Serial To USB Adapter - It's Indispensable!
Posted: Wednesday, March 09, 2011
by S Scharmer
What is a Serial to USB adapter?
A serial to USB adapter is an adapter that allows a person to use legacy serial devices on newer PC's, or plainly stated, it allows a serial device to be hooked to a USB computer. This peripheral can come in various configurations, from a standard cable with a 9-pin connector on one end and a USB plug on the other end, to a hub that allows many serial devices to be connected.
There are many older (and some newer) serial peripherals that are still useful.
Some of my own examples are:
- Serial communication cable,
- Older data collection hardware,
- Older Point of Sale (POS) terminals,
- Or, you may have an older printer or fax modem. that could still be of value.
The list can go on, but you can learn that this handy little device can be indispensable!
What to look for in a serial to USB adapter.
Although the USB adapter is usually a simple device there are some technical specifications to consider:
Connector Types:
- USB Connector - This should always be "USB A Female". I've never experienced anything else, but check to make sure as standards can change.
- Serial connector - This is usually described as either DB-9 Male, DB-9 Female, RS-232 Male or RS-232 Female. Just confirm that the gender (Male/Female) is correct for your needs. If you do get the wrong gender, you'll need to get a gender changer (usually about the cost of a generic cup of coffee).
- Number of connectors (sometimes called number of ports) - In the case of a hub, the serial end will have more than one connector, confirm that there are enough connections for all your devices.
Data Transfer Rate:
Expect 230 Kb/s or better - This appears to be the standard. It is slower than standard USB but faster than most serial communications needs.
Physical size:
Always check the physical size to make sure it will fit in an out-of-the-way location. Also make sure the cable length is long enough for your application.
Power:
Most non-hub and some hub serial to USB adapters do not require external power as they draw power directly from your computer. However some do and some offer it as an option. If you are using a hub and it will have a few serial devices plugged in, you in all likelihood should consider this as an option. Of course always confirm that the voltage matches the location where you are installing this peripheral .
Operating System Compatibility:
This is alserial to USB l important, make sure the adapter is compatible with your operating system, and when installing the drivers that are included with the product, check for the latest update. Manufacturers are frequently updating their software to fix features and add bugs... I mean fix bugs and add features. Its free, so take advantage of it.
While most serial to USB adapters on the market are compatible with todays technology, always confirm that the cable and associated drivers are compatible with your system. Check the hardware requirements on either Amazons product page or the manufacturers' web site.
Conclusion
While serial computer devices will eventually become nonexistent, with a serial to USB adapter you can extend the life of more old reliable devices. In my 30+ years in the electronic and computer fields I've come to value any device that can extend the life of my equipment.
For more information visit serial-to-usb-adapter.com
Authors Bio
Sandy Scharmer has been involved in the Electronics and Computer field for over 30 years.
He is currently lending his experience to writing articles to help people better understand some of the more confusing areas in these and other fields.
Visit Sandy at serial-to-usb-adapter.com
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