Hi,
The RS485 communication is differential, not a single-ended voltage. Based on
this link, the RS-485 voltage signal ranges from -7 to +12 V. If the negative line is less than the positive, this is a 1 or MARK. If the negative line is greater than the positive, then this is a 0 or SPACE.
I hope this helps!
Regards,
Missy S.
Project Engineer
RoviSys