The SN65HVD96 is specifically designed to meet the requirements for a transceiver which operates with no errors if the twisted-pair signal wires are connected normally or reversed. This allows for error free operation in applications where the signal wires may become inadvertently reversed during installation or maintenance. This feature is corrected internally so no intervention from the controller or operator is required. The SN65HVD96 complies with the requirements of ANSI/TIA-4963, Electrical Characteristics of Reversible Balanced Voltage Digital Interface Circuits.

Similar to RS-485, these transceivers can be used for point-to-point, multi-drop, or multi-point networks. Sympol devices are not backwards compatible with, but are an upgrade to, existing RS-485 networks. The pin-out is identical to the industry-standard SN75176 transceiver, allowing direct upgrade from RS-485 to SymPol. Current-limited differential outputs protect in case of driver contention on a party-line bus. High receiver input impedance allows connection of at least 32 nodes. Several fault tolerant features are integrated into the device to protect from operational hazards. Current limiting on the driver outputs protects against short-circuit faults, and operates independently on each driver output. An automatic thermal shutdown protects the driver circuits against over temperature conditions. The receiver output enters a deterministic failsafe state if the bus connection is left disconnected or if the bus wires are shorted together.

The small outline integrated circuit (SOIC) package saves board space compared to equivalent discrete implementations. These devices are fully characterized for operation over the industrial temperature range of –40°C to 85°C.