PESA’s Panel Port Expander adds additional branches to the RS485 Remote Control Panel (RCP) bus from a single system controller. The RCP bus protocol allows daisy-chain connection of multiple remote control panels from the system controller; however, it is often desirable, for cable routing or other purposes, to have multiple RCP buses within a facility. The Panel Port Expander provides this capability by creating two individual 1X4 data switches for the RCP communication bus, allowing up to eight branches of the RCP bus from a single system controller. The 1RU box is designed to mount near the system controller chassis and isolate cable runs returning to the controller from equipment on the bus. Individual LEDs on the front panel display status for bus transmit and receive connections, as well as error and power-on status.