StarTech.com 4 Port Industrial USB to RS232/RS485/RS422 Serial Hub (ICUSB234854I) User Manual

1. Product Overview

The StarTech.com ICUSB234854I is an industrial-grade 4-port USB to RS232/RS485/RS422 serial adapter hub designed to add four serial communication ports to your computer. This device facilitates connection, monitoring, and control of various serial devices such as sensors, barcode scanners, and LED signage in demanding environments.

Key features include:

• Versatile Serial Protocols: Supports RS232, RS422, 4-wire RS485, and 2-wire RS485 operating modes.
• Rugged Design: Features an IP30-rated metal housing for durability in harsh industrial settings.
• Enhanced Protection: Provides 15 kV ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) protection to prevent damage from voltage spikes.
• Flexible Mounting: Includes built-in wall-mounting brackets and a DIN rail mounting kit for secure installation.
• Secure Connections: Equipped with screw-locking host USB-B and serial connectors to prevent accidental disconnections.
• High-Speed Data Transfer: Utilizes high-speed UARTs for data rates up to 921.6 Kbps across all operating modes.
• Broad Compatibility: Compatible with current and legacy Windows, Linux, macOS, and embedded platforms.

Image 1.1: Angled view of the StarTech.com 4 Port Industrial USB to Serial Hub (ICUSB234854I), showing the four DB9 serial ports, USB-B input, and power input.

2. Package Contents

Verify that your package contains the following items:

• 1x USB Serial Hub (ICUSB234854I)
• 1x USB-B with screw lock to USB-A cable
• 1x DIN rail kit
• 1x Instruction Manual

Image 2.1: Contents of the StarTech.com 4 Port Industrial USB to Serial Hub package, including the hub, USB cable, DIN rail kit, and instruction manual.

3. Hardware Components

Image 3.1: Top view of the serial hub, detailing the four DB9 serial ports (Port 1-4), individual RX/TX LEDs, and mode indicators (232, 422, 485-4, 485-2) for each port. A power LED (PWR) is also visible.

• Serial Ports (1-4): Four DB9 male connectors for connecting serial devices.
• RX/TX LEDs: Individual Receive (RX) and Transmit (TX) indicator LEDs for each serial port, showing data activity.
• Mode Indicators: Labels (232, 422, 485-4, 485-2) next to each port indicate the configurable serial communication modes.
• PWR LED: Power indicator LED.

Image 3.2: Side view of the serial hub, showing the 12V DC power input and the USB-B host connection port.

• 12V DC Power Input: Connector for an optional 12V DC power adapter (not included).
• USB-B Host Connection: Port for connecting the hub to your computer via the supplied USB-B to USB-A cable.

Image 3.3: Bottom view of the serial hub, revealing the internal jumper settings for configuring RS232 and RS422/RS485 pinouts. This section is typically accessed for advanced configuration.

• Internal Configuration Jumpers: Located on the underside, these jumpers allow individual configuration of each serial port for RS232, RS422, or RS485 (2-wire/4-wire) modes, and termination settings. Refer to the detailed manual for specific jumper settings.

4. Setup and Installation

4.1 Driver Installation

For most modern operating systems, including Windows 10/11, Linux (e.g., Ubuntu 22.04), and macOS, the necessary drivers are typically installed automatically upon connecting the device (plug-and-play). Manual driver installation is generally not required.

• Windows: The device should be recognized automatically. If not, check Device Manager for unrecognized devices and visit the StarTech.com support website for specific driver downloads.
• Linux: The device typically appears as /dev/ttyUSB0 to /dev/ttyUSB3 (for ports 1-4). You can verify detection using lsusb and dmesg commands.
• macOS: Drivers are usually installed automatically.

4.2 Hardware Connection

1. Connect to Host Computer: Use the provided USB-B to USB-A cable to connect the serial hub's USB-B port to an available USB port on your computer. Ensure the screw-locking mechanism is secured.
2. Power Connection: The hub can be powered via the USB connection (5V) or an optional 12V DC power adapter (not included). For applications requiring higher power output on serial port pin 9, a 12V DC power adapter is necessary.
3. Connect Serial Devices: Connect your RS232, RS422, or RS485 devices to the DB9 serial ports (Port 1-4) on the hub. Secure any screw-locking connectors on your serial cables.

4.3 Port Configuration (Jumpers)

The operating mode (RS232, RS422, 4-wire RS485, 2-wire RS485) for each serial port is configured using internal jumpers located on the underside of the device. This configuration is performed physically, not through software.

1. Access Jumpers: Carefully detach the hub from any mounting and access the underside panel where the jumpers are located (refer to Image 3.3).
2. Configure Mode: Adjust the jumpers for each port according to the desired serial communication standard (RS232, RS422, RS485). Consult the detailed pinout and jumper setting diagrams in the full product manual for precise instructions.
3. Set Termination: If required for RS422/RS485 networks, configure termination resistors using the appropriate jumpers.
4. Pin 9 Power: Each serial port's Pin 9 can be configured to output 5V, 12V (requires external 12V DC power adapter), or 0V. Adjust jumpers as needed.

Note: Incorrect jumper settings can prevent communication. Always refer to the specific pinout diagrams for your desired configuration.

4.4 Mounting Options

The serial hub offers flexible mounting options:

• Wall Mounting: Utilize the built-in wall-mounting brackets for secure attachment to a flat surface.
• DIN Rail Mounting: Use the included DIN rail kit to mount the hub onto a standard DIN rail, common in industrial control panels.

5. Operating Instructions

Once the hub is connected and configured, it functions as a transparent serial port expander for your system. Data transmission and reception are indicated by the RX/TX LEDs for each port.

• Data Communication: Use your serial communication software or application to interact with the connected serial devices through the assigned COM ports (Windows) or /dev/ttyUSBx devices (Linux/macOS).
• Monitoring Activity: Observe the RX (Receive) and TX (Transmit) LEDs on the hub. A flashing RX LED indicates data being received by the hub on that port, while a flashing TX LED indicates data being transmitted from the hub on that port.
• Baud Rates: The hub supports data rates up to 921.6 Kbps. Ensure your connected devices and software are configured to the correct baud rate.

6. Maintenance

The StarTech.com ICUSB234854I is designed for industrial environments and requires minimal maintenance.

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the device. Avoid using liquid cleaners or solvents, as these can damage the electronics.
• Environmental Protection: The IP30 rating provides protection against solid objects larger than 2.5mm, but it is not waterproof. Avoid exposing the device to liquids or excessive moisture.
• ESD Protection: The 15 kV ESD protection helps safeguard the device from electrostatic discharge. However, always handle the device with care and follow standard ESD precautions when working with electronic components.
• Firmware Updates: Check the StarTech.com website periodically for any available firmware updates that may improve performance or compatibility.

7. Troubleshooting

• Device Not Detected:
  • Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the hub and the computer.
  • Try connecting the hub to a different USB port on your computer.
  • If using an external power adapter, ensure it is properly connected and providing power.
  • Temporarily remove other serial USB devices from your system, then connect the hub and reboot if necessary.
  • Check your operating system's Device Manager (Windows) or use lsusb and dmesg (Linux) to verify device detection and driver status.
• No Communication with Serial Device:
  • Verify that the serial device is correctly connected to one of the hub's DB9 ports.
  • Confirm that the internal jumpers for the specific port are correctly configured for the serial protocol (RS232, RS422, RS485) required by your device.
  • Ensure your serial communication software is configured to the correct COM port (or /dev/ttyUSBx device), baud rate, data bits, parity, and stop bits.
  • Check the RX/TX LEDs on the hub for activity. If no LEDs flash during communication attempts, there might be an issue with the device, cable, or software configuration.
  • If using RS422/RS485, verify termination settings are correct for your network topology.
• Port Numbers Not Sequential (Linux):
  • In some Linux environments, port allocations (e.g., /dev/ttyUSB0, /dev/ttyUSB1) may not always correspond numerically to the physical ports on the hub. This is a system-level behavior and typically does not affect functionality. You can identify which /dev/ttyUSBx corresponds to which physical port through testing or system logs.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Technical Support

This StarTech.com product is backed by a 2-Year Warranty.

For the most up-to-date information on warranty terms and conditions, or for technical assistance, please visit the official StarTech.com support website:

www.startech.com/support