StarTech.com 4-Port USB 2.0 to RS232/422/485 Serial Hub 15kV ESD ICUSB234854I
The StarTech.com 4-Port USB 2.0 to RS232/422/485 Serial Hub ICUSB234854I provides robust connectivity for up to four serial devices, ensuring reliable data transfer with 15kV ESD protection in demanding professional environments.
- Multi-Protocol Support: Connects a wide range of legacy and modern industrial equipment, extending the lifespan of critical operational technology.
- 15kV ESD Protection: Safeguards connected serial devices from electrostatic discharge, preventing costly damage and ensuring continuous operation.
- Durable Steel Housing: Engineered for demanding environments, providing physical resilience against impacts and vibrations in industrial settings.
- 4-Port Expansion: Adds four independent serial ports via a single USB connection, simplifying device management and expanding connectivity options for IT infrastructure.
Product Overview
Product Overview
The StarTech.com 4-Port USB 2.0 to RS232/422/485 Serial Hub, MPN ICUSB234854I, is an industrial-grade solution designed to bridge modern USB 2.0 host systems with up to four legacy serial devices, supporting RS232, RS422, and RS485 protocols. This hub features a robust steel housing and includes a DIN rail kit for secure installation.
Engineered with 15kV ESD protection and surge protection, this hub ensures the longevity and stable operation of connected equipment, mitigating risks from electrical interference. It offers broad operating system compatibility, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a versatile addition to any IT or OT infrastructure.
- Core Functionality: Converts a single USB 2.0 port into four versatile serial ports, enabling connection to a broad array of industrial and commercial equipment.
- Enhanced Device Protection: Features 15kV ESD and surge protection, safeguarding sensitive serial devices from electrical damage and ensuring uninterrupted data flow.
- Broad OS Compatibility: Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, providing flexible deployment options across diverse IT environments.
- Industrial-Grade Design: Constructed with a durable steel housing and includes a DIN rail kit, ensuring reliable performance and secure mounting in harsh operational settings.
- Operational Value: Extends the utility of existing serial equipment by integrating it with modern USB systems, reducing replacement costs and maximizing asset lifecycle.
This serial hub is an essential component for organizations seeking to maintain reliable connectivity with critical serial devices while protecting their IT investments.
Technical Specifications
1Performance & Business Impact
2Connectivity & I/O
3Physical & Environmental
4Lifecycle, Warranty & Compliance
Full Specifications
Ports & interfaces6
Power3
Performance4
Features5
Weight & dimensions4
Packaging content3
System requirements1
Packaging data1
Operational conditions1
Sustainability1
Logistics data1
Technical details1
Other features1
What This Solves
Industrial Automation Connectivity
Manufacturing plants and industrial facilities often rely on a mix of legacy and modern machinery that communicate via serial protocols. This hub enables reliable connection of programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, and other automation equipment to supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, ensuring continuous operational oversight.
Production facilities, logistics warehouses, industrial control rooms, process automation environments
Point-of-Sale System Integration
Retail and hospitality businesses use various serial-based peripherals like barcode scanners, receipt printers, and credit card readers at their checkout counters. The hub provides the necessary serial ports to connect these essential POS devices to a central computer, ensuring smooth transaction processing and inventory management.
Retail store networks, restaurant chains, hotel front desks, franchise operations
Data Acquisition & Device Monitoring
Organizations in healthcare, research, or environmental monitoring need to collect data from specialized instruments that output via serial interfaces. It allows modern computers to interface with and acquire data from medical diagnostic equipment, scientific instruments, or environmental sensors, facilitating analysis and record-keeping.
Medical clinics, research laboratories, environmental monitoring stations, building management systems
Key Features
4 x RS232/422/485 Serial Ports
Provides flexible connectivity for a wide array of industrial and commercial serial devices, maximizing hardware compatibility.
15kV ESD Protection
Safeguards sensitive connected equipment from electrostatic discharge, preventing damage and ensuring operational uptime.
Durable Steel Housing
Ensures physical resilience and long-term reliability in demanding operational environments, reducing replacement costs.
DIN Rail Mounting Kit Included
Facilitates secure and organized installation within industrial control panels or equipment racks, optimizing space and stability.
FTDI - FT4232H Chipset
Offers robust driver support and proven reliability across multiple operating systems, simplifying deployment and maintenance.
Industry Applications
Manufacturing & Industrial
Integrates industrial control systems, PLCs, and factory automation equipment with modern monitoring stations, ensuring efficient production line management.
Healthcare & Life Sciences
Connects legacy medical devices, lab equipment, and patient monitoring systems to hospital IT networks for data acquisition and analysis.
Retail & Hospitality
Facilitates the connection of point-of-sale (POS) terminals, barcode scanners, and receipt printers to central management systems, streamlining transaction processing.
Government & Public Sector
Deploys in various public agencies to interface with specialized data collection instruments, security systems, and environmental monitoring equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of serial devices can I connect to this hub?
This hub supports RS232, RS422, and RS485 protocols, allowing connection to a wide range of devices including PLCs, barcode scanners, POS terminals, sensors, and legacy modems.
Is this serial hub compatible with my operating system?
Yes, the hub offers broad compatibility with Windows (including Server editions), macOS (from Yosemite to Ventura), and various Linux distributions, ensuring flexible integration into existing IT infrastructures.
How does the 15kV ESD protection benefit my operations?
The 15kV ESD protection shields your connected serial devices from electrostatic discharge, which is common in industrial environments, preventing hardware damage and reducing unexpected downtime.
Can this hub be securely mounted in an industrial setting?
Absolutely, the hub features a durable steel housing and includes a DIN rail mounting kit, allowing for secure and stable installation within industrial control cabinets or equipment racks.
Warranty & Returns
Manufacturer Warranty
2 Years
Warranty is provided directly by the manufacturer and covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.
Return Policy
Returns subject to manufacturer approval
Hardware returns are governed by the manufacturer's return policy. Some products are non-returnable or subject to restocking fees. Defective items are handled under the manufacturer warranty. Contact Zent Networks before initiating any return.