Serial Interfaces and Converters

Serial interfaces and serial converters are used to connect or convert an analog signal to a serial-digital output signal, and to convert from one network standard to another. Serial interfaces and converters can transfer data from one wire to another wire or fiber in a serial manner as a single stream of data. A serial interface transfers digital data bit by bit one after the other over a wire. Even though a serial interface has multiple lines, it uses only one line to transfer data. Serial interfaces and converters are most often compared with parallel interfaces, which are another type of communication link. A parallel interface can transmit multiple streams of data over multiple channels simultaneously but is suitable to be used for only short distance communication links. A serial interface is best suited for long distance communication links. Serial interfaces and serial converters have fewer pins and therefore they are cheaper as compared to parallel interfaces.

Serial interfaces and serial converters have certain input and output connection standards. Examples include the RS232, RS422, and RS485 standards approved by Electronic Industries Association (EIA). Serial interfaces and converters are necessary when connecting two devices that use different signal types and different network standards. There are many kinds of serial interfaces and converters available that allow the conversion of digital signals to analog signals, RS232 standard to RS422, USB standard to RS232 standard, or connect a USB port to a serial port. To connect RS232 based device with any device that uses a different connection standard, a RS232 converter is needed. For example, a RS232 converter can be utilized to connect RS232 devices to a USB based host. Similarly, in order for RS232 and RS422 based devices to communicate with each other, a RS422 converter is needed, which can convert RS232 signals into RS422 signals. To connect a computer with RS485 device, a RS485 converter is needed. A converter cable can be used to connect different devices using different standards. To ensure orderly flow of data between the line control unit and the modem, serial interfaces and serial converters are used.

Serial interfaces and serial converters mainly coordinate the flow of data, control signals, and timing information between data terminal equipment (DTE) and data communication equipment (DCE). Serial interfaces and serial converters can be used to create communication links between various devices. For example, they can be used to create a communication link between computers or various parts of computers. Serial interfaces and converters are used in personal computers as serial ports and can be used to connect mouse, keyboards, and modems to a computer.

• ADC1000-USB A/D Converter: Serial Port Interface Communications and Control Information
  The ADC1000-USB A/D Converter is a microcontroller-based A/D card that can communicate via the Universal Serial Bus (RS-232). This document contains the necessary command information for controlling...
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• Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI)
  The Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) is similar to the SCI, although it is used to communicate synchronously over shorter distances at up to 4 Mbit/s. The SPI allows the microcontroller to...
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• Using the MCP320X 12-Bit Serial A/D Converter with Microchip PICmicro® Devices
  The MCP320X devices comprise a family of 12-bit successive approximation Analog to Digital (A/D) Converters. These devices provide from one to eight analog inputs with both single ended and...
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