Factors You Should Consider before Buying Serial Adapters
Your computer does not necessarily need to have all ports before connecting to a serial device; a serial adapter makes this a possibility. It attaches to your computer via the USB port, and the other side has a serial port depending on the type of device you are connecting with. Finding the best adapter can prove tough, hence, the need for stating out the factors to consider before buying a serial adapter in this guide.
Factors to consider before buying serial adapters
Processor chip: This is the most important feature of a serial adapter. It functions as the mini central processing unit, i.e., the part that handles the internal functions in the adapter.
FTDI or Silbas is highly recommended because they are compatible with a wide range of operating systems and very stable.
Power Output: The power output at the adapter's connector determines the strength of the communication signal and the amount of power that gets into your computer.
The best data transfer serial adapter should have at least 5VDC output power at the connector of the adapter.
Adapters with low output power make stable communication nearly impossible between the two devices.
Compatibility: This depends on the operating system of your computer. Not all adapters work with windows, and sometimes it depends on the version of the window used on the computer.
Consider the version of your operating system to decide the best serial adapter. However, FTDI processors work with virtually all operating systems.
Serial driver chip: This chip essentially responsible for transferring data and providing a power signal for the device connected to your computer via the USB to serial adapter.
It is important to note the compatibility of the serial driver chip and the processor chip to ensure smooth communication.
Electrostatic Discharge Protector: This is necessary because it protects the adapter against the build-up of electrostatic discharges when connected to a device.
The best serial port serial adapter is recommended to have at least 600 Watt as the built-in static protector.
Benefits of serial adapter
- The serial adapter is beneficial in connecting devices. There are thousands of devices with serial ports, while most computers are now designed with USB ports. This necessitates the use of an interface to connect computers and devices.
- The serial adapter then ensures fast transmission of data and power between the two devices.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Do USB to serial adapter need drivers?
Generally, USB to serial adapters requires the installation of a driver before it works. The cable usually has unsigned device drivers that need to be manually installed.
What is a serial port adapter?
It is a communication interface between two devices. A USB to serial adapter helps add a serial port to a computer that doesn't have originally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does a serial adapter do?
A serial adapter allows for the connection between a computer bus and a serial device. It enables communication and data transfer between the two. Some serial adapters may have multiple connectors, allowing for connections to multiple serial ports.
2. What is a serial adapter card?
A serial adapter card, such as a dual port PCIe serial card, provides the ability to interact with serial devices like card readers, printers, PIN pads, and modems. It allows for high-speed communication with these devices, reaching speeds of up to 921.6Kbps.
3. What does a USB to serial adapter do?
A USB to serial adapter, also known as a USB adapter, is a converter that allows for the conversion of USB data signals to and from serial communications standards. It enables devices with USB ports to communicate with devices using serial ports, such as RS-232, RS-485, RS-422, or TTL-level UART serial data.
4. Do USB to serial adapters need drivers?
Yes, USB to serial adapters usually require the installation of drivers. These drivers are often provided on a CD accompanying the adapter or can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website. Some lower-cost adapters may use generic drivers that may not be fully compatible with newer versions of Windows.
5. Are all USB to serial adapters the same?
Not all USB to serial adapters are the same. There are different protocols, such as RS232, RS422, and RS485, and the choice of adapter depends on the specific application and communication requirements. It's important to consider the compatibility and functionality of the adapter for your particular needs.
6. Can you use USB as a serial port?
In theory, any port that uses serial communication can be considered a serial port, including USB (Universal Serial Bus). However, when people refer to "the serial port," they usually mean a port that complies with the RS-232 standard.
7. What are the 5 types of adapter cards?
There are several types of adapter cards, including video cards (PCI, PCIe, and AGP), multimedia cards (sound cards, TV tuner cards, and capture cards), I/O cards (SCSI, serial, USB, and parallel), and communications cards (NICs and modems).
8. Can I use a USB port as a serial port?
Yes, if your system has a free USB port, you can use it to convert between USB and serial signals. A USB to serial adapter is a small device that has a USB connector on one end and one or more serial connectors on the other end, allowing you to connect serial devices to your USB port.
Editor's Notes
During our serial adapter research, we found 24 serial adapter products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 70,884 customer reviews through our big data system to write the serial adapters list. We found that most customers choose serial adapters with an average price of $12.60.
The serial adapters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of serial adapters, including Gearmo, Arnorin, BENFEI, OIKWAN, HiLetgo. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 96 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.
Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.