MAX253 Transformer Driver for

Isolated RS-485 Interface

General Description Benefits and Features

The MAX253 monolithic oscillator/power-driver is • Simple Power-Supply Transformer Driver Design for
specifically designed to provide isolated power for an Isolated RS-485/RS-232 Data-Interface Applications
isolated RS-485 or RS-232 data interface. The device • Single 5V or 3.3V Supply
drives a center-tapped transformer primary from a 5V • Low-Current Shutdown Mode: 0.4µA
or 3.3V DC power supply. The secondary can be • Pin-Selectable Frequency: 350kHz or 200kHz
wound to provide any isolated voltage needed at power
levels up to 1W. • 8-Pin DIP, SO, and µMAX® Packages Take Minimal
Board Space
The MAX253 consists of a CMOS oscillator driving a
pair of N-channel power switches. The oscillator runs
at double the output frequency, driving a toggle flip- Ordering Information
flop to ensure 50% duty cycle to each of the switches.
Internal delays are arranged to ensure break-before- PART TEMP RANGE PIN-PACKAGE
make action between the two switches. MAX253CPA 0°C to +70°C 8 Plastic DIP
The SD pin puts the entire device into a low-power MAX253CSA 0°C to +70°C 8 SO
shutdown state, disabling both the power switches and MAX253CUA 0°C to +70°C 8 µMAX
oscillator. MAX253C/D 0°C to +70°C Dice*
Applications MAX253EPA -40°C to +85°C 8 Plastic DIP
MAX253ESA -40°C to +85°C 8 SO
Isolated RS-485/RS-232 Power-Supply
Transformer Driver MAX253ESA/V -40°C to +85°C 8 SO
MAX253MJA -55°C to +125°C 8 CERDIP**
High Noise-Immunity Communications Interface
*Contact factory for dice specifications.
Isolated and/or High-Voltage Power Supplies **Contact factory for availability and processing to MIL-STD-883.
Bridge Ground Differentials Devices are also available in a lead(Pb)-free/RoHS-compliant
package. Specify lead-free by adding a (+) to the part number
Medical Equipment when ordering.
Process Control /V Denotes an automotive qualified part.

Typical Operating Circuit

VIN 5V
ON / OFF

C1
4 6
OUTPUT
SD VCC 1 5V @ 200mA
D1
C3
C2
MAX253

3 8
FS D2
FREQUENCY
SWITCH GND1 GND2
2 7

µMAX is a registered trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

19-0226; Rev 3; 2/15

MAX253 Transformer Driver for
Isolated RS-485 Interface

Absolute Maximum Ratings

Supply Voltage (VCC) ...............................................-0.3V to +7V Operating Temperature Ranges
Control Input Voltages (SD, FS) .................-0.3V to (VCC + 0.3V) MAX253C_ _ ........................................................0°C to +70°C
Output Switch Voltage (D1, D2) .............................................12V MAX253E_ _ .....................................................-40°C to +85°C
Peak Output Switch Current (D1, D2) ......................................1A MAX253MJA ...................................................-55°C to +125°C
Average Output Switch Current (D1, D2) .........................200mA Junction Temperatures
Continuous Power Dissipation (TA = +70°C) MAX253C_ _/E_ _..........................................................+150°C
Plastic DIP (derate 9.09mW/°C above +70°C) .............727mW MAX253MJA .................................................................+175°C
SO (derate 5.88mW/°C above +70°C) ..........................471mW Storage Temperature Range .............................-65°C to +160°C
µMAX (derate 4.10mW/°C above +70°C) .....................330mW Lead Temperature (soldering, 10s) .................................+300°C
CERDIP (derate 8.00mW/°C above +70°C) ..................640mW Soldering Temperature (reflow)
PDIP, SO, µMAX lead(Pb)-free .....................................+260°C
PDIP, SO, µMAX, CERDIP containing lead(Pb) ............+240°C

Stresses beyond those listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and functional
operation of the device at these or any other conditions beyond those indicated in the operational sections of the specifications is not implied. Exposure to
absolute maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.

Electrical Characteristics
(VCC = 5V ±10%, TA = TMIN to TMAX, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at TA = +25°C.)

PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

Switch On-Resistance D1, D2; 100mA 1.5 4.0 Ω
FS = VCC or open 250 350 500
Switch Frequency kHz
VFS = 0V 150 200 300
Operating Supply Current (Note 1) No load, VSD = 0V, FS low 0.45 5.0 mA
Shutdown Supply Current (Note 2) SD = VCC 0.4 µA
High 2.4 V
Shutdown Input Threshold
Low 0.8 µA
Shutdown Input Leakage Current 10 pA
High 2.4
FS Input Threshold V
Low 0.8
VFS = 0V 50 µA
FS Input Leakage Current
FS = VCC 10 pA
Start-Up Voltage 2.5 2.2 V

Note 1: Operating supply current is the current used by the MAX253 only, not including load current.
Note 2: Shutdown supply current includes output switch-leakage currents.

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MAX253 Transformer Driver for
Isolated RS-485 Interface

Typical Operating Characteristics

(Circuit of Figure 6, VIN = 5V ±10%, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)

OUTPUT RESISTANCE vs. TEMPERATURE OUTPUT RESISTANCE vs. TEMPERATURE SHUTDOWN SUPPLY CURRENT
(FS = LOW) (FS = HIGH) vs. TEMPERATURE
10.5 15 1.0
plot01

plot02

plot03
MEASURED AT TP1 MEASURED AT TP1
10.0 INCLUDES SWITCH LEAKAGE CURRENTS
0.8
9.5

SHUTDOWN CURRENT (μA)

OUTPUT RESISTANCE (Ω)

OUTPUT RESISTANCE (Ω)

VIN = 4.5V
9.0 12
VIN = 4.5V 0.6
8.5

8.0 VIN = 5.0V

VIN = 5.0V 0.4
7.5 9

7.0 0.2
6.5
6.0 6 0
-60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 -60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 -60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
TEMPERATURE (°C) TEMPERATURE (°C) TEMPERATURE (°C)

D1, D2 FREQUENCY vs. TEMPERATURE D1, D2 FREQUENCY vs. TEMPERATURE SUPPLY CURRENT vs. TEMPERATURE
(FS = LOW) (FS = HIGH) (FS = LOW)
260 480 600

plot06
plot04

plot05

VIN = 6.0V
550
240 VIN = 6.0V 440 VIN = 6.0V
SUPPLY CURRENT (μA)

500
FREQUENCY (kHz)

FREQUENCY (kHz)

VIN = 5.5V
220 VIN = 5.5V 400 450
VIN = 5.5V
400 VIN = 5.0V
200 360
350
180 VIN = 5.0V 320 VIN = 5.0V
300
VIN = 4.5V VIN = 4.5V VIN = 4.5V
160 280 250
-60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 -60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 -60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
TEMPERATURE (°C) TEMPERATURE (°C) TEMPERATURE (°C)

SUPPLY CURRENT vs. TEMPERATURE EFFICIENCY vs. LOAD CURRENT

(FS = HIGH) (FS = LOW)
850 100
plot08
plot07

800 90
VIN = 6.0V VIN = 5.5V
750 80
SUPPLY CURRENT (μA)

70 VIN = 4.5V
700
EFFICIENCY (%)

VIN = 5.5V 60
650
50
600
VIN = 5.0V 40
550
30
500 20
VIN = 4.5V
450 10
400 0
-60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
TEMPERATURE (°C) LOAD CURRENT (mA)

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MAX253 Transformer Driver for
Isolated RS-485 Interface

Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)

Circuit of Figure 6, VIN = 5V ±10%, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)

EFFICIENCY vs. LOAD CURRENT OUTPUT VOLTAGE vs. LOAD CURRENT OUTPUT VOLTAGE vs. LOAD CURRENT
(FS = HIGH) (FS = LOW) (FS = HIGH)
100 10 10
plot09

plot10

plot11
CIRCUIT OF FIGURE 7 CIRCUIT OF FIGURE 7
90 9 VIN = 3.3V 9 VIN = 3.3V
80 VIN = 5.5V 8 TURNS RATIO = 1:2.1 8 TURNS RATIO = 1:2.1
CIRCUIT OF FIGURE 6
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)

OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)

70 VIN = 4.5V 7 7 CIRCUIT OF FIGURE 6
VIN = 5.0V
EFFICIENCY (%)

VIN = 5.0V
60 6 TURNS RATIO = 1:1.3 6 TURNS RATIO = 1:1.3
50 5 5
40 4 4
30 3 CIRCUIT OF FIGURE 6 3 CIRCUIT OF FIGURE 6
VIN = 5.0V VIN = 5.0V
20 2 TURNS RATIO = 1:1 2 TURNS RATIO = 1:1
10 1 MEASURED AT TP1 1 MEASURED AT TP1
0 0 0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220
LOAD CURRENT (mA) LOAD CURRENT (mA) LOAD CURRENT (mA)

SWITCHING WAVEFORMS SWITCHING WAVEFORMS

(TWO CYCLES) (BREAK BEFORE MAKE)

D1

D1

D2
D2

CIRCUIT OF FIGURE 1 CIRCUIT OF FIGURE 1

TIME FROM SHUTDOWN TO POWER-UP

SD

TP1 (OUTPUT VOLTAGE)

CIRCUIT OF FIGURE 6

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MAX253 Transformer Driver for
Isolated RS-485 Interface

Pin Configuration Pin Description

PIN NAME FUNCTION

TOP VIEW 1 D1 Open drain of N-channel transformer drive 1.

Ground. Connect both GND1 and GND2
2 GND1
to ground.
Frequency switch. If FS = VCC or open,
+
3 FS switch frequency = 350kHz; if VFS = 0V,
D1 1 8 D2 switch frequency = 200kHz.
GND1 2 7 GND2 Shutdown. Ground for normal operation,
MAX253 4 SD
FS 3 6 VCC connect high for shutdown.
SD 4 5 N.C. Not internally connected.
5 N.C.
6 VCC 5V supply voltage.
DIP/SO/μMAX Ground. Connect both GND1 and GND2
7 GND2
to ground.
8 D2 Open drain of N-channel transformer drive 2.

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MAX253 Transformer Driver for
Isolated RS-485 Interface

VIN

5V C1
0.1μF 6 R1
VCC 50Ω
4 1
SD D1
ON / OFF
MAX253 R2
50Ω

3 8
FS D2
FREQUENCY
SWITCH GND1 GND2
2 7

Figure 1. Test Circuit

VIN 5V

C1
5V @ 200mA
VCC D1 ISO OUTPUT
F/F
MAX253
Q C3 C2
N

FS T
OSC D2
FREQUENCY ISO
SWITCH Q
400kHz/ N GND
700kHz
SD GND2 GND1

ON / OFF

Figure 2. Block Diagram

Detailed Description quency (Figure 2). These two signals drive the ground-
referenced output switches. Internal delays ensure
The MAX253 is an isolated power-supply transformer break-before-make action between the two switches.
driver specifically designed to form the heart of a fully
isolated RS-485 data interface. Completely isolated Ground SD for normal operation. When high, SD dis-
communications are obtained by combining the ables all internal circuitry, including the oscillator and
MAX253 with a linear regulator, a center-tapped trans- both power switches.
former, optocouplers, and the appropriate Maxim inter- Pulling FS low reduces the oscillator frequency and low-
face product (as described in the Isolated ers the supply current (see Supply Current vs.
RS-485/RS-232 Data Interface section). Temperature in the Typical Operating Characteristics).
The MAX253 consists of an RC oscillator followed by a FS includes a weak pull-up, so it will be set to the high-
toggle flip-flop, which generates two 50% duty-cycle frequency state if not connected.
square waves, out-of-phase at half the oscillator fre-

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MAX253 Transformer Driver for
Isolated RS-485 Interface

ISOLATION
VIN
BARRIER
5V
C1
0.1μF 6
VCC
1 1CT:1.3CT** 1N5817 8 2 ISO 5V
D1 IN OUT
C3 C2 C4
4 MAX253 0.1μF 22μF 22μF
ON / OFF SD MAX667

8
D2
3 1N5817 SET GND SHDN
FS
GND1 GND2 6 4 5
2 7

PC410 / 417 3.3kΩ

*74HC04 6
390Ω
1 5
DI

3.3kΩ
3 4 8
*74HC04 PC357T 4 VCC
DI
390Ω 6
1 4 A
DE
MAX481
3 MAX483
DE 485
MAX485 I/O
2 3
PC410 / 417
MAX487
3.3kΩ
*74HC04 6 7
390Ω B
5 1 1
RO RO
RE GND
2 5

*74HC04 OR EQUIVALENT 4 3
** SEE TABLE 2

Figure 3. Typical RS-485 Application Circuit, 5V Configuration

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MAX253 Transformer Driver for
Isolated RS-485 Interface

ISOLATION
VIN
BARRIER
3.3V
C1
0.1μF

5 1 1CT:2.1CT** 1N5817 8 2 ISO 5V

N.C. D1 IN OUT
C3 C2 C4
4 0.1μF 22μF MAX667 22μF
ON / OFF SD MAX253

6 8
VCC D2
3 1N5817 SET GND SHDN
FS
GND1 GND2 6 4 5
2 7 1N5817 1N5817

C5
0.1μF
PC410 / 417 3.3kΩ
*74HC04 6
390Ω
1 5
DI 3.3kΩ

3 4 8
*74HC04 PC357T 4 VCC
DI
390Ω 6
1 4 A
DE
MAX481
3 MAX483
DE 485
MAX485 I/O
2 3
PC410 / 417 MAX487
3.3kΩ
*74HC04 6 7
390Ω B
5 1 1
RO RO
RE GND
2 5

*74HC04 OR EQUIVALENT 4 3
** SEE TABLE 2

Figure 4. Typical RS-485 Application Circuit, 3.3V Configuration

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MAX253 Transformer Driver for
Isolated RS-485 Interface

VIN ISOLATION
5V C1 6 BARRIER
0.1μF 5 VCC 1 1CT:1.3CT** 1N5817 8 2 ISO 5V
N.C. D1 IN OUT
C3 C2 C4
MAX253 0.1μF 22μF MAX667 22μF
4
ON / OFF SD
8
D2
3 SET GND SHDN
1N5817
FS 6 4 5
GND1 GND2
2 7 5 x 3.3kΩ

10 x PC417
*74HC04 6 VCC GND
390Ω 1 8 3
T1IN T1OUT
T1IN 5
2 4
74HC04
390Ω 7 4
T2IN T2OUT
T2IN
74HC04
390Ω 15 2
T3IN T3OUT
T3IN
74HC04
390Ω 16 1
T4IN T4OUT
T4IN
74HC04
390Ω 22 19
T5IN T5OUT
T5IN

5 X 3.3kΩ MAX205
74HC04 6 390Ω
1 9 10
R1OUT R1IN
R1OUT 5
4 2
74HC04 390Ω 6 5
R2OUT R2IN
R2OUT

74HC04 390Ω 23 24
R3OUT R3IN
R3OUT
74HC04 390Ω 17 18
R4OUT R4IN
R4OUT

74HC04 390Ω 14 13
R5OUT R5IN
R5OUT
SD EN
*74HC04 OR EQUIVALENT
21 20
** SEE TABLE 2
4N25 LOWER SPEED, LOWER COST ALTERNATE OPTOCOUPLER CONFIGURATIONS (FOR DATA RATES BELOW 9.6kbps)
VCC 1N5711 VCC
4N25 6 1N5711 6 4N25
3.3kΩ 3.3kΩ
390Ω 1 ISO
1
TIN ISO ROUT ROUT
5 TIN 74HCO4 5 390Ω
*74HC04
2 2 ISO
ISO
4 GND 4 GND

Figure 5. Typical RS-232 Application Circuit

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MAX253 Transformer Driver for
Isolated RS-485 Interface

Applications Information appropriate Maxim interface device for data-transfer

rates up to 2.5Mbps.
Figures 3–5 are typical isolated RS-485/RS-232 data-inter-
face circuits. These circuits withstand 1800VRMS (1sec) Refer to the MAX1480 data sheet for a complete isolat-
and are intended for industrial communications and control ed RS-485 solution in one package.
applications where very high voltage transients, differential Isolated RS-232 Data Interface
ground potentials, or high noise may be encountered. The MAX253 is ideal for isolated RS-232 data-interface
Table 2 lists transformer characteristics for the applica- applications requiring more than four transceivers. The
tions of Figures 3–10. Some suggested manufacturers 1W power output capability of the MAX253 enables it to
of transformers, transformer cores, and optocouplers drive more than 10 transceivers simultaneously. Figure 5
are listed in Table 3, along with their respective phone shows the typical application circuit for a complete
and fax numbers. 120kbps isolated RS-232 data interface. The figure
Important layout considerations include: also shows how the Sharp PC417 optocouplers can be
replaced by the lower-cost 4N25 devices to achieve
o For maximum isolation, the “isolation barrier” should not data-transfer rates up to 9.6kbps.
be breached. Connections and components from one
side should not be located near those of the other side. For 3.3V operation, substitute the primary portion of
Figure 5 with the circuit of Figure 7.
o Since the optocoupler outputs are relatively high-
impedance nodes, they should be located as close For applications requiring two transceivers or fewer,
as possible to the Maxim interface IC. This mini- refer to the MAX250/MAX251 or MAX252 data sheet.
mizes stray capacitance and maximizes data rate.
Isolated Power Supplies
Refer to the µMAX package information for pin spacing The MAX253 is a versatile isolated power driver, capa-
and physical dimensions. ble of driving a center-tapped transformer primary from
a 5V or a 3.3V DC power supply (Figures 6 and 7). The
Isolated RS-485 Data Interface secondary can be wound to provide any isolated volt-
The MAX253 power-supply transformer driver is age needed at power levels up to 1W with a 5V supply,
designed specifically for isolated RS-485 data-interface or 600mW with a 3.3V supply. Figure 6 shows a typical
applications. The application circuits of Figures 3 and 4 5V to isolated 5V application circuit that delivers up to
combine the MAX253 with a low-dropout linear regulator, 200mA of isolated 5V power.
a transformer, several high-speed optocouplers, and a
Maxim RS-485 interface device. With a few modifica- In Figure 7, the MAX253 is configured to operate from a
tions to these circuits, full-duplex communications can 3.3V supply, deriving a “boost” VCC for the MAX253 by
be implemented by substituting the MAX481/MAX485 connecting diodes to both ends of the transformer pri-
with the MAX490/MAX491 (for data rates up to 2.5Mbps) mary. This produces nearly double the input supply,
or substituting the MAX483/MAX487 with the and may be useful for other applications, as shown in
MAX488/MAX489 (for data rates up to 250kbps). Figure 4. The average current in each MAX253 switch
must still be limited to less than 200mA, so the total
The data transfer rates of the application circuits in power available is approximately 600mW.
Figures 3 and 4 are critically limited by the optocou-
plers. Table 1 lists suggested optocouplers and the

Table 1. Optocouplers and RS-485 Interface ICs for Various Data Rates
FULL DUPLEX HALF DUPLEX OPTOCOUPLER OPTOCOUPLER
DATA RATE
RS-485 IC RS-485 IC FOR DI / RO FOR DE

250kbps MAX488/MAX489 MAX483/MAX487 PC417* PC357T*

2.5Mbps MAX490/MAX491 MAX481/MAX485 PC410* PC357T

* PC-Series Optocouplers, Sharp Electronics
USA Phone: (206) 834-2500
FAX: (206) 834-8903
Sharp Electronics, Europe GmbH
Germany Phone: (040) 2376-0
FAX: (040) 230764

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MAX253 Transformer Driver for
Isolated RS-485 Interface

VIN

5V
C1
0.1μF 6
VCC 5V @ 200mA
4 1 1CT:1.3CT* 1N5817 TP1 ISO OUTPUT
SD D1
ON / OFF C3 C2
0.1μF 22μF
MAX253

3 8
FS D2
FREQUENCY 1N5817
SWITCH GND1 GND2 OPTIONAL 21kHz LOWPASS OUTPUT FILTER

2 7 L2 FILTER
25μH
OUTPUT
OUTPUT C7
2.2μF
*SEE TABLE 2

Figure 6. 5V to Isolated 5V Application Circuit

VIN

3.3V
C1
0.1μF
5V @ 100mA
4 1 1CT:2.1CT* 1N5817 TP1 ISO OUTPUT
SD D1
ON / OFF C3 C2
0.1μF 22μF
MAX253

3 8
FS D2
FREQUENCY 1N5817
SWITCH GND1 GND2 VCC OPTIONAL 21kHz LOWPASS OUTPUT FILTER

2 7 6 L2 FILTER
25μH
1N5817 1N5817 OUTPUT
OUTPUT C7
2.2μF
C4
0.1μF
*SEE TABLE 2

Figure 7. 3.3V to Isolated 5V Application Circuit

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MAX253 Transformer Driver for
Isolated RS-485 Interface

VIN ISOLATION
5V 6 BARRIER
VCC 1 1CT:5CT* 24V UNREGULATED
D1
1N5817 10μF
MAX253
4 8
SD D2 78L05
1N5817
GND1 GND2
2 7

1 RL
5V IL300
3 0kΩ to 1kΩ
7
0.1V to 0.5V 6 2
MAX480
2
4 3 6 ISO
5V

4 5 3
6
7
49.9kΩ 49.9kΩ MAX480 2N3904
2
4
2N3904
*SEE TABLE 2
10kΩ

24.9Ω

Figure 8. Typical 4mA to 20mA Application Circuit

Output-Ripple Filtering plers—the LED efficiency variation. The IL300 is really

A simple lowpass pi-filter (Figures 6 and 7) can be added two optocouplers in the same package sharing the same
to the output to reduce output ripple noise to approximately LED; one detector is across the isolation barrier, the
10mVp-p. The cutoff frequency shown is 21kHz. Since the other is on the same side as the LED (Figure 8). The lat-
filter inductor is in series with the circuit output, minimize its ter detector is used to generate a feedback signal identi-
resistance so the voltage drop across it is not excessive. cal to the signal on the isolated side of the barrier. The
current signal transferred across the barrier is converted
Isolated 4mA to 20mA Analog Interface back to a voltage that matches the input in the 100mV to
The 4mA to 20mA current loop is a standard analog 500mV range. This voltage is then transformed to the
signal range that is widely used in the process-control final 4mA to 20mA current signal range by the second
industry for transducer and actuator control signals. MAX480, Darlington stage, and the 20Ω resistor.
These signals are commonly referred to a distant
ground that may be at a considerably higher voltage Isolated ADC
with respect to the local ground. Almost any serial-interface device is a candidate for
An analog signal in the range of 0.1V to 0.5V is applied operation across an isolation barrier; Figure 10 illus-
to the first MAX480 to generate a signal current in the trates one example. The MAX176 analog-to-digital
range of 20µA to 100µA. This low-level signal is trans- converter (ADC) operates from 5V and -12V supplies,
ferred across the barrier by the Siemens IL300 linear provided by the multiple-tapped secondary and linear
optocoupler. This device is unique in that it corrects regulators. If some additional isolated power is needed
the dominant nonlinearity present in most optocou- for signal conditioning, multiplexing, or possibly for a

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MAX253 Transformer Driver for
Isolated RS-485 Interface

VIN
INPUT
6
VCC 1CT:1CT* 1N5817
1 +VOUT ≈ 2V
D1 IN
OUTPUT

MAX253 RL+

8
D2 RL+ ≅ RL-
GND1 GND2
2 7 RL-

-VOUT ≈ -2V
IN
*SEE TABLE 2 OUTPUT
1N5817

Figure 9a. Half-Wave Rectifier—Bipolar

VIN
INPUT
6
VCC 1 1CT:1CT* 4 x 1N5817
D1

MAX253 VOUT ≈ +VIN

OUTPUT
8
D2
GND1 GND2
2 7

VOUT ≈ -VIN
*SEE TABLE 2 OUTPUT

Figure 9b. Full-Wave Rectifier—Bipolar

VIN
INPUT
6
VCC 1 1CT:1CT* 4 x 1N5817
D1

MAX253 VOUT ≈ 2 x VIN

OUTPUT
8
D2
GND1 GND2
2 7

*SEE TABLE 2

Figure 9c. Full-Wave Rectifier—Unipolar

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MAX253 Transformer Driver for
Isolated RS-485 Interface

VIN
ISOLATION 5V
BARRIER
1CT : 1.5CT : 3CT*
1
78L05 D1

10μF 4 x 1N5817 MAX253

ISO 6
VCC
5V
8 4 ON/OFF
D2 SD
79 L12

ISO GND1 GND2

-12V 10μF
2 7

5V 74HC04
START
6N136
8 1 INPUT CLOCK

200Ω 7
7 2
3kΩ QH
14 6
6 3 SER QG
5
10μF
74HC595 QF
5 4 11 4
MAX176 SCK QE
3
0.1μF 1 8 QD D11(MSB)
6N136 12 2
VDD VSS 8 1 D10
RCK QC
1
ANALOG 2 7 200Ω QB D9
AIN CONVST 7 2 10 15
INPUT 3kΩ 5V SCLR QA D8
3 6 16
6 3 5V
VREF CLOCK
13 8 0.1μF
4 5 470Ω 5 4
0.1μF GND DATA 74HC04
6N136
10μF 1 8
0.1μF 10μF
2 7 8
8.2kΩ
QH′ 7
QH D7
3 6 14 6
SER QG D6
SIGNAL 5
GROUND 4 5 74HC595 QF D5
11 4
SCK QE D4
3
QD D3
12 2
RCK QC D2
1
QB D1
10 15
5V SCLR QA D0(LSB)
16
5V
13 8 0.1μF

*SEE TABLE 2

Figure 10. Typical Isolated ADC Application

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MAX253 Transformer Driver for
Isolated RS-485 Interface

sensor, an extra several hundred milliwatts could easily for half the primary is simply the product of the maxi-
be supplied by the circuit, as shown. A 12V supply mum supply voltage and half the maximum period.
could be generated by adding two more diodes to the With FS connected high, the guaranteed minimum fre-
ends of the secondary, and a -5V supply could be gen- quency is 250kHz, giving a maximum period of 4µs.
erated by connecting additional diodes to the 1/4 and The secondary winding may or may not be center
3/4 tap points on the secondary. For 5V only applica- tapped, depending on the rectifier topology used. The
tions, the MAX187 is recommended. phasing of the secondary winding is not critical. In
some applications, multiple secondaries might be
Component Selection required. Half-wave rectification could be used, but is
Transformer Selection discouraged because it normally adds a DC imbalance
The transformer primary used with the MAX253 must be to the magnetic flux in the core, reducing the ET prod-
a center-tapped winding with sufficient ET product to uct. If the DC load is imbalanced, full-wave rectification
prevent saturation at the worst-case lowest selected is recommended, as shown in Figure 9b.
frequency. The MAX253’s guaranteed minimum fre- The transformer turns ratio must be set to provide the
quency with the FS pin held low is 150kHz, equating to minimum required output voltage at the maximum
a maximum period of 6.67µs. The required ET product anticipated load with the minimum expected input volt-

Table 2. Typical Transformer Characteristics

CHARACTERISTIC 5V to ±10V 5V to 5V 3.3V to 5V 5V to 24V 5V to ±5V; ±12V

Figure 9a 2, 3, 5, 6 4, 7 8 10

Turns Ratio 1CT*:1 1CT:1.3CT 1CT:2.1CT 1CT:5CT 1CT:1.5CT:3CT

Typical Primary 44CT 44CT 28CT 44CT 44CT

Windings Secondary 44 56CT 56CT 220CT 66CT, 132CT

Primary ET FS Low 18.3V-µs 18.3V-µs 12V-µs 18.3V-µs 18.3V-µs

Product FS High 11V-µs 11V-µs 7.2V-µs 11V-µs 11V-µs
*CT = Center Tapped

Table 3. Transformer, Transformer Core, and Optocoupler Suppliers

TRANSFORMERS TRANSFORMER CORES OPTOCOUPLERS

BH Electronics Philips Components Quality Technology

Phone: (507) 532-3211 Phone: (407) 881-3200 Phone: (408) 720-1440
FAX: (507) 532-3705 FAX: (407) 881-3300 FAX: (408) 720-0848

Coilcraft Magnetics Inc. Sharp Electronics

Phone: (708) 639-6400 Phone: (412) 282-8282 Phone: (206) 834-2500
FAX: (708) 639-1469 FAX: (412) 282-6955 FAX: (206) 834-8903

Coiltronics Fair-Rite Products Siemens Components

Phone: (516) 241-7876 Phone: (914) 895-2055 Phone: (408) 777-4500
FAX: (516) 241-9339 FAX: (914) 895-2629 FAX: (408) 777-4983

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MAX253 Transformer Driver for
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age. In addition, include in the calculations an is a good choice for through-hole applications, and the
allowance for worst-case losses in the rectifiers. Since NIEC* SB05W05C dual in an SOT-23 package is rec-
the turns ratio determined in this manner will ordinarily ommended for surface-mount applications. Use the
produce a much higher voltage at the secondary under higher frequency setting to reduce ripple.
conditions of high input voltage and/or light loading, be
careful to prevent an overvoltage condition from occur- Output Filter Capacitor
ring (see Output Voltage vs. Load Current in the Typical In applications sensitive to output-ripple noise, the out-
Operating Characteristics). put filter capacitor C2 should have a low effective
series resistance (ESR), and its capacitance should
Transformers used with the MAX253 will ordinarily be remain fairly constant over temperature. Sprague 595D
wound on high-permeability magnetic material. To min- surface-mount solid tantalum capacitors and Sanyo
imize radiated noise, use common closed-magnetic- OS-CON through-hole capacitors are recommended
path physical shapes (e.g., pot cores, toroids, E/I/U due to their extremely low ESR. Capacitor ESR usually
cores). A typical core is the Philips 213CT050-3B7, rises at low temperatures, but OS-CON capacitors pro-
which is a toroid 0.190” in diameter and 0.05” thick. vide very low ESR below 0°C.
For operation with this core at 5.5V maximum supply
voltage, the primary should have approximately 22 In applications where output ripple is not critical, a
turns on each side of the center tap, or 44 turns total. 0.1µF chip or ceramic capacitor is sufficient. Refer to
This will result in a nominal primary inductance of Table 4 for suggested capacitor suppliers. Use the
approximately 832µH. The secondary can be scaled to higher frequency setting to reduce ripple.
produce the required DC output. Input Bypass Capacitor
Diode Selection The input bypass capacitor C1 is not critical. Unlike
The MAX253’s high switching frequency demands switching regulators, the MAX253’s supply current is
high-speed rectifiers. Schottky diodes are recom- fairly constant, and is therefore less dependent on the
mended. Ensure that the Schottky diode average cur- input bypass capacitor. A low-cost 0.1µF chip or
rent rating exceeds the load-current level. The 1N5817 ceramic capacitor is normally sufficient for input
bypassing.
Table 4. Suggested Capacitor Suppliers
PRODUCTION METHOD CAPACITORS
Matsuo
267 series (low ESR)
USA Phone: (714) 969-2491, FAX: (714) 960-6492
Sprague Electric Co.
Surface Mount 595D/293D series (very low ESR)
USA Phone: (603) 224-1961, FAX: (603) 224-1430
Murata Erie
Ceramic
USA Phone: (800) 831-9172, FAX: (404) 436-3030

Sanyo
High-Performance OS-CON series (very low ESR)
Through Hole USA Phone: (619) 661-6835, FAX: (619) 661-1055
Japan Phone: 81-7-2070-1005, FAX: 81-7-2070-1174

Nichicon
PL series (low ESR)
Through Hole
USA Phone: (708) 843-7500, FAX: (708) 843-2798
Japan Phone: 81-7-5231-8461, FAX: 81-7-5256-4158
* Nihon Inter Electronics Corp.
USA Phone: (805) 867-2555
FAX: (805) 867-2556
Japan Phone: 81-3-3494-7411
FAX: 81-3-3494-7414

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MAX253 Transformer Driver for
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Chip Information Package Information

PROCESS: CMOS For the latest package outline information and land patterns (foot-
prints), go to www.maximintegrated.com/packages. Note that a
“+”, “#”, or “-” in the package code indicates RoHS status only.
Package drawings may show a different suffix character, but the
drawing pertains to the package regardless of RoHS status.

PACKAGE TYPE PACKAGE CODE DOCUMENT NO.

8 µMAX U8+1 21-0036
8 PDIP P8+1 21-0043
8 SO S8+4 21-0041
8 CDIP J8-2 21-0045

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MAX253 Transformer Driver for
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Revision History
REVISION REVISION PAGES
DESCRIPTION
NUMBER DATE CHANGED
0 2/94 Initial release —

1 8/09 Deleted the MAX253EUA part number from the Ordering Information table 1

2 4/10 Added automotive qualified part number to the Ordering Information table 1

3 2/15 Added the Benefits and Features section 1

For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim Direct at 1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim Integrated’s website at www.maximintegrated.com.

Maxim Integrated cannot assume responsibility for use of any circuitry other than circuitry entirely embodied in a Maxim Integrated product. No circuit patent
licenses are implied. Maxim Integrated reserves the right to change the circuitry and specifications without notice at any time. The parametric values (min and
max limits) shown in the Electrical Characteristics table are guaranteed. Other parametric values quoted in this data sheet are provided for guidance.

Maxim Integrated and the Maxim Integrated logo are trademarks of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. © 2015 Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. | 18