StarTech.com USB to Serial Adapter Hub — 4-Port Bus-Powered DB9 RS-232 USB Serial FTDI

The StarTech.com USB to Serial Adapter Hub is the ultimate solution for connecting multiple RS232 serial devices to your computer effortlessly. This 4-port adapter bridges the gap between modern USB interfaces and legacy RS232 peripherals, turning a single USB connection into a powerful, multi-device serial workstation. With a robust FTDI USB-to-Serial chipset and a durable, bus-powered design, this hub delivers reliable, convenient serial connectivity for industrial equipment, lab instruments, POS peripherals, and many other RS232-enabled devices.

• Performance and reliability: Four independent RS-232 ports provide dedicated, high-quality serial communication paths for each connected device. This is ideal for scenarios where multiple serial peripherals—such as barcode scanners, label printers, CNC machines, PLCs, test equipment, and medical devices—must operate concurrently without port contention. The hub’s design minimizes signal interference and ensures consistent data integrity across all four ports, making it a trusted backbone for demanding workflows in IT, manufacturing, and research environments.
• Ease of use and portability: The hub is engineered for plug-and-play convenience with a USB bus-powered setup that requires no external power adapter. Its compact footprint makes it perfect for desktop setups, field service, or temporary testing labs. Windows, macOS, and Linux users benefit from broad driver support, while most modern systems automatically recognize the device, allowing you to get running quickly without complicated configuration.
• FTDI reliability and broad compatibility: Equipped with a proven FTDI USB-to-Serial chipset, the hub delivers stable driver support and broad interoperability with a wide range of serial-enabled software and tools. FTDI’s robust drivers help ensure reliable serial communication, consistent handshake behavior, and compatibility with popular terminal programs, data loggers, and industrial control software across multiple operating systems.
• Standard DB9 connections for legacy devices: The four DB9 (9-pin) RS-232 ports provide familiar, widely used connectors for legacy equipment. The durable metal housing helps shield against EMI and physical wear in challenging environments, while clearly labeled ports simplify setup and port assignment. This makes it easier to integrate older devices into modern workflows without sacrificing performance or reliability.
• Versatile, scalable solution for multi-device environments: By consolidating four RS-232 ports into one USB-driven hub, this adapter is ideal for IT repair shops, automation labs, point-of-sale configurations, and engineering workstations. It reduces cable clutter, minimizes power requirements, and offers a scalable path to expand serial connectivity as needs grow or change over time.

Technical Details of StarTech.com USB to Serial Adapter Hub

• Ports: 4 x RS-232 DB9 (9-pin) serial ports
• Power: USB bus-powered (no external power supply required)
• Chipset: FTDI USB-to-Serial controller
• Interface: USB 2.0 compliant; backward compatible with USB 1.1
• Operating system compatibility: Widely supported on Windows, macOS, and Linux distributions

how to install StarTech.com USB to Serial Adapter Hub

Getting started is quick and straightforward. Follow these steps to install and configure the 4-port USB to Serial Adapter Hub:

• Connect the hub to an available USB port on your computer using the included or appropriate USB cable.
• Power on the connected RS-232 devices if required by their specific peripherals; the hub itself draws power from the USB port.
• Install any necessary FTDI drivers if prompted by your operating system. Many systems include built-in FTDI drivers, but you may be directed to install FTDI’s Virtual COM Port (VCP) drivers for full functionality.
• Connect each RS-232 device to a DB9 port on the hub using standard RS-232 cables, ensuring a secure connection.
• Open your serial software (terminal programs, data acquisition tools, or device-specific software) and select the corresponding COM/serial ports assigned by your OS for each connected device. Configure baud rate, parity, data bits, and handshake as required by each device.
• Test communications on each port with a simple loopback test or device-specific commands to verify proper data transmission and reception. If a device is not recognized, re-check cable wiring and port assignments.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the main purpose of this 4-port USB to Serial Adapter Hub?
  A: It provides four independent RS-232 serial interfaces through a USB connection, enabling you to connect multiple legacy serial devices to a modern computer from a single USB hub without needing separate power adapters.
• Q: Is the hub powered by USB?
  A: Yes, it is bus-powered from the USB host, eliminating the need for an external power supply and simplifying portable setups.
• Q: Which systems can I use with this adapter?
  A: It is designed for broad compatibility across Windows, macOS, and Linux; driver availability may vary by OS, but FTDI-based adapters are widely supported on major platforms.
• Q: Do I need to install drivers?
  A: Many systems include FTDI drivers by default, enabling immediate use. In some cases, you may need to install FTDI VCP drivers or StarTech-provided drivers for full functionality and optimal performance.
• Q: Can I connect four devices simultaneously?
  A: Yes. The four DB9 ports provide independent RS-232 connections, allowing four serial devices to operate at the same time through a single USB interface.