Line Driver Combines Speed, Protection And Versatility

A new high-performance DIN-rail signal-powered RS-232 line driver combines speed, protection and versatility for DIN-rail mount industrial data communication applications. The DCP35 line driver gives computers, controllers, terminals, and other industrial I/O devices with RS-232 ports the ability to communicate with each other over extended distances while protecting valuable equipment and signals from damage or degradation. It uses heavy-duty optical couplers to provide 300 Vrms continuous isolation between input and output signals. The dual port models support inter-channel isolation of 1,500 Vrms continuous. For added safety, ANSI/IEEE C37.90.1-1989 surge protection is provided on all field side connections. The use of low power circuits and a sensitive optically isolated receiver allow the unit to derive all necessary power from the RS-232 data and control signals. Designed for full-duplex, asynchronous operation over two DC-continuous, non-loaded, twisted-wire pair, the driver can be operated up to 19.2 Kbps at a distance of 0.5 miles. The DCP35 also has a DCE to DTE switch that reverses pins 2 and 3 of the RS-232 connector. Pricing is $115 for single-channel units and $159 for dual-channel units. DATAFORTH CORP., Tucson, AZ. (800) 444-7644.