Moxa TCF-142 RS-232_422_485 Multi-Mode Fiber Converter

Technical Overview

Industrial RS-232/422/485 to multi-mode fiber converter, -40 to 75°C, IP30 metal housing, 5 km range.

Key Features

Converts RS-232/422/485 serial signals to multi-mode optical fiber.
Supports both fiber ring and point-to-point transmission topologies.
Extends serial transmission distance up to 5 km with multi-mode fiber.
Decreases signal interference and provides protection against electrical interference and chemical corrosion.
Supports a wide range of baudrates from 50 bps to 921.6 kbps, including non-standard rates.
Features automatic baudrate detection for convenient installation.
Incorporates Automatic Data Direction Control (ADDC) for RS-485.
Designed for wide-temperature operation from -40 to 75°C.
Robust IP30-rated metal housing.
Offers selectable RS-485 termination: N/A, 120 ohms, or 120 kilo-ohms.
Provides 15 kV ESD protection for all signals.
Comes with a 5-year warranty.

Technical Specification Matrix

Parameter	Value
Input Voltage	12 to 48 VDC
Input Current	70 to 140 mA @ 12 to 48 VDC
Operating Temperature	-40 to 75°C (-40 to 167°F)
IP Rating	IP30
Housing Material	Metal
Serial Standards	RS-232, RS-422, RS-485
Baudrate	50 bps to 921.6 kbps
Fiber Type	Multi-Mode
Fiber Connector	ST connector
Multi-Mode Transmission Distance	5 km
Multi-Mode Wavelength	850 nm
Latency	300 ns
ESD Protection	15 kV for all signals
Installation	Wall mounting
Physical Weight (kg)	0.32
Dimensions L x W x H (cm)	6.7 x 10 x 2.2

Industrial Applications

1. Long-Distance Industrial Control in Harsh Environments

This converter is suitable for extending RS-232/422/485 serial communication over long distances (up to 5 km) in industrial settings that experience wide temperature fluctuations and moderate environmental challenges. The robust design ensures reliable data transmission where electrical noise is a concern.

Problem Solved

Provides reliable, interference-free serial communication over long distances (5 km) in environments with extreme temperatures (-40 to 75°C) and moderate dust/moisture (IP30), crucial for remote device control and monitoring.

RS-232/422/485Multi-Mode Fiber5 km transmission-40 to 75°C operating temperatureIP30 ratingElectrical interference protection

2. Data Communication in Electrically Noisy Facilities

Ideal for transmitting critical serial data in environments prone to high electromagnetic interference (EMI), such as factories with heavy machinery, power substations, or manufacturing plants. The conversion to optical fiber and robust ESD protection effectively mitigates electrical noise and voltage spikes.

Problem Solved

Ensures stable and secure serial data links by converting to optical fiber, eliminating signal degradation caused by high electromagnetic interference and protecting against electrostatic discharge (15 kV ESD) in electrically noisy industrial sites.

Optical FiberEMI immunity15 kV ESD protectionRS-232/422/485Industrial automation

3. Redundant Serial Device Integration in Large-Scale Systems

Enables the creation of resilient and redundant serial communication networks in extensive industrial automation or building management systems. Its support for fiber ring topologies up to 100 km circumference, combined with automatic baudrate detection and ADDC for RS-485, ensures continuous operation and simplifies network management across a wide area.

Problem Solved

Facilitates reliable and fault-tolerant communication for multiple serial devices over a large area (100 km fiber ring support), enhancing system uptime through redundant pathways and simplifying integration with automatic baudrate detection and ADDC for RS-485.

Fiber ring topologyRS-485 ADDCAutomatic Baudrate DetectionRedundant communicationLong-distance networking