# FT232R for RS-485 (DMX512) with Isolation - TX Optocoupler

I am trying to make a DMX controller board using the FTDI FT232R (FT232RL) chip for USB to UART and a MAX485 to output data over RS-485. I have a working prototype done, but for the finished product I am designing a PCB and want to add in isolation between the UART side and the RS-485 side.

The design I've come up with for the isolation is to use a DC to DC converter to isolate the VCCs from each other and an optocoupler (6N137) to isolate the FT232R TX pin from the MAX485's driver input.

So now for the question: For driving the optocoupler, can I use the TX pin with a $$\470\Omega\$$ resistor to sink the optocoupler's input cathode? What I calculated is I need a minimum of 5 mA to make sure I exceed the LED threshhold. In the case of the lowest voltage difference of $$\2.6V\$$ ($$\(VCC\rightarrow5V) - (V_{F,max}\rightarrow1.8V) - (V_{ol}=0.6V)\$$), $$\520\Omega\$$ ($$\2.6V/5mA\$$) is the maximum resistance. (Specs below)

I can provide a schematic if that would help makes sense of all that I've said

(Note: The RX pin is not connected at all as I am doing DMX only, not DMX+RDM, so I have the MAX485 constantly driving)

6N137 Optocoupler

FT232RL FTDI USB to Serial

• Have you already seen the FTDI application notes for opto-isolated interfaces? ftdichip.com/Support/Documents/AppNotes/… – nvuono Dec 19 '19 at 18:10
• From where would the power come from to the isolated side? DMX512 transmitter is usually ground referenced so what would the isolation gain? Also are you absolutely sure that the PC software and USB drivers are able to perform their timing within DMX512 specs? Usually the PC would feed data to a microcontroller with non-realtime timing and the microcontroller would send DMX512 frames with realtime timing. Also, FTDI sells RS485 cables, so it would just need the XLR connector really.. – Justme Dec 19 '19 at 19:01
• @Justme The power for the isolated side would be the output of a 5V to 5V Isolated DC/DC Converter (example) Isolation for DMX is recommended since RJ45 connectors are allowed connectors for DMX512-A and some applications using RJ-45 connectors (namely phone lines) have up to 48VDC on the line. Isolation is to limit what gets fried if one were to accidentaly connect a phone line to a RJ-45 DMX port – Matthew Dec 19 '19 at 21:57
• @Justme I am basically imitating the Entec OpenDMX Controller which is based on the FT232R chip. DMX512 only operates at 250kbaud which is well within the capabilities of of the FT232R (3Mbaud) and MAX485 (2.5Mbaud) You are correct that I could just use an FTDI RS485 cable, but I am going to use the a similar isolation design for some DMX lights I have designed (MAX485 and Arduino Nano/ATMega328P) – Matthew Dec 19 '19 at 22:03
• @Matthew Ok, isolated converter is good, but preferred transmitter is still ground referenced while isolated transmitter is only allowed. It is the receivers that have to be isolated. Also the RJ45 connectors are only allowed in fixed installations or locked patch bay areas with limited entry, so that nobody connects phone lines to them accidentally, as that could indeed fry the RS485 transmitter chip and everything else on the bus. But it could also be protected with suitable components. There are also all-in-one isolating tranceivers that don't need external isolated supply. – Justme Dec 19 '19 at 22:14