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RS485 HUB / RS485 SPLITTER / RS485 STAR WIRING TOPOLOGY
INDUSTRIAL OPTO-ISOLATED RS485 HUB / SPLITTER
The HUB-485-4 is a rugged, industrial-grade, optically-isolated RS-485 Hub / Splitter / Repeater, which can be used to expand RS-485 networks by splitting one RS-485 network into four (star wiring), in turn increasing the maximum number of nodes and the distance covered by an RS-485 network.
This industrial opto-isolated RS485 Hub / Splitter operates within a temperature range of -40ºF to 185ºF (-40ºC to 85ºC), features 600W surge protection, 15kV ESD static protection and 2500V opto-isolation circuitry, which effectively protect your RS232/RS485 devices from ground loops, noise problems, transient surges, remote lightning and spikes. The unit comes with options for RS-485 or RS-232 input, for easy installation. It was designed so that data coming from the input (RS-232 or RS-485) will transmit to all four loops of RS-485 networks. However, each loop of RS-485 devices will transmit data back to the input only, thus reducing any possible interference between each loop of the RS-485 devices. Also, the failure of any individual loop will not affect other loops, making the RS-485 networks more robust and reliable. The unit supports data rates up to 115.2K Baud and features data format auto-sensing and self-adjusting. Therefore, it requires no manual settings, software drivers or flow control, making the unit a highly reliable and truly plug-and-play device.
A separate external power supply is included in the package, and, thanks to the professional and unique casing design, the product can be mounted directly on a wall, panel or DIN Rail, without a need of using any unsecured DIN-Rail or wall-mount brackets. CommFront's product quality is ensured by our strict ISO 9001:2008 quality control system, and we back our high-quality RS485 hub with a 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee and a 5-year replacement warranty.
PRODUCT PHOTOS
FEATURES (INDUSTRIAL RS485 HUB)
- Expands RS-485 networks by splitting one RS-485 network into four, thus making star-wiring possible for RS-485 networks.
- Supports multi-drop RS485 networks (up to 512 [4x 128] nodes).
- 2500V optical isolation effectively protects RS-232/RS-485 devices from ground loops, noise problems, transient surges, remote lightning and spikes.
- The failure of any individual loop will not affect the others, making the RS-485 network more robust and reliable.
- 300 to 115.2K Baud operation (auto-sensing & self-adjusting).
- Direct DIN-Rail (Rack) or Wall / Panel mounting.
- External 9 to 30VDC powered (included).
- Industrial grade enclosed in a rugged, rustless ABS housing.
- Plug and play (hot-pluggable, data format auto-sensing & self-adjusting).
- Data direction auto-turnaround, no software drivers or flow control is required.
- No DIP switch or jumper settings needed.
- Operating temperature: -40ºF to 185ºF (-40ºC to 85ºC).
- Built-in 600W surge protection, 15kV static protection and circuit protection.
- Surface Mount Technology manufactured to RoHS and ISO-9001 standards.
- Safety: Strictly certified by TUV (Cert No. SG-CE-100004; SG-FCC-100001).
- 5-year manufacturer's warranty.
SPECIFICATIONS (INDUSTRIAL RS485 HUB/REPEATER/SPLITTER)
| Part Number: | HUB-485-4 |
| Compatibility: | EIA/TIA RS-232 and RS-485 standards |
| Power Source: | 9 to 30V DC (External AC to DC power adapter included) |
| External AC/DC Power Adapter: | 9V DC/500mA (Input: 100~240VAC 50/60Hz, US type A plug) |
| Current Consumption: | Less than 30mA |
| Optical Isolation: | 2500Vrms (AC, 1min) |
| Baud Rates: | 300 to 115,200bps (auto-sensing and self-adjusting) |
| Distance: | RS-232: 16ft (5m); RS-485: up to 4000ft (1.2km) at 19,200bps |
| Maximum Number of Nodes: | Input: 1; Output: 4x 128 nodes |
| Connector: | 2x 10-way Terminal Block |
| Surge protection: | 600W |
| Static protection (ESD): | Up to 15KV |
| Dimensions (H x W x D): | 4.9 x 3.6 x 0.9 in (125 x 73 x 33 mm) |
| Weight: | 4.9 oz (140 g) (with terminal blocks) |
| Operating Temperature: | -40ºF to 185ºF (-40ºC to 85ºC) |
| Operating Humidity: | Up to 90% RH (no condensation) |
CONVERTER CONNECTOR / TERMINAL BLOCK PIN OUTS
RS-232/RS-485 Input Side:
| Pin | A+ | B- | GND1 | TX | RX | 9-30V | GND1 |
| RS232 | - | - | Input/DC GND | TX | RX | DC+ | Input/DC GND |
| RS485 | 485+ | 485- | Input/DC GND | - | - | DC+ | Input/DC GND |
Terminal Block (input side)
4x RS-485 Output Side:
| Pin | A1+ | B1- | A2+ | B2- | A3+ | B3- | A4+ | B4- | GND2 |
| Output | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Output GND | ||||
| RS485 | 485+ | 485- | 485+ | 485- | 485+ | 485- | 485+ | 485- | Output GND |
Terminal Block (output side)
CONNECTIONS (RS485 STAR WIRING HUB)
Figure 1: RS-485 Hub/Splitter Connection Diagram
INSTALLATION
Figure 2: DIN-Rail (Rack) Mounting
Figure 3: Wall/Panel Mounting
TROUBLESHOOTING RS485 HUB / REPEATER / SPLITTER
1) Make sure the power is connected and turned on.
2) Check the connections according to the above “CONNECTIONS” diagram.
3) Loopback Test
- Connect one of your PC's RS-232 or RS-485 ports to the input of HUB-485-4. Now connect another RS-485 port from your PC to one of the HUB-485-4’s RS-485 outputs.
- Run two instances of the 232Analyzer FREE version software on your computer.
- Select "ASCII" for both the Send and Receive data formats. Then send command and/or string such as "CommFront" from one COM port. You should receive an echo of the command/string sent ("CommFront") on the other COM port. By performing a simple loopback test like this, you can test both the transmitter and receiver of the converter. This is very helpful when you are in doubt about the performance of your converter.
Screenshot 1: Send commands from 1st instance of the 232Analyzer software.
Screenshot 2: Receive commands from 2nd instance of the 232Analyzer software.
232Analyzer is an advanced RS232 Serial Protocol Analyzer software that allows you to control, monitor and analyze serial port (RS232 / RS485 / RS422 / TTL, etc.) activities. Not just the data, it also allows you to monitor or change RS-232's line states: RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, and RI.
232Analyzer is an advanced RS232 Serial Protocol Analyzer software that allows you to control, monitor and analyze serial port (RS232 / RS485 / RS422 / TTL, etc.) activities. Not just the data, it also allows you to monitor or change RS-232's line states: RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, and RI.
The FREE version (no time limitation) can be downloaded from here.
TECH NOTES
RS-232: 3 easy steps to understand and control your RS232 devices
RS-485/RS422: Building a reliable RS485/RS422 network
