Some of these converters can convert from RS232 to both RS485 and RS422 however many standard models only has one of the protocols. RS485, also known as TIA/EIA-485 is a standard serial communications protocol defining the electrical characteristics of a serial converter, drivers and receivers for use in balanced RS485 digital multipoint systems. Even RS485 is not commonly as popular as RS232 it is extremely useful for converters in industrial and commercial environments. A RS232 - RS485 converter is often used in industrial data acquisition and control applications where multiple serial devices communicate with each other through a converter.

is also fairly resistant to noise which is one more reason why it is favored in industrial environments. Examples of uses for a RS232 to RS485 converter could be for connecting cameras, scales, meters, scanners, PLC's or most other industrial equipment to a computer.

What is a RS232 to RS485 converter?

Quality Guarantee - SerialComm converters are low priced, high quality products and made to last a lifetime. They are manufactured in a ISO-9001 certified facility using surface mount technology with lead free components. All converters are pretested prior to shipment and are fully guaranteed for 5 years. There are no converters, Commercial or Industrial that surpass SerialComm's quality standards at any price tag. The RS422 converter is used for data transmission, using balanced or differential signaling, it is mainly used in industrial and commercial environments since lots of process equipment and machinery have this protocol built-in. The RS232 - RS422 converter is also often used in older serial devices such as older PLC's and terminal equipment.

Serving as an example, below schematic shows what a typical RS232 to RS485 converter circuitry looks like.Okay, so how do you connect a RS232 to RS485 converter? The RS232 to RS485 converter can be used for point-to-point connections (connecting one RS232 to RS485 converter directly to another RS232 to RS485 converter) and point-to-multipoint networks (connecting one RS232 to RS485 converter to multiple RS232 to RS485 converters. The main differences between these RS232 to RS485 converter units are that some of them can have a DB9 connector whereas others have a terminal screw header or RJ11 connector, Some RS232 to RS485 converters are powered from the computer's COM port (usually from either TX, RTS or DTR), others need an external power supply to work. Even with port-powered converters you should in most cases be able to communicate up to the specified 4000 feet, however adding a terminal resistor can interfere with this distance because it increases power consumption. A non-isolated converter usually only have a simple protection against static electricity and low-voltage spikes.