NI USB-485/4 USB RS-485 RS-422 Interface Device
The NI USB-485/4 is a multi-port USB serial communication interface designed for RS-485 and RS-422 industrial communication applications. Developed by National Instruments, the USB-485/4 provides reliable serial connectivity between computers and industrial devices, instruments, controllers, and embedded systems.
With four independent serial ports, robust industrial communication capability, and USB plug-and-play connectivity, the USB-485/4 provides a flexible solution for engineers developing automation systems, instrumentation applications, and communication test platforms.
Supporting NI-VISA, LabVIEW integration, and standard serial communication protocols, the USB-485/4 enables efficient control and monitoring of RS-485 and RS-422 devices in laboratory and industrial environments.
Key Features of NI USB-485/4
Four-Port RS-485/RS-422 Communication
The USB-485/4 provides four independent serial communication ports for connecting multiple industrial devices.
- Four RS-485/RS-422 ports
- Multi-device communication
- Industrial serial networking
- Flexible system integration
Industrial Serial Communication Support
The USB-485/4 is designed for reliable communication in industrial environments.
- RS-485 communication
- RS-422 communication
- Long-distance serial communication
- Noise-resistant industrial interfaces
USB Plug-and-Play Connectivity
The USB interface provides simple connection between host computers and serial devices.
- USB connectivity
- Easy installation
- Portable communication solution
- Flexible deployment
NI Software Integration
The USB-485/4 integrates with NI software tools for instrument control and automation development.
- NI-VISA support
- LabVIEW support
- Serial communication programming
- Automated test integration
Applications of NI USB-485/4
Industrial Automation
The USB-485/4 provides reliable serial communication for industrial automation systems.
- PLC communication
- Industrial controllers
- Factory automation
- Machine communication
Instrument Control
The USB-485/4 enables computer-based control of RS-485 and RS-422 instruments.
- Laboratory instruments
- Measurement equipment
- Remote device control
- Automated instrument systems
Embedded System Testing
The USB-485/4 is suitable for testing and validating embedded communication systems.
- Embedded device testing
- Communication verification
- Protocol testing
- System integration
Distributed Communication Networks
The USB-485/4 supports distributed systems requiring reliable serial communication.
- Remote monitoring
- Sensor networks
- Control networks
- Industrial data exchange
Software Support
The NI USB-485/4 supports National Instruments software platforms for serial communication and automation applications.
- LabVIEW
- NI-VISA
- Measurement Studio
- Serial communication APIs
Technical Specifications of USB-485/4
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Type | USB Serial Interface Device |
| Communication | RS-485 / RS-422 |
| Number of Ports | 4 Serial Ports |
| Interface | USB |
| Software | NI-VISA, LabVIEW |
| Applications | Industrial communication, automation, instrument control |
Comparison with Similar USB Serial Interface Devices
| Model | Main Difference | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
|
NI USB-485/4 | Four-port USB RS-485/RS-422 interface designed for industrial serial communication. | Multi-device industrial communication |
|
NI USB-485/2 | Two-port USB RS-485/RS-422 interface for smaller communication systems. | Basic serial applications |
|
NI USB-232/4 | Four-port USB RS-232 serial interface for standard serial devices. | RS-232 instrument communication |
|
NI PXI-8431/4 | PXI serial interface module for modular automated test systems. | PXI-based communication systems |
Recommended Related Products
The following products are commonly used with the USB-485/4 to build complete industrial communication and automated control systems.
|
NI USB-485/2 | Compact USB RS-485/RS-422 interface for serial communication applications. |
|
NI USB-232/4 | Four-port USB RS-232 interface for instrument and device communication. |
|
NI PXI-8431/4 | PXI serial communication module for modular industrial and test systems. |
|
NI PXI-8432/8 | Multi-channel PXI RS-485 interface module for advanced communication systems. |
|
NI cRIO-9037 | CompactRIO controller for industrial real-time control and automation applications. |
Why Choose NI USB-485/4
- Four-port RS-485/RS-422 communication capability
- Reliable industrial serial communication
- USB plug-and-play deployment
- Supports NI-VISA and LabVIEW
- Ideal for automation and instrument control
- Suitable for industrial and embedded systems
Conclusion
The NI USB-485/4 USB RS-485/RS-422 Interface Device provides a reliable and flexible solution for engineers requiring multi-port industrial serial communication.
With four communication ports, USB connectivity, NI software support, and industrial-grade communication capability, the USB-485/4 is an excellent choice for automation systems, instrument control, PLC communication, and embedded testing applications.


