Bidirectional RS422 to TTL Converter Module – Full-Duplex 5V UART Level Shifter for MCU Serial Port

SKU: FA2199-3
Interface Type

RS422 to TTL (full-duplex, bidirectional)

Logic Voltage

5V TTL

Data Rate

Up to 2.5 Mbps

Supply Voltage

5V DC

RS422 Connections

A, B, Y, Z (screw terminals)

TTL Connections

TX, RX, VCC, GND (pin headers)

Cable Length

Up to 1200m at lower data rates

Module Dimensions

Compact PCB with mounting holes

The Bidirectional RS422 to TTL Converter Module is a compact, full-duplex protocol converter designed to bridge RS422 differential signals with 5V TTL-level UART signals from microcontrollers. Built around a reliable RS422 transceiver chip, this module enables long-distance, noise-immune serial communication between 5V microcontrollers (Arduino Uno, Nano, Mega, etc.) and industrial RS422 devices, sensors, and equipment.

At the heart of the module is a full-duplex RS422 transceiver that provides one driver and one receiver, supporting simultaneous transmit and receive operation. This is a key advantage over half-duplex RS485, making the module ideal for applications requiring continuous bidirectional data flow. The bidirectional design means the module can convert signals in both directions simultaneously — TTL to RS422 for outgoing data, and RS422 to TTL for incoming data.

The module performs bidirectional signal conversion:

  • TTL to RS422 — Converts 5V TTL UART signals from your microcontroller to differential RS422 signals for long-distance transmission.

  • RS422 to TTL — Converts incoming differential RS422 signals back to 5V TTL levels for your microcontroller to read.

The RS422 differential signaling provides excellent common-mode noise rejection and allows cable runs of up to 1200 meters (at lower data rates), far exceeding the range of standard TTL or RS232 interfaces. The module supports data rates up to 2.5 Mbps, making it suitable for high-speed serial communication.

The module is specifically designed for 5V logic systems, making it directly compatible with classic Arduino boards and other 5V microcontrollers without the need for level shifting. This simplifies integration and ensures reliable operation with 5V logic. The module is not 3.3V compatible on the TTL side — do not connect 3.3V logic directly without level shifting.

The module includes screw terminals for secure connection of the RS422 A, B, Y, and Z differential lines, and pin headers for easy connection to your microcontroller’s UART pins (TX, RX, VCC, GND). LED indicators provide visual feedback for power and data activity, making it easy to verify operation during setup and troubleshooting.

The board operates from a 5V supply, with low power consumption suitable for a wide range of applications. The compact PCB design with mounting holes allows easy integration into control panels, DIN rails, and equipment enclosures.

The module is widely used in industrial automation, long-distance serial communication, motor control, PLC interfacing, data acquisition systems, security systems, and any application where reliable, noise-immune serial communication is required over extended distances with 5V logic.

Important Note: The RS422 standard uses four wires (TX+, TX-, RX+, RX-) for full-duplex communication. Ensure proper termination (typically 120Ω) at the far end of long cable runs to minimize signal reflections. Use twisted-pair cable for best noise immunity. The module is not compatible with RS485 without additional wiring configuration, as RS485 is typically half-duplex.

Whether you are connecting a 5V microcontroller to an industrial RS422 device, extending serial communication over long distances, or building a noise-immune data link, the Bidirectional RS422 to TTL Converter Module provides a reliable, well-supported solution. It is suitable for individual engineers, students, and businesses purchasing in bulk for product development or industrial applications.


Features

  • Full-duplex RS422 communication — Simultaneous transmit and receive

  • Bidirectional conversion — TTL to RS422 and RS422 to TTL simultaneously

  • 5V logic compatible — Direct interface with Arduino Uno, Nano, Mega, and other 5V microcontrollers

  • High data rate — Up to 2.5 Mbps

  • Long-distance support — Cable runs up to 1200 meters (at lower data rates)

  • Excellent noise immunity — Differential signaling rejects common-mode noise

  • Screw terminals — Secure RS422 A/B/Y/Z connections

  • Pin headers — Easy UART connection to microcontroller

  • LED indicators — Power and data activity feedback

  • Compact PCB design — With mounting holes for easy installation


Technical Specifications

# Parameter Specification
1 Interface Type RS422 to TTL (full-duplex, bidirectional)
2 Logic Voltage 5V TTL
3 Data Rate Up to 2.5 Mbps
4 Supply Voltage 5V DC
5 RS422 Connections A, B, Y, Z (screw terminals)
6 TTL Connections TX, RX, VCC, GND (pin headers)
7 Cable Length Up to 1200m at lower data rates
8 Module Dimensions Compact PCB with mounting holes

Usage

Getting Started

  1. Connect power — Supply 5V DC to the VCC pin and GND to ground. The power LED should light up. Do not use 3.3V — this module is designed for 5V logic only.

  2. Connect TTL side — Connect the module’s TX pin to your microcontroller’s RX pin, and the module’s RX pin to your microcontroller’s TX pin. Connect GND for common ground.

  3. Connect RS422 side — Wire the RS422 A, B, Y, and Z terminals to your target RS422 device using twisted-pair cable. Observe correct polarity:

    • A = TX+ (driver non-inverting output)

    • B = TX- (driver inverting output)

    • Y = RX+ (receiver non-inverting input)

    • Z = RX- (receiver inverting input)

  4. Add termination (if needed) — For long cable runs, add a 120Ω termination resistor across the RX+ and RX- lines at the far end of the cable.

  5. Test communication — Open a serial terminal and send data. The data activity LED should indicate transmission and reception.

RS422 vs. RS485

Feature RS422 RS485
Duplex Full-duplex Half-duplex (typically)
Wires 4 (TX+, TX-, RX+, RX-) 2 (A, B)
Simultaneous TX/RX Yes No
Max Devices 1 driver, up to 10 receivers Up to 32 drivers/receivers
Application Point-to-point, multi-drop receive Multi-point bus

Typical Applications

  • Industrial automation — Connect 5V microcontrollers to RS422 industrial equipment

  • Long-distance serial communication — Extend UART over hundreds of meters

  • Motor control — Interface with RS422 servo drives and controllers

  • PLC interfacing — Bridge 5V TTL UART to RS422 PLC ports

  • Data acquisition systems — Reliable sensor data transmission over long cables

  • Security systems — Noise-immune communication for access control and alarms

Notes for Business Buyers

  • 5V optimized — Direct interface with Arduino Uno, Nano, Mega, and other 5V microcontrollers.

  • Full-duplex advantage — Simultaneous transmit and receive for demanding applications.

  • Bidirectional conversion — Handles both outgoing and incoming data streams.

  • Suitable for bulk purchasing — Ideal for industrial control, automation, and product development.

Q: What is the Bidirectional RS422 to TTL Converter used for?

It converts between RS422 differential signals and 5V TTL-level UART signals, enabling 5V microcontrollers to communicate with industrial RS422 devices over long distances with simultaneous bidirectional data flow.

Q: What is the difference between RS422 and RS485?

RS422 is full-duplex (simultaneous transmit and receive) using 4 wires. RS485 is typically half-duplex using 2 wires. RS422 is ideal for point-to-point communication, while RS485 is better for multi-point buses.

Q: Can I use this module with a 3.3V microcontroller?

No. This module is designed for 5V logic only. Connecting 3.3V logic directly may not work reliably. Use a level shifter or a 3.3V-compatible module for 3.3V systems.

Q: What is the maximum data rate?

The module supports data rates up to 2.5 Mbps.

Q: What is the maximum cable length?

RS422 supports cable runs up to 1200 meters at lower data rates. Higher data rates reduce the maximum distance.

Q: How do I connect the module to my microcontroller?

Connect the module’s TX to your MCU’s RX, and the module’s RX to your MCU’s TX. Connect VCC (5V) and GND. Use the pin headers for easy connection.

Q: How do I connect the RS422 side?

Use the screw terminals for A, B, Y, and Z connections. Use twisted-pair cable for best noise immunity. Observe correct polarity.

Q: Do I need termination resistors?

For long cable runs, add a 120Ω termination resistor across the RX+ and RX- lines at the far end to minimize signal reflections.

Q: Can I use this module with an Arduino Uno?

Yes. The Arduino Uno operates at 5V logic, making it directly compatible. Connect TX/RX and power from 5V.

Q: Can I purchase in bulk for a product development project?

Yes. This module is suitable for both individual users and business purchasing, including industrial control, automation, and product development.