LTC1387 RS-232/RS-485 Multiprotocol Transceiver
Overview
The LTC1387 is a multiprotocol interface IC from Analog Devices that supports both RS-232 and RS-485/RS-422 style serial communication. It is intended for systems that need a robust physical-layer interface between a UART/logic-level controller and external serial cabling. The part is commonly used where one design must support more than one legacy serial standard.
Why Choose This Part
This part is useful when a design needs flexibility between RS-232 and RS-485/RS-422 style signaling without changing the main logic hardware. Using a dedicated interface IC reduces the burden on the MCU pins and improves electrical robustness at the cable boundary. It is a practical choice for industrial and embedded systems that still rely on serial links.
Applications
Getting Started
Start by checking the LTC1387 datasheet for the recommended charge-pump capacitors, supply range, and connection details for the selected serial standard. Pair it with a UART on your MCU or processor, then verify the board's logic voltage and connector wiring before enabling the external port. For firmware, any MCU IDE or toolchain that can configure a UART will work; the main integration work is in hardware design and signal routing.
