Omega Engineering RS-422/485 specification

Appendix D - Asynchronous Communications

Serial data communications implies that individual bits of a character are transmitted consecutively to a receiver that assembles the bits back into a character. Data rate, error checking, handshaking, and character framing (start/stop bits) are pre -defined and must correspond at both the transmitting and receiving ends.

Asynchronous communications is the standard means of serial data communication for PC compatibles and PS/2 computers. The original PC was equipped with a communication or COM: port that was designed around an 8250 Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (UART). This device allows asynchronous serial data to be transferred through a simple and straightforward programming interface. Character boundaries for asynchronous communications are defined by a starting bit followed by a pre -defined number of data bits (5, 6, 7, or 8). The end of the character is defined by the transmission of a pre -defined number of stop bits (usual 1, 1.5 or 2). An extra bit used for error detection is often appended before the stop bits.

Idle state of
line	5 to 8 Data Bits
	5 to 8 Data Bits

Odd, Even
or			Remain Idle or
Unused			next start bit
P
P			STOP
BIT

1.5 2

Figure 15 - Asynchronous Communications Bit Diagram

This special bit is called the parity bit. Parity is a simple method of determining if a data bit has been lost or corrupted during transmission. There are several methods for implementing a parity check to guard against data corruption. Common methods are called (E)ven Parity or (O)dd Parity. Sometimes parity is not used to detect errors on the data stream. This is refereed to as (N)o parity. Because each bit in asynchronous communications is sent consecutively, it is easy to generalize asynchronous communications by stating that each character is wrapped (framed) by pre-defined bits to mark the beginning and end of the serial transmission of the character. The data rate and communication parameters for asynchronous communications have to be the same at both the transmitting and receiving ends. The communication parameters are baud rate, parity, number of data bits per character, and stop bits (i.e. 9600,N,8,1).

OMG-ULTRA-COMM422

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RS-422/485 specifications

Omega Engineering is a renowned leader in the field of measurement and control technologies, particularly in the realm of data communication for industrial automation. The RS-422 and RS-485 protocols are part of Omega's robust offering, designed to facilitate reliable and efficient data transmission over relatively long distances. These protocols are widely used in various applications ranging from industrial machinery to building automation systems.

One of the main features of RS-422 is its ability to support long-distance communication, allowing data to be transmitted up to 4,000 feet (approximately 1,200 meters) at speeds of up to 10 Mbps. This is achieved through the use of differential signaling, which provides improved noise immunity compared to single-ended signaling systems. RS-422 employs a single transmitter and multiple receivers, making it ideal for point-to-multipoint configurations.

On the other hand, RS-485 extends the capabilities of RS-422 by allowing multiple devices to be connected on the same bus. It supports up to 32 devices, which can be either transmitters or receivers, making it exceptionally versatile for networking applications. RS-485 can communicate effectively over distances up to 4,000 feet and at speeds of 10 Mbps as well. This makes it an attractive option for applications where several devices need to communicate with a central controller.

An essential characteristic of both protocols is their resilience to electromagnetic interference, which is often a concern in industrial environments. The differential signaling used in RS-422 and RS-485 reduces noise susceptibility, ensuring data integrity even in challenging conditions. Additionally, these protocols function effectively in half-duplex or full-duplex modes, providing flexibility based on application requirements.

Moreover, Omega Engineering’s implementations of RS-422 and RS-485 comply with established standards, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices. This interoperability is crucial for seamless integration into existing systems and enhancing overall productivity.

In summary, Omega Engineering's RS-422 and RS-485 technologies offer robust, reliable, and versatile solutions for data communication in industrial settings. With features such as long-distance communication, multiple device connections, and exceptional noise immunity, these protocols continue to serve as foundational technologies in various automation and control applications. As industries evolve, Omega Engineering remains committed to advancing these technologies to meet the growing demands of modern data communication.