1. Preferred processor chip: FTDI or Silabs (very reliable)
2. Preferred serial driver chip: ZyWyn, Maxin or NI (very reliable)
3. Minimum 5.0VDC output power at serial connector (ensures reliable data transmission)
4. Build-in electro-static protection for at least 600W (protects against static electricity)
5. LED lights for TX and RX activity (nice to have when troubleshooting)
U.S. Converters sells a line of USB to Serial adapters that offers all the above features. We recommend one of these two adapters for all newer operating systems:
Windows 7 / Vista 32/64-bit
Premium Grade adapter
Windows 7 / Vista 32/64-bit
Professional Grade adapter
The details:
1. Preferred processor chip: FTDI or Silabs
This is the utmost most important step. The reason why we highly recommend a USB to serial adapter with a processor chip from either FTDI or Silabs is because these are simply the best. We have extensive experience with these which shows us that these processor chips works with the majority of devices and equipment on the market. The drivers are very stable, easy to install and compatible with all versions of Windows 32/4-bit, Mac, Linux.
2. Preferred serial driver chip: ZyWyn, Maxin or NI
The serial driver chip is what is actually communicating and providing the power signals for your device connected to the USB to serial adapter. We recommend a brand name driver chip from ZyWyn, Maxin or NI because these are very reliable and works well with the FTDI and Silabs processor chips.
3. At least 5VDC output power at serial connector
We recommend a USB to serial adapter with at least 5VDC power output for the TX/RX signals. This will ensure a strong communication signal and that your device gets sufficient power. The output power is measured from signal ground to the Tx signal and the Rx signal.
4. Build-in static protection to at least 600W
Built-in static protection protects the USB to serial adapter against high voltage spikes created either by static electricity or by surges in the supply voltage. This problem can exist both at the USB end and the serial RS232 end.
5. LED lights for TX and RX activity
Not required but very nice to have. Being able to actually see when data is transmitted through the adapter is a big advantage when troubleshooting. This way its easier to find out where the problem lies; if its your computer, your device connected to the adapter or the adapter itself.
Things to avoid:
- Avoid adapters with a low-cost processor chip such as Prolific. The drivers are poorly written, incompatible with newer operating systems and creates unreliable communication.
- Avoid adapters with a low output power (less than 5VDC). Low output power makes the communication unreliable or even impossible.
Further reading:
Here is an overview of all our USB to Serial RS232 adapters.
Further reading: Why most USB to Serial adapters does not work with Windows 7
Small form factor adapter: Mini USB to serial adapter
For further information regarding serial data communication, questions or suggestions please
contact us.
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