(1141 products available)
Ready to Ship
Ready to Ship
Ready to Ship
Ready to Ship
Ready to Ship
Ready to Ship
Ready to ShipA USB to UART cable is also called a serial to USB adapter. It's a bridge between an old serial device and a new computer that only has USB ports. The adapter translates the serial device's language so the computer can understand it and vice versa. It thus allows communication between old and modern technologies.
Types of USB to UART adapters include;
FTDI Adapters
They are renowned for their reliability and are often used in industrial applications. They offer excellent quality but are often more expensive than the other options.
Prolific Adapters
They are commonly found in various consumer electronics. They offer a good balance between quality and cost but are often less expensive than the FTDI adapters.
Silicon Labs Adapters
They are commonly used in embedded systems and offer a wide range of UART to USB solutions.
USB to Serial carefully
These serial devices are older and often used to connect modems, mice, and joystick devices. They provide a broader and deeper connection between the modems and the computer.
USB to Game Controller Adapters
They allow users to connect game controllers to a PC via USB, enabling gaming or programming the controllers for additional functionality.
USB to GPS Adapters
These adapters connect GPS devices to a computer for mapping, tracking, or navigation purposes.
USB to RS-232 Adapters
They connect devices that use RS-232 serial communication, like printers or industrial equipment, to a USB port.
USB to RS-485 Adapters
They convert signals between RS-485 and USB, useful in industrial or security camera applications.
USB to RS-422 Adapters
They connect devices using RS-422 serial communication to a USB port.
USB to Serial Multiport Adapters
They have multiple serial ports, allowing various serial devices to connect to a single USB port.
USB to UART Adapters
They connect devices that use UART for communication, like certain microcontrollers or embedded systems, to a USB port.
The USB to UART adapter has some common features, which include:
Connectivity
When it comes to connectivity, the USB to Serial adapter connects to the USB port of a computer or another device on one end and to a serial interfaces such as RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 on the other end. Manufacturers make it compatible with various devices, including computers, printers, modems, and industrial equipment, to replace or provide a serial interface that a USB port is replacing.
Easy Plug-and-play Installation
Ideally, a USB to UART converter comes with an easy and plug-and-play installation. This means that users can easily install it without any additional software or complex configuration. This adapter is useful for users who need to connect devices quickly with minimal effort.
Versatile Compatibility
USB to Serial converters usually have versatile compatibility with a wide range of operating systems. These include Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and other systems. Such compatibility ensures that these adapters can be used with different kinds of computers and devices without causing problems or compatibility issues.
Robust Drivers
Manufacturers provide robust drivers to ensure reliable operation and compatibility with various devices and applications. These drivers may be installed automatically when the adapter is connected or manually installed from a CD or downloaded from a website. The drivers enable the USB adapter to function properly and to support various features, functions, and configurations of the connected device.
Data Transfer and Communication
The main role of a USB to UART converter is to enable data transfer and communication. This device allows users to connect peripherals that use serial communication to equipment that uses USB connections. It bridges the gap between these two interface standards and enables seamless data transfer between different devices.
Security and Encryption
Security and encryption are critical to ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of data transfers and communications. A reliable USB to UART adapter implements various security measures to ensure secure data transfer. It uses encryption protocols or measures to protect the data being transferred from unauthorized access or interception.
Data Transfer Rate
The data transfer rate refers to the speed or rate at which data is transferred or transmitted between two points. With regard to a USB to UART converter, this can mean the speed at which data is being sent and received between a USB connection and a serial connection. Basically, data transfer rates vary depending on the kind of USB, UART, or serial technologies being linked up, but they generally represent the data transfer rates to avoid delays or ensure efficient operations.
Device Communication Port
The device communication port is an interface or connector on a device that allows for the connection of cables, adaptors, or other accessories to enable communication or connection between two devices. For instance, a device with a USB communication port can connect to a USB cable to link it to another device.
In the context of USB and UART, it means the port or interface on a device that allows for connection with a USB plug on one end and a serial port with UART connectors on the other end. This connection allows a device with USB port to communicate with another device that has a serial port using UART
From the automotive industry to consumer electronics, UART-to-USB adapters are used in many applications:
Embedded System Development
Engineers use USB to serial adapters to communicate with and debug embedded systems during product development. Many embedded devices like medical equipment and industrial machines have USB ports for developers to access console output and send configuration commands.
Network Devices
Routers, switches, and other networking hardware often have serial ports for management. Technicians can use a uart to usb adapter cable to connect a computer for device configuration when working on outdated models that only have serial ports.
Automotive Applications
A USB to UART adapter comes in handy for car diagnostics and testing automotive electronics. Many cars have ECUs that can be connected through USB adapters for configuration and monitoring. Automotive technicians can connect laptops to these ECUs using the adapter to do tasks like reading error codes and monitoring vehicle sensors.
Industrial Automation
Factories use USB to serial adapters to connect modern computers to older industrial equipment that only has serial communication ports. Devices like barcode scanners, conveyor belts, and robotic arms all need these adapters for operators to monitor systems and control machines.
Home Automation
The adapters are also used to connect home automation hubs or computers to devices like network-attached storage systems that have serial console ports for managing network switches and routers.
Device compatibility is a crucial factor to consider before going for a USB to serial adapter. The device in question may be an older peripheral that uses a serial port to connect to a newer laptop without one or a microcontroller development board that needs to be programmed and debugged via USB.
To be on the safe side, one must ensure that the adapter is compatible with the device they intend to use. Most adapters come with a chip set with varying compatibility levels. Chip sets from FTDI, prolific, and silicon laboratories are widely known for their broad compatibility, while those from China may not.
Before purchasing any USB to serial port adapter, one should ensure that it is compatible with the operating system they intend to use. Most Windows and Mac machines will connect to standard adapters, but some Linux machines may require additional drivers to function properly. Again, the driver support of popular chip makers is better than that of unknown manufacturers.
Intended use: the use to which one wishes to put the adapter should inform the decision to buy one type over the other. A common chip set with good driver support will work fine if one plans to use the adapter to connect to a device occasionally. Still, for frequent connections or applications that require precise timing and minimal latency, one will be better off with an adapter from FTDI or Silicon Labs.
One should consider the amount of data to be transmitted before opting for one adapter over the other. If the data transmission involves heavy data transfer, a device with a transfer rate of 921600 BPS will be the best option, while a device with a transfer rate of 115200 will be best for light data transmission.
Did one know that there is a difference between RS-232 and RS-485 serial connections? A USB to RS-232 adapter can only connect a USB to a cable with an RS-232 connector at the other end. The RS-232 standard is used in applications like connecting modems, but to connect devices in a differential twisted pair application, one will need a USB to RS-485 adapter. This adapter allows devices to communicate over longer distances and in more electrically noisy environments. The RS-485 standard is used in applications like industrial control systems.
Although many USB to serial adapters come with a 6-foot USB cable, there are instances where one would like to have a longer cable. This need can be fulfilled by purchasing a longer cable than the one that comes with the adapter.
Q1: What benefits come with using a USB to UART adapter?
A1: USB to UART adapters are beneficial because they allow the connection of devices to computers without serial ports. They also facilitate easy communication and data transfer between devices.
Q2: How to choose a reliable USB to UART adapter?
A2: When choosing a USB to UART converter, consider compatibility, quality, and reliability. Ensure it is compatible with the target OS and devices and is of good quality to provide reliable connections and long-lasting durability.
Q3: Where can UART connectors be sourced from?
A3: UART connectors are widely available and can be found in electronics stores, online marketplaces, or component distributors. Consider looking for them in hardware shops, where they can be purchased in bulk.
Q4: Which is more advanced, USB or UART?
A4: USB is more advanced compared to UART. UART is mostly incorporated in older devices and has limited capabilities, while USB connects devices to computers and offers a variety of capabilities, like data transfer and power supply.
Q5: What is the good thing about using UART?
A5: A good advantage of UART is its simplicity. It is easy to use and implement, making it an efficient choice for various applications. Its effectiveness in providing straightforward serial communication is applauded.
浙公网安备 33010002000092号
浙B2-20120091-4