The SN65LBC172 and SN75LBC172 are monolithic quadruple differential line drivers with 3-state outputs. Both devices are designed to meet the requirements of EIA Standard RS-485. These devices are optimized for balanced multipoint bus transmission at data rates up to and exceeding 10 million bits per second. Each driver features wide positive and negative common-mode output voltage ranges, current limiting, and thermal-shutdown circuitry making it suitable for party-line applications in noisy environments. Both devices are designed using LinBiCMOS?, facilitating ultra-low power consumption and inherent robustness.

Both the SN65LBC172 and SN75LBC172 provide positive- and negative-current limiting and thermal shutdown for protection from line fault conditions on the transmission bus line.