
Using an RS485 to fiber optic converter is a great way to upgrade your data transmission system to one that's more reliable and efficient.
RS485 is a popular communication protocol used in industrial control systems, but it has its limitations.
RS485 signals can be easily disrupted by electromagnetic interference, which can cause data loss and errors.
However, fiber optic converters can transmit data at speeds of up to 10 Gbps over long distances without any degradation.
This makes them ideal for applications where data needs to be transmitted over long distances without any loss of quality.
You might like: Can You Call Someone without Internet
Description and Features
These RS485 to fiber optic converters are designed to transmit serial signals over long distances, up to 120km, making them ideal for industrial and commercial applications.
They support single-mode and multimode over a single fiber, and the serial port interface is a single terminal block connector field wiring. This makes installation quick and easy.
The converters automatically detect the signal baud rate of the connected serial device, ranging from 300bps to 115.2Kbps baud, and adjust to changes in the connected device’s bound during operation without reconfiguration or interruption of service.
You might like: Rs232 Serial Communication
Here are some key features of these converters:
- Point-Point Bi-Directional Transmission
- Zero-Delay automatic forwarding
- RS-232/ RS-485 / RS-422 to fiber automatic baud rate detection
- Baud rate: 300bps to 115.2Kbps
- Protocol: Asynchronous Serial
- Supports multi-mode, single-mode and single-fiber with FC/ST/SC connectors
- Transmission length: up to 20Km (40 80 or 120Km if needed)
- Hot-pluggable
- Chassis, Wall-mounted, or DIN-rail installation
- 1500W surge protection and 15KV ESD protection
- External power supply
- Wide Range Operating Temperature Supports: -40 to 70°C
- Supports Input Voltage 9 ~ 48VDC
- Supports Reverse Polarity Protection
Electromagnetic and Surge Immunity
EMI, RFI, and transient surge immunity are crucial factors to consider when choosing an RS485 to fiber optic converter. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is a common phenomenon in typical environments like industrial plants, warehouses, and factory floors.
Data transmitted over fiber optic cable is completely immune to EMI, preventing corruption of data over serial or copper-based Ethernet links. This immunity is due to the absence of voltage equalization currents and electromagnetic interference on the data cables.
A Serial to Fiber Media Converter enables you to inter-connect your serial devices over fiber, ensuring optimal data transmission and increased availability of the system. Improved network design flexibility for point-to-point connections and star structures is also achieved.
The FO 850 E fiber optic transmission system and the FO 1300 E fiber optic transmission system both provide electrically isolated connections of devices, making them resistant to EMI. These systems prevent the negative effects of EMI on the data cables, ensuring reliable data transmission.
Recommended read: Kerala Fiber Optic Network
In environments with extreme temperatures, the RS485 to fiber optic converter can operate within the range of -20°C to 60°C. This temperature range ensures that the converter functions optimally in various industrial settings.
The converter also meets various standards and regulations, including EN 61000-6-2:2005 for electromagnetic compatibility and the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU. Conformance to these standards ensures that the converter is safe to use in industrial environments.
In addition to EMI immunity, the converter also provides shock and vibration resistance, meeting the standards set by EN 60068-2-6 and EN 60068-2-27. This ensures that the converter can withstand various types of physical stress, making it a reliable choice for industrial applications.
The converter's digital outputs are also designed to meet specific standards, including the IEC 60068-2-6 standard for vibration resistance. This ensures that the converter's digital outputs function optimally in various industrial settings.
Intriguing read: 2 Way Radio Cell Phones
Specification
The specification of an RS485 to fiber optic converter is quite impressive. It features a physical interface of a copper terminal block, which is the industry standard.
The converter supports multiple interface signals, including RS-232, RS-485, and RS-422. This versatility makes it suitable for various applications.
The baud rate of the converter ranges from 300bps to 125kbps, with a special order option for 300bps to 900kbps. This wide range of baud rates ensures compatibility with different devices.
Typically, the code bit rate is 0-1Mbps. The bit error rate (BER) is less than 10^-9, which is a very low error rate.
The converter uses asynchronous serial protocol and operates in point-to-point bi-directional full duplex mode. This mode allows for simultaneous transmission and reception of data.
The fiber optic interface features an SC connector as the default option, with ST, PC, FC, and SC as optional choices. The optical distance can reach up to 20Km, with longer distances available in certain models.
The fiber type is single-mode or dual fiber, with the option for single fiber input/output. The converter also features LED indicators for power, transmit data, and receive data.
Here's a summary of the fiber optic interface specifications:
The converter also includes surge protection and ESD protection, making it a reliable choice for harsh environments. It operates within a temperature range of -30 to +75C and has a relative humidity of 0-95% (no condensation).
Connectivity and Cabling
Connecting your RS485 devices to fiber optic cable can be a game-changer for your network. You can extend serial data up to 2.6 miles with the PSI-MOS-RS485W2/FO 850 E.
These serial to fiber converters are immune to EMI, RFI, and transient surges, making them a reliable choice. They support all protocols with 10/11-bit UART data format and NRZ data coding, including popular ones like Modbus ASCII / MODBUS RTU, SUCONET K, S-BUS, and DH-485.
The PSI-MOS-RS485W2/FO 850 E uses ST type fiber connectors and comes with a terminal block for 2-wire RS485 connections. You can configure it in point-to-point or star configuration, giving you flexibility in your setup.
Here are some key features of the PSI-MOS-RS485W2/FO 850 E:
- Extend serial data up to 2.6 miles
- Immune to EMI, RFI and transient surges
- Point-to-point or star configuration
- ST type fiber connectors
- Terminal Block for 2-wire RS485 Connections
If you need to extend your network even further, the PSI-MOS-RS485W2/FO 1300 E can support up to 28 miles of serial data transmission. This device also uses SC type fiber connectors and has a terminal block for 2-wire RS485 connections.
The PSI-MOS-RS485W2/FO 1300 E, like the 850 E, supports all protocols with 10/11-bit UART data format and NRZ data coding, including popular ones like Modbus ASCII / MODBUS RTU, SUCONET K, S-BUS, and DH-485.
Both devices are designed to be reliable and long-lasting, with a lifespan of up to 272 years (at 25°C temperature and 21% operating cycle) or 44 years (at 40°C temperature and 34.25% operating cycle).
Consider reading: Base String 64 Convert to Stream C
Serial Data Transmission
Serial data transmission is a crucial aspect of RS485 to fiber optic conversion. With the right converter, you can extend your serial data transmission distance significantly.
RS485 serial transmission is commonly limited to 100 kbps over a distance of only 1200 meters (4000 feet).
Using a Serial to Fiber Converter can extend your serial data transmission up to 4.2km (2.6 miles) or even up to 27km (16.7 miles) over multimode fiber or 45km (28 miles) over single mode fiber.
The FO 850 E Serial to Fiber Converter can transmit at rates up to 500 kbps over fiber optic cable at half duplex.
Check this out: Cox Cable Fiber Optic
Up to ten (10) Serial to Fiber Converters can be grouped together using the TBUS DIN Rail bus system for voltage and data.
Here are some key specifications for Serial to Fiber Converters:
- 2800 m (with F-K 200/230 8 dB/km with quick mounting connector)
- 4200 m (with F-G 50/125 2.5 dB/km)
- 3300 m (with F-G 62,5/125 3.0 dB/km)
These converters operate as a star coupler, taking the serial data input signal and distributing it to all Fiber optic output ports.
Optical and Communication
The RS-485 to fiber optic converter offers a range of communication options, including up to 115Kbps max speed with no configuration required.
In terms of interface, the converter uses 1310 nm full duplex for remote connections, with ST, SC, or FC connectors available.
The converter also features a user-friendly design, with only minimum settings required and easy installation and connection mainly through plug and screw.
Here are some key communication features:
- Max Speed: Up to 115Kbps, no configuration required
- Character Setting: transparent, no configuration required
- Turn-around Delay: 2 ms (For 2-wire mode only, regardless of speed
- User Indications: Yellow LEDs for both directions
Features
The FO 850 E serial to fiber converter has a baud rate of 300bps to 115.2Kbps, making it suitable for a range of applications.
This converter supports multi-mode, single-mode, and single-fiber connections with FC/ST/SC connectors, allowing for flexibility in setup.
The FO 850 E has a transmission length of up to 20Km, or 3000 feet for multi-mode, making it suitable for longer-distance connections.
It also features hot-pluggable design and chassis available for wall-mounted or DIN-Rail installation.
The converter supports 1500W surge protection and 15KV ESD protection, ensuring reliable operation in harsh environments.
Here are some key features of the FO 850 E:
- Automatic baud rate detection
- Supports asynchronous serial protocol
- Wide operating temperature range: -40 to 70°C
- Input voltage range: 9 ~ 48VDC
- Supports reverse polarity protection
The FO 1300 E has a similar set of features, including automatic baud rate detection and support for asynchronous serial protocol.
It also has a transmission length of up to 1200m, depending on the data rate, and supports a range of data rates from 4.8 to 500 kbps.
The converter has a high-quality electrical isolation between all interfaces, including RS-485, fiber optic ports, power supply, and DIN rail connector.
It also has a redundant power supply option and is approved for use in zone 2.
Optic
Optic technology is relatively straightforward and easy to work with.
Fiber optic connections use a specific wavelength of light, 1310 nm, for full duplex communication.
The connectors used for fiber optic cables can vary, but common ones include ST, SC, and FC.
A standard fiber size is 9/125 µm.
One of the key considerations for fiber optic installation is the power budget, which is typically 15 dbm at 65 °C on 9/125 um cable.
Fiber optic connections are generally easy to install and connect, with a "plug and screw" approach often used.
Communication
Communication is key to any successful connection. The RS-232 to Fiber Optic Converter (Single Mode) supports up to 115Kbps, no configuration required.
The turn-around delay is a crucial factor in communication, and this converter has a delay of 2 ms, regardless of speed. This means that data is transmitted quickly and efficiently.
User indications are also important, and this converter features yellow LEDs for both directions, providing clear and easy-to-understand feedback.
Quality Features & Support
The FO 850 E and FO 1300 E serial to fiber converters come equipped with comprehensive diagnostic functions to increase system availability and simplify start-up. These features include integrated optical diagnostics for continuous monitoring of fiber optic paths, floating switch contact for leading alarm generation in relation to critical fiber optic paths, and automatic data rate detection or fixed data rate setting via DIP switches.
Redundant power supply is possible by means of an optional system power supply unit, ensuring that the converter remains operational even in the event of a power failure. Additionally, high-quality electrical isolation between all interfaces (RS-485, fiber optic ports, power supply, DIN rail connector) provides an extra layer of protection against electrical interference.
The converters also feature a COMBICON screw terminal block for easy connections, and supply voltage and data signals are routed through via DIN rail connectors. This makes it easy to integrate the converters into existing systems.
These converters are also designed to be safe for use in hazardous environments, with an intrinsically safe fiber optic interface (Ex op is) for direct connection to devices in zone 1. They are also approved for use in zone 2.
The converters are suitable for data rates up to 500 kbps and have a transmission length of up to 1200 m (depending on the data rate, with shielded, twisted data cable). The termination resistor can be set to 390 Ω, 220 Ω, or 390 Ω (can be connected).
Here are the key diagnostic features of the converters:
- Integrated optical diagnostics for continuous monitoring of fiber optic paths
- Floating switch contact for leading alarm generation in relation to critical fiber optic paths
- Automatic data rate detection or fixed data rate setting via DIP switches
These features provide a high level of reliability and fault tolerance, making them ideal for use in critical applications.
Power Budget Considerations
Calculating the power budget is crucial when planning a fiber optic link. The optical power budget is the amount of light required to transmit data successfully over distance through a fiber-optic connection.
The amount of light energy available within the setup will dictate the length of the fiber optic cable run between serial media converters within the network. Optical power budgets are critical to help businesses avoid signal distortion.
To calculate the optical power budget, refer to our technical note. This will give you a clear understanding of the process.
Transmit and receive dBm can be found in the Hardware specifications.
A fresh viewpoint: Optical Network Terminal Modem
Application and Diagrams
The PSI-MOS-RS485/FO 1300 E Serial to Fiber Media Converter is a game-changer for applications where electrical interference is a concern.
It's perfect for use near heavy electrical equipment.
You can also use it in environments with electrical (EMI) or radio (RFI) interference.
And if you're dealing with transient surges, this converter is a great solution.
It's ideal for use in industrial plants, warehouses, and factory floors.
This converter enables asynchronous serial equipment to communicate at half duplex, with rates up to 500 kbps, over optical fiber.
You can use two PSI-MOS-RS485W2/FO 1300 E Serial to Fiber Converters to easily convert a data link from copper cable to fiber optics.
The PSI-MOS-RS485W2/FO 1300 E device can be used to network several RS-485 devices to form a linear structure.
Devices are used in conjunction with DIN rail connectors along the line.
You can network RS-485 2-wire devices within a star structure.
Depending on the number of star lines required, several PSI-MOS-RS485W2/FO 1300 E Serial to Fiber Converters are connected to TBUS DIN Rail bus systems for voltage and data.
Readers also liked: How to Use Chrome Extension Html to Pdf Converter
This makes up to 10 fiber optic ports available.
Cross-wiring for serial data and for the supply voltage is provided automatically by the DIN rail connector.
The number of devices that can be cascaded is only limited by the timing response (timeout) of the bus system used due to the bit retiming of the PSI-MOS-RS485W2/FO 1300 E fiber optic converter.
Here are some key applications for the PSI-MOS-RS485/FO 1300 E:
- near heavy electrical equipment
- in environments with electrical (EMI) or radio (RFI) interference
- in environments with transient surges
- in industrial plants, warehouses and factory floors
Featured Images: pexels.com


