
This is a protocol translator circuit. This circuit uses the MAX3162, it contains both RS-485 and RS-232 transmitters and receivers. This IC contains wide range of communication devices, that can convert bidirectionally between RS-485 and RS-232 signals. Here is the circuit :
The upper circuit is the translator for point to point application, and the lower [...]
Read the rest of this article [..]

In the simplest form, current to voltage converter can be implemented as simple as one resistor, since a voltage is developed when an electrical current flow against a resistance. The problem is that the resistance always affect the current by decreasing the current flow, and the current to voltage conversion is not accurate. In some [...]
Read the rest of this article [..]

Using MAX232 integrated circuit, you can build a TTL-to-RS232 level converter that totally comply with RS232 electrical specification. The IC generate the higher positive and negative voltage (+10 and -10 Volts) from TTL power supply (5V DC) using switched capacitor. The switching circuitry is provided inside the chip, so you need only few caps for [...]
Read the rest of this article [..]

Using only transistors as the active components, we can build a simple and low cost TTL-to-RS232 level converter. It uses only two transistors as the active components. Here is the schematic diagram of the converter:
You can use any small signal transistor for this RS232 converter circuit. You can see the collector of Q1 transistor is [...]
Read the rest of this article [..]

Many new computers now only has USB port, and this serial to USB adapter might be the only help for old devices that provides only RS232/COM Port. This serial adapter uses FT232 USB-RS232 converter IC from FTDI (Future Technology Devices International). The main features of this USB serial adapter chip are:
384 byte receive buffer / [...]
Read the rest of this article [..]

RS485 interface gives some more benefits compared to RS232: simplicity and the robustness for long distance transfer. RS485 is simpler because it uses only two wire (or a single pair) to carry out the data in bidirectional manner, using RS232, we need 3 wires at minimum to carry the data bidirectionally. RS485 cable length can [...]
Read the rest of this article [..]