Dataforth Corporation announces the introduction of its new, high performance DCP485 Limited Distance Modem/RS-232/RS-485 Converter.

The new device offers customers a unique combination of protection, speed, and versatility for DIN-rail mount industrial data communications applications.

The DCP485 modem/converter allows computers, controllers, terminals, and other industrial I/O devices with RS-232 and/or RS-485 ports to communicate with each other over extended distances while protecting valuable equipment and signals from damage or degradation due to ground loops, power surges, lightning strikes, and other electrical hazards commonly found in industrial environments.

The new DCP485 uses heavy-duty optical couplers and a transformer isolated DC-to-DC converter to provide significantly higher electrical isolation - 7000VDC surge (1 minute), 1500Vrms continuous - than similar modems available from other suppliers. For added safety, ANSI/IEEE C37.90.1-1989 surge protection is also provided on all RS-232 and RS-485 inputs and outputs and on DC input.

The DCP485 is designed for full duplex operation over 2-wire pairs, and may also be operated in asynchronous 2-wire half-duplex or 2-wire simplex modes. Tri-state outputs permit multidropping of up to 32 data I/O devices. It is relatively fast for industrial applications, with a baud rate range of 0-115.2K bps over distances up to 7 miles.

At 38.4K bps, for example, the operating distance is 1 mile (1.6 km.) The DCP485 is also easy to set up and to use. For starters, markings on the exterior of the compact, DIN-rail-mountable package (4.3" x 3.3" x 0.89"; 109mm x 84mm x 22.5mm) provide all the information necessary to quickly wire and set up the device without opening the case and figuring out minuscule DIP switch and jumper connections. Also, 4 diagnostic LED indicators simplify installation and troubleshooting.

The RS-232 interface includes Request To Send (RTS) and Data Terminal Ready (DTR) control lines, either of which can be used to enable the RS-485 transmitter. For even simpler operation, the RS-485 transmitter may be enabled automatically by each character sent on the RS-232 Transmit Data (TD) channel. The RS-485 transmitter and receiver may also be enabled independently, either continuously or under RS-232 control. A useful Null Modem switch allows convenient DCE or DTE mode selection. RS-232 connections may be made through male or female EIA 9-pin D-sub connectors, or a 3-wire RS-232 connection can be made using easily accessible, pluggable screw terminals.

The device operates from +10 to +30VDC supplies at 150mA max over a temp range of 0°C to +60°C. The new device adds to the Company's already extensive line of high performance industrial data communications products and systems, including stand-alone and rack-mounted limited distance modems and modem systems, and PC-based Serial I/O systems. Dataforth Corporation is a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of signal conditioning and data communications products for industrial and institutional markets.

Go directly to our DCP485 family in our
Data Communications Products Catalog.