The main advantage of RS-485 is the ability for long data transmissions with “excellent” immunity to electrical noise. The IDEA platform is a RoHS compliant, small footprint, electronic drive and fully programmable control unit with graphic user interface programming. Inputs are rated for 5 to 24 VDC, 4mA max per input. Outputs are open collector, 5 to 24 VDC, 200mA maximum per output.