SP504

Documentation

• Datasheet

  • SP504 WAN Multi-Mode Serial Transceiver

• Application Notes

  • ANI-05, SP504 Application Note
  • ANI-06, Connecting the SP504 Multiprotocol Transceiver to the 85C30 Universal Enhanced Serial Communications Controller (ESCC)
  • ANI-14, DTE and DCE Terminology Explained
  • ANI-16, Design Guide for Multi-Protocol Serial Ports
  • ANI-17, Multiprotocol DTE and DCE Options
  • AN218, SP50x RS-232 Latch-up Prevention

• Manuals

  • Evaluation Board Manual

• Product FAQs

  • SP504 FAQ

• Product Brochure

  • Interface Brochure

Application

Packaging

Parts & Purchasing

Quality Documents

Frequently Asked Questions

How much ESD voltage could a part see in normal use?

ESD is caused by static electricity. In order for an ESD event to occur there must be a buildup of static charge. Very high charge levels are actually quite rare. In a normal factory environment, taking basic ESD precautions (grounding-straps, anti-static smocks, ionizers, humidity control, etc.) static levels can be kept below a few tens of volts. In an uncontrolled environment, like an office, static levels rarely get above 2000 volts. Under some worstcase conditions (wearing synthetic fabrics, rubbing against synthetic upholstered furniture, extremely low humidity)

levels can go as high as 12 to 15 thousand volts. Actually to get to 15000 volts or higher you would need to be in an uncomfortably dry environment (humidity below 10%) otherwise static charge will naturally dissipate through corona discharge. It would definitely be considered a “bad hair day.” Humans can generally feel a static shock only above 3000 volts. A discharge greater than 4000 volts can cause an audible “pop.” But repeated lower level discharges can be imperceptible and still may have a cumulative damaging effect on sensitive ICs. All ICs, even those with robust protection, can be damaged if they are hit hard enough or often enough.

Why are some pins protected to higher ESD levels than others?

Most ICs in a typical system are at greatest risk of ESD damage in the factory when the PCB is assembled and the system is being built. After the system is put together they are soldered onto the PCB and shielded within a metal or plastic system enclosure. Interface ICs are designed to attach to an external connector that could be exposed to ESD when a cable is plugged in or when a person or object touches the connector. These interface pins are most likely to see ESD exposure and therefore benefit from additional protection.

How can I find out if the status of a part number is EOL / obsolete or active?

The best way to determine this is to go to maxlinear.com and type the part into the search function. At or near the top of the results you should see something that looks like:

 

 

 

In this example, we looked for XRA1201. Click on part number header or on the link at the bottom of the result.  This brings you to the product page. For example:

 

 

 

Click on Parts & Purchasing, highlighted with the blue arrow above. The screen changes to:

 

 

 

Notice the status column and the “Show obsolete parts” link.  A legend tells you the definition of the different statuses. Click on the “Show obsolete parts” link to see EOL or OBS part numbers along with the Active part numbers, the legend still present:

 

 

 

Another method to find out if a part is OBS or EOL is to click on SUPPORT at the top:

 

 

 

And then Product Change Notifications:

 

  

 

Type the part into the search, and click on one of the part numbers from the drop down menu. Then you can look for the Product Discontinuation Notice, which generally is at the top of the list, for example:

 

 

 

If you see this, it tells you that this particular orderable part has been discontinued and when the last order date is, or was. If you click on the file, then you can view the notice we sent about this if you purchased the part in the recent past. It may also advise of a replacement part. When an orderable part first becomes discontinued, Product Discontinuation Notices are sent are sent to those who have purchased the parts in the recent past, if purchased directly, with a dated opportunity to place a last order.