Eaton Tripp Lite Series 2-Port RS-422/RS-485 USB to Serial FTDI Adapter with COM Retention (USB-B to DB9 F/M)

The Eaton Tripp Lite Series 2-Port RS-422/RS-485 USB to Serial FTDI Adapter with COM Retention turns a single USB connection into two reliable DB9 serial ports, specifically designed to support RS-422 and RS-485 devices. This dual-port USB-to-serial adapter is ideal for environments where multiple serial devices — such as modems, handheld scanners, GPS systems, industrial controllers, and other RS-422/RS-485 peripherals — must share a single computer host. Built on FTDI technology, it delivers dependable communications, broad operating-system compatibility, and a convenient, plug‑and‑play experience. Its COM retention capability ensures consistent port numbers and smooth software integration, even after rebooting or reconnecting the device. Best of all, the adapter is bus-powered, eliminating the need for an external power supply and keeping your workspace tidy while enabling field-ready versatility on laptops, desktops, and tablets.

• Two DB9 serial ports delivered through a single USB connection, enabling simultaneous RS-422/RS-485 communication from one compact adapter and reducing cable clutter in busy workspaces or control rooms.
• COM Port Retention that preserves port assignments across restarts and reinsertions, making configuration in software and automation systems simple and reliable.
• FTDI-based USB-to-Serial technology delivers consistent, low-latency performance with broad driver support, helping you avoid compatibility headaches in mixed-OS environments.
• No external power required thanks to a bus-powered design, which is especially valuable for portable setups, field service, and on-the-go testing with laptops and tablets.
• Cross-platform compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Linux, plus straightforward driver installation, so you can deploy the adapter in diverse environments without compatibility concerns.

Technical Details of Eaton Tripp Lite Series 2-Port RS-422/RS-485 USB to Serial FTDI Adapter with COM Retention

• Interface: USB 2.0 (Full-Speed) with a USB-B connection on the adapter that feeds two DB9 serial ports for RS-422/RS-485 devices.
• Ports: 2 x RS-422/RS-485 capable DB9 serial ports, enabling independent operation and flexible networking of serial devices.
• COM retention: Persistent COM port numbers to maintain stable software configurations across reboots, reconnects, and driver reinitializations.
• Chipset: FTDI-based USB-to-Serial converter, known for reliability, broad driver support, and robust performance with industrial and enterprise devices.
• Driver support: Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux; drivers provided by FTDI or available through OS updates, enabling straightforward installation on a wide range of systems.
• Power: Bus-powered—no external power supply required, which simplifies deployment in deskside, travel, and field scenarios.
• Cabling: USB-B to USB-A cable typically used to connect the host computer; dual DB9 connectors provide immediate access to two serial channels without additional adapters.
• Form factor and durability: Compact, portable design suitable for laptops, tablets, and compact desktops, with durable construction intended for everyday use in office, warehouse, and workshop settings.

how to install Eaton Tripp Lite Series 2-Port RS-422/RS-485 USB to Serial FTDI Adapter with COM Retention

• Step 1: Connect the adapter to your computer’s USB port using the appropriate USB cable (USB-B on the adapter side to your host’s USB-A or USB-C port via an appropriate cable or adapter). Ensure the connection is secure.
• Step 2: Allow the operating system to recognize the device. In many cases, Windows will automatically install the FTDI drivers, and the system may indicate that new hardware has been found.
• Step 3: If automatic driver installation does not occur, download and install the FTDI drivers from the official FTDI website or rely on your operating system’s built-in driver repository. This step is typically quick and results in two new virtual COM ports appearing in your system.
• Step 4: Verify the two new COM ports in your operating system’s device manager (Windows) or equivalent utility in macOS/Linux. Confirm that both ports are listed and ready for configuration, noting their COM numbers for application use.
• Step 5: Connect your RS-422 or RS-485 devices to the two DB9 ports using suitable serial cables. Configure each port’s serial settings in your software ( baud rate, data bits, parity, stop bits, and flow control) according to the requirements of each connected device.
• Step 6: If you rely on COM retention, configure your software to target the specific COM port numbers assigned to each device. Reboot or reinsert the adapter to confirm that the ports reappear with the same numbers, ensuring seamless software interaction.
• Step 7: Test communication with each device. Use your terminal program, a custom software application, or a device’s built-in test utility to verify data transmission, reception, and error-free operation on both RS-422 and RS-485 channels.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is COM Retention, and why is it important?
  A: COM Retention guarantees that each virtual serial port maintains its assigned COM number after reconnections or reboots. This stability simplifies software configuration, reduces setup time, and minimizes changes to application settings when devices are swapped or the host machine restarts.
• Q: Can I use this adapter with RS-422 and RS-485 devices at the same time?
  A: Yes. The two DB9 ports are independently configurable to support RS-422 or RS-485 communication as required by each connected device, enabling mixed deployments on a single USB host.
• Q: Do I need an external power supply?
  A: No. The adapter is fully bus-powered through the USB connection, making it ideal for portable use and reducing cables and clutter.
• Q: Which operating systems are supported?
  A: The adapter supports Windows, macOS, and Linux. Drivers are provided by FTDI or included with the operating system where available; ensure you install the correct version for your OS.
• Q: Do I need to install drivers manually?
  A: On many modern systems, the FTDI drivers install automatically. If prompted, follow the on-screen instructions to complete installation; for systems where automatic installation fails, download drivers from the FTDI site and install them manually.
• Q: Are cables or DB9 adapters included?
  A: The product description focuses on the dual DB9 ports and USB interface; check the product listing for in-box contents. You will need DB9 serial cables to connect RS-422/RS-485 devices to the two ports.