What is an RS485 to Ethernet converter?
An RS485 to Ethernet converter is a device that links serial RS485 devices to an Ethernet network. RS485 is a serial bus used by sensors, meters, drives and programmable logic controllers. It supports long cable runs and multi-drop wiring. Ethernet carries data over a LAN or the internet. A converter takes serial data from RS485 devices and sends it as Ethernet packets, so a remote PC, server or SCADA system can read and write those devices over the network.
Converters are used in factory automation, building management, energy metering and remote monitoring. They allow older serial equipment to join modern networks without replacing the equipment itself. Most converters are standalone boxes. A second option is to use an industrial PC with a serial port and an Ethernet port, running gateway software that bridges the two.
Key specifications to check
When choosing a computer to act as an RS485 to Ethernet gateway, check these points:
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Serial ports: The number of RS485 ports needed for your devices.
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Ethernet ports: A dual LAN model lets one unit sit between two networks.
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Processor: Gateway software and protocol conversion need little processing power, so an entry-level Intel Core i3 is enough for simple setups.
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Memory and storage: 8 GB RAM and a 256 GB SSD are sufficient for most gateway tasks.
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Power input: A 12V DC input suits industrial cabinets and vehicle systems.
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Operating system: Windows 11 IoT, Windows 11 Pro, or Ubuntu Linux, depending on the gateway software you use.
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Wireless: Dual band WiFi is useful where cabling is difficult. Wired Ethernet is preferred for fixed installations.
Comparison of Thinvent systems for gateway use
| Model | Processor | RAM | Storage | Ethernet | WiFi | OS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial PC IPC5 | Intel Core i5-1240P | 16 GB | 512 GB SSD | Single | No | Windows 11 IoT |
| Industrial PC IPC3 | Intel Core i3-1215U | 8 GB | 256 GB SSD | Single | No | Ubuntu Linux |
| Industrial PC IPC5 | Intel Core i7-1255U | 16 GB | 512 GB SSD | Dual LAN | Dual Band | Windows 11 Pro |
| Industrial PC IPC5 | Intel Core i7-1255U | 32 GB | 1 TB SSD | Dual LAN | No | Ubuntu Linux |
| Industrial PC IPC5 | Intel Core i7-1255U | 64 GB | 1 TB SSD | Dual LAN | Dual Band | Ubuntu Linux |
| Aero Mini PC | Intel Core i3-1215U | 8 GB | 256 GB SSD | Single | No | Windows 11 Pro |
| Aero Mini PC | Intel Core 5 120U | 16 GB | 512 GB SSD | Single | Dual Band | Windows 11 Pro |
| Treo Mini PC | Intel N5095A | 4 GB | 128 GB SSD | Single | No | Ubuntu Linux |
| Treo Mini PC | AMD Ryzen 5 7430U | 16 GB | 512 GB SSD | Single | Dual Band | Windows 11 Pro |
| Micro 5R Thin Client | ARM Cortex A53 | 2 GB | 16 GB eMMC | Single | WiFi 6 | Thinux Embedded Linux |
Use cases
The Industrial PC IPC5 and IPC3 suit factory floors and control cabinets. The IPC5 with dual LAN can separate a plant network from a office network. The Micro 5R Thin Client suits simple display and monitoring tasks at a serial device site, with WiFi 6 and Bluetooth included.
Thinvent industrial PCs for RS485 to Ethernet gateways
Thinvent has industrial PCs, mini PCs and thin clients that can run RS485 to Ethernet gateway software. The Industrial PC IPC5 and IPC3 are designed for industrial use. The IPC5 is available with dual LAN and dual band WiFi. The Aero and Treo mini PCs suit smaller installations. The Micro 5R thin client suits simple monitoring. The Thinvent range does not include a built-in RS485 port on every model, so check the serial port options for your chosen model before ordering.
