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StarTech.com ICUSB234858I Industrial USB 2.0 to 8-Port DB9 Serial Hub - RS232/RS485/RS422 Converter with DIN Rail Mount & 15kV ESD Protection
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This serial hub delivers flexible serial port management with each of its eight DB9 male ports individually configurable to RS232, RS422, or RS485 (2-wire or 4-wire) standards. Baud rates extend up to 921.6Kbps, supporting high-speed communication with devices like barcode scanners, label printers, CNC machines, and legacy industrial controllers.
Power flexibility is a key technical advantage: the hub operates from either the included 12V screw-locking universal power adapter (compatible with NA/JP, UK, EU, ANZ outlets) or 5V USB bus power. Additionally, each serial port's pin 9 can be configured to supply 5V, 12V (requires power adapter), or 0V, enabling direct power to connected peripherals without external supplies.
Relevant factors for this section include Host Interface, Platform Supported, Number of Serial Ports (External). When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
Key Product Advantages
This hub stands out in industrial settings by combining robust protection with configuration flexibility. The metal enclosure and comprehensive surge protection ensure reliability where electrical interference or physical stress might compromise lesser adapters.
Rugged Design for Harsh Environments
The industrial metal construction, IP30 rating, and 15kV ESD protection on all ports defend against dust, moisture, and electrical surges, making it suitable for factory floors, outdoor installations, or unstable power conditions.
- Metal housing resists impact and corrosion
- IP30 rating protects against solid objects >2.5mm
- 15kV ESD protection meets IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4
Flexible Mounting & Installation
With built-in mounting ears, included DIN rail brackets, and a 6ft (1.8m) screw-lock USB cable, the hub installs securely on desks, walls, DIN rails, or inside enclosures without requiring additional hardware.
- DIN rail mounting for control panel integration
- Wall or desk mounting via pre-drilled ears
- Screw-lock USB cable prevents accidental disconnection
Wide Compatibility Across Platforms
Driver support extends across current and legacy Windows, Linux, macOS, and embedded systems, ensuring connectivity with both modern computers and older industrial PCs or single-board computers.
- Plug-and-play on most operating systems
- Legacy OS support for older equipment
- Embedded platform compatibility for custom applications
Deployment / Use Cases
This serial hub is engineered for scenarios where multiple serial devices must interface with modern computing infrastructure. Its ruggedness and flexible configuration make it ideal for industrial automation, retail environments, and legacy system integration.
In manufacturing or process control, it connects PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and motor drives to a central monitoring PC. For retail, it consolidates receipt printers, cash drawers, barcode scanners, and customer displays at point-of-sale stations. In telecommunications or broadcasting, it manages serial-based routers, switches, or audio/video equipment racks.
Industrial Automation & Control
Deploy in factory automation to link multiple CNC machines, robotic arms, or temperature controllers to a single supervisory computer, with ESD protection safeguarding against motor noise or power fluctuations.
Retail & Hospitality Point-of-Sale
Integrate barcode scanners, receipt printers, cash drawers, and customer displays into a compact USB hub behind counters, using the DIN rail mount for tidy installation under desks or in enclosures.
Physical Profile
The hub's compact external form factor measures 5" (127 mm) wide by 1" (25.40 mm) high, with a weight of approximately 1.52 lb (688.89 g). Its low-profile design fits easily in tight spaces like server racks, control panels, or under desks, while the metal finish provides a professional, durable appearance suitable for both industrial and commercial environments.
The physical profile is practical for deployment planning because the dimensions and weight are clearly defined: 1" (25.40 mm), 5" (127 mm), 1.52 lb (688.89 g). This helps confirm rack, shelf, desk, or cabinet fit before installation.
- Width
- 5" (127 mm)
- Height
- 1" (25.40 mm)
- Weight
- 1.52 lb (688.89 g)
What's in the Box
The package includes all necessary components for immediate deployment:
Highlights
- Industrial metal USB 2.0 to 8-port DB9 serial hub with RS232, RS422, RS485 support
- 15kV ESD surge protection (level 4) and IP30 rating for harsh environment durability
- Each port individually configurable to RS232, RS422, or RS485 at up to 921.6Kbps baud rate
- Flexible power from 12V adapter or 5V USB, with per-port 5V/12V/0V pin 9 configuration
- DIN rail, wall, or desk mounting with included brackets and screw-lock USB cable
- Wide compatibility with Windows, Linux, macOS, and embedded platforms
- Locking connectors on all ports for secure industrial connections
- TAA compliant and RoHS, WEEE, REACH environmental compliance
- 2-year limited warranty and made in Taiwan
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | ICUSB234858I |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | USB Serial Hub |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 |
| Product Type | Serial Hub |
| Technical Information | |
| Host Interface | USB |
| Platform Supported | PC,Linux |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Number of Serial Ports (External) | 8 |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Form Factor | External |
| Height | 1" (25.40 mm) |
| Width | 5" (127 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 1.52 lb (688.89 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | USB Serial Hub 1 x USBxB with Screw Lock to USBxA Cable 1 x DIN Rail Kit 1 x Universal Power Adapter (NA/JP, UK, EU, ANZ) 1 x Instruction Manual |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Compliance | Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS),Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE),Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
| TAA Compliant | Yes |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 2 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What serial standards does this USB hub support?
The hub supports RS232, RS422, and RS485 (both 2-wire and 4-wire configurations). Each of the eight DB9 ports can be individually configured to any of these standards, allowing mixed use across ports for connecting diverse legacy devices like printers, scanners, or controllers.
How is this hub powered, and can it power connected devices?
The hub can be powered by either the included 12V universal power adapter (compatible with NA/JP, UK, EU, ANZ outlets) or 5V USB bus power from the host computer. Additionally, each serial port's pin 9 can be configured to supply 5V, 12V (requires the power adapter), or 0V, enabling direct power to peripherals without separate power supplies.
What mounting options are available for installation?
The hub offers versatile mounting with built-in ears for wall or desk installation, plus an included DIN rail kit for secure attachment to standard DIN rails in control panels or industrial enclosures. The 6ft (1.8m) screw-lock USB cable ensures a stable connection to the host, preventing accidental disconnection in vibration-prone environments.
What operating systems are compatible with this serial hub?
The hub is compatible with current and legacy versions of Windows, Linux, and macOS, as well as embedded platforms. Driver support is typically plug-and-play on most systems, making it suitable for integrating serial devices with modern computers, older industrial PCs, or custom embedded applications.
What environmental protections does the hub include?
The hub features 15kV ESD surge protection (IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4) on all ports and an IP30 rating, protecting against solid objects larger than 2.5mm. The industrial metal housing resists impact and corrosion, ensuring reliability in dusty, moist, or electrically noisy environments like factories or outdoor installations.
What is included in the package with the hub?
The package includes the USB serial hub, a 6ft (1.8m) USBxB to USBxA screw-lock cable, a DIN rail kit, a universal power adapter (with interchangeable plugs for NA/JP, UK, EU, ANZ regions), and an instruction manual. All components are ready for immediate deployment in various mounting configurations.