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LTC1688 - RS422 communication short circuit false operation

Thread Summary

The user inquires about using the LTC1688 as an RS422 driver with a 20-meter 24 AWG twisted pair cable, which has a differential capacitance of approximately 15nF. The final answer clarifies that the capacitance at the IC output pin should be below 220pF to avoid false short detection, and suggests matching the cable's characteristic impedance (e.g., 100 ohms) to the load impedance to prevent signal reflection/loss.
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Category: Datasheet/Specs
Product Number: LTC1688

Hi,

In our application LTC1688 planned to be used as RS422 driver with interconnecting cable of length 20meters and above approx. For standard 24 AWG twisted pair cable capacitance was calculated to be 1.38pf/inch which will provide cable capacitance of nearly 15nf differential between P & N signal of RS422

However in datasheet its mentioned capacitance of load to be below 220pf for proper operation

"A time-out period of about 50ns is required before a shortcircuit fault is detected. This circuitry might falsely detect a short under excess output capacitive load (>200pF). Additionally, a short might go undetected if there is too much resistance (user inserted or cable parasitic) between the physical short and the actual driver output."

Kindly check and provide feedback for this case and usage of device in such condition