Serial Converter / Repeater / Hub

The RS‑232/422/485 Converter / Repeater / Hub family includes compact and industrial-grade modules that convert, repeat, and isolate serial signals. Devices such as the I‑7520, tM‑7520U, I‑7510, I‑7551, and I‑7520U4-G are designed for point-to-point or multi-drop configurations, enabling communication over long distances or across electrically noisy environments. These modules feature optical isolation (up to 3000 VDC), automatic RS‑485 direction control, support for baud rates from 300 to 115200 bps, and simple DIN-rail installation.

Repeaters like the I‑7510 and tM‑7510U amplify RS‑485 signals to extend communication up to 1.2 km, while converters like I‑7520 enable smooth translation between RS‑232 and RS‑485. Multi-channel models such as I‑7520U4-G allow for hub-style deployments with multiple output lines. These devices are widely used in industrial control, building automation, and utility monitoring where reliable serial communication is critical.

Product Examples

• ICP DAS – tM‑7520U
  Isolated RS-232 to RS-485 Converter, RoHS

• ICP DAS – I‑7510
  RS-485 Isolated Repeater

typical Application

• Extending RS‑485 communication lines up to 1.2 km
• Electrically isolating segments of serial networks
• Connecting multiple RS‑232 or RS‑485 devices in star or daisy-chain topologies
• Protecting control systems from ground loops and electrical surges
• Retrofitting serial sensors and controllers into modern control systems

USB to RS‑232/422/485 Converter / Hub

The USB to RS‑232/422/485 Converter / Hub series from ICP DAS serves as a vital bridge between modern USB interfaces and legacy serial communication standards. These devices provide seamless USB connectivity, transforming USB ports into versatile serial interfaces with options for RS‑232, RS‑422, and RS‑485. With features such as high-speed data transfer, optical isolation, multiple channels, and plug-and-play convenience, they are perfect for integrating serial devices in contemporary industrial and laboratory systems.

• Models like I‑7560 and I‑7560U offer simple USB-to‑RS‑232 conversion, compatible with a variety of legacy equipment and supporting full modem control signals with speeds up to 115,200 bps.
• The I‑7561 and I‑7561U-G expand functionality by adding optical isolation (up to 3000 VDC), supporting RS‑232, RS‑422, and RS‑485, making them suitable for high-noise industrial settings.
• For multi-device setups, the USB‑2514 allows one USB port to be converted into four separate RS‑232 serial ports, facilitating multiple device connections from a single host.
• The I‑7563 and I‑7563U-G act as 3-channel USB to RS‑485 hubs with isolation, enabling star-wired RS‑485 networks and simplified wiring for networked devices.
• Additionally, the tM‑7561 provides USB to isolated RS‑485 conversion with 2500 VDC isolation, delivering reliable connectivity in electrically challenging environments.

These converters and hubs are ideal for connecting serial instrumentation—such as sensors, PLCs, data loggers—to modern computers, PACs, or IoT gateways with USB ports. They facilitate simplified wiring, enhanced flexibility, and improved protection in industrial automation, laboratory testing, or field deployments.

Product Examples

• ICP DAS – I‑7560U
  USB to RS-232 Converter (RoHS)
  
• ICP DAS – USB‑2514
  USB to RS-232/422/485 Converters USB-2514 by ICP DAS

CAN / PROFIBUS & RS‑232/422/485 Converter

The CAN / PROFIBUS & RS‑232/422/485 Converter series from ICP DAS enables seamless integration between modern fieldbus networks and traditional serial interfaces. These converters support communication between CAN or PROFIBUS DP buses and RS‑232/422/485 serial devices, allowing bidirectional data flow without complex protocol translation. With industrial-grade isolation, terminal resistance control, watchdog protection, and flexible baud rate support, these models ensure reliable operation within harsh automation environments.

• The I‑7530‑G enables transparent communication between the CAN bus (CAN 2.0A/B, ISO 11898‑2) and RS‑232 systems. It includes selectable terminators, buffers for up to 1,000 CAN frames, and supports baud rates from 10 kbps to 1 Mbps.
• The I‑7530A‑MR‑G functions as a Modbus RTU to CAN converter, bridging Modbus masters with CAN network nodes. It supports Modbus function codes (0x03/0x04/0x10), programmable baud rates, isolation up to 3 kV, and offers transparent pair‑connection mode for serial devices.
• For PROFIBUS integration, the I‑7550‑B and I‑7550‑M act as PROFIBUS DP‑V0 slave converters, granting serial RS‑232/422/485 devices access to PROFIBUS networks. These models feature auto detection of PROFIBUS baud rate (up to 12 Mbps), up to 3 kV isolation on PROFIBUS side, “self-tuner” serial port, and compact DIN‑rail design.

These converters are ideal for connecting legacy serial field equipment, instrumentation, and controllers to modern industrial bus systems, without requiring labor-intensive rewriting of device software or protocols.

Product Examples

• ICP DAS – I‑7530
  RS-232 to CAN Converter, Isolation Protection
  

• ICP DAS – I‑7550-B
  PROFIBUS to RS-232/422/485 Converter

Typical Applications

• Integrating RS‑232 devices like sensors, gauges, or PLCs into CAN-based control networks.
• Allowing Modbus RTU systems to interact with CAN nodes for data aggregation.
• Bringing legacy serial instruments into PROFIBUS DP automation architectures.

Fiber Optics Converter

The Fiber Optics Converter series by ICP DAS enables industrial-grade serial communication over optical fiber, ensuring immunity from electromagnetic interference (EMI/RFI), lightning strikes, and ground loops. This line includes both multimode and single-mode converters suited for RS‑232, RS‑422, and RS‑485 interfaces. Each model delivers long-distance data transmission capabilities, robust isolation, DIN-rail installation, and reliable performance in harsh industrial environments.

• I‑2541 – Multimode fiber converter with 3000 VDC isolation, supports RS‑232/422/485, and transmits up to 2 km at 115.2 kbps—ideal for protecting sensitive data communication in electrically noisy areas.
• I‑2542 Series – Single-mode converters utilizing Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) to enable bi-directional communication over a single fiber, ideal for long-distance transmission:
• I‑2542‑A / I‑2542‑B support up to 15 km ranges.
• I‑2542‑A25 / I‑2542‑B25 extend reach to 25 km.

Applications: These converters are perfect for linking industrial control rooms, substations, and remote automation nodes—specifically when serial communication continuity is required across large or electrically hostile environments.

Product Examples

• ICP DAS – I‑2541
  RS-232/422/485 to ST Fiber Multi-mode Optic Converter

• ICP DAS – I‑2542‑A
  RS-232/422/485 to Single-Mode 15 Km, SC Fiber optic converter, TX 1310 nm, RX 1550 nm (RoHS)

Quick Comparison

PCI/ISA Bus RS-232 to RS-485/422 Converter

ICP DAS PCISA-7520 series cards are internal (slot-mounted) converters that bridge a PC’s RS-232 interface to RS-485 or RS-422 on the field side. They draw power from the PCI/ISA bus (no external PSU), add 3 kV DC isolation on the RS-485/422 side, and feature Self-Tuner auto-baud with automatic data-direction control for RS-485 (300–115 200 bps). Functionally they mirror the well-known I-7520 external modules, but in a compact in-chassis form factor—ideal when you want robust, isolated serial conversion without adding an external box or a new COM port to the OS.

product examples:

• ICP DAS – PCISA-7520AR
  PCI/ISA RS-232 to RS-422/485 Converter Card with RS-485 Automatic Data Direction Control, Isolation Protection
  

• ICP DAS – I-7520R
  (external module, same conversion behavior as PCISA-7520 series) RS-232 to RS-485 Converter with RS-485 Automatic Data Direction Control, Isolation Protection

Typical applications: retrofitting legacy RS-232-based HMIs/PLCs to multi-drop RS-485/422 networks inside control PCs; adding an isolated field bus for remote I/O (up to hundreds of nodes) without driver changes; minimizing wiring clutter by keeping conversion inside the chassis while maintaining industrial-grade isolation and auto-baud convenience.

• ICP DAS – I-7188E3
  PC-compatible AMD188ES 40MHz Industrial Controller, 256kb Flash, 256kb SRAM, Ethernet, 1xRS232, 1xRS485, 1xRS422/485, 4DI&4DO, cable CA-0910x1

• ICP DAS – I-7188E5-485
  PC-compatible AMD188ES 40MHz Industrial Controller, 256kb Flash, 256kb SRAM, Ethernet, 1xRS232, 4xRS485, cable CA-0910x1

Typical Applications

• Remote access to RS-232/485 controllers in process automation
• Integration of distributed sensors into Ethernet-based SCADA/DCS
• Multi-port serial data collection over Ethernet
• Reliable gateway solutions for building automation and utility monitoring