The MC1488 is a monolithic quad line driver designed to interface data terminal equipment with data communications equipment in conformance with the specifications of EIA Standard No. EIA−232D. The Electronic Industries Association EIA−232D specification details the requirements for the interface between data processing equipment and data communications equipment. This standard specifies not only the number and type of interface leads, but also the voltage levels to be used. The MC1488 quad driver provides a complete interface system between DTL or TTL logic levels and the EIA−232D defined levels. The EIA−232D requirements as applied to drivers are discussed herein.
The EIA−232D specification further requires that during transitions, the driver output slew rate must not exceed 30 V per microsecond. The inherent slew rate of the MC1488 is much too fast for this requirement. The current limited output of the device can be used to control this slew rate by connecting a capacitor to each driver output. And the MC1488 is an extremely versatile line driver with a myriad of possible applications.
This article provides you with a basic overview of the MC1488, including its pin descriptions, features and specifications, etc., to help you quickly understand what MC1488 is.