Transceivers/Media Converters

• The RS-232 connector is DB9F; the RS-485 connector is RJ-45; other connectors are available (see Related Items).
• Built-in silicon avalanche diode surge protection against data loss and equipment damage from transient surges.
• You can also "fine tune" impedance and "echo" characteristics for your individual application.
• For configuration, the converter features two internal 4-position DIP switches.

• Enables you to select RS-485 2-wire half-duplex or RS-485 4-wire full-duplex operation.
• Selectable RS-422 operation with transmit and receive always enabled.
• Automatic RS-485 driver control, so it works without any special programming for handshaking signals. Also enables transmitter from RS-232 TD signal and receiver when not transmitting.
• Built-in bridging switches for 2- or 4-wire operation with no external jumpers to set.
• Set operating mode with four switches.
• Converts using either port power or power from an external 120-VAC/12-VDC power supply (sold separately).
• No external power is required if two RS-232 output handshake lines are available.

The BLACK BOX® Universal RS-232 to RS-422/485 Converter with Opto-Isolation isolates and converts RS-232 signals into RS-422/RS-485 signals and vice versa. Unlike other converters, external software is not required to control data flow. The RS-232 input is wired for DCE through a DB9 female connector, and RS-422/RS-485 signals are interfaced through a removable terminal block. To supply external power to the terminal block, you need our 120-VAC/12-VDC Wallmount Power Supply (PS1003).

For RS-232, the connection requires RD, TD, and Signal Ground.

In RS-422 mode, the driver is always enabled for full-duplex communications. A twisted pair is required for transmit, and a twisted pair is also required to receive. A ground reference wire is also needed. Switch settings are Switch 1: RS-422; Switch 2: Echo On; Switches 3 and 4: 4 Wire.

In both RS-485 modes, the RS-485 driver is automatically enabled during each space state by the presence of an RS-232 signal. When the RS-232 data is in a mark or idle state, the RS-485 driver is disabled and the RS-485 data lines are held in a mark state by the bias provided by a 4.7-ohm resistor; the value of this resistor may need to be changed, depending on the termination you use.

To connect to several RS-485 devices with minimal wire, select the unit's 2-wire, half-duplex RS-485 mode. When data is requested, the addressed device transmits and then reverts back to receive status. Switch settings for this mode are Switch 1: RS-485; Switch 2: Echo Off; Switches 3 and 4: 2 Wire.

For 4-wire master/slave circuits, select the unit's 4-wire, full-duplex RS-485 mode. In this mode, addressed devices can receive data while transmitting data from a previous request. When used as a master in a single-master system, Switch 1 may be selected because the unit is the only transmitter in the system. When used as an RS-485 slave, the RS-232 device must provide addressability. Biasing in a master/slave system is provided by the end-of-line slave. Switch settings for this mode are Switch 1: RS-485; Switch 2: Echo On; Switches 3 and 4: 4 Wire.

Convert async RS232 to RS422/485 at speeds up to 19.2 kbps with distances up to 4000 ft over CATx cables. These devices are great for connecting RS232 devices into an existing RS422/485 environment in factory automation, building automation, and process automation. They can be mounted using DIN Rail and can withstand operating temperatures of -40 to 176 degrees F (-40 to 80 C).

• Tolerates temperatures ranging from -30 to +185° F (-40 to +85° C).
• Designed to withstand both shock and vibration.
• Boasts 2-kV triple isolation for safeguarding data and equipment.
• Supports fiber ring communications with 31 other units.
• Data rates up to 115.2 kbps.
• DIN rail mountable with an optional adapter.

Our premium Industrial Opto-Isolated Serial to Fiber Multimode ST Converter is the ideal choice if you need reliable serial data extensions in heavy-industry areas.

Meets stringent IEC and IEEE specs.
Encased in an IP30-rated enclosure, the converter's been put through some of the most exacting tests in the industry. The high-grade converter meets the requirements of two standards that make it suitable for electrical substation installations - IEC 61850-3 and IEEE 1613 - specifications that are more stringent than NEMA TS1/TS2 requirements for transportation applications.

Plus, as a fiber-based conversion and extension device, it's inherently immune to electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference (EMI/RFI) as it uses the optical cable to extend RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 serial data as far as 2 kilometers (1.2 m.).

Three levels of isolation.
The Industrial Opto-Isolated Serial to Fiber Multimode ST Converter provides powerful isolation. Featuring 2-kV triple isolation, the device protects equipment as well as data from damaging surges and ground loops. With isolation on the converter's power supply circuits, you're given a third degree of protection for your expensive components.

This level of protection helps prevent rogue currents from disrupting important data communications, such as those in the factory, engineering, military, defense industry, or utility applications.

By isolating voltage anomalies, you stand a much better chance of preventing a surge from shutting down an assembly line - or your entire plant.

Use in point-to-point or multipoint applications.
You'll need two units for a standard point-to-point application. But you can also easily set up a multidrop configuration so one serial device talks to multiple slave devices around a fiber ring.

Used in a fiber ring type of application, one Industrial Opto-Isolated Serial to Fiber Multimode ST Converter can communicate with up to 31 other converters in a ring.

The converter has a removable terminal block for both RS-422/RS-485 and power connections, and it supports serial Modbus® connections for both ASCII or RTU (remote terminal unit) formats.

Simple to configure and set up.
DIP switches enable you to configure the converter for a multidrop or point-to-point operation, and a serial mode switch enables you to choose RS-232 or RS-422/RS-485 modes.

For additional ease of setup, bit-wise enabled circuitry detects the data rate automatically without you having to set a DIP switch. An automatic send data control feature enables an RS-485 serial port to be used in Windows® applications where you have no control over the handshake lines.

In addition, the Industrial Opto-Isolated Serial to Fiber Multimode ST Converter has built-in switchable bias resistors (1.2 kilohms) on transmit and receive ports, as well as switchable termination (120 ohms).