Waveshare Industrial Isolated USB to RS232/RS485/TTL Converter – FTDI FT232RNL

Connect USB-equipped computers to industrial RS232, RS485, and TTL serial devices with this Waveshare industrial-grade isolated converter.

Featuring an original FTDI FT232RNL chipset, integrated power and magnetic signal isolation, and a durable aluminum alloy enclosure, this converter is designed for industrial automation, equipment troubleshooting, laboratory testing, and serial communication applications.

The converter provides a DB9 male RS232 connection, a three-position RS485 screw terminal interface, and a four-position TTL UART terminal interface. Its USB-B computer connection and included USB cable make installation convenient.

Key Features

• Original FTDI FT232RNL Chipset: Provides USB serial communication and driver compatibility across supported operating systems.

• Three Serial Interface Types: USB to RS232, USB to RS485, or USB to TTL UART communication.

• Magnetic Signal Isolation: Integrated digital isolation helps reduce interference and problems associated with ground potential differences.

• Isolated Power Supply: Built-in power isolation eliminates the need for a separate supply on the isolated side.

• Industrial Protection Circuits: Includes TVS surge suppression, ESD protection, protection diodes, and a resettable fuse.

• Automatic RS485 Direction Control: Hardware automatically handles transmit and receive direction.

• Selectable TTL Voltage: Switch between 3.3V and 5V TTL logic levels.

• Status Indicators: PWR, TXD, and RXD LEDs provide visual communication status.

• Aluminum Alloy Enclosure: Durable housing with mounting flanges for industrial installation.

• Multiple Operating Systems: Supports Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android, subject to compatible drivers.

Technical Specifications

Connection Interfaces

RS232 – DB9 Male

• Pin 2: Receive Data (RXD)

• Pin 3: Transmit Data (TXD)

• Pin 5: Signal Ground (GND)

RS485 – Screw Terminal

• A+: RS485 positive differential signal

• B−: RS485 negative differential signal

• GND: Signal ground

TTL UART – Screw Terminal

• TXD: Transmit Data

• RXD: Receive Data

• GND: Ground

• VCC: Voltage connection

The TTL interface includes a 3.3V/5V level-selection switch. Confirm the correct logic voltage and wiring before connecting equipment.

Typical Applications

• Industrial PLC and controller communication

• RS485 equipment configuration and troubleshooting

• RS232 serial equipment servicing

• TTL UART development and testing

• Industrial instrumentation

• Building automation

• Manufacturing equipment diagnostics

• Serial communication laboratory testing

• Maintenance and field-service applications

Driver and Documentation

Drivers & Documentation

FTDI USB Serial Drivers

This converter uses the original FTDI FT232RNL chipset. FTDI Virtual COM Port (VCP) drivers are available for supported operating systems.

Download Official FTDI Drivers

Waveshare Manufacturer Documentation

For product setup, interface connections, operating instructions, and technical resources, visit:

Waveshare Technical Documentation

Installation Note: Windows may automatically recognize the converter and install the appropriate driver. If the device does not appear as a COM port, install the compatible FTDI VCP driver and reconnect the converter.

Always verify the correct serial communication settings and wiring before connecting industrial equipment.

Important Compatibility Notes

This model supports USB communication with RS232, RS485, or TTL equipment. It is not intended to function as a standalone RS232-to-RS485 protocol converter without a USB host.

The RS485 interface is a two-wire differential interface. This model does not provide a separate RS422 connection.

Verify communication settings, signal voltage, terminal wiring, and equipment compatibility before connecting industrial devices.

Isolation and protection capabilities are based on manufacturer specifications and do not eliminate the need for appropriate electrical installation practices.