USB Adapter
USB to Serial Adapters
USB to serial adapters connect modern USB hosts to RS-232 and other serial equipment through an active bridge, with compatibility depending on interface and drivers.
Related: USB to Parallel · USB to PS/2 · USB-A to USB-C
Characteristics
Review USB-to-serial bridge types, connector and electrical differences, driver requirements, common industrial uses, and the checks needed for reliable compatibility.
| Typical USB input | USB-A or USB-C |
|---|---|
| Typical serial output | RS-232; other serial electrical interfaces require the appropriate adapter |
| Adapter type | Active USB-to-serial bridge |
| Driver requirements | Depend on the bridge controller and operating system |
| Connector compatibility | The physical serial connector does not by itself identify the electrical interface or pinout |
| Common uses | Device consoles, industrial controls, instrumentation, embedded development, and legacy peripherals |
USB to serial articles
Explore guides about USB-to-serial adapters, legacy equipment, drivers, chipset compatibility, port settings, and practical connection troubleshooting.
