USB Conversion Solutions Overview

11/27/2025

As electronic devices proliferate, they often come with different ports and protocols, making interconnection challenging. USB adapters provide a simple, efficient way to bridge these gaps — whether at home, in the office, or on the go — significantly improving productivity and convenience.

Common USB Conversion Types

  1. USB-to-Serial (UART/RS232/RS485/TTL) – For debugging, modules, sensors, industrial equipment

  2. USB-to-Ethernet – Adds wired network capability to laptops/tablets without RJ45

  3. USB-to-HDMI/VGA/DVI – Video output to external displays/projectors

  4. USB-to-Audio – Connect headphones, speakers, or audio interfaces via USB

  5. USB-to-MIDI – Enables musical instruments to communicate with computers

  6. USB-to-SD/TF Card Reader – Direct card access via USB

  7. USB-to-GPIO/I²C/SPI – Control external sensors and peripherals from a PC

Focus: USB-to-Serial Solutions

USB-to-UART Chips

Dedicated bridge ICs such as FTDI FT232RL, Silicon Labs CP2102, and mature domestic alternatives (contact us for datasheets) integrate all required USB and UART circuitry, exposing a virtual COM port on the host.

USB-to-RS232 Converters

Convert USB to standard DB9/DB25 RS232 levels for legacy industrial/medical devices.

USB-to-RS485 Converters

Provide half-duplex RS485 interface — ideal for long-distance, multi-drop networks.

USB-to-TTL Converters

Output 3.3 V/5 V TTL levels — perfect for direct connection to MCUs and development boards.

These solutions include drivers/virtual COM port software, allowing easy configuration of baud rate, data bits, stop bits, and parity. Data exchange follows standard serial protocols.

Selection Considerations

  • OS/device compatibility

  • Stability & transmission reliability

  • Supported baud rates and formats

  • Driver availability

  • Supplier reputation

USB-to-serial adapters enable modern USB-only computers to seamlessly communicate with the vast ecosystem of serial devices, meeting diverse application needs across consumer, industrial, and development scenarios.