This bi-directional RS232 to RS485 converter is a port-powered simple and reliable solution for most standard commercial and industrial communications needs. It converts RS232 signals to half-duplex RS485 balanced differential signals and extend the communication distance up to 4000 FT (1.2 km).

This RS232 to RS485 converter uses an internal amplifier to gain power from the RS232 signals (RTS, DTR, TXD) without initializing the RS232 interface. In case the RS232 port is not capable of supplying sufficient power an external power supply can easily be connected to the converter. Automatic Send Data Control is enabled which means no software drivers are needed.

This converter utilizes the solid MAX485E processor chip from Maxim/Dallas Semiconductor and a supporting driver IC from Philips, which makes this RS232 to RS485 converter suitable for most applications, including industrial, business and any general office computer device.

It is a bi-directional RS232 to RS485 converter (meaning it communicates in both directions), reliable and cost-effective that easily lets you connect any RS485 device directly to your computer's serial RS232 COM port, efficiently converting standard RS232 signals to RS485 and vice versa.

A simple and reliable solution for most general and industrial communication needs. Header terminal board is included with each converter.

Overall features

Port-powered RS232 to RS485 converter
No external power supply required
Fail-safe bias resistors
Plug and play, no drivers needed
Static and surge protected converter
Optional external power supply
Automatic Send Data Control.
Working mode: asynchronous, half-duplex.
Terminal board included with each converter.

Datasheet, overview and technical details

Download software, diagnostics and troubleshooting

Tech Support, technical support and guidelines

SPECIFICATIONS
Model number	XS201A
Baud rate	300 - 115200bps
Power	Port-powered from RS232 (RTS, DTR, TXD).Optional external power: 5 - 12VDC
Current consumption	less than 10mA
Processor	MAX491/Philips HEF4093
Interface RS232	DB9 female connector. Pin 7 (RTS) and 8 (CTS) are tied together. Pin 4 (DTR), 6 (DSR), and 1 (CD) are tied together.
Interface RS485	DB9 Male and terminal board
Working mode	2-wire RS232 to RS485 asynchronous, half-duplex
Compatible with	Modbus RTU/ASCII, BACnet
Standards	EIA/TIA RS232 / RS485
Housing	ABS plastic
DB9 sockets and shields	Electroplated steel
DB9 pins	Stainless steel
Transmission distance	RS232: Typical: 15 FT (5m) RS485: Typical 4000FT (1200m)
Static/surge protection	1500W / 600W/ms
Operating Temp.	-40°F to 180°F (-25°C to 70°C)
Operating humidity	5% To 95% - No Condensation
Dimensions	2.47" x 1.33" x 0.70" (62.8 mm x 33.8 mm x 17.8 mm)
Compliance	CE, FCC, RoHS, ISO 9001
Warranty	2-year Limited Warranty

Pin	RS232 DB9 Female	RS485 DB9 Male	Terminal board
1	DCD	D+/B	D+/A
2	RXD	D-/A	D-/B
3	TXD	-	GND
4	DTR	-	+5V ~ +12V
5	GND	GND	-
6	DSR	5 ~ 12V	-
7	RTS	-	-
8	CTS	-	-
9	RI	-	-

Click images to enlarge

Click images to enlarge

Optional accessories
DB9 - RJ45 adapter		Gender changer

Terminal board		DB9 - DB25 adapter

Price: $18.90

Part: XS201A
In stock

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Reviews for this product

Displaying 1 to 8 (of 8 reviews)

Date Added: 04/13/2013 by Dave Wheeler

5 of 5 Stars

Thanks for the speedy delivery. The converter works fine with my telescope, couldn't ask for more. G...

Date Added: 07/13/2011 by Martin Janson

4 of 5 Stars

Good little device for converting rs232 to rs485. Works fine but I actually wish it was bigger. The ...

Date Added: 03/14/2011 by Roger Brandon

4 of 5 Stars

Thanks for good support and help with setting up this converter. Being new to this type of products ...

Date Added: 05/21/2010 by Jason Hill

5 of 5 Stars

works great, reasonable price, recommended

Date Added: 02/26/2010 by Erika LeBlanc

4 of 5 Stars

Before purchasing from USconverters to go I purchased cheap adapters from two other suppliers, but I...

Date Added: 01/04/2010 by Aaron Phillips

4 of 5 Stars

works great, easy to use

Date Added: 01/02/2010 by Mark McHuchins

5 of 5 Stars

We are using these with our dataloggers to log water height in our tanks. Works fine, and very conve...

Date Added: 12/26/2009 by John Hansson

5 of 5 Stars

Works perfectly. Great service and products.

Displaying 1 to 8 (of 8 reviews)

Quick Tips!

Two ways of using a RS232 to RS485 converter.

Point to point: Setting up a RS232 to RS485 converter in a point to point configuration is the easiest way of using a RS232 to RS485 converter. An example of this is simply connecting your RS232 to RS485 converter to your PCs serial RS232 COM port and then connect your RS485 device to the RS485 side of the RS232 to RS485 converter. Point to multi-point: In a point to multi-point configuration you setup your RS232 to RS485 converter in a network, this way you can connect multiple RS232 to RS485 converters (slave RS232 to RS485 converter) and RS485 devices to one main PC (master RS232 to RS485 converter). Multi-point networks is mainly what the RS232 to RS485 converter is made for. The recommended network topology for most RS232 to RS485 converter units is a simple line or bus network, a ring or star network is not recommended since it often will result in too much noise.

Remember the ground!
Always when using a RS232 to RS485 converter, and for that matter a RS422 converter too, remember to connect the ground wire! A RS485 converter uses the common ground to interpret voltage levels of the differential signal with respect to the common ground voltage.

Duplexs.
A RS232 to RS485 converter is often only a half duplex converter, meaning only one node can transmit at a time, however four-wire RS232 to RS485 converter units exists which can transmit in full duplex jusst like a RS232 to R422 converter.

Termination.
We highly recommend to terminate the RS232 to RS485 converter network if the communication distance reaches 500 feet or more. A 120 ohms termination resistor should then be connected over the communication wires to reduce any electrical noise.

Chose the right RS232 to RS485 converter for your project.

We have many models of RS232 to RS485 converters. We highly recommend that you take a closer look at each model to make sure you chose the right model the job. Take a look at our selection of RS232 to RS485 converter products. We will also be happy to guide you to the right choice by contacting us.

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Serial USB | RS232 | RS485 | RS422 Adapters

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RS232 to RS485 Converter Port-Powered

Two ways of using a RS232 to RS485 converter.

Chose the right RS232 to RS485 converter for your project.

RS232 to RS485 Converter
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