USB Director RS-232

Black Box Corporation • 1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • Tech Support: 724-746-5500 • www.blackbox.com • e-mail: info@blackbox.com

Add one, two, four, or eight RS-232 serial ports to your PC, laptop, thin client, or server.

Key Features

Add serial, USB, and parallel ports to a PC, server, laptop, or thin client without opening the computer‘s chassis!

High-speed alternative to serial cards.

All models have operating-system support for Windows 98, SE, Me, XP, and Windows 2000.

Single-port model also supports Windows CE.

Lower cost per port than serial boards.

Configurable COM port assignment.

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The Single-Port USB Director RS-232 gives you reliability,

superb performance, and operating-system support. Simply plug the Single-Port USB Director RS-232 into the USB port of a desktop PC, laptop, or thin client and gain one high-speed RS-232 DB9 serial port. Attaching personal digital assistants (PDAs), printers, bar-code scanners, and other peripheral devices has never been easier! The director is perfect for point-of-sale and mobile computing applications in which space is limited and flexible I/O expansion is required.

The 2-, 4-, and 8-port USB Director RS-232s are intelligent, stackable expansion modules designed for the enterprise user who requires reliability in mission- critical applications. They connect to a PC, thin client, laptop, or server via the Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, providing instant COM-port expansion for

peripheral-device connectivity. Unmatched operating-system support and reliable performance make the USB Director RS-232 ideal for applications such as point-of-sale, kiosk connectivity, and mobile computing. The 2-, 4-, and 8-port USB Directors RS-232 are compatible with Windows® 98, SE, Me, XP, and Windows 2000. The single-port model is also compatible with Windows CE.

The USB Director RS-232s feature a Type B USB connector that’s used to attach a cable to the USB port of a PC, USB hub, or USB switch. In addition, the units are equipped with one, two, four, or eight DB9 male RS-232 ports (depending on the model). Port pinning is like that of a PC‘s serial ports.

Installing the hardware is straightforward. To make connections, simply plug one end of the included USB cable into

your PC’s USB port (or into a USB hub or switch, if necessary), and plug the cable’s other end into the USB Director RS-232. Then plug your RS-232 device(s), or their attached cables, into the USB Director RS-232’s serial connector(s).

Driver installation is just as easy. CD-ROM-based wizards take you step-by-step through the process of setting them up in your Windows system. In fact, once you install the drivers, Windows will detect your USB Director RS-232‘s new COM ports and will begin to initialize them.

After you install the hardware and software, the USB Director RS-232 operates without requiring further intervention on your part. On the 2-, 4-, and 8-port models, a tri-color indicator signals USB communications between the device and host as well as serial port activity on the device.

RS-232 specifications

Black Box RS-232 is a versatile device designed for serial communication using the well-established RS-232 standard. The RS-232 standard has been a cornerstone for serial communication since its introduction in the 1960s and is widely used in various applications today.

One of the main features of Black Box RS-232 devices is their ability to communicate over relatively long distances, up to 50 feet or more, while maintaining clear and reliable signal quality. This capability makes it ideal for connecting devices like computers, modems, and other serial peripherals in environments where distance could pose a problem.

Another key characteristic of Black Box RS-232 products is their support for both hardware and software flow control. This flexibility allows users to choose the best method for managing data transmission, preventing data loss and ensuring efficient communication. Additionally, many Black Box RS-232 devices are configured to support multiple baud rates, which allows them to communicate at varying speeds, accommodating different devices and requirements.

Black Box RS-232 devices often come equipped with multiple ports, which can support simultaneous connections to various devices. This multitasking ability is particularly beneficial in industrial and commercial settings where numerous devices need to communicate with a central control system.

The technology behind Black Box RS-232 incorporates robust signal processing capabilities to reduce noise and ensure data integrity. This is particularly important in settings where electromagnetic interference (EMI) could compromise communication reliability. Furthermore, some Black Box RS-232 products feature built-in diagnostics tools that help users troubleshoot potential issues quickly, enhancing overall productivity.

In terms of physical characteristics, Black Box RS-232 devices are typically compact and durable, making them suitable for both desktop and rack-mounted installations. Their design often includes user-friendly interfaces that simplify setup and configuration, making them accessible even to those with limited technical expertise.

In summary, Black Box RS-232 offers a reliable, flexible, and robust solution for serial communication needs. Its key features, including long-distance communication capabilities, support for diverse flow control methods, multiple port configurations, and noise-reduction technologies, make it an invaluable asset in a range of applications from industrial automation to data acquisition in scientific settings. This combination of reliability and versatility solidifies Black Box RS-232 as a preferred choice for businesses and industries relying on effective serial communication.