rs485 vs rs232

Hi,
what are the advantages of using a rs485 bus in comparison to rs232? Where can I find a good informations about different interfaces?(rs485, rs232, Profibus, ProfiSafe and others too).

One place to start your search

http://www.bb-europe.com/tech_articles/serial_communications_systems.asp

I think Westermos handbook will be great help to you:

https://www.westermo.com/dman/Folder.phx/English/Theoretical+and+General+Applications+Handbook+5.0+English+?cmd=browse

Mr Q,

Thanks for the Westermo Handbook link!

Brian

RS-232 is point to point only with a fairly low transmission distance, on the order of 50' (16-17m) max. Point to point is like computer to printer, no other devices.

RS-485 uses a differential mode that functions over relatively long tranmission distances, on the order of 4000' (1200m) max. Devices using RS-485 can run protocols, like Modbus or Profibus, that allow multiple devices to be wired in a multi-drop or daisy chained fashion.

Good recommended material by the others.

Dan

The rather excellent Westermo link has changed and can now be found here. Well worth a read, everything you wanted to know about Comms and Data Comms.

Bryan