StarTech USB to RS232 Serial Adapter Cable – 3ft M/M

StarTech.com ICUSB232SM3 | USB to DB9 Serial Adapter Cable

The StarTech.com 3ft (91cm) 1-Port USB to RS232 DB9 Serial Adapter Cable, USB to Serial Adapter Cable – M/M connects legacy serial hardware to modern computers. It is designed for engineers, technicians, and UK businesses using older equipment that requires a direct DB9 link. The converter chip is located at the USB end, which supports longer extension runs if your application needs it.

This adapter lets you bridge the gap between USB-only laptops or desktops and RS232 peripherals. It is a straightforward, hardware-based solution for data transfer and device configuration.

Slim Technical Overview

Practical Connectivity for Legacy Peripherals

This adapter adds a single RS232 DB9 serial port via an available USB socket. It is suited for connecting PLCs, serial-enabled measurement tools, or older industrial hardware that lacks native USB. Because the conversion happens at the USB end, you can use a longer serial extension cable if required, subject to your equipment’s signal tolerance.

In practice, this avoids the 15-foot USB technical limit by moving the interface conversion to the source. For UK buyers, confirm your device uses a standard DB9 pinout and RS232 signalling.

Chipset and Data Throughput

The integrated Prolific PL2303HXD chipset supports a baud rate up to 921.6 Kbit/s and a 192-byte FIFO buffer. This helps manage data flow during transfers to reduce potential errors. It is a widely supported chipset across Windows, macOS, and Linux environments.

However, driver availability can vary by OS version. Always check your operating system compatibility before purchase.

Cable Build and Physical Design

The cable is 0.9 metres long with a plastic housing in blue and transparent finishes. It is lightweight at 56 g, with compact connector bodies measuring roughly 35 mm width and 15 mm height. The DB9 and USB connectors are both male, intended for direct device-to-computer connections.

Storage and operating conditions are specified as 0–60 °C operating temperature and -20–80 °C storage, with relative humidity up to 65%. These limits should be verified against your UK site conditions.

Installation and Operating System Support

The adapter is designed for simple plug-and-play installation, though driver installation is usually required. Supported systems include Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP (32/64-bit), Vista (32/64-bit), 7 (32/64-bit), Server 2008 R2, macOS X, and Linux.

Because OS updates can change driver availability, confirm current support on the StarTech.com site for your specific version. This ensures compatibility before you commit.

Box contents

• 1 × StarTech.com 3ft USB to RS232 DB9 Serial Adapter Cable (ICUSB232SM3)

Check before you buy

• Confirm your device uses a DB9 connector and RS232 signalling levels.
• Verify driver support for your exact OS version and architecture (32/64-bit).
• Check whether your application requires a longer serial extension; the converter chip allows this if your hardware tolerates it.
• Confirm UK site conditions fall within the stated operating temperature and humidity ranges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does this adapter work with Windows 10 or 11?

A: Support depends on the latest Prolific driver availability for your OS version. Check the StarTech.com support page before purchase.

Q: Can I extend the cable beyond 3ft?

A: Yes. Because the converter is at the USB end, you can add a longer DB9 extension cable if your application supports it.

Q: Is the DB9 connector male or female?

A: It is a male DB9 connector, intended to plug into a female DB9 port on your device.

Q: What baud rate does it support?

A: It supports up to 921.6 Kbit/s, subject to your device and driver configuration.

Q: Are drivers included?

A: Drivers are typically downloaded from StarTech.com. Confirm the latest version for your OS before installation.

The Consultant’s verdict & warranty

This adapter is a practical choice for UK professionals who need to connect RS232 serial devices to modern computers via USB. It suits engineers, lab technicians, and industrial users who rely on legacy peripherals. Covered by the standard Manufacturer Warranty.