There are several types of serial data converters. Some are used to connect devices that use a standard other than connecting serial to a serial port on a computer. Serial ports on computers are used to connect to serial devices like printers, bar code scanners, digital cameras, mice, printers, modems, and many other devices. Most use the RS-232 standard and have nine or 25 pins.

Another type of serial converter does the opposite: It is used to attach a serial device to a different type of port on a computer. Some of the ways you can use a serial data converter include:

1. Get a serial data converter to connect serial devices to a USB port.

2. Choose a serial adapter to connect PS/2 or VGA devices to a serial port.

3. Find a serial adapter to translate data between different types of serial protocols.

4. Use serial converter software to transfer serial data over a network.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find USB to serial data converters

Many new computers do not contain serial ports and are equipped, instead, with USB ports. Serial devices can be attached to USB ports using converters. Sometimes software must be installed to allow the computer to recognize and communicate with the device.

I recommend: USBGear offers a wide variety of industrial USB to serial converters. Sewell Development offers USM to serial adapters as well as a wide selection of cables and gender changers.

Find the right serial data converter

While serial to USB is widely used, other standards can also be converted to serial. VGA monitors and PS/2 devices such as mice and keyboards can connect to a serial port with an adapter. Serial protocols, including RS-232, RS-485 and RS-422 are widely used in industrial applications and there is often a need for the devices to communicate with each other. Serial converters allow them to interface with each other.

I recommend: Dutec offers serial data converters that convert data between different serial standards. They control the data flow and baud rate so that software flow control is not necessary. Belkin, an industry leader, offers a range of serial to PS/2 and VGA adapters. Cables N Mor offers a range of adapters from several manufacturers.

Use serial data converter software

Some software technology allows serial data to be accessed over a TCP/IP network. With software converters, serial devices can be shared by networked computers, servers and other devices.

I recommend: LabF sells dtaAxe software that makes serial data available to networks or transferable over the Internet. TCP-Com from TALtech is a software-based RS232 to TCP/IP converter that allows the serial ports on a computer to interface with a network.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check the cable length limits when using a serial data converter. The allowed length of the cable depends on the data or baud rate and the protocol.