StarTech.com USB to Serial DCE Adapter TAA RS232 DB9 ICUSB232FTN
The StarTech.com ICUSB232FTN USB to Serial DCE Adapter provides a TAA-compliant solution for connecting modern USB 2.0 ports to legacy RS232 DB9 serial devices, featuring a 1.7m cable for flexible deployment.
- TAA Compliance: Meets government procurement requirements, simplifying purchasing for public sector and regulated industries.
- FTDI Chipset: Ensures reliable connectivity and broad operating system compatibility, minimizing driver conflicts and IT support overhead.
- COM Retention: Automatically reassigns the same COM port value upon reconnection, streamlining device management and reducing configuration errors.
- Null Modem Functionality: Resolves DCE/DTE conflicts directly, eliminating the need for additional cross-wired serial cables and simplifying setup.
Product Overview
Product Overview
The StarTech.com ICUSB232FTN is a purpose-built USB to Serial DCE Adapter, featuring a male USB Type-A connector and a female DB-9 connector on a 1.7m cable, enabling reliable communication with legacy serial devices. It integrates the proven FTDI FT232RL chipset, supporting baud rates up to 921.6 Kbit/s for efficient data transfer.
This adapter is TAA compliant, making it suitable for government and public sector procurement, while its COM retention feature ensures consistent port assignment, critical for automated scripts and consistent device management. It supports a wide range of Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, ensuring broad compatibility across diverse IT environments.
- TAA Compliant: Facilitates procurement for government agencies and organizations requiring Trade Agreements Act adherence, simplifying purchasing processes.
- FTDI Chipset: Provides industrial-grade reliability and extensive driver support, minimizing compatibility issues and ensuring consistent device operation.
- 1.7m Cable Length: Offers flexible deployment options for connecting devices in various physical layouts, reducing the need for additional extension cables.
- COM Port Retention: Guarantees that the assigned COM port remains consistent across reconnections, preventing configuration headaches for IT administrators.
- Broad OS Support: Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring versatile integration into virtually any existing IT infrastructure without driver complications.
Choose this StarTech.com adapter for a dependable, TAA-compliant solution that bridges modern computing with essential legacy serial hardware, ensuring uninterrupted operational continuity.
Technical Specifications
1Performance & Business Impact
2Connectivity & I/O
3Physical & Environmental
4Lifecycle, Warranty & Compliance
Full Specifications
Features18
Weight & dimensions1
Certificates1
Packaging content2
Packaging data1
Operational conditions1
Logistics data1
Common Uses
Serial Console Management
IT professionals frequently need to access the console port of network devices like routers and switches for initial configuration, firmware updates, or troubleshooting. This adapter provides a reliable USB-to-serial connection, enabling direct command-line interface access for critical network infrastructure management.
Network operations centers, IT infrastructure teams, data center technicians, remote office IT support
Industrial Equipment Diagnostics
Many industrial control systems, including PLCs and specialized machinery, still rely on RS232 serial interfaces for programming, diagnostics, and data logging. The adapter allows engineers and maintenance staff to connect modern laptops to these systems, facilitating efficient monitoring and maintenance without requiring outdated hardware.
Manufacturing facilities, logistics warehouses, building automation systems, field service engineers
Legacy POS System Integration
Retail and hospitality businesses often utilize point-of-sale (POS) systems with serial peripherals such as receipt printers, barcode scanners, or credit card readers. This adapter ensures continued compatibility between modern POS terminals or PCs and existing serial-based peripherals, extending the lifespan of valuable equipment.
Retail stores, restaurant chains, hospitality groups, small business operations
Key Features
FTDI - FT232RL Chipset
Ensures robust driver support and stable communication across diverse operating systems, minimizing compatibility issues and IT support calls.
TAA Compliance
Meets government procurement requirements, enabling seamless integration into public sector and regulated enterprise purchasing workflows.
1.7 m Cable Length
Provides ample reach for connecting devices in various physical layouts, enhancing deployment flexibility and reducing cable clutter.
Baud Rate 921.6 Kbit/s
Supports high-speed serial data transfer, ensuring efficient configuration and diagnostics of connected devices without performance bottlenecks.
COM Port Retention
Automatically reassigns the same virtual COM port, simplifying device management and preventing configuration errors for IT administrators.
Compatible With
Networking Equipment
Routers, switches, firewalls, console servers from Cisco, Juniper, HP, Dell
Industrial Control Systems
PLCs, SCADA systems, factory automation devices, CNC machines
Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems
Receipt printers, barcode scanners, credit card terminals, cash registers
Legacy Server Hardware
Out-of-band management ports, diagnostic interfaces, older UPS systems
Frequently Asked Questions
What operating systems are supported by this USB to serial adapter?
This adapter offers broad compatibility, supporting a wide range of Windows operating systems from Windows 98SE through Windows 11, various macOS versions from OS X 10.5 Leopard to macOS 13 Ventura, and also includes Linux operating system support.
Does this adapter require external power or specific drivers?
The adapter is USB bus-powered, drawing all necessary power directly from the USB port, eliminating the need for an external power adapter. Drivers are included in the package and are also readily available for download, ensuring straightforward installation.
Can this adapter be used for null modem connections without additional cables?
Yes, the StarTech.com ICUSB232FTN is designed as a null modem serial adapter, directly solving DCE/DTE conflicts. This means it functions as a null modem cable, eliminating the need for a separate cross-wired serial cable or adapter.
What is the maximum cable length for reliable serial communication with this adapter?
The adapter itself features a 1.7m (5.6 ft) cable, providing sufficient length for most direct connections. For RS232, the maximum reliable cable length can vary based on baud rate and environment, but the adapter's integrated cable is optimized for stable performance.
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.