Why is isolation needed for my RS232 connection?

The NMEA 0183 specification, from version 2 and higher, requires devices to be isolated on their input lines. The OPTO-4 allows an RS232 input connection to meet these NMEA 0183 Listener specifications.

Without this protection you risk ground loop damage to the RS232 device and/or the NMEA Talker. This might result in the need to replace expensive equipment.

For more information on NMEA 0183 and how it works, please download our free guide to NMEA 0183 networking here: https://actisense.com/everything-to-know-about-nmea-0183-guide/