Specifications

RS-422/485 Application Note 13
© Copyright B&B Electronics -- Revised 2506
B&B Electronics Mfg Co – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - Ph 815-433-5100 - Fax [phone]
B&B Electronics Ltd – Westlink Comm. Pk – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – Ph 353-91-792444 – Fax [phone]
Chapter 2: System Configuration
Network Topologies
Network configuration isn’t defined in the RS-422 or RS-485 specification.
In most cases the designer can use a configuration that best fits the physical
requirements of the system.
Two Wire or Four Wire Systems
RS-422 systems require a dedicated pair of wires for each signal, a
transmit pair, a receive pair and an additional pair for each handshake/control
signal used (if required). The tristate capabilities of RS-485 allow a single pair
of wires to share transmit and receive signals for half-duplex communications.
This “two wire” configuration (note that an additional ground conductor
should be used) reduces cabling cost. RS-485 devices may be internally or
externally configured for two wire systems. Internally configured RS-485
devices simply provide A and B connections (sometimes labeled “-“ and “+”).
Devices configured for four wire communications bring out A and B
connections for both the transmit and the receive pairs. The user can connect
the transmit lines to the receive lines to create a two wire configuration. The
latter type device provides the system designer with the most configuration
flexibility. Note that the signal ground line should also be connected in the
system. This connection is necessary to keep the Vcm common mode voltage
at the receiver within a safe range. The interface circuit may operate without
the signal ground connection, but may sacrifice reliability and noise immunity.
Figures 2.1 and 2.2 illustrate connections of two and four wire systems.
14 RS-422/485 Application Note
© Copyright B&B Electronics -- Revised 2506
B&B Electronics Mfg Co – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - Ph 815-433-5100 - Fax [phone]
B&B Electronics Ltd – Westlink Comm. Pk – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – Ph 353-91-792444 – Fax [phone]
Figure 2.1 Typical RS-485 Four Wire Multidrop Configuration