The LTC1483 is an ultra-low power differential line transceiver designed for data transmission standard RS485 applications with extended common-mode range ( 7V to 12V). It will also meet the requirements of RS422. The LTC1483 features output drivers with controlled slew rate, decreasing the EMI radiated from the RS485 lines, and improving signal fidelity with misterminated lines. The CMOS design offers significant power savings over its bipolar counterparts without sacrificing ruggedness against overload or ESD damage. Typical quiescent current is only 80A while operating and less than 1A in shutdown. The driver and receiver feature three-state outputs, with the driver outputs maintaining high impedance over the entire common-mode range. Excessive power dissipation caused by bus contention or faults is prevented by a thermal shutdown circuit which forces the driver outputs into a high impedance state. The receiver has a fail-safe feature which guarantees a high output state when the inputs are left open. I/O pins are protected against multiple ESD strikes of over 10kV.