Professional USB to RS422/RS485 Converter
Reliable serial communication solution with FTDI chipset • 1200m range • ±15kV ESD protection
⚡ Key Features
- 🏭 Wide Temperature Range: Operates reliably from -40°C to +85°C with ±15kV ESD and surge protection for demanding environments.
- 🚀 Long-Distance, High-Speed Communication: Supports data rates up to 921.6 Kbps over distances up to 1200 meters (RS-485), enabling real-time control in distributed systems.
- 🔄 Smart Direction Control: Automatic transmit/receive switching eliminates manual toggling—perfect for half-duplex RS-485 networks.
- 🔌 Dual Protocol Support: Switch between RS-422 (full-duplex, 4-wire) and RS-485 (half-duplex, 2-wire) modes for maximum flexibility.
- 💻 Broad OS Compatibility: Plug-and-play with Windows XP/7/8/10/11, Server 2003–2019, macOS, Linux, and Android—no driver hassle on most platforms.
- 🌐 Multi-Device Networking: Connect up to 10 devices (RS-422) or 32 devices (RS-485) on a single bus for scalable deployments.
- 💡 Visual Status Indicators: Built-in PWR, TXD, and RXD LEDs for instant troubleshooting and system monitoring.
📋 Technical Specifications
🎯 Typical Applications
🏭 Industrial Automation
PLC communication, CNC machine interfacing, SCADA systems
🛒 Retail & Hospitality
POS terminals, barcode scanners, receipt printers
⚡ Energy & Utilities
Smart meter reading, substation monitoring, power distribution control
🔒 Security & Surveillance
Access control panels, DVR/NVR integration
🔧 Embedded Systems
Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone, custom controller serial expansion
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to install drivers for this USB to RS422/485 converter?
For most modern operating systems (Windows 10/11, macOS, Linux), the FTDI chipset drivers are built-in and the device will work plug-and-play. For older systems like Windows XP/7/8 or specialized applications, you may need to install the FTDI driver package available in our download section above.
What's the difference between RS-422 and RS-485 modes?
RS-422 uses 4-wire full-duplex communication, allowing simultaneous send and receive. It supports up to 10 devices in a point-to-multipoint configuration.
RS-485 uses 2-wire half-duplex communication (one direction at a time) and supports up to 32 devices on a single bus, making it ideal for multi-drop networks. This adapter automatically switches between transmit and receive modes in RS-485.
What is the maximum cable length I can use with this converter?
The converter itself has a 1.8m USB cable. For the RS-422/485 side, you can extend up to 1200 meters using twisted-pair or shielded cable. Note that maximum distance may vary based on baud rate, cable quality, and environmental interference. For optimal performance at maximum distance, use lower baud rates (300-9600 bps).
How do I know if the converter is working properly?
The converter features three LED indicators:
PWR (Power): Lights up when USB is connected and powered
TXD (Transmit): Flashes when data is being sent
RXD (Receive): Flashes when data is being received
If the PWR LED is on but TXD/RXD don't flash during communication, check your wiring, baud rate settings, and driver installation.
Can I use this with Raspberry Pi or Arduino projects?
Yes! This converter works excellently with embedded systems like Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone, Arduino (via USB host shield), and other single-board computers. The FTDI chipset has excellent Linux support. Simply connect via USB and access the serial port through /dev/ttyUSB0 (or similar) in your code.
What type of cable should I use for RS-485 connections?
For reliable RS-485 communication, use twisted-pair cable (preferably shielded) with 120Ω characteristic impedance. CAT5/CAT6 Ethernet cable works well for shorter distances. For demanding environments or longer runs, use dedicated RS-485 cable with proper shielding and grounding to minimize electromagnetic interference.
Is this converter suitable for outdoor or harsh environments?
This converter features an extended operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C and includes ±15kV ESD protection plus surge protection. However, the converter itself should be housed in an appropriate enclosure if exposed to moisture, dust, or extreme conditions. The DB9 connector and cable are not waterproof.
What baud rates are supported?
This converter supports a wide range of baud rates from 300 bps to 921,600 bps. Common rates include 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, and 115200 bps. The FTDI chipset provides excellent accuracy across all supported rates. Choose your baud rate based on your application requirements and cable length.
📥 Driver Download
Get the latest FTDI driver package for seamless installation
Download FTDI Driver Package