RS-232 Converters, Adapters, Boosters, Repeaters,
Isolators,
Accessories and Tech Data
The venerable RS-232 serial port, despite
its limitations, can still be found on many computers and
peripheral/field devices. Are you trying to interface from
RS-232 to another standard such as RS-422/485, Ethernet,
fiber optics or a wireless link? Do you need to increase
the number of RS-232 ports from your PC? Are you looking
for cables, connectors and adaptors to connect two devices
with RS-232? B&B Electronics has the solutions. We have
all the interface cards, converters and accessories you
need. We also have the technical and application notes,
guides and FAQs that explain the standard, and pin outs
for cables and connectors that will help you solve your
interfacing problems.
B&B Electronics RS-232 Products
RS-232 Quick Facts
RS-232 is a point-to-point serial communications standard
that defines the electrical and mechanical details of the
interface between Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) and Data Communications
Equipment (DCE). Compared with newer standards RS-232 is limited
in terms of data rate, maximum distance and noise immunity.
The standard defines 25 electrical connections including data
lines, control (hardware handshake) lines, timing lines and
special secondary function lines. In typical applications
many of these lines are not used.
Cables: When connecting a DTE to a DCE all
connections are straight through. When connecting a DTE to
a DTE a special ‘null modem’ or crossover cable
is required.
Connectors: The original RS-232 connector
was a DB-25, which supported all RS-232 lines. Often, DB-9
connectors are used, which support the most common data and
hardware handshake lines.
Speed/Distance: The standard suggests RS-232
can operate at about 20 kbps over distances of 50 feet, a
conservative estimate depending on grounding and noise considerations.
Over short distances RS-232 is sometimes operated at rates
as high as 115.2 kbps. Several hundred feet is possible at
data rates of 9600 bps or lower.
Tech Tip: For longer distances, higher speeds
and more noise immunity, convert to RS-422 for point-to-point,
or RS-485 for multi-drop applications.
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