RS232 to USB/RS485 Conversion ICs?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the conversion of RS232 signals to USB and RS485, focusing on integrated circuits (ICs) that can facilitate this process. Participants explore various solutions, including the use of specific ICs and development boards, while addressing the practical implications of such conversions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about ICs that can convert RS232 to USB, suggesting that programming a PIC might be an alternative solution.
  • Another participant notes the existence of USB-to-serial converters that can facilitate communication between RS232 devices and USB ports, but expresses uncertainty about the reverse conversion.
  • A participant mentions using an explorer 16 development board that outputs RS232 and seeks a small board to convert this to USB, indicating a preference for USB due to its longer distance capabilities and shielding.
  • Another participant shares their experience with the MAX202CDR IC for reading RS232 and suggests that Future Technology Devices International may offer suitable solutions, mentioning the FTDI chip as a potential option.
  • Several participants discuss the bidirectional nature of USB-to-serial converters, questioning the need for additional complexity in the setup.
  • A later reply humorously acknowledges a misunderstanding regarding the functionality of USB-to-serial converters.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the conversion process, with some agreeing on the capabilities of USB-to-serial converters while others remain uncertain about specific ICs for RS232 to USB conversion. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the best approach or specific components to use.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various ICs and development boards, but there is no detailed exploration of the technical specifications or limitations of the proposed solutions. The discussion also reflects a lack of clarity on the exact requirements for the conversion process.

madmike159
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Does anyone know if there are IC's that can convert RS232 to USB, or is the only solution to program a PIC to handle the USB protocol. (I would also settle for RS232 to RS485, I just need a smaller connector with a shielded cable.
 
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I know for sure that there are USB-to-serial converters that allow you to turn a USB port on your computer into a serial port, and they all use the same IC. So in some sense, this is "converting RS232 to USB", because if you have some external device that communicates via RS232, you can read from or write to it using a computer with a USB port.

However, I suspect from your original post that you are actually asking about the reverse of this, and I don't know off the top of my head if such a thing exists.
 
What I have is an explorer 16 development board which it outputting information via a 9 pin cable using RS232. Ideally I would like a small board that plugs into that and outputs USB to a computer since USB cables work over longer distances and are shielded.

A friend suggested an FT232R to do this, so I'm going to take a look at that.
 
I am dealing with the same issue and I was shocked to see this post. I am using MAX202CDR to read RS232 from a 0-5V source. "Block diagram" would look like: Source goes to MAX chip then to PC via HeadPhone Jack. The headphone jack converts to DB9. Anyways, with RS232 fading away, I want to use USB instead.

I am reading that Future Technology Devices Intl apparently makes these. I also took apart a USB JTAG and found a FTDI chip in there. My guess would be this is the route to go. But that's about as much as I know at the moment.
 
Cool, let me know how it goes. I will post any updates on my progress too.
 
I don't get it. USB to serial converter are also serial to USB. The data can flow both-ways.
Place the converter inside your board and use a long USB cable to hook it to the PC. Whats the problem?
 
I_am_learning said:
I don't get it. USB to serial converter are also serial to USB. The data can flow both-ways.

Until you try to run a hard drive on RS232 ;)
 
"I don't get it. USB to serial converter are also serial to USB. The data can flow both-ways.
Place the converter inside your board and use a long USB cable to hook it to the PC. Whats the problem?"

Yea, I was being very stupid. Fridays...
 

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