USB - RS232 Cable

The RS-232 was first brought into light in 1960, and was used for DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) and DCE (Data Communication Equipment) devices like old teletypewriters and modems respectively. This standard, however, has slowly been out-dated in most applications by USB, although there are still times in which an RS232 connection is necessary – warranting the need for a USB to RS232 Cable.

This cable is designed to allow Makers to communicate via USB ports to various DTE and DCE devices, like modems, printers, mice, uninterruptible power supplies and some Development Platforms. Fortunately, USB and RS232 are natively similar, and as such are very compatible – capable of transferring data, signals and logic level signals for almost any modern-day application.

Typical Applications for the RS-232 USB Cable:

The USB - RS232 Cable is primarily used for Communications between PCs and serial UART interface IC devices, and is widely recognised as the standard computer to printer connection cable. However, for Makers who enjoy experimenting with and prototyping on development platforms, this cable is also a great way to communicate with some of the more unique Arduino Shields and Breakout Boards. Within commercial environments, these cables are also used to connect bar code scanners, receipt printers and other point of sale devices to the network, as well as within fabrication devices such as 3D Printers, CNC machines, packaging machines and other complex devices.