USB to Serial Cables Introduction

A USB to Serial Cable is a device that allows you to connect a serial device (such as a modem, printer, or industrial equipment) to a computer or laptop via a USB port. This type of cable is often used to interface with older equipment that uses RS-232, RS-485, or similar serial communication standards. However, they do not have a built-in serial port, which is still common in new computers. So, the transmitted signals will then be transferred by USB to a certain device.

■ Key Features of USB to Serial Cables

USB Plug: The cable connects to a computer’s USB port, enabling backwards compatibility to devices with a serial port. The advantage is you can keep using the existing equipment with the modern-day computer.

Serial Connector: At one end of the cable, there is an RS-232 DB9, DB25, or RJ45 connector. This connector is adapted for the other half of the cable and supports the interface of the serial device. In detail the serial device interface is an RS-232. The monitor interface is a DB-25.

Chipset: Such cables incorporate chipsets like PL2303 or FT232RL that process the incoming USB data in order to gain serial access to the device. This results in secure and seamless data transfer. Another interface usually with full control of serial ports are preferred. Also, to ensure data protection, there is a key management protocol for secure data transfer.

Plug-and-Play: The transition from USB to serial is often found to be plug-and-play in the case of operating systems such as Windows 8/8.1/10/11, MacOS, and Linux. This simplifies the process without any headache of additional driver installation.

■ Common Applications

Connecting Legacy Devices: USB to serial cables are connectors used to interface older devices such as serial printers, RFID readers, modems, processing systems, or measurement systems with PCs or laptops that have different serial ports. Through this, they are able to obtain the serial number and communicate with those devices.

Industrial and Embedded Systems: Many industrial systems still rely on interfaces with serial communication where they can connect the equipment inputs structurally (for instance, controllers, sensors, or microcontrollers) to computers.

Networking: RJ45 serial cables are typically used for console access to network devices, including routers, switches, and firewalls. They provide configuration and/or debugging opportunities of the networking equipment.

Popular USB to Serial Cable Products

ZCI101-USB to RS-232 DB9 Pin Serial Cable with PL2303 Chip

This cable is compatible with a DB9 RS-232 pin serial port. It is used to connect a computer to various kinds of serial devices. Connect it to a PC serial port, which uses Taiwan's PL2303GT chip. That chip makes sure it works properly.  

- Supports RS232C Standard.

- Compatible with Windows, MacOS, and Linux (Linux kernel version 2.6.15 and above).

- Plug-and-play on Windows 8/8.1/10/11 (no driver disc required; electronic driver available).

- High-performance industrial-grade materials are used, so a user can count on prolonged service from any tools or equipment.

ZCI102-USB to RS-232 DB9 Female Serial Cable with PL2303 Chip

ZCI101 is similar to the ZCI series, only with a DB9 Female port instead of a male port, in the cascading of devices that need it. If the female port must be used, this particular cable will have to be considered.

 - Uses PL2303GT chip for stable performance.

- Supports RS232C Standard.

- Plug-and-play compatibility across Windows, MacOS, and Linux platforms.

- It is dependent on hard, rigid, and resilient materials in order to stand the test of time.

ZCI103-USB to RS-232 DB9 Male Serial Cable with FT232 Industrial Dual Chips

This is a unique fact, because it is meant for industrial use. The combination of FTDI232RL (UK) and SP213 (USA) chips increases power for such applications, where it is important to get the high performance, reliability, complexity, and stability of the structure. 

- Compatible with RS232C Standard.

- The percept (applicable devices) are similar to plotters, microcontrollers, and networking gear.

- Wider OS compatibility range, including Windows starting from XP till the latest version, MacOS, and Linux.

- It is capable of being used on all versions of Windows PCs starting from Windows 8/8.1 up to Windows 10 and Windows 11.

ZCD111-USB to RJ45 Console Debugging Cable

This is a USB to RJ45 console cable intended for networking equipment such as routers and switches. You can also use it to manage the network devices dealing with the interface ports or being in debugging conditions.

 - The cable houses the FT232RL chipset, which delivers high performance and reliability.

- Includes an ESD protection circuit for maintaining safety and system stability during operation.

- Provides support across Windows, MacOS, and Linux platforms.

- Plug-and-play operation on both Windows 8/8.1/10/11 and MacOS systems.

■ Benefits of USB to Serial Cables

Compatibility: Apart from providing easy connectivity with legacy serial devices to modern computers or laptops using the USB ports, they can also help users in utilizing old equipment of theirs. 

Cost-effective Solution: On the other hand, instead of investing in a new serial device, the customers can continue using the existing hardware effectively. The PCS2A serial cable will thus offer good support to older serial devices, and it will also help to continue work with the existing hardware of the PC. 

Ease of Use: Once the cable has been installed, most modern USB to Serial cables are plug-and-play with automated drivers installation, which is quite convenient for users.

■ Conclusion

USB to serial cables are an integral part of the process for connecting old serial devices to new computers and networking systems. PL2303GT and FT232RL, these cables provide reliable data transfer and can be utilized with different operating systems. They are also applicable to various industries, networking, and personal computing applications due to their durability.