StarTech.com USB to Serial Adapter — 2-Port RS232/RS422/RS485 with COM Port Retention

The StarTech.com USB to Serial Adapter is a powerful and versatile bridge that lets you connect legacy serial devices to modern USB-enabled computers. This 2-Port USB to Serial Adapter supports RS232, RS422, and RS485 communication protocols, making it an ideal solution for a wide range of applications—from industrial equipment and lab instrumentation to point-of-sale systems and data logging. Built around an trusted FTDI USB to Serial chipset, it combines reliable performance with broad compatibility, ensuring your serial peripherals stay connected, configured, and productive.

• Two-port flexibility: Effortlessly connect two independent serial devices to a single USB host, enabling parallel monitoring, control, or data collection without swapping cables.
• Multi-protocol support: Seamlessly handle RS232, RS422, and RS485 signaling in one compact adapter, letting you match your devices’ exact communication requirements without multiple adapters or adapters with limited compatibility.
• COM Port Retention for dependable workflows: The COM Port Retention feature preserves assigned COM port numbers across reboots and software sessions, minimizing configuration changes and downtime for mission-critical applications.
• FTDI chipset with broad driver support: Powered by the FTDI USB-to-Serial technology, providing robust, widely-supported drivers and easy integration with major operating systems and software packages.
• Plug-and-play, cross-platform operation: Plug in the device and start using it on Windows, macOS, or Linux with minimal setup, thanks to driver support and standard USB compatibility.

Technical Details of StarTech.com USB to Serial Adapter

• Ports: 2 serial ports supporting RS232, RS422, and RS485 communications through a single USB interface.
• Chipset: FTDI USB-to-Serial chipset (FTDI-based).
• Data rates: Typical support up to high-speed data transfer suitable for a wide range of peripherals (rates configurable per port).
• Interface: USB 2.0 compatible interface for fast, stable USB connectivity.
• Power: Bus-powered via USB, no external power adapter required for most setups.
• Drivers and compatibility: Broad driver support for Windows, macOS, and Linux with FTDI VCP drivers for reliable COM port emulation.
• Port retention: Built-in COM Port Retention to keep stable port assignments across sessions and reboots.
• Form factor: Compact, portable design suitable for desktop, lab, or field use.

How to install StarTech.com USB to Serial Adapter

• Step 1 – Connect and power: Plug the USB to Serial Adapter into an available USB port on your computer. No external power is typically required as the device is bus-powered.
• Step 2 – Install drivers: On Windows, allow the system to search for or install the FTDI VCP drivers. On macOS and Linux, the FTDI drivers are often pre-installed or available from the FTDI website. Ensure you have an active internet connection if prompted for driver installation.
• Step 3 – Verify recognition: Open your operating system’s device manager or system information tool to confirm that two serial ports have been created and assigned (e.g., COM ports on Windows or /dev/cu.* devices on macOS/Linux).
• Step 4 – Connect your devices: Attach your RS232, RS422, or RS485 devices to the two serial ports using appropriate serial cables. Ensure correct cable types and terminations for your protocol.
• Step 5 – Configure software settings: In your application, select the corresponding COM/serial ports and configure baud rate, data bits, parity, stop bits, and flow control according to your peripheral’s requirements. Take advantage of COM Port Retention to keep consistent port numbers across sessions.

Frequently asked questions

• What protocols does this adapter support? It supports RS232, RS422, and RS485 serial communications, giving you compatibility with a wide range of devices.
• How many serial ports are provided? The device provides two independent serial ports via USB.
• Is external power required? No. The adapter is USB bus-powered, so no separate power source is typically needed.
• Which operating systems are supported? Windows, macOS, and Linux are supported, with FTDI VCP drivers facilitating broad compatibility.
• What is COM Port Retention? COM Port Retention is a feature that preserves assigned COM port numbers across reboots and software sessions, simplifying long-term device configurations and reducing setup time.