The MAX22025AWA+T is a 500kbps RS-485 transceiver with auto-direction control and +/-15kV ESD protection in WQFN-12. The auto-direction feature eliminates the need for a DE/RE control signal: the device automatically switches between transmit and receive modes by detecting when the driver input (DI) is actively driven. When the host asserts DI, the driver activates; when DI is idle, the device automatically reverts to receive mode within 50ns. This simplifies software design as only one UART TX line is needed. The 500kbps slew-rate-limited driver reduces EMI and reflections, suitable for long cable runs up to 1200m. Fail-safe biasing ensures RO is HIGH when the bus is idle (open, shorted, or terminated). The device supports up to 256 transceivers on the bus. Operating supply range is 3.0V to 5.5V with 1.6mA supply current.