USB 2.0 to RS422/RS485 adapter Unitek Y-108301-1.5M with FTDI chipset, 1.5 m cable

Unitek Y-108301-1.5M is a USB 2.0 to RS422/RS485 adapter with an FTDI chipset and a fixed 1.5 m cable that converts USB signals to differential serial interfaces. It enables connection of industrial equipment, PLCs, modems and legacy devices to modern PCs and laptops, providing reliable two-wire or four-wire serial communication over RS422 or RS485 links. The adapter supports common FTDI drivers for plug-and-play installation on most operating systems and is designed for stable data transfer in application environments where standard USB-to-serial ports are required.

Advantages

The integrated FTDI chipset ensures broad driver support and stable UART-to-USB translation, reducing compatibility issues with industrial software and SCADA systems. The 1.5 m fixed cable provides convenient reach without additional extensions while maintaining signal integrity. Support for both RS422 and RS485 differential signaling allows flexible connection to a variety of serial devices and network topologies. The compact design and USB 2.0 interface deliver a simple, low-latency solution for serial communication tasks.

Suitable for

• Connecting PLCs and industrial controllers to PCs or laptops
• Linking RS422/RS485 modems and telemetry equipment
• Interfacing legacy serial devices with USB-only computers
• SCADA, data acquisition and industrial automation diagnostics
• Field service testing and configuration of serial devices

Key specifications

• Interface conversion: USB 2.0 to RS422/RS485 differential serial
• Chipset: FTDI-based USB-to-UART controller for broad driver compatibility
• Cable length: 1.5 m integrated USB cable
• Supported modes: RS422 (4-wire) and RS485 (2-wire/4-wire) operation
• Data rate: supports common serial baud rates used in industrial applications (dependent on host and device)
• Connector: USB Type-A plug on cable; multi-pin terminal or DB-style serial connector for RS422/RS485 depending on adapter wiring
• Power: USB bus-powered, no external power supply required

How to use

Connect the adapter's USB Type-A plug to an available USB port on the PC or laptop. Install or verify the FTDI-compatible driver on the host operating system if automatic driver installation does not occur. Terminate and wire the RS422 or RS485 lines according to the target device's pinout and recommended differential wiring practices, including any required termination resistors or biasing resistors for multi-drop RS485 networks. Configure the host serial port settings (baud rate, parity, data bits, stop bits, and flow control) to match the connected device before initiating communication.

Recommendations

For reliable communication use shielded cabling and keep cable runs within practical length limits for RS422/RS485. When deploying RS485 in multi-drop networks, set proper termination and biasing at the network ends and verify device addressing and baud rate settings. Update FTDI drivers from official sources when needed and test the adapter with terminal software or diagnostic tools before integrating into production systems.