StarTech.com USB Serial Adapter - RS422 RS485 Industrial - 1 Port

The StarTech.com USB Serial Adapter delivers reliable, industrial-grade RS-422 and RS-485 serial connectivity directly to your computer via USB. Built for durability in demanding environments, this single-port adapter is a versatile solution for connecting a wide range of serial devices—from PLCs and sensors to CNC controllers and industrial measurement equipment—to modern workstations. Its rugged design, flexible signaling, and cross-platform compatibility make it a trusted choice for automation, manufacturing, and field operations where dependable data exchange is mission-critical. Whether you are upgrading legacy RS-232 devices to USB or expanding an RS-422/RS-485 network, this adapter simplifies deployments without sacrificing performance or resilience.

• Industrial-grade durability: Engineered with a robust enclosure and shielding to withstand the vibrations, dust, and temperature fluctuations common in factory floors and remote sites. The durable construction helps maintain signal integrity and long-term reliability in harsh environments.
• RS-422 / RS-485 dual-mode support: Seamlessly switch between RS-422 multi-drop networks and RS-485 point-to-point or multi-point configurations, enabling a wide range of industrial topologies. Includes automatic signal direction control for RS-485, simplifying half-duplex communication and reducing software overhead.
• USB 2.0 interface with bus-powered operation: Plug-and-play USB connectivity provides quick installation with no need for an external power supply. The adapter draws power from the USB port, enabling easy deployment in space-constrained workstations and mobile setups.
• Broad operating system compatibility: Designed for Windows, macOS, and Linux environments. It supports classic COM port software, terminal programs, and industrial applications, making it easy to integrate into existing workflows and automation pipelines.
• Flexible data rates and reliable signaling: Supports high-speed data transfer up to 921.6 kbps for fast serial communication while delivering robust signaling on longer RS-422/RS-485 cables. The device is engineered to maintain stable performance across typical industrial cable runs and noisy environments.

Technical Details of StarTech.com USB serial adapter - RS422 - RS485 - Industrial - serial - 1 port

• Interface: USB 2.0 compatible connection for high-speed data transfer and broad compatibility.
• Serial port: 1-port RS-422 / RS-485 selectable serial interface (configurable as needed).
• Data rate: Up to 921.6 kbps for efficient serial communication over RS-422 or RS-485 networks.
• Power: Bus-powered via USB; no external power supply required in standard setups.
• Operating system support: Works with Windows, macOS, and Linux, with appropriate drivers available for diverse environments.
• LED indicators: Visual TX/RX and power indicators to help monitor activity and status at a glance.
• Durability and design: Industrial-grade construction designed to endure challenging working conditions while maintaining consistent signal integrity.

How to install StarTech.com USB serial adapter - RS422 - RS485 - Industrial - serial - 1 port

To deploy the StarTech.com USB serial adapter quickly and reliably, follow these steps. Begin by identifying an available USB port on your computer and preparing the device for connection. The adapter is designed for straightforward plug-and-play use, with driver support across multiple operating systems to ensure smooth integration into your existing environment.

1) Connect the adapter to a free USB port on your computer using the included USB connection. Ensure the connection is secure and the device is within the cable length requirements of your RS-422/RS-485 network.

2) Allow the operating system to recognize the device. On Windows, macOS, or Linux, the system may automatically install the appropriate USB-serial drivers. If your OS does not automatically install the drivers, download the latest StarTech drivers from the official site and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.

3) Configure the serial port settings to match your RS-422 or RS-485 network requirements. In Windows, this typically involves selecting the newly assigned COM port and setting parameters such as baud rate, data bits, parity, and stop bits to align with your device’s specifications. For RS-485, enable half-duplex mode or auto-direction control if your application supports it. In macOS and Linux, use your terminal or application configuration to assign the correct device node and settings.

4) Test the connection with a suitable serial communication program. Send a simple command to a connected device, verify responses, and confirm data integrity. If you encounter issues, verify the network wiring, ensure the RS-422/RS-485 mode is correctly configured, and re-check baud rate and parity settings.

5) Integrate into your workflow. With the correct COM port or device node configured, your SCADA system, PLC programming software, industrial monitoring tool, or custom application can communicate over RS-422 or RS-485. The adapter’s robust construction is designed to support continuous operation in demanding environments, while its compact form factor helps minimize space requirements on crowded workstations or control panels.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What platforms are supported? A: The adapter is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, with drivers available to enable seamless COM port access across diverse environments.
• Q: Do I need external power for this adapter? A: No. It is bus-powered through the USB connection, which simplifies deployment on laptops, tablets, and desktop PCs.
• Q: Can I use RS-422 and RS-485 features on the same device? A: Yes. The adapter supports selectable RS-422 and RS-485 configurations to accommodate different network topologies, including multi-drop RS-422 and point-to-point or multi-point RS-485 networks.
• Q: What is the maximum data rate supported? A: The device supports data rates up to 921.6 kbps, which is sufficient for a wide range of control, instrumentation, and data acquisition applications.
• Q: Is this adapter suitable for industrial environments? A: Yes. Its industrial-grade design and rugged construction are intended to provide reliable operation in challenging environments, including factory floors and field deployments where durable serial communications are essential.