Alpha Micro Components has added a series of
FTDI USB to digital level interface modules, in DB9 form factors,
to its product portfolio. The new DB9-USB-D3-F (3.3 V output female
connector), DB9-USB-D3-M (3.3 V output male connector),
DB9-USB-D5-F (5 V output female connector) and DB9-USB-D5-M (5 V
output male connector) enable implementation of USB interconnection
into legacy equipment without the need for alteration of the
enclosure or for any noticeable increase in the overall bill of
materials.
All the modules utilise FTDI's FT232R USB to
serial UART bridge chip, which is capable of supporting data rates
of 12 Mbits/s (USB Full Speed). They allow for the quick and easy
upgrading of pieces of hardware to today's most widely used serial
interface standard in a highly convenient and cost effective
manner. Drivers for the modules are available to from the Alpha
Micro FTDI support team.
"These simple but ingenious active connectors
contain all the necessary USB/digital level conversion electronics
while fitting directly into the same board space and having an
identical profile to a standard DB9 connector", said Maxine Hewitt,
Marketing Director, Alpha Micro Components. "This means
manufacturers and systems integrators can carry out the adaptation
of older designs to USB, thereby realising the major benefits
offered by modern interfacing, without needing to allocate a large
proportion of their engineering resources or committing to heavy
financial outlay."
Supplied in a compact 30.8 mm x 19.8 mm x 11.5
mm package, each of the modules uses a standard USB mini-B
connector. They have an operational temperature range of -40 °C to
+85 °C, permitting them to be specified for heavy duty industrial
applications.
