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Texas Instruments DS36C278TM
- Part No.:
- DS36C278TM
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
DS36C278TM.pdf
- Description:
- IC TRANSCEIVER HALF 1/1 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,995
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Product details
Overview
DS36C278TM from Texas Instruments is a low-power, 8-pin SOIC RS-485 transceiver with ¼ unit load (≥12 nodes), ±7V to +12V common-mode range, and 500 μA max supply current. It integrates driver/receiver with TRI-STATE control, thermal shutdown, and fail-safe receiver for industrial serial bus applications.
For engineers reviewing the DS36C278TM datasheet, DS36C278TM pinout, DS36C278TM application, or DS36C278TM equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed RS-485 interoperability, live insertion capability, industrial-grade ESD tolerance (≥2 kV HBM), and compatibility with legacy 5V bus systems requiring low quiescent current and robust fault handling.
Technical Context
The DS36C278TM implements a CMOS-based half-duplex RS-485 transceiver architecture with independent driver enable (DE) and receiver enable (RE*) controls. Its differential driver delivers ≥1.5 VOD into 27Ω (RS-485) and supports full common-mode operation from −7V to +12V.
The receiver features open-input fail-safe logic ensuring high output on unterminated lines, hysteresis of 70 mV, and input resistance of 48–68 kΩ. Thermal shutdown activates under bus contention to force driver outputs into high-impedance state without external intervention.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage | +4.75V to +5.25V - ensures stable operation across standard 5V rail tolerances |
| ICC Max | 500 μA - enables battery-powered or energy-constrained industrial nodes |
| Common-Mode Range | −7V to +12V - handles ground potential differences in long cable runs |
| Unit Load | ¼ UL (≥12 nodes) - allows up to 12 receivers on one RS-485 bus without repeaters |
| Differential Output Voltage | ≥1.5 V into 27Ω - meets RS-485 minimum VOD for reliable noise margin |
| ESD Rating | ≥2 kV HBM - provides baseline protection against handling-induced electrostatic discharge |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +70°C - commercial-grade specification aligned with DS36C278 variant |
Pinout & Package
DS36C278TM is housed in an 8-pin SOIC package (Package Drawing D), RoHS-compliant with CU SN finish and MSL Level-1 rating.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 RO | Receiver Output | Active-high TTL/CMOS-compatible output; fails high on open inputs |
| 2 RE* | Receiver Enable (active-low) | Controls receiver TRI-STATE; HIGH disables output (Z) |
| 3 DE | Driver Enable (active-high) | Controls driver TRI-STATE; LOW disables outputs (Z) |
| 4 DI | Driver Input | TTL/CMOS-level data input controlling DO/RI and DO*/RI* polarity |
| 5 GND | Ground Reference | Signal and power return path for internal circuitry and I/O |
| 6 DO/RI | Bus A (non-inverting) | Differential bus terminal; driven low during logic 0, high during logic 1 |
| 7 DO*/RI* | Bus B (inverting) | Differential bus terminal; complementary to DO/RI |
| 8 VCC | Positive Supply | +5V nominal supply; powers all internal logic and I/O stages |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| RS-485 Compliance | Fully compliant per EIA/TIA-485-A and compatible with TIA/EIA-422-B for multi-drop interoperation |
| Glitch-Free Power Sequencing | Built-in circuitry prevents bus glitches during power-up/down - enables live insertion into active networks |
| Thermal Shutdown Protection | Automatically forces driver into TRI-STATE upon excessive junction temperature - prevents latch-up or permanent damage |
| Fail-Safe Receiver | Guarantees RO = HIGH when inputs are open or unterminated - eliminates undefined logic states in idle bus conditions |
| Low-Power CMOS Design | 500 μA max ICC at full operation - reduces heat generation and extends battery life in portable systems |
Applications
| Industrial PLC Networks | Building Automation Systems |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Multi-node sensor and actuator communication over twisted-pair cabling in factory-floor control cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Half-duplex RS-485 transceiver providing robust physical layer interface between microcontroller UART and differential bus. Use Value: ¼ unit load supports ≥12 nodes per segment without repeaters; ±7V to +12V common-mode range rejects ground loop noise in electrically noisy environments. | Use Scenario: Central HVAC controller communicating with distributed thermostats, dampers, and occupancy sensors across large facilities. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bus interface IC translating UART signals to RS-485 for long-distance, noise-immune wired communication. Use Value: Fail-safe receiver ensures defined logic HIGH during wiring faults or node removal; thermal shutdown protects against sustained short-circuit events on shared bus. |
| Point-of-Sale Terminal Clusters | Energy Metering Networks |
Use Scenario: Synchronized transaction logging across multiple cash registers, barcode scanners, and receipt printers in retail environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: RS-485 line driver/receiver enabling deterministic master-slave polling over daisy-chained topology. Use Value: 500 μA max ICC minimizes standby power draw across dozens of terminals; TRI-STATE control allows dynamic bus arbitration without signal contention. | Use Scenario: AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) substation collecting consumption data from residential electricity meters via wired RS-485 trunk lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Physical layer transceiver interfacing meter MCU UARTs to shared differential bus infrastructure. Use Value: Guaranteed RS-485 interoperability ensures plug-and-play compatibility with legacy meter designs; 2 kV HBM ESD rating withstands field installation stresses. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RS-485 transceiver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX485CPA+ | Same 8-pin SOIC package, 500 μA ICC, but rated for 0°C to +70°C only; no built-in thermal shutdown | Lacks fail-safe receiver and thermal protection - requires external design mitigation for open-bus or fault conditions | Select MAX485CPA+ only if thermal shutdown and fail-safe behavior are managed externally |
| LTC485CS8#PBF | 8-pin SOIC, 0°C to +70°C, 250 μA typical ICC, no thermal shutdown, 1/4-unit-load support | Lower typical supply current but lacks integrated glitch-free power sequencing and open-input fail-safe | Prefer LTC485CS8#PBF where ultra-low static current dominates over fault resilience |
Compared with DS36C278TM, MAX485CPA+ and LTC485CS8#PBF offer similar pinout and basic RS-485 functionality but omit critical reliability features - DS36C278TM's integrated thermal shutdown and guaranteed fail-safe operation reduce system-level protection component count and improve field robustness without layout changes.
Availability
DS36C278TM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, building management, and point-of-sale systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for DS36C278TM includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader delivering analog, embedded processing, and connectivity solutions with emphasis on reliability, longevity, and industrial-grade performance.
The DS36C278TM belongs to TI's legacy RS-485 transceiver product line, engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power industrial serial communication where interoperability, fault tolerance, and ease of integration are prioritized.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for DS36C278TM?
The DS36C278TM is specified for operation from 0°C to +70°C, matching the commercial-grade DS36C278 variant. This distinguishes it from the DS36C278T (−40°C to +85°C) and confirms its suitability for indoor, non-extreme environmental deployments. The DS36C278TM maintains full electrical performance-including 500 μA max ICC and ¼ unit load-across this range.
Does DS36C278TM support true RS-485 interoperability?
Yes, DS36C278TM is 100% RS-485 compliant and explicitly guaranteed for device interoperation per EIA/TIA-485-A. Its differential output voltage (≥1.5 V into 27Ω), common-mode range (−7V to +12V), and input thresholds meet all mandatory specifications, enabling seamless integration with other certified RS-485 transceivers without protocol or timing adaptation.
How does the fail-safe feature of DS36C278TM work?
The DS36C278TM receiver incorporates hardware-level fail-safe logic that forces RO HIGH when inputs (DO/RI and DO*/RI*) are open or unterminated. This behavior is guaranteed per datasheet Table 1 and applies only to non-terminated configurations. It eliminates floating outputs and undefined logic states during bus initialization, node removal, or wiring faults-no external biasing resistors required.
Can DS36C278TM be used in a 3.3V system?
No, DS36C278TM requires a +4.75V to +5.25V supply and is not 3.3V tolerant. Its input thresholds (VIH = 2.0V min, VIL = 0.8V max) and driver output levels (VOH ≥3.5V, VOL ≤0.5V) are designed for 5V logic compatibility. Using it with 3.3V controllers requires level-shifting on DI, DE, RE*, and RO lines to avoid undervoltage operation or input damage.
What protection features does DS36C278TM include against bus faults?
DS36C278TM integrates on-board thermal shutdown that detects excessive power dissipation-such as from bus shorts or prolonged contention-and forces driver outputs into high-impedance state. It also provides ±14V absolute maximum input voltage tolerance on bus pins and 2 kV HBM ESD protection. These features collectively prevent permanent damage during transient overvoltage, miswiring, or sustained fault conditions.
DS36C278TM Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Transceiver
- Protocol:
- RS422, RS485
- Number of Drivers/Receivers:
- 1/1
- Duplex:
- Half
- Receiver Hysteresis:
- 70 mV
- Data Rate:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.75V ~ 5.25V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
DS36C278TM FAQ
1.How can I place an order for DS36C278TM through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for DS36C278TM on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for DS36C278TM reliable?
The price and inventory of DS36C278TM are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for DS36C278TM is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for DS36C278TM?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for DS36C278TM transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for DS36C278TM?
DS36C278TM orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your DS36C278TM order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for DS36C278TM?
For technical support, including DS36C278TM datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your DS36C278TM requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that DS36C278TM is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All DS36C278TM products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that DS36C278TM meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of DS36C278TM?
All DS36C278TM units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with DS36C278TM, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The DS36C278TM part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for DS36C278TM:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
DS36C278TM Tags
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