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5 V half-duplex RS-485 transceiver

MAX485 Basic Circuit

Build a basic MAX485 circuit with labeled pins, component values and connection guidance.

Package view

MAX485 in a circuit

Physical transceivers, cable-end terminators and one bias network.

TwoMAX485ICswithcontrollers,UARTTXRXdirection,100nFbypasseach,two120ohmendterminatorsandone390ohmApullupBpulldownbiasnetwork.
A/B naming follows MAX485. Matching labels connect; each node requires a common signal reference.

Connect it, step by step

Follow the component values and pin connections

Wire the controllers

Connect TX, RX and direction to each transceiver. Use a receive-default pull-down.

Terminate and bias once

Terminate only the two cable ends. The shown idle-bias pair is installed at one location.

Control ownership

Only one node transmits at a time. Wait for its final stop bit before releasing direction.

Component view