These Renesas RS-485/RS-422 devices are "fractional" Unit Load (UL), BiCMOS, 5V powered, single transceivers that meet both the RS-485 and RS-422 standards for balanced communication. Unlike competitive devices, this family is specified for 10% tolerance supplies (4. 5V to 5. 5V). The ISL81483 and ISL81487 present a 1/8 unit load to the RS-485 bus, which allows up to 256 transceivers on the network for large node count systems (for example, process automation, remote meter reading systems). In a remote utility meter reading system, individual (apartments for example) utility meter readings are routed to a concentrator through an RS-485 network, so the high allowed node count minimizes the number of repeaters required to network all the meters. Data for all meters is then read out from the concentrator using a single access port, or a wireless link. The slew rate limited driver on the ISL81483 reduces EMI, and minimizes reflections from improperly terminated transmission lines, or unterminated stubs in multidrop and multipoint applications. Data rates up to 250kbps are achievable with these devices. Data rates up to 5Mbps are achievable by using the ISL81487, which features higher slew rates. Receiver (Rx) inputs feature a "fail-safe if open" design, which ensures a logic high Rx output if Rx inputs are floating. Driver (Tx) outputs are short-circuit protected, even for voltages exceeding the power supply voltage. Additionally, on-chip thermal shutdown circuitry disables the Tx outputs to prevent damage if power dissipation becomes excessive. These half duplex devices multiplex the Rx inputs and Tx outputs to allow transceivers with Rx and Tx disable functions in 8 Ld packages.