waveshare USB to RS232/485 Serial Converter Adapter User Manual

1. Introducció

This manual provides instructions for the waveshare USB to RS232/485 Serial Converter Adapter. This non-isolated converter facilitates communication between a USB host and RS232 or RS485 devices. It integrates an original FT232RNL chip for enhanced stability and compatibility, along with built-in protection features such as a self-recovering fuse and TVS protection circuit. The device is designed for reliable and safe data transmission.

2. Característiques clau

• Original FT232RNL Chip: Ensures stable and compatible serial communication.
• Protecció integrada: Features a built-in self-recovering fuse and TVS (Transient Voltage Suppressor) protection circuit for surge and anti-electrostatic capabilities.
• RS232/RS485 Communication Switching: Easily switch between RS232 and RS485 modes via an onboard switch.
• 120Ω Terminal Resistor: Onboard 120Ω balancing resistor for the RS485 interface, configurable via a switch.
• Indicadors LED: Three LEDs (PWR, TXD, RXD) provide visual status for power and data transmission/reception.
• Compatibilitat amb diversos sistemes operatius: Supports Mac, Linux, Android, and Windows (11/10/8.1/8/7) operating systems.
• Disseny compacte: Housed in an ABS protection case, offering portability and ease of use.

Figura 2.1: Acabatview of the converter's key features, including the FT232RNL chip, TVS protection, and multi-OS compatibility.

3. Contingut del paquet

Verifiqueu que tots els elements que s'enumeren a continuació s'inclouen al vostre paquet:

• USB TO RS232/485 Converter x1
• USB-A male to female cable x1
• Tornavís x1

Figura 3.1: Contingut de l'envàs del producte.

4. Producte acabatview i Interfície

The waveshare USB to RS232/485 Serial Converter Adapter features clearly labeled components for easy identification and use.

Figura 4.1: Labeled diagram of the USB to RS232/485 converter.

1. 120Ω Resistor Switch: Used to enable or disable the RS485 terminal 120Ω resistor.
2. RS232/485 Switch: Toggles between RS232 and RS485 communication modes.
3. RX_B: RS232 receive data / RS485 differential signal negative B-.
4. TX_A: RS232 transmit data / RS485 differential signal positive A+.
5. GND: RS232/RS485 signal ground.

The device also includes LED indicators:

• PWR (Vermell): Lights up when USB connection is established and voltages detecta e.
• TXD (Green): Lights up when the USB port sends data.
• RXD (Blue): Lights up when the device port receives data.

5. Especificacions

Figura 5.1: Comprehensive technical specifications of the converter.

6. Instal·lació del controlador

The waveshare USB to RS232/485 Serial Converter Adapter utilizes the FT232RNL chip, which often has drivers automatically installed by modern operating systems.

• Windows: For Windows 10/11, drivers are typically installed automatically upon connecting the device to a USB port. For older Windows versions (7/8/8.1), or if automatic installation fails, drivers may need to be downloaded from the FTDI website or the waveshare product page.
• Mac/Linux/Android: These operating systems generally include built-in support for FTDI devices, and the converter should function without manual driver installation.

Refer to the official waveshare product page or FTDI website for the latest driver downloads and installation guides if manual intervention is required.

7. Configuració i connexió

Follow these steps to connect and configure your waveshare USB to RS232/485 Serial Converter Adapter.

7.1 Connexió general

1. Connect the USB-A male end of the converter directly to an available USB port on your computer. Alternatively, use the provided USB-A male to female cable for extended reach.
2. Observa el PWR LED indicator on the converter. It should light up red, indicating power is supplied.

7.2 Connexió RS485

To establish an RS485 communication link:

1. Ensure the RS232/485 switch on the converter is set to the RS485 posició.
2. Connect the RS485 device to the screw terminals of the converter:
   • Connect the RS485 A+ line of your device to the TX_A terminal on the converter.
   • Connect the RS485 B- line of your device to the RX_B terminal on the converter.
   • Connect the ground (GND) of your device to the GND terminal on the converter.
3. If your RS485 network requires a terminal resistor, set the 120Ω resistor switch a la posició ON.

Figura 7.1: RS485 connection diagram.

7.3 Connexió RS232

To establish an RS232 communication link:

1. Ensure the RS232/485 switch on the converter is set to the RS232 posició.
2. Connect the RS232 device to the screw terminals of the converter. Note that RS232 connections typically involve a crossover:
   • Connect the RS232 TX (Transmit) line of your device to the RX_B terminal on the converter.
   • Connect the RS232 RX (Receive) line of your device to the TX_A terminal on the converter.
   • Connect the ground (GND) of your device to the GND terminal on the converter.

Figura 7.2: RS232 connection diagram.

8. Funcionament

Once connected, the converter operates by automatically managing data flow between the USB host and the selected serial interface (RS232 or RS485).

• Transmissió de dades: When data is sent from the USB host, the TXD (Green) LED will flash.
• Recepció de dades: When data is received by the converter from the serial device, the RXD (Blue) LED will flash.
• Selecció del mode: Ensure the RS232/485 switch is correctly set for your application.
• RS485 Termination: For RS485 networks, correctly configure the 120Ω terminal resistor based on your network topology.

The converter provides zero-delay automatic transmission and reception conversion, simplifying serial communication.

9. Solució De Problemes

• Sense alimentació (LED PWR apagat):
  • Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the converter and the computer.
  • Proveu un port USB diferent a l'ordinador.
  • Verify the USB port is functional.
• No Data Transmission/Reception (TXD/RXD LEDs not flashing):
  • Check the RS232/485 switch position; it must match the connected device type.
  • Verify the wiring connections to the RS232/RS485 device are correct (TX to RX, RX to TX for RS232; A+ to A+, B- to B- for RS485).
  • Confirm the baud rate and other serial port settings (data bits, parity, stop bits) on your computer match those of the connected serial device.
  • For RS485, check the 120Ω terminal resistor setting.
  • Ensure the correct COM port is selected in your software application.
  • Reinstall or update the FTDI drivers if communication issues persist.
• Device Not Recognized by OS:
  • Try connecting the converter to a different USB port or computer.
  • Manually install the FTDI drivers from the manufacturer's weblloc.
  • Consulteu el Gestor de dispositius (Windows) o lsusb (Linux) to see if the device is detected.

10. Manteniment

The waveshare USB to RS232/485 Serial Converter Adapter is designed for low maintenance.

• Neteja: Feu servir un drap suau i sec per netejar l'exterior del dispositiu. Eviteu utilitzar netejadors líquids o dissolvents.
• Emmagatzematge: Store the converter in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures when not in use.
• Manipulació: Eviteu deixar caure el dispositiu o sotmetre-lo a forts impactes.

11. Garantia i Suport

For information regarding product warranty, technical support, or further assistance, please refer to the official waveshare website or contact their customer service directly. Specific warranty terms and support procedures may vary.