May 18, 2008

Here are a few popular
RS-485 downloads
from our extensive
Tech Notes Library:

RS485 Trouble Shooting Guide - Problem Solver Walks You Step by Step

RS485 Fast Guide - Just the Essentials on a Single Piece of Paper

RS485 Technical Guide - Comprehensive Tech Notes & Overview of the RS485 Specification

RS485 Adapters, Converters, Isolators,
Accessories and Technical Data

Is RS-485 the right solution for your data communications problem? You’ve come to the right place to find out. B&B Electronics offers the broadest range of RS-485 converters, isolators, repeaters, cards and other adapters. We also have enough tech notes, quick guides and white papers to make you an expert. Not interested in becoming an expert? Give us a call – our Technical Support team is expert - so you don’t have to be!

B&B Electronics RS485 Products

• Serial Converters
  • Industrial RS-232/422/485, Current Loop, Fiber Optic, PLC
  • Isolated RS-232/422/485 Converters
  • Non-Isolated RS-232/422/485 Converters
  • Port Powered RS-232/422/485 Converters
  • Current Loop Converters
  • PDA Serial Converters
    
• Serial Isolators and Repeaters
  • Isolated RS-485 Repeaters
• Ethernet Serial Device Servers. Connect RS-485 equipment to your LAN or WAN.
  • Industrial Ethernet Serial Servers
  • Commercial Ethernet Serial Servers
  • MODBUS Ethernet Serial Servers
• Wireless. Convert from RS-485 to 802.11 or Proprietary RF.
  • Wireless Modems
  • Wireless Ethernet Serial Servers
• USB to RS-485 Converters
  • Isolated RS-485 to USB Converters
  • Mini RS-485 to USB Converters (Isolated and Non-Isolated)
  • Panel Mount RS-485 to USB Converters (Isolated and Non-Isolated)
  • Industrial RS-485 to USB Converters
    
• Data Line Surge Suppression
  
• Cards
  • Isolated Multi-Interface PCI
  • Multi-Interface PCI
  • Low Profile PCI
  • PCMCIA (PC Card)
  • Compact Flash (CF)
  • ISA Cards
• Serial Data Switches

RS-485 Quick Facts

RS-485 is standard for sending serial data. It uses a pair of wires to send a differential signal over distances up to 4000 feet without a repeater. The differential signal makes it very robust, RS-485 is one of the most popular communications methods used in industrial applications where it’s noise immunity and long-distance capability are a perfect fit. RS-485 is capable of multi-drop communications – up to 32 nodes

RS-485 can be configured for their half or full duplex. Half duplex typically uses one pair of wires, full duplex requires two pair.

RS-485 Tech Tip: Always run a signal ground with RS-485

Pros:

• Long distance
• Noise immunity
• Multidrop capable
• Used in many popular fieldbusses

Cons

• Physical layer only, no protocol specified
• Not inherently isolated – use of isolated products recommended