industry news
Subscribe Now

Highly Integrated Multiprotocol Transceiver Reduces Component Count in RS485/RS232 Systems

MILPITAS, CA – March 16, 2016 – Linear Technology Corporation introduces the LTC2873, an RS485/RS232 multiprotocol transceiver in a small 20mm² package. The LTC2873 integrates all the functions necessary to provide the most compact multiprotocol IC available today. Supporting ±26kV HBM ESD bus protection, the LTC2873 provides a robust software-selectable interface for 3V to 5.5V systems. A simple logic interface, supporting voltages as low as 1.7V, enables reconfiguration of shared bus lines as either one RS232 single-ended transceiver or one half-duplex RS485 differential transceiver. Additionally, an integrated DC/DC boost controller and pin-controlled RS485 integrated termination resistor eliminate the need for costly and space-consuming external circuitry. Multiprotocol transceivers such as the LTC2873 are widely used in single point-of-sale terminals, security cameras, traffic control and industrial automation for their flexibility in supporting these commonly used interface standards.

The LTC2873 is offered in commercial, industrial and automotive versions, supporting operating temperature ranges from 0°C to 70°C, -40°C to 85°C and -40°C to 125°C, respectively. The LTC2873 is available in a RoHS compliant 24-pin 4mm x 5mm QFN package. Pricing starts at $4.45 each in 1,000-piece quantities. Please visitwww.linear.com/product/LTC2873 for product selection and information.

Summary of Features: LTC2873 

  • 3V to 5.5V Supply Voltage Range
  • One RS485 & One RS232 Transceiver
  • 20Mbps RS485 & Selectable 1Mbps or 250kbps RS232
  • Automatic Selection of Integrated RS485 (120?) & RS232 (5k?)Termination Resistors
  • Logic Loopback Mode
  • High ESD: ±26kV on Line I/O; ±4kV on All Other Pins
  • 1.7V to 5.5V Logic Interface
  • Supports up to 256 RS485 Nodes
  • Full Failsafe RS485 Receiver Eliminates UART Lockup
  • 24-Pin 4mm x 5mm QFN Package

The USA list pricing shown is for budgetary use only. International prices may differ due to local duties, taxes, fees and exchange rates.

About Linear Technology

Linear Technology Corporation, a member of the S&P 500, has been designing, manufacturing and marketing a broad line of high performance analog integrated circuits for major companies worldwide for over three decades. The Company’s products provide an essential bridge between our analog world and the digital electronics in communications, networking, industrial, automotive, computer, medical, instrumentation, consumer, and military and aerospace systems. Linear Technology produces power management, data conversion, signal conditioning, RF and interface ICs, µModule® subsystems, and wireless sensor network products. For more information, visitwww.linear.com.

, LT, LTC, LTM, Linear Technology, the Linear logo and µModule are registered trademarks of Linear Technology Corp. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Leave a Reply

featured blogs
Apr 2, 2026
Build, code, and explore with your own AI-powered Mars rover kit, inspired by NASA's Perseverance mission....

featured chalk talk

Global Coverage With NTN
In this episode of Chalk Talk, Paul Fadlovich from TE Connectivity and Martin Lesund from Nordic Semiconductor and Amelia Dalton explore the what, why and how of NTN technology. They also explore the role that antennas play in satellite communication systems, and how Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF9151 System-in-Package and TE Connectivity’s broad range of antenna solutions can jump start your next global IoT design.
Feb 19, 2026
32,792 views