Texas Instruments THVD1550DGKR

Overview

THVD1550DGKR from Texas Instruments is a half-duplex RS-485 transceiver in VSSOP-8 package, operating from 4.5–5.5 V supply, supporting up to 50 Mbps data rate, with ±18-kV IEC 61000-4-2 contact ESD protection on bus pins, and extended common-mode range of ±15 V - deployed in industrial motor drives and factory automation networks.

For engineers reviewing the THVD1550DGKR datasheet, THVD1550DGKR pinout, THVD1550DGKR application, or THVD1550DGKR equivalent, key selection criteria include high-speed RS-485 compliance, fail-safe receiver behavior under open/short/idle bus conditions, low standby current (<1 µA), thermal shutdown at 170°C, and compatibility with rugged multi-point cabling over long distances.

Technical Context

The THVD1550DGKR implements a half-duplex RS-485 interface with separate driver enable (DE, active-high, 2 MΩ internal pull-down) and receiver enable (RE, active-low, 2 MΩ internal pull-up), enabling precise control of bus access and termination-independent failsafe operation. Its receiver features ±50 mV hysteresis and internal biasing, ensuring logic-high output during open, shorted, or idle bus states without external resistors.

Driver output delivers ≥1.5 V differential voltage into 54 Ω (RS-485 load), with propagation delay ≤16 ns and rise/fall times ≤6 ns at 50 Mbps. Supply current remains <1 mA during operation and drops to <1 µA in shutdown mode, supporting hot-plug capability and low-power industrial node design.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VSSOP-8 (DGK) package: 3.00 mm × 3.00 mm body, 0.65 mm lead pitch, thermally enhanced exposed pad (not electrically connected).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RS-485 transceiver applications.

Compared with SN65HVD1500DR and MAX13487EESA+, THVD1550DGKR provides superior bus robustness (±18-kV ESD, thermal shutdown), guaranteed failsafe operation without external components, and optimized VSSOP-8 footprint for space-constrained industrial PCBs - making it the preferred choice for new designs demanding reliability and miniaturization.

Availability

THVD1550DGKR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor drive control, factory automation networks, and grid infrastructure monitoring requiring stable component supply, long-term industrial lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.

Supply support for THVD1550DGKR 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 for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The THVD15xx product line targets rugged RS-485/RS-422 communication in harsh industrial environments - designed specifically for noise immunity, extended temperature operation, and system-level ESD/EFT resilience without external protection.

FAQ

What is the maximum data rate supported by THVD1550DGKR?

The THVD1550DGKR supports a maximum signaling rate of 50 Mbps under recommended operating conditions (VCC = 4.5–5.5 V, TA = –40°C to +125°C, RL = 54 Ω). This is confirmed in Section 7.8 of the official datasheet, where propagation delay is specified at ≤16 ns and rise/fall times at ≤6 ns. The THVD1550DGKR is part of the THVD155x speed grade, distinct from the 500-kbps THVD151x series.

Does THVD1550DGKR require external failsafe biasing resistors?

No, THVD1550DGKR does not require external failsafe biasing resistors. Its receiver incorporates internal biasing and 50-mV hysteresis, ensuring the R output goes logic-high during open-circuit, short-circuit, or idle bus conditions. This behavior is explicitly verified in Tables 1 and 2 of the datasheet's Device Functional Modes section and eliminates external resistor networks in THVD1550DGKR-based designs.

What is the ESD protection level on the bus pins of THVD1550DGKR?

The bus pins (A and B) of THVD1550DGKR provide ±18-kV contact discharge ESD protection per IEC 61000-4-2, ±25-kV air-gap discharge, and ±30-kV HBM. These values are listed in Section 7.2 (ESD Ratings) of the datasheet. This level of protection allows THVD1550DGKR to operate reliably in industrial settings without additional TVS diodes on the bus lines.

How does the THVD1550DGKR handle power-up and hot-plug scenarios?

THVD1550DGKR features glitch-free power-up and power-down sequencing that prevents false bus transitions or contention during live insertion. This is achieved through controlled internal state initialization and is documented in the "Glitch-Free Power-Up/Down for Hot Plug-in Capability" feature list. As a result, THVD1550DGKR maintains bus integrity in modular PLC backplanes and field-replaceable I/O modules where hot-swap is routine.

What package type is used for THVD1550DGKR and what are its key mechanical attributes?

THVD1550DGKR uses the DGK package - an 8-pin VSSOP with 3.00 mm × 3.00 mm body size and 0.65 mm lead pitch. It includes a thermally enhanced exposed pad (non-functional, not electrically connected). This compact footprint saves board space versus SOIC-8 alternatives while maintaining compatible pinout for drop-in replacement in space-constrained industrial controllers.