If you want to access all of the features on your computer’s serial port, this serial adapter is for you. The adapter allows you to connect your 3-5.5 V logic circuits to a COM port, which operates on higher and negative voltages (EIA-232, similar to the older RS-232 standard). The adapter is available fully assembled with male header pins facing down for use with prototyping boards and breadboards (as shown to the right), or as a partial kit. The partial kit offers more flexibility if you do not need all of the header pins or if you want to install them on the other side of the board (or not at all).

This adapter is effectively a carrier board for the MAX3238 from Texas Instruments. It distinguishes itself from most competing units through its five drivers and three receivers, which give you access to all eight signal lines on a DB9 connector (the ninth pin is ground). This means that in addition to standard serial communication, your project can also use all of the handshaking lines and status lines. Even if you do not use them for their intended purposes, you might find it convenient to be able to reset your processor using one of the extra lines. A connection detection line gives your project additional options for responding to a physical connection to a serial port. All of this connectivity comes in a compact package that is less than twice the size of the DB9 connector alone.

The first nine pins on the deluxe serial adapter correspond to the same nine pins on a COM port DB9 connector. The additional pins are the logic supply voltage, the serial connection detection pin, and an inverted version of the transmit line (which can be useful if, for instance, you have a positive-edge triggered interrupt that you want to fire in response to the beginning of the start bit). The TX line and RX lines are labeled from the computer’s perspective, so the TX pin has data transmitted by the computer that should be connected to your project’s receive input.

Device specifications

• PCB size: 1.30" x 1.22" including connector
• Serial standards: TIA/EIA-232-F and ITU v.28
• # of drivers: 5
• # of receivers: 3
• Connector: DB9 female
• Data I/O voltage levels: 3 – 5.5 V
• Maximum data rate: 250 kbps
• Supply current: 2 mA

Module pinout