD1 accepts a voltage level ranging from 3V to 5.5V, and VDD2 should be either 3.3V or 5V, depending on the target device. There is no special power-up sequence for the kit.

The current consumption of VDD1 and VDD2 should be less than 100mA. The kit features input-voltage polarity protection. If a reverse polarity voltage is applied to VDD1 or VDD2, it will be blocked from the Si858x power pins to evade damage. Onboard LEDs indicate that voltage supplies with the correct polarity are present.