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CU7-RS485

Isolated RS-485 Rear-I/O Module
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CU7-RS485 - Rear-I/O Module
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I/O Module for Rear-I/O

RS-485 Electrically Isolated


The CU7-RS485 is a rear-I/O PHY module, destined for CompactPCI® systems, to be used in combination with the serial interface cards CU1-CHORUS and CU2-QUARTET. The CU7-RS485 is provided with an electrically isolated TIA-485 data transceiver for EMI sensitive applications.

More often known as RS-485, this standard is a popular balanced voltage signal technology for interconnecting devices on an industrial network, up to 1200m cable length. The CU7-1-RS485 allows for connecting various controllers in a daisy-chain fashion across a single twisted pair cable, while the CU7-2-RS485 is suitable for a direct point-to-point interconnection between two devices over a 4-wire line.

Designed for harsh environment, the CU7-RS485 modules are high-reliability, rugged RS-485 interfaces, well suited for industrial and telecommunication purposes.



The RS-485 bus network topology is also known as party-line. Using a half-duplex transmission principle, this method requires a single twisted pair cable only, by way of connecting together driver outputs and receiver inputs. The CU7-1-RS485 allows for up to 32 networking nodes, sharing a common bus. Typically, all devices receive all messages permanently, but there is only one sender allowed to be enabled at a given time.

Point-to-point interconnections however can be established as a full-duplex 4-wire line (sending and receiving data simultaneously). The CU7-2-RS485 is therefore equipped with separated drivers and receivers.

While providing data transfer rates up to 2.5Mbps, both modules are protected against ESD up to 15kV and electrically isolated up to 500V.


CU7-RS485 - Isolated Rear I/O Interface Module

CU7-RS485

CU7-1-RS485 - Block Diagram

CU7-1-RS485 Block Diagram

CU7-2-RS485 - Block Diagram

CU7-2-RS485 Block Diagram

The CU7-1-RS485 and CU7-2-RS485 modules are intended for use especially with the serial interface board CU4-SOPRANO. This CompactPCI® card has its TTL level serial ports routed to J2 for rear I/O by additional PHY (physical layer) modules.



Mounted onto the CPCI backplane from behind, the additional distribution board CU9-BASE for up to 16 ports is equipped with metric 2mm pin headers, mating the flat ribbon cable assemblies to the particular PHY modules such as the CU7-RS485.


CU4-SOPRANO

CU4-SOPRANO

CU9-4-BASE Rear I/O Module

CU9-4-BASE Rear I/O Module


As data rates increase, proper termination on both ends of the RS-485 bus becomes important. A popular approach is to use external termination, having the resistors located within the shell of the DB9 connectors.

As an alternative, termination resistors can be stuffed directly on the CU7-RS485 board. Due to miniaturized SMD components, a properly equipped working place is highly recommended.

Typically, the termination resistor value is 120 Ohm or 130 Ohm, ideally matching the twisted pair cable impedance. When calculating, the optionally stuffed bias resistors for open-line fail-safe termination would lie in parallel. Normally, this effect can be disregarded.



Any party-line network must be terminated at the extreme ends of its bus. Stubs in order to attach particular nodes are not allowed.

When establishing a point-to-point full-duplex interconnection, both data directions, receiver and driver lines, require termination. This means, in addition to the A/B line also the Y/Z line must be terminated.

The RS-485 receivers used in the MAX1480/MAX1490 have an internal built-in fail-safe feature, so that the resistors R17/R18 and R22/R23 (see figure below) normally should not be stuffed. If for some reason bias resistors for open-line fail-safe termination are required, a nominal value of 750 Ohm or 820 Ohm is recommended.


CU7-RS485 Termination and Fail-Safe Bias Network (Option)

CU7-RS485 Termination and Fail-Safe Bias Network (Option)


Is RS-485 a two-wire ore a three-wire system? It is most definitely a three wire system (four plus one wire with respect to full-duplex operation). The TIA standard (ANSI/TIA/EIA-485-A, page 15, A.4.1) requires the presence of a common return path between all circuit grounds along the balanced line for proper operation.

The TIA standard defines a maximum common mode voltage range from -7V to +12V on the signal lines A and B, measured against C (common ground). A TIA/EIA-485 system however with only two wires A and B (C generator and C receiver commons not connected) can result in an unpredictable common mode voltage superimposed on the interface lines A and B, caused either by electrostatic charging or electromagnetic interference.

A 2-wire system often may work though due to idle-line fail-safe resistors at the receiver inputs, which can be considered as a loosely coupled common ground. Nevertheless this operation mode cannot be recommended - what is working flawless in the laboratory may not work reliable under real conditions in an industrial environment.



Where do we get the third wire? Many times the outer cable shield is used as the third (fifth) wire. However, EKF recommends to use a two pair cable (three pairs for full-duplex operation), with one or both wires of the additional pair as the dedicated common ground. Connect these additional wires directly to the pins 3, 6 & 5, 8 of the DB9 connector for proper grounding.

The optimum cable solution would comprise an inner shield for each signal twisted pair. The inner shield can then be used for establishing the common ground between TIA/EIA-485 nodes (connect to pins 3, 6 & 5, 8 of the DB9 connector).

An additional outer cable shield, that may cover the inner signal and ground cable pairs, should be connected to the pin 1 of the connector (it is equivalent and sufficient to connect the shield with the metallic shell of the DB9 connector). This shield should be grounded at one point only (isolate the shield at the opposite cable end in order to avoid any contact with the connector hood).



Why a Third Wire is Needed as Common Ground - Read Article/Blog


RS-485 D-SUB Connector

RS-485 D-SUB Connector

CU7-RS485 - Component Assembly Drawing

CU7-RS485 - Component Assembly Drawing
Technical Feature Summary CU7-RS48
Form Factor Rear-I/O Module (60x31mm2)
Function PHY Transceiver RS-485 (EIA/TIA-485-A)
Chip Maxim MAX1480EA (CU7-1-RS485) oder MAX1490EA (CU7-2-RS485),electrically isolated
RS-485 Interface
CU7-1-RS485
2-Wire line TxD/RxD, driver and receiver connected, operation mode half-duplex, the transmitter (driver) is enabled by signal RTS, receiver has a fail-safe feature if the input is open circuit, external connector D-Sub 9-pos. male
RS-485 Interface
CU7-2-RS485
4-Wire line TxD/RxD, driver and receiver not connected, operation mode full-duplex, the transmitter (driver) is permanently enabled, receiver has a fail-safe feature if the input is open circuit, external connector D-Sub 9-pos. male
Data Transfer Rate 2.5Mbps max. (CU7-1-RS485), 2 x 2.5Mbps max. (CU7-2-RS485)
ESD Protection ±15kV (Human Body Model)
Isolation Voltage ±500V DC max.
Failure Protection Short-circuit current limited, protected against excessive power by thermal shutdown
Power Requirements +5V 0.3A max.
Temperature
Humidity
Operating temperature 0-70°C (extended temperature range on request)
Relative humidity 5-90% non-condensing
Specifications are subject to change without further notice
Ordering Information
Ordering Number Short Description
CU7-1-RS485 RS-485/RS-422 Rear I/O PHY interface module, 1 port, 2.5Mbps two wire transmission line (party line), electrically isolated
CU7-2-RS485 RS-485/RS-422 Rear I/O PHY interface module, 1 port, 2.5Mbps 4-wire transmission line (point-to-point), electrically isolated
CU4-2-SOPRANO CompactPCI® quad serial interface, suitable for rear I/O across J2
CU9-4-BASE Transition board, interconnection between CU4-SOPRANO (J2) and rear I/O PHY interface modules, 4 ports, 3U/8HP back panel included
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