Adapter Converts RS-232 Port To USB 2.0 With No Layout Changes

A fully integrated, USB-powered, USB 2.0-to-RS-232 adapter—the CE-USB—is designed to add a USB interface to legacy serial products without requiring any hardware or software redesign. The device simplifies legacy updates by replacing an industry-standard right-angle PCB-mount DB9 connector with a nearly identical part that has the mechanical specifications of an AMP 745131-1. It uses the DB9’s same PCB pad pinout to allow immediate updates to older serial products without layout changes, while drawing no additional power from the embedded system, and just 35 mA from the USB port. The adapter comes with drivers for all major operating systems, including Windows, MacIntosh and Linux. The drivers allow the CE-USB to appear to an operating system as an additional COM port, and send 8-bit asynchronous serial data at selectable speeds between 300 and 921.6 kbits/s. PC application software accesses the device as it would a physical COM port. Existing COM port applications can thus be used to transfer data via a PC’s USB port, with zero software changes. CE-USB prices start at $25.99 SAELIG CO. INC., Pittsford, NY. (585) 385-1750.