StarTech. com 1P3FFCB-USB-SERIAL USB to Serial Adapter Cable - 3ft DB9 RS232 with FTDI Chip - COM Retention - Interchangeable Hardware
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This USB to serial adapter supports a maximum baud rate of 921.6 Kbps, with configurable parity modes (Odd, Even, Mark, Space, None), data bits (7 or 8), and stop bits (1 or 2). Its 128-byte receive and 256-byte transmit FIFO buffers help manage data flow efficiently, reducing the risk of overruns in continuous communication scenarios.
The adapter's physical construction includes gold-plated connectors for optimal signal integrity and corrosion resistance. A solid one-piece molded TPE housing provides durability, while copper shielding minimizes electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference. Integrated LED indicators provide real-time visual feedback on transmit, receive, and USB connection status.
This section brings together practical product details such as Cable Type, Cable Length, Connector Type on First End, Color Family, so buyers can judge configuration, deployment fit, and day-to-day suitability with less guesswork.
Key Product Advantages
This adapter stands out through its combination of robust hardware design, intelligent software features, and broad compatibility. The FTDI chipset is widely recognized for its reliability and driver stability, reducing installation headaches and ensuring consistent performance across Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.
Interchangeable Hardware
Includes both pre-installed DB9 screws and separate DB9 nuts, allowing secure attachment to serial devices with different mounting requirements.
- Secure connection to serial peripherals
- Compatibility with various cable types
Enhanced Reliability Features
Level-4 ESD protection safeguards against electrostatic discharge, while COM retention maintains port assignments through system changes.
- 15kV air / 8kV contact ESD rating
- Automatic COM port reassignment
Deployment / Use Cases
This USB to serial adapter is ideal for connecting legacy serial devices to modern computing systems in various professional and industrial settings. Its compatibility with desktop computers, notebooks, and numerous peripheral devices makes it a versatile tool for IT professionals, system integrators, and maintenance technicians.
Common applications include interfacing with barcode scanners, receipt printers, POS systems, industrial sensors, LED displays, digital signage, and other serial-based equipment. The adapter's rugged construction and interference protection make it suitable for environments where reliability is critical, such as retail operations, manufacturing floors, and field service scenarios.
Retail & Point-of-Sale
Connect legacy serial receipt printers, barcode scanners, and cash drawers to modern POS systems without replacing entire hardware setups.
Industrial & Monitoring
Interface with sensors, controllers, and monitoring equipment that still utilize DB9 serial connections for data collection and control.
Physical Profile
The adapter features a compact, one-piece molded design in black thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) that resists wear and environmental stress. With a total cable length of 3 feet (0.91 meters) and weighing just 1.90 ounces (53.86 grams), it offers practical reach without adding bulk to workstation setups. The gold-plated connectors maintain signal quality while the copper shielding provides effective EMI/RFI protection in electrically noisy environments.
- Weight
- 1.90 oz (53.86 g)
- Length
- 3 ft (0.91 m)
What's in the Box
The package includes everything needed for immediate deployment of the USB to serial adapter.
Highlights
- Adds DB9 RS-232 serial port via USB-A connection
- FTDI FT232R chipset ensures reliable communication
- COM port retention maintains assignments after disconnection
- Interchangeable DB9 screws and nuts for flexible mounting
- LED indicators for transmit, receive, and USB status
- Broad OS compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS
- Level-4 ESD protection (15kV air/8kV contact)
- Gold-plated connectors with copper shielding
- 3-foot cable length for flexible placement
- 2-year limited warranty for peace of mind
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 1P3FFCB-USB-SERIAL |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | Serial/USB Data Transfer Cable |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 |
| Product Type | Data Transfer Cable |
| Technical Information | |
| Cable Type | Serial/USB |
| Cable Length | 3 ft (0.91 m) |
| Connector Type on First End | USB 2.0 Type A - Male |
| Connector Gender on First End | Male |
| Connector on First End Details | 1 x USB 2.0 Type A - Male |
| Connector Type on Second End | DB-9 RS-232 - Male |
| Connector Gender on Second End | Male |
| Connector on Second End Details | 1 x 9-Pin DB-9 RS-232 - Male |
| Connector Plating | Gold |
| Shielding | Yes |
| Device Supported | Desktop Computer,Notebook,Peripheral Device,Monitor,Sensor,Barcode Scanner,Receipt Printer,POS Device,LED,Digital Signage,Computer |
| Data Transfer Rate | 480 Mbit/s |
| Features | ESD Protection,LED Indicator,Molded,EMI/RF Protection,Rugged |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Color Family | Black |
| Product Color | Black |
| Product Material | Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) |
| Shielding Material | Copper |
| Weight (Approximate) | 1.90 oz (53.86 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | Serial/USB Data Transfer Cable 2 x DB9 Nuts 1 x Quick-Start Guide |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Compliance | Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 2 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
How does COM port retention work with this adapter?
COM retention ensures the assigned COM port number remains consistent even if the cable is disconnected and reconnected or if the system reboots. This eliminates the need to manually reconfigure serial applications each time the connection changes, which is particularly valuable in environments where specific COM port assignments are required by software.
What is the purpose of the interchangeable DB9 hardware?
The adapter includes both pre-installed DB9 screws and separate DB9 nuts. This allows you to secure the connector to serial devices using either method, providing compatibility with different peripheral mounting requirements. The nuts are particularly useful when connecting to devices or cables that require this alternative attachment style.
What are the LED indicators on this adapter?
Three LED indicators provide real-time status: a USB LED shows when the adapter is successfully recognized by the host system, while separate Transmit (TX) and Receive (RX) LEDs flash during data activity. These visual cues help troubleshoot connection issues and monitor serial communication without needing software tools.
What level of ESD protection does this adapter provide?
The adapter offers Level-4 ESD protection rated at 15kV for air discharge and 8kV for contact discharge. This robust protection helps safeguard both the adapter and connected equipment from electrostatic damage, making it suitable for environments where static electricity may be present.
What is the maximum data transfer rate supported?
The adapter supports a maximum baud rate of 921.6 Kbps, with configurable parity modes (Odd, Even, Mark, Space, None), data bits (7 or 8), and stop bits (1 or 2). It includes 128-byte receive and 256-byte transmit FIFO buffers to manage data flow efficiently during continuous communication.
What refresh rate or brightness details are available?
Display-oriented products are best judged through screen, connectivity, and installation specifications. Those facts help buyers confirm visual fit, mounting flexibility, and deployment suitability more clearly than generic summary text.
What input or connectivity options are listed?
Connectivity options include USB 2.0 Type A - Male, helping the product integrate into common office or home setups.
Does the display support VESA mounting or adjustment features?
Display-oriented products are best judged through screen, connectivity, and installation specifications. Those facts help buyers confirm visual fit, mounting flexibility, and deployment suitability more clearly than generic summary text.