3 Types of Serial to Ethernet Converters

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Date: 2012-09-28

3 Types of Serial to Ethernet Converters

Serial to EthernetSerial to Ethernet converters can help bring a serial device like a generator or card reader to communicate back with a central system through the Internet. Some serial to Ethernet devices can convert Modbus RTU to Modbus TCP or can run a small program that helps with timing or with passing information back to a central system. Serial to Ethernet converters come with different RS-232, RS-422 or RS-485 port combinations.

Serial to Ethernet Device Servers allow Ethernet and Internet connectivity to any serial device. Serial to Ethernet Device Servers have an IP address so you can communicate with them over the Ethernet network. They have a web server inside for configuration and status. Virtual serial COM ports are set up with the VxComm driver and utility software. The built in COM port of the serial to Ethernet can be virtualized to a standard PC COM port in Windows operating system environments.

  1. Two device servers like the ICP DAS tDS-700 Series can be used to create a pair connection, serial bridge or serial tunnel through Ethernet TCP/IP networks. They have a 10/100 Base-TX Ethernet port and can be powered over Ethernet or through a DC jack. Pair connections are useful for connecting to mainframe computers, servers or other serial devices that don’t have Ethernet capability. They can allow serial devices like generators to communicate back with a central system so users can see the status of the generators from a remote location.

  2. Modbus RTU to Modbus TCP Serial to Ethernet converters can convert RS-485 based Modbus RTU protocol into Ethernet based Modbus TCP protocol. They have a 10/100 Base-TX Ethernet port and can be powered over Ethernet or through a DC jack. They eliminate the cable length limitation of serial communication based devices. Two device servers like ICP DAS tGW-700 Series support pair connection, serial bridge and serial tunnel applications.

  3. Programmable Device Servers allow linking of serial RS-232/422/485 devices to Ethernet networks and also allow logic control. They have a 10/100 Base-TX Ethernet port and an IP address for communication over Ethernet networks. C Language based programmable PDS-700 series for example allow you to pass data from serial devices back to a central location. Timing operations are possible since they have a real time clock on board. Many are also available with digital inputs and digital outputs on board so they can be used for data acquisition or control.

Serial to Ethernet device servers add flexibility and connectivity to new or existing applications.  They can allow for more detailed monitoring systems.  They allow you to interface with devices remotely so you don’t have to drive or fly out to a remote location.

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ICP DAS USA is a provider of Industrial Data Communication, Automation Control and Test and Measurement products. We specialize in PLC hardware, Ethernet controllers, distributed I/O modules, Industrial Ethernet Switches and protocol converters. We provide programming services, training classes and free technical support.

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ICP DAS USA,Inc.