RS232 and RS485 are standards for serial interfaces that each specify the transmission media and a defined set of logic levels, data rates and timings. These are some of the oldest serial interfaces around, yet they are still very widely used in control and measurement equipment, mainly due to their simplicity and low cost.
RS232: The Simplicity Specialist
🟢 Very widely used, especially on older equipment
🟢 Full duplex communications (simultaneous transmit and receive )
🔴 Only supports communication between two devices
🔴 Only works over short distances of about 15m
🔴 Relatively susceptible to electrical noise
RS485: The Networking Powerhouse
🟢 Supports several devices on the same bus (multi-drop)
🟢 Differential signals offer high electrical noise immunity
🟢 Works over longer distances of up to 1200m
🟢 Supports faster transfer speeds than RS232
🟠 Requires termination resistors
🔴 Half-duplex communications (transmit or receive, not simultaneously)
Choose RS232 if you need a simple, low-cost solution for point-to-point communication over short distances, such as connecting to a nearby sensor.
Opt for RS485 when building a robust, long-distance network involving multiple devices, especially in industrial settings.
Senquip devices support both RS232 and RS485 interfaces, allowing you to make the right choice for your specific application.