Full Duplex Operation
EIA-485, like EIA-422, can be made full-duplex by using four wires. Since EIA-485 is a multi-point specification, however, this is not necessary in many cases. EIA-485 and EIA-422 can interoperate with certain restrictions.
Converters between EIA-485 and other formats are available to allow a personal computer to communicate with remote devices. By using "Repeaters" and "Multi-Repeaters" very large RS-485 networks can be formed. The Application Guidelines for TIA/EIA-485-A has one diagram called "Star Configuration. Not recommended." Using an RS-485 "Multi-Repeater" can allow for "Star Configurations" with "Home Runs" (or multi-drop) connections similar to Ethernet Hub/Star implementations (with greater distances). Hub/Star systems (with "Multi-Repeaters") allow for very maintainable systems, without violating any of the RS-485 specifications. Repeaters can also be used to extend the distance or number of nodes on a network.
Read more about this topic: RS-485
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