Eaton Tripp Lite Series 4-Port RS-422/RS-485 USB to Serial FTDI Adapter with COM Retention (USB-B to DB9 F/M)

Elevate your serial connectivity with the Eaton Tripp Lite 4-Port RS-422/RS-485 USB to Serial FTDI Adapter. This robust solution turns a single USB-A host port into four dependable DB9 serial channels, enabling seamless integration of RS-422 and RS-485 devices such as modems, handheld scanners, GPS systems, industrial controllers, and other legacy peripherals. Designed for reliability and ease of use, this bus-powered adapter requires no external power supply and leverages the proven performance of an FTDI-based chipset to deliver stable data transmission across multiple devices. Whether you’re outfitting a POS station, warehouse workstation, or field-deployed setup, this converter helps you consolidate serial connections without clutter or compatibility concerns.

• Four-port versatility: Converts one USB-A port into four DB9 serial channels, allowing you to run multiple RS-422/RS-485 devices from a single computer, laptop, or tablet—great for expanding legacy hardware support without adding extra hubs or power bricks.
• RS-422 and RS-485 compatibility: Supports both high-speed, long-distance RS-422 and short-distance RS-485 networking, enabling reliable point-to-point or multi-drop configurations for a wide range of industrial and enterprise devices.
• COM port retention: Maintains consistent COM port assignments across reboots and reconnects, reducing software reconfiguration and minimizing downtime when devices are swapped or updated.
• FTDI-based performance: Built around a dependable FTDI chipset for broad driver support, stable data transfer, and compatibility with a wide ecosystem of serial-enabled software and peripherals.
• Bus-powered convenience: No external power source is required—the adapter draws power directly from your USB connection, making it ideal for portable setups, workstations, and on-site installations where power outlets may be limited.

Technical Details of Eaton Tripp Lite Series 4-Port RS-422/RS-485 USB to Serial FTDI Adapter

• Ports: 4 DB9 serial ports for RS-422/RS-485 devices, enabling multi-channel serial communication from a single USB host.
• USB interface: USB-B connector on the adapter that connects to a USB-A port on your computer, laptop, or tablet via a standard USB cable (cable not included in product see packaging).
• Standards supported: RS-422 and RS-485, providing flexible wiring options for both multi-point networks and longer-distance links with noise immunity.
• Chipset: FTDI-based USB-to-serial converter, ensuring broad driver availability and reliable performance across a variety of operating environments.
• Power configuration: Bus-powered—no external power supply required; draws power from the USB connection for portable use and minimal setup.
• COM retention: Includes COM port retention to preserve port numbers, simplifying software configuration and reducing downtime when reconnecting devices.
• Cable and connectors: Four DB9 connectors for serial devices; the device uses a USB-B connection to your host computer, enabling streamlined cabling for four serial devices.
• General compatibility note: Designed to work with standard USB controllers and serial peripherals that communicate over RS-422/RS-485, making it a versatile solution for industrial, retail, and field-application environments.

How to install Eaton Tripp Lite Series 4-Port RS-422/RS-485 USB to Serial FTDI Adapter

• 1. Connect the adapter to your computer: Plug a USB cable into the USB-B port on the adapter and connect the other end to an available USB-A port on your computer, laptop, or tablet. The device is bus-powered, so no external power supply is needed.

• 2. Allow driver detection: Your operating system may auto-detect the FTDI-based chipset and install the appropriate driver automatically. If prompted, permit the driver installation. If automatic installation does not occur, download and install the latest FTDI VCP (Virtual COM Port) drivers from the FTDI website or refer to your IT department’s guidance.

• 3. Connect RS-422/RS-485 devices: Attach your serial devices to the four DB9 ports on the adapter, ensuring the correct port mapping for each device. For RS-422 devices, connect in accordance with your device’s wiring diagram; for RS-485 devices, observe correct A/B polarity and termination requirements as needed for your network.

• 4. Verify COM port assignments: Open your operating system’s Device Manager (Windows) or equivalent system utility to locate the four new COM ports assigned to the adapter. If COM retention is enabled, these port numbers should remain constant across reboots and reconnections.

• 5. Test communication: Use your serial software to open each COM port and test data transmission at the required baud rate, parity, and stop-bit settings. Confirm that each port independently communicates with its corresponding RS-422/RS-485 device, and adjust configuration as needed to achieve reliable data transfer.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: Do I need an external power supply for this adapter?

  A: No. The adapter is bus-powered and draws all required power from the USB connection to your computer or other USB host.

• Q: How many serial devices can I connect?

  A: You can connect up to four RS-422/RS-485 serial devices via the four DB9 ports provided on the adapter.

• Q: Which serial standards are supported?

  A: The device supports RS-422 and RS-485 serial communications, enabling both multi-point and long-distance serial connections.

• Q: What connectors are included?

  A: The adapter provides four DB9 serial ports for device connections and a USB-B interface to connect to a USB-A host port; a standard USB cable is required to complete the connection to your computer.

• Q: What about COM port retention?

  A: The adapter features COM port retention, ensuring consistent COM port numbers across reboots and reconnects to simplify software setup and operation.