RS-485 Breakout Board for XIAO Converts UART to RS-485 Signals -Seeed Studio
The Seeed Studio RS-485 Breakout Board is a compact and efficient solution designed to extend the functionality of Seeed Studio XIAO development boards by converting UART serial streams into robust RS-485 signals.
Featuring the high-performance TP8485E half-duplex transceiver IC, this breakout board enables reliable data transmission over long distances—up to 1200 meters—even in high-noise industrial environments.
It operates using a simple 5V or 12V DC power supply and provides convenient RS-485 output through 3-pin terminals for both signal and power connections.
This versatile breakout board is the perfect choice for developers seeking reliable, long-distance serial communication in demanding applications.
Features:
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Seamless compatibility with Seeed Studio XIAO: Seeed Studio XIAO development boards are designed to work together smoothly.
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Long-Distance Transmission: Capable of communicating across lengths of up to 1200 meters (about 3973 feet).
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Supports Wide Voltage Input: Compatible with both 5V and 12V power supplies.
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Two Terminal Connection: two 3-pin terminals for signal wire and power
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Compact Design: The breakout board has a compact form factor (the size of two XIAO boards), making it suited for space-conscious projects.
Hardware Overview:
Applications:
- Industrial Automation
- Remote Monitoring Systems
- Data Acquisition Systems
- Other Embedded Systems Requiring Serial Communication
1. How to connect the RS-485 Breakout Board for XIAO to your microcontroller?
Attach the RS-485 Breakout Board for XIAO to your XIAO board by connecting the UART pins (TX, RX, GND) to the corresponding pads on the XIAO. This setup enables your microcontroller to transmit and receive data using RS-485 signals, ideal for industrial environments. Secure the connections with solder or pogo pins for reliable communication.
2. How to convert UART signals to RS-485 communication using the XIAO breakout board?
The RS-485 breakout board for XIAO uses an onboard transceiver to convert standard UART signals into differential RS-485 communication, allowing noise-resistant data transfer over long distances. Configure your microcontroller’s serial interface to send data through the UART, and the board handles level shifting and differential signaling automatically. This ensures robust communication in electrically noisy setups.
3. How to use the RS-485 Breakout Board for XIAO in an industrial automation project?
Integrate the RS-485 Breakout Board for XIAO into your automation system to connect sensors, PLCs, or HMIs over a multi-drop RS-485 communication network. The XIAO can act as a master or slave node, exchanging commands or telemetry data across long cables with minimal interference. This makes it ideal for factory monitoring, building control, or distributed IoT applications.
4. How to power and configure the RS-485 Breakout Board for XIAO for optimal performance?
The RS-485 breakout board for XIAO draws power directly from the XIAO board via the 3.3V line, requiring no external supply. Configure serial settings like baud rate, data bits, parity, and stop bits in your code to match the target device. Use 120? termination resistors at both ends of the bus for stable RS-485 data transmission and minimize reflections in long cable runs.
1. What is RS-485?
RS-485 is a dependable and efficient serial communication standard that is appropriate for a wide range of applications requiring long-distance and multipoint connectivity. Its noise immunity and adaptability have made it popular in the industrial and communications sectors.
2. How does RS-485 work?
RS-485 transmits data via a pair of signal lines (A and B), ensuring good noise immunity and offering half-duplex communication modes. It supports the connecting of up to 32 devices on the same bus, with each device assigned a unique address for identification when transmitting and receiving data. This standard is widely used in industrial automation, remote monitoring, and other applications; when paired with the Modbus protocol, it allows for fast data exchange and management between devices.
The Seeed Studio RS-485 Breakout Board enables you to use the tremendous capabilities of the Seeed Studio XIAO development boards and their wide ecosystem to construct projects requiring dependable high-speed long-distance communication. Whether you're creating industrial control systems or IoT devices, this breakout board provides a dependable and compact way to include RS-485 capability into your applications.
3. How does the UART to RS-485 converter work with XIAO boards?
This UART to RS-485 converter translates the serial signals from your XIAO board into differential signals used in RS-485 communication. You simply connect the XIAO’s UART pins to the breakout board, which then drives the RS-485 bus. This allows your device to communicate over long cables with minimal signal degradation.
4. Can this RS-485 Breakout Board be used for industrial automation?
Yes, the industrial RS-485 interface board is well-suited for automation systems, especially those using Modbus protocols for device communication. It provides stable, noise-immune data transmission in electrically noisy environments. You can integrate it into sensor arrays, PLC networks, or distributed control systems.
5. What is the communication range supported by the RS-485 Breakout Board?
The RS-485 module for XIAO supports communication distances of up to 1200 meters, depending on baud rate and cable quality. This makes it ideal for large-scale IoT and automation deployments where devices are spread across wide areas. You get reliable performance even in challenging electrical environments.
6. Is the RS-485 Breakout Board compatible with all Seeed Studio XIAO boards?
Yes, this compact RS-485 expansion for XIAO works seamlessly with most Seeed Studio XIAO boards, including the XIAO ESP32, nRF52, and RP2040. You can plug it directly onto the board for quick integration. Its compact form factor ensures it fits neatly into space-constrained installations.
Warranty Coverage:
This product comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty from the date of purchase, covering manufacturing defects only.
Warranty Void If:
The product shows signs of physical damage, mishandling, exposure to water/moisture, fire, natural calamities, unauthorized repairs, improper storage near heat or direct sunlight, or alteration in any way.