DB9 to USB Converters
A DB9 to USB converter allows you to extend the functionality of your computer or laptop. Typically consisting of either a male or female nine-pin serial plug on one end and a USB connector on the other, such a converter proves useful when you need an extra USB port or want to connect a serial device such as a scanner, printer or camera to your computer.
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DB9 Serial Plug
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Each of the nine pins on a DB9 serial plug comes configured with a specific function. Pin 1 is the carrier detect signal, the second pin receives data, pin 3 transmits data and the fourth pin is the data terminal ready pin. The plug's fifth pin is the signal ground, pin 6 is the data set ready pin and the seventh pin is the request-to-send pin. Pin 8 serves as the clear-to-send pin, while the ninth pin is the ring indicator.
USB Connectors
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USB connectors employ universal asynchronous receiver transmitter technology, known as UART, under multiple communication standards, including the RS-232 standard used by DB9 serial ports. Besides hooking up the previously mentioned devices, you can use a USB to DB9 converter to attach an external hard drive to your computer when you don’t have an available USB port.
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Baud Rate
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When using a DB9 to USB converter or connector, the peripheral device must work sufficiently with the serial cable's baud rate, which refers to the number of times the modulation changes state in the line. Most converters operate at 9,600 baud, but checking the configuration will help you determine if you need to download a driver for the converter, which are usually freely available online. The latest operating system or service packs for your computer will automatically include updated drivers for system ports and components.
Considerations
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Attaching a DB9 plug to the back of your computer may require a male plug if the serial port is female, or vice versa. Confirming the computer and plug's configuration in advance will save you from buying the wrong cable. If the computer or device's serial port has nine holes, then it requires a male plug. If it has nine pins, it requires a female plug. When shopping, you can confirm the DB9 to USB converter is the one you need by looking at the plug itself or an "F" in the name or description for female plug and "M" for the male plug.
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