ADM3485E
Test results are classified according to the following
Cable and Data Rate
The transmission line of choice for RS-485 communications is a
twisted pair. Twisted pair cable tends to cancel common-mode
noise and also causes cancellation of the magnetic fields gener-
ated by the current flowing through each wire, thereby reducing
the effective inductance of the pair.
1. Normal performance within specification limits.
2. Temporary degradation or loss of performance that is self-
recoverable.
3. Temporary degradation or loss of function or performance
that requires operator intervention or system reset.
4. Degradation or loss of function that is not recoverable due to
damage.
The ADM3485E is designed for bidirectional data communica-
tions on multipoint transmission lines. A typical application
showing a multipoint transmission network is illustrated in
Figure 23. Only one driver can transmit at a particular time, but
multiple receivers may be enabled simultaneously.
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
Differential Data Transmission
Differential data transmission is used to reliably transmit data at
high rates over long distances and through noisy environments.
Differential transmission nullifies the effects of ground shifts
and noise signals that appear as common-mode voltages on the
line.
As with any transmission line, it is important that reflections are
minimized. This may be achieved by terminating the extreme
ends of the line using resistors equal to the characteristic imped-
ance of the line. Stub lengths of the main line should also be
kept as short as possible. A properly terminated transmission
line appears purely resistive to the driver.
Two main standards are approved by the Electronics Industries
Association (EIA) which specify the electrical characteristics of
transceivers used in differential data transmission. The RS-422
standard specifies data rates up to 10 MBaud and line lengths
up to 4000 ft. A single driver can drive a transmission line with
up to 10 receivers.
Receiver Open-Circuit Fail-Safe
The receiver input includes a fail-safe feature that guarantees a
logic high on the receiver when the inputs are open circuit or
floating.
The RS-485 standard was defined to cater to true multipoint
communications. This standard meets or exceeds all the re-
quirements of RS-422, but also allows multiple drivers and
receivers to be connected to a single bus. An extended common-
mode range of –7 V to +12 V is defined.
Table VI. Comparison of RS-422 and RS-485 Interface
Standards
Specification
RS-422
RS-485
Transmission Type
Differential Differential
Maximum Cable Length
Minimum Driver Output Voltage 2 V
Driver Load Impedance
Receiver Input Resistance
Receiver Input Sensitivity
Receiver Input Voltage Range
4000 ft.
4000 ft.
1.5 V
The most significant difference between RS-422 and RS-485 is
the fact that the drivers may be disabled thereby allowing more
than one to be connected to a single line. Only one driver should
be enabled at a time, but the RS-485 standard contains addi-
tional specifications to guarantee device safety in the event of
line contention.
100 Ω
54 Ω
4 kΩ min
12 kΩ min
200 mV
200 mV
–7 V to +7 V –7 V to +12 V
REV. A
–10–
ADI [ ADI ]
