In the process of developing an RDM Compatible DMX receiver board (using a ATMEGA328) and i have been fortunate enough to come across kimliv's most informative answer concerning such a board;
However i was wondering why (if) it is necessary to use a TTL Compatible isolator? in this case the 6N317 or if perhaps a more traditional repeater isolator style circuit could be implemented using a more common and cheaper isolator for example the H11A1 (which i just so happen to have in stock)
this all said it seems several DMX circuits i have come across utilise the 6N317 but so far as i am aware the transceiver (MAX481) could be used to drive other isolators.
is there something obvious i am missing here? or anything in particular that makes the 6N317 quite so desirable for its use here?
thank you.