Definition of RS485
RS485 is a serial communication protocol standard that allows data transmission over long distances in industrial environments. This standard is widely used for its robustness and ability to operate effectively in environments with high electromagnetic interference. RS485 allows multiple devices to be connected on a single communication network, making it ideal for automated monitoring and control systems.
Main applications of RS485
The RS485 protocol finds its applications in various sectors such as industrial automation, security systems, building management systems ( BMS ) and more. In industrial automation, for example, it is used to connect sensors, servo motors, and PLCs on the same network. This versatility makes RS485 a preferred choice for communication networks in complex industrial installations.
Differences between RS485, RS422 and RS232
RS485, RS422, and RS232 are all used for serial communication, but they differ in capabilities and applications. RS232 is ideal for short-distance communications and supports point-to-point communication. RS422 improves on this by allowing longer-distance communications and supports limited multi-drop configurations. RS485 is the most flexible of the three, supporting multi-drop configurations over long distances and allowing many devices to communicate on a single bus network, making it the preferred choice for complex industrial systems .
RS485 - Ethernet converter
Devices act as intermediaries to convert RS485 signals into other more modern protocols like Ethernet, making the data accessible and manageable over the network.