Controlled

Wiring of RS485 Communications Networks

Article ID: <16798>
Revision Date: 07-Jun-07

Summary

This document attempts to explain correct methods of wiring RS485 communication

networks in industrial environments based on various application notes and technical
articles.

Keywords

RS485 RS-485 COMM COMMUNICATIONS EIA/TIA-485

Details
1. RS-485 (EIA/TIA-485) Differential Data Transmission System Basics

The RS-485 standard was developed jointly by two trade associations: the Electronic Industries
Association (EIA) and the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). The original prefix
"RS" stands for “Recommended Standard” and has been officially replaced with "EIA/TIA" to help
identify the origin of its standards.

RS-485 Standard Specifications

Mode of operation Differential
Allowed no. of Tx and Rx 32 Tx 32 Rx
Maximum cable length 4000ft length
Maximum data rate 10Mbps
Minimum driver output range ±1.5V
Maximum driver output range ±5V
Minimum drive capability ±55mA
Maximum driver short-circuit current 250mA
Tx load impedance 54
Rx input sensitivity ±200mV
Maximum Rx input resistance 12k
Rx input voltage range -7V to +12V
Rx logic high >200mV
Rx logic low <200mV
Max common mode voltage -7V to +12V
Full duplex implementation requires 4 wires. This may be necessary for some applications
involving legacy devices. In half-duplex implementation 2 wires are used – this is the
recommended configuration for most Schneider Electric PMC devices.

All products manufactured by Schneider Electric PMC support half-duplex, 2 wire configuration.
The 4 wire interface is usually implemented in order to avoid creating a T (tee) or star
connections or to support full duplex connections.

A twisted pair type of cable should be used in order to reduce radiated emissions and improve
immunity of the communications system to any external electromagnetic interference.

The National Electrical Code and all applicable local regulations must be followed when installing
the communications wiring.

Cable examples:
-Belden 9841 or Alpha 6412 or equivalent cable may be used for applications under 300V
that are indoors or outdoors in conduit above grade.

-Belden 3074F or equivalent cable may be used for applications greater than 300V which
are indoors or outdoors in conduit above grade.

In all devices the RS485 ports are opto-isolated from the internal device electronics. All devices
with RS485 port have a “shield” terminal, which may be connected to the chassis ground (e.g. on
7X50, 880, 8600) or to the isolated reference of the RS485 port (i.e. no connection to the chassis
ground as in 6200, 6300, 6100)
2. Network Configuration

2.1 Topology
Several types of network topologies are possible, but the daisy-chain bus configuration
is the most efficient. Typically, one of the units is the master controlling the network
traffic and prevents multiple drivers from being active at the same time (bus contention).
A shielded twisted pair cable is the physical medium. The cable impedance should be
within 100-120Ω range. In the “Backbone with Studs” technology, no studs should be left
unconnected at the device end. Otherwise, such a stud will act as an antenna and
introduce a significant amount of noise on the RS485 bus, to such a point that comms
may become impossible. This is actually a fairly common source of problems.

The longer the cable, the lower the data rate:

2.2 Termination

Termination resistors that match the cable's characteristic impedance are essential for minimizing
reflections and consequently communication error rates and electromagnetic emissions. For
common RS-485 cables (a twisted pair of 24AWG wires), this means a 100-120 resistor at both
ends. Termination resistors should be used especially with long cable length to ensure data
integrity. Note that, on very long cable length, adding termination resistors can sometime cause
an additional drop of voltage that will cause a loss of communication on the devices that are
furthest from the master. In this case, adding a repeater or removing some termination resistors
can restore comms.

2.3 Fails-Safe Biasing

Open bus condition:

When a node is disconnected from the bus, the state of the bus, as seen by the receiver,
is undetermined and may result in random output from the receiver. A weak failsafe
biasing is recommended to ensure that the receiver does not enter undetermined state
under open bus conditions.

Idle bus condition:

When no drivers are active on a bus with termination resistors, those resistors will
decrease the differential bus voltage to zero, which according to the RS485 standard, is
an undefined bus condition. Biasing resistors should be used in order to generate a valid
bus logic state under idle-bus conditions. Biasing resistors are only needed at one node
(usually the master), hence configuration switches must be used if the biasing resistors
are incorporated into every node. Only one device on the bus should be providing the
biasing. The biasing resistors may be external or internal to the device. Some products
e.g.8800, 7X50 have internal resistors which may be connected with internal switches to
provide biasing of the bus. The Com 32 and Com 128 have permanently connected
biasing resistors.

2.4 Unit Load (U.L.)

A one RS485 transceiver represent a load of 1U.L. The RS485 standard specifies the
bus loading as 32 U.L.
2.5 Shielding and Grounding

The RS485 interface standard does not specify a ground wire, but such wire is needed to provide
a return path for common mode currents and consequently reduce emissions. It may be possible
to operate the RS485 loop without a ground wire, but such systems may radiate high levels of
EMI.

A shield limits coupling of external interference and noise onto the bus. Generally the shield
should be connected to the chassis ground (installation ground) at one end of the cable. In case
of ground potential differences between nodes (common in industrial locations) this arrangement
prevents the flow of DC ground loop currents in the shield. Ground loop currents flowing in the
shield will induce noise in the communications cable. A capacitor or an RC network may be used
between the other end and ground.

The RS485 nodes can tolerate from -7V to +12V of common mode voltage. When this voltage is
exceeded the nodes are no longer guaranteed to function and may even be damaged.
Due to significant differences in ground potentials that may and will be present between nodes in
industrial locations, ground should not be used as a reference. In installations where ground is
used as return path 100-120 resistors may be used to limit the ground currents flowing due to
ground potential differences between devices.
The figure below illustrates the grounding concepts.
Connection Example: 6300 meter, terminated daisy chain bus.

The shield terminal is not connected to chassis ground of the meter. Installer must ensure low
impedance connection to the system ground at one end of the cable. The 4 wire port on the 6300
is intended to help the installer avoid making T (or stub) connections. Note the use of termination
resistors RT.
Example: third party devices:
Examples of improper networks – Do NOT do this:

Unterminated cable:

Incorrect location of termination resistor:

Multiple cables in a “star” configuration”

 Backbone cable with long stubs:

All content © 1992-2007 Schneider Electric