CONVERTER USB -> RS232/RS485 FT232RNL

The USB–RS232/RS485 converter is a versatile interface device designed to translate USB signals into RS232 or RS485 standards, enabling seamless integration between heterogeneous communication systems.

The USB host port (Type A male) provides both power and data communication at 5 V. The typical maximum cable length for reliable USB data transmission is approximately 5 m (depending on cable quality and environmental conditions). The USB line is protected by an onboard 200 mA fuse.

The RS232 port is implemented via a screw terminal connector, allowing secure wiring and robust connections. It supports point‑to‑point communication with a typical transmission distance of up to approximately 15 m. The supported data rate ranges from 300 bps up to 921 600 bps.

The RS485 port is also provided on a screw terminal and features automatic hardware‑based direction control (transmit/receive). The RS485 interface includes integrated surge and ESD protection with a TVS diode and protection circuitry, as well as an onboard 120 Ω balancing/termination resistor.

The RS485 interface is intended for point‑to‑multipoint topologies, supporting up to 32 nodes on a single bus (for 16 nodes or more, the use of signal repeaters is recommended). The maximum recommended transmission distance is up to approximately 1.2 km at low data rates (actual distance depends on cable type, environment, and topology). The supported data rate is from 300 bps up to 921 600 bps.

Three LED indicators (PWR, TXD, RXD) provide clear visual feedback during operation:

PWR (red) – power indicator, lights when USB is connected and valid supply voltage is detected;

TXD (green) – transmit indicator, lights when data is being transmitted from the USB port;

RXD (blue) – receive indicator, lights when data is being received on the device port (RS232/RS485).

The converter supports a wide range of operating systems, including Mac, Linux, Android, Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, making it suitable for numerous industrial, laboratory, and commercial applications.

Key Specifications

Host Port: USB Device Port: RS232 / RS485

USB:

Supply voltage: 5 V DC

Connector: USB Type A male

Protection: 200 mA fuse

Typical transmission distance: ~5 m

RS232:

Connector: screw terminal

Typical transmission distance: ~15 m

Transmission mode: point‑to‑point

Data rate: 300 bps … 921 600 bps

RS485:

Connector: screw terminal

Direction control: automatic hardware control

Protection: TVS diode, surge protection, ESD protection, onboard 120 Ω balancing/termination resistor

Typical transmission distance: up to ~1.2 km (low‑speed operation)

Transmission mode: point‑to‑multipoint (up to 32 nodes; signal repeaters recommended for ≥16 nodes)

Data rate: 300 bps … 921 600 bps

LED Indicators:

PWR: red power LED, lit when USB is connected and supply voltage is present

TXD: green transmit LED, lit when the USB host is sending data

RXD: blue receive LED, lit when the RS232/RS485 device port is receiving data

Environmental Conditions:

Operating temperature: –15 °C … +70 °C

Operating humidity: 5 % RH … 95 % RH

Supported Systems: Mac, Linux, Android, Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7

Kit Contents:

USB–RS232/RS485 converter

USB Type A male to USB female cable

Screwdriver for terminal block