USB to RS-232 Serial Converter Board Exsys EX-13101 with FTDI chipset, USB-to-Serial adapter board

The Exsys EX-13101 USB to RS-232 Serial Converter Board is a compact adapter board featuring an FTDI chipset to provide USB-to-serial communication on a board-level module. The board exposes a USB interface on one side and RS-232 signal lines on the other, enabling connection of legacy serial equipment, industrial controllers, modems or POS terminals to a host computer via USB. The design suits integration into equipment, development prototypes and test fixtures where a small, reliable USB-to-RS-232 interface is required.

Advantages

The FTDI chipset ensures stable driver support, consistent baud rate handling and wide compatibility across operating systems without the need for complex configuration. The board format offers space-saving integration and easy access to RS-232 signal lines for soldering or header connections. Low-power USB operation and robust signal level translation allow direct interfacing with standard RS-232 devices while minimizing additional circuitry.

Suitable for

• Connecting legacy RS-232 devices (modems, serial printers, barcode scanners) to modern USB-only hosts
• Integration into industrial controllers and automation systems for data exchange and control
• Prototype development, test fixtures and debugging where serial access is required
• Firmware updates and configuration of embedded devices that use RS-232 ports

Key specifications

• Interface: USB on host side, RS-232 signal lines on device side
• Chipset: FTDI-family USB-to-serial controller
• Signal levels: Standard RS-232 voltage signaling for TX/RX and handshake lines
• Power: Bus-powered from USB, low-power operation
• Form factor: Board-type module suitable for integration or mounting in enclosures
• Supported baud rates: Wide range including standard serial rates (configurable via drivers)

How to use

Mount the converter board into the target device or fixture and connect the USB port to a host computer using a compatible cable. Wire the RS-232 signal lines to the serial connector or directly to the target device’s serial interface following the RS-232 pinout. Install appropriate FTDI drivers on the host system if they are not already present; many modern operating systems include native FTDI support. Configure the COM port parameters (baud rate, data bits, parity, stop bits, flow control) in the host application or terminal software to match the connected device.

Recommendations

Use shielded USB and serial cabling in electrically noisy environments to reduce interference. Verify grounding and signal reference when integrating into industrial equipment. For reliable communication, match UART settings on both ends and, when available, use hardware or software flow control to prevent data loss at high transfer rates.