TRENDnet RS232 to RS422 RS485 - Review

Product Review: TRENDnet TI-S100 RS232 to RS422/RS485 Converter Adapter – A Solid Data Converter for Industrial Applications

If you work in an industrial setting, you'd know how frustrating it can be when data transfer between devices with different serial communication standards becomes an issue. While many modern devices have adopted Ethernet and other modern communication protocols, RS232 is still a prevalent standard in many industries, especially in the field of automation, process control, and instrumentation. If you have a device with an RS232 port that needs to communicate with another device with RS422/RS485 ports, you may need a data converter. The TRENDnet TI-S100 RS232 to RS422/RS485 Converter Adapter is an option for converting RS232 signals to RS422/RS485 signals.

Design and Build Quality

The TRENDnet TI-S100 is a compact, black-colored converter adapter that comes with a DB9 female RS232 port on one end and a 5-pin terminal block on the other end. The adapter casing is made of high-quality plastic, and it feels sturdy enough to withstand regular usage.

At the terminal block end, you can see that there are two redundant power inputs, which provide a higher level of reliability in critical applications. You can use the screw terminals to connect multiple wires ranging between 26-14 AWG for both solid and stranded wires. The manufacturer recommends stripping the wires to a length of 6-7 mm before connecting them to the terminal block. The instruction manual is concise and easy to understand.

Performance

The TRENDnet TI-S100 converter adapter is designed to convert an RS232 signal to an RS422/RS485 signal. This adapter can work with both single-ended and differential signals and supports a maximum data rate of 921.6 Kbps. The device operates in half-duplex mode, which means it can transmit and receive signals, but not simultaneously.

The TRENDnet TI-S100 RS232 to RS422/RS485 Converter Adapter is compatible with a wide range of industrial equipment, including TI-M12 and TI-M42 industrial modbus gateways. You can use this adapter to connect serial devices such as printers, scanners, and scales, among others.

The TRENDnet TI-S100 converter adapter supports both hardware and software flow control protocols. You can use the DIP switches on the adapter to configure the device settings according to your requirement. The LEDs on the adapter indicate the power and transmit/receive status, making it easy to monitor the device's performance and diagnose any issues.

Compatibility

The TRENDnet TI-S100 RS232 to RS422/RS485 Converter Adapter is compatible with various operating systems such as Windows, Linux, and Mac OS. The device follows industry-standard communication protocols, making it easy to integrate with a wide range of industrial devices.

Pros:

- Compact and sturdy design

- Easy to use

- Support various industrial communication protocols

- Dual redundant power inputs for increased reliability

- Supports hardware and software flow control

- LED indicators for easy monitoring of device performance

Cons:

- The adapter operates only in half-duplex mode

- No USB connectivity option

- Limited maximum data rate (921.6 Kbps)

Conclusion

The TRENDnet TI-S100 RS232 to RS422/RS485 Converter Adapter is an excellent option for anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use data converter adapter for industrial applications. The adapter's design is compact and sturdy, and it can handle a range of wire types and sizes. The adapter supports both hardware and software flow control, making it compatible with a wide range of industrial equipment. However, it only operates in half-duplex mode, which can be a downside for some applications. The TRENDnet TI-S100 is reasonably priced, and its compatibility with various operating systems and industrial communication protocols makes it an attractive option for anyone looking to convert RS232 signals to RS422/RS485 signals.

If you're looking for a data converter adapter that comes with a higher maximum data rate or USB connectivity options, you might want to look at other options. Otherwise, the TRENDnet TI-S100 RS232 to RS422/RS485 Converter Adapter is an excellent data converter adapter that can meet most of your industrial communication needs.

TRENDnet RS232 to RS422 RS485

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