Press Release
April 16, 2004 For Immediate Release

Extend the 15 Meter Limitation of Standard PC Cabling!
B&B Electronics has Serial Converters for Almost Any Application

Ottawa, IL – Changing RS232 to another serial protocol such as RS422 or RS485 can give you increased range, up to 1200 meters, and allow you to set up a serial network with 32 or more nodes. A popular converter for this purpose is Model 485LDRC9. This is a DIN Rail mount converter with built-in isolation to protect data lines from ground loops and data line power surges. It is Modbus compatible and operates at a wide range of temperatures, -40 to +80°C (-40 to 176°F). Automatic Send Data Control enables the RS485 driver, so no software rework is required. SDC monitors the data line and automatically enables the driver during transmission and disables it when no data is present.

When a serial network needs to extend beyond 1200 meters or needs to service more than 32 connected devices, that’s a job for one of B&B Electronics’ Model 485OPDR Signal Repeater/Optical Isolators. This is another DIN Rail mounted unit that boosts serial signals to communicate with up to 31 more nodes. It has an optical isolator to protect your connected devices from ground loops and transient spikes on the data lines. It can also be used to convert RS422 to RS485 in certain conditions. It is Modbus compatible and operates at a wide range of temperatures, -40 to +80°C (-40 to 176°F).

Everything old is new again! Current Loop is one of the oldest data communication protocols, dating back to the telegraph operator clicking out his dots and dashes. It uses current, or the lack of current, to transmit binary digits. After years of decline, Current Loop has been rediscovered and valued for its ability to drive through marginal wire connections, its immunity to RFI/EMI interference and its extended range. To use Current Loop with contemporary PCs, B&B Electronics offers several types of RS232 to Current Loop converters. All have optical isolation to keep ground loops and current spikes at bay. A popular model is 232CLDR. This is a DIN Rail mount unit with terminal block connections for both the RS232 and Current Loop sides.

You can change the RS232 protocol of most PCs to many other protocols to achieve different goals. These are just three of the many flavors of serial data communications converters that are offered in B&B Electronics’ current catalog. Packaging, connectors and special features account for most of the variety.

For further information on B&B Electronics serial converters, call +353 91 792444 or visit www.bb-europe.com.

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