EIA CCITT	RS232C V24/V28	RS422 V11/X27	RS485 V11/X27	Current loop
interface type	single-pole	differential	differential	current
range	± 25 V max	± 5 V	± 5 V	0-20 mA
minimum value	± 3 V	± 0,2 V	± 0,2 V
distance	10 to 20 m	1200 m	1200 m	1 to 2 km
maximum baud rate	19200 bps	10 Mbps	10 Mbps	19200 bps
multipoint	NO	YES	YES	YES
number transmitters	1	1	32
number receivers	1	10	32
input impedance	3 to 7 kOhms	4 kOhms	12 kOhms
transmitter load	3 to 7 kOhms	100 Ohms	60 Ohms

Specification summary

The interfaces are named as the number of the specifications which define them :

"RS..." is American specifications defined by EIA (Electronics Industries Association).
"V..." or "X..." is international specifications defined by CCITT (Comité Consultatif International pour
    le Téléphone ou le Télégraphe).
The current loop interface, used in industrials, is not defined by a specification.

The BCI converters are made for the desktop environment. They are designed in small case (178 X 132 X 36 mm). They are packaged in a black ABS box which resists to the scratches. The box is closed by two Phillips screw and has four rubber feet in order to avoid the slips. They weigh from 300 to 500g. The connectors are a female and male SUB-D9. On the optical fiber interface, there is a "ST" or "SMA" connector. The power cable is European specification compliant.

The RCI014 rack and the CCI conversion boards allow to group several converters in a 19 inches rack. The RCI014 rack can be provided in an independent 19 inches cabinet. The boards are identical to the BCI boards. They have the same features. They have their own power supply modules. The rack provides only the power supply voltage. In this way, when a converter is out of order the other converters can work, and the insulation between ports is more important.

The CPN and RPN converters are designed for the industrial environment. They are packaged in very small box (86 X 40 X 79 mm) which must be clipped on rail DIN. They weigh form 150 to 400 g. The connectors are terminal block (section 2.5 mm2, stripping 8 mm) and SUB-D9.