RS-485 transceiver is low cost

The SP4082E RS-485/422 half-duplex transceiver has a differential driver and receiver, operates at 5 V, and supports a common-mode voltage range of -7 to +12 V. All bus-pins are protected against ESD events up to ±15-kV HBM and drivers are protected by both current limit and thermal-overload shutdown.

The SOIC8-packaged chip’s receivers have high input impedance, with only one-eighth the standard bus load. The chip operates at -40° to 85°C, and all outputs maintain high impedance in shutdown or when powered-off. ($0.49 ea/1,000samples available now.)

Exar , Fremont , CA
Sales 510-668-7000
http://www.exar.com