STARTECH 1-Port Metal Industrial Usb To Rs422/rs485 ICUSB422IS Serial Adapter.

Enhanced Serial Communication with Industrial-Grade USB to RS422/RS485 Adapter

Engineered for industrial environments, the STARTECH ICUSB422IS USB to RS422/RS485 Serial Adapter brings robust performance, high reliability, and electrical isolation in one compact external form. Designed to seamlessly convert USB to serial connections, this adapter supports both RS-422 and RS-485 protocols, ensuring compatibility with a broad range of industrial equipment and control systems.

Key Technical Highlights at a Glance

• Device Type: Industrial Serial Adapter
• Interface Type: USB (external connection)
• Supported Protocols: RS-422, RS-485
• Transfer Speed: Up to 921.6 Kbps
• Isolation: Built-in electrical isolation for secure connectivity
• Form Factor: External, compact metal enclosure
• Color: Black

Durable Build and Compact External Design

• Constructed using rugged metal housing ideal for industrial and commercial settings
• External compact form factor promotes hassle-free installation and deployment
• Sturdy build ensures protection against environmental factors and long-term usage

USB Interface with Industrial Versatility

This USB-powered serial adapter delivers seamless integration with standard USB ports while facilitating serial communication via RS-422 or RS-485 protocols. Its universal compatibility makes it an ideal solution for legacy and modern devices alike.

• Interface Type: USB (Universal Serial Bus) for effortless PC or embedded system connection
• Supports data communication over RS-422 and RS-485 serial interfaces
• No external power required—draws power directly from the USB bus

Data Communication and Transfer Speed

Optimized for consistent data exchange in real-time applications, the STARTECH ICUSB422IS offers a maximum data transmission rate of up to 921.6 Kbps. It’s perfect for high-performance industrial data applications such as automation systems, POS terminals, and networking interfaces.

• Efficient serial data rate: Up to 921.6 kilobits per second
• Handles continuous data flow for demanding operational needs
• Ideal for PLCs, sensors, and legacy serial equipment

Galvanic Isolation for Device and Data Protection

Electrical isolation protects connected devices and systems from surges, noise, and ground loop issues. This industrial-grade feature enhances system resilience and preserves data integrity in environments with electrical interference.

• Integrated isolation ensures signal integrity and safeguards connected hardware
• Minimizes the risk of electrical damage from power surges or ground loops
• Essential for installations in manufacturing plants and field environments

Applications Across Industries

The STARTECH ICUSB422IS is a versatile tool suited for a wide variety of use cases across multiple sectors. From manufacturing automation to remote monitoring systems, this serial adapter supports smooth data transmission under demanding circumstances.

Perfect for the Following Applications:

• SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems
• Automated manufacturing machinery and robotics
• Building access control and environmental monitoring systems
• Legacy industrial equipment requiring RS-422 or RS-485 interfacing

Visual and Aesthetic Considerations

With a sleek black finish, the STARTECH ICUSB422IS maintains a professional and subtle appearance while offering top-tier functionality. Its design balances durability with minimalism, making it well-suited for visible or enclosed setups.

• Color: Professional black finish for industrial and commercial environments
• Visual indicators for power and data transmission provide status at a glance
• Blends well in control panels, server rooms, or workstation setups

Effortless Integration and Broad Compatibility

The STARTECH ICUSB422IS adapter is compatible with major operating systems and software applications, enabling plug-and-play functionality. Its broad compatibility ensures quick deployment across new and existing system infrastructures.

• Supports Windows, Linux, and macOS platforms
• Works with both legacy and modern control systems
• Plug-and-play with no external drivers in most cases

Industrial USB to Serial Adapters: Enabling Legacy Connectivity in Rugged Environments

The STARTECH ICUSB422IS 1-Port Metal Industrial USB to RS422/RS485 Serial Adapter belongs to the specialized category of industrial-grade USB to serial adapters. These adapters are engineered for reliable connectivity between modern USB-enabled systems and legacy serial devices that use RS422 or RS485 protocols. With rugged metal housings, wide operating temperature support, and surge protection features, these adapters are built for mission-critical applications in factory floors, automation systems, transportation infrastructure, and military-grade deployments.

Key Features of the STARTECH ICUSB422IS Adapter

• One-Port RS422/RS485 Connectivity — Offers reliable full-duplex RS422 or half-duplex RS485 serial communication from a single USB port.
• Industrial-Grade Housing — Durable metal enclosure suitable for harsh conditions, offering both physical protection and enhanced EMI shielding.
• Surge Protection — Integrated 15kV ESD protection ensures safe operation even in environments with high electrical noise.
• DIN Rail & Panel Mounting Options — Flexible mounting capabilities support integration into control panels, server rooms, and cabinets.
• Wide Compatibility — Works seamlessly with Windows, macOS, and Linux systems using standard USB drivers.

Understanding USB to RS422/RS485 Serial Adapter Use Cases

USB to RS422/RS485 adapters like the STARTECH ICUSB422IS serve as critical bridges between new-generation computing systems and older serial-based equipment. These use cases include:

Industrial Automation Systems

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and data acquisition devices often use RS422/RS485 interfaces. Adapters enable maintenance engineers to configure or monitor these systems using laptops or desktops that only have USB ports.

POS and Retail Environments

Cash drawers, receipt printers, and scale equipment still rely on serial connections. Industrial-grade adapters ensure uninterrupted communication in fast-paced retail environments.

Transportation and Rail Networks

In transit control systems, vehicle diagnostics, and rail signaling infrastructure, RS485 is a commonly used protocol. The STARTECH ICUSB422IS provides a robust, EMI-resistant interface between vehicle control systems and diagnostic terminals.

Energy and Utility Monitoring

SCADA systems and smart meters that communicate over RS485 can be accessed and programmed using USB-enabled systems via this adapter, reducing downtime and increasing operational flexibility.

Benefits of RS422/RS485 Communication

Compared to RS232, RS422 and RS485 offer longer transmission distances and better noise immunity, making them ideal for industrial and outdoor environments. Key benefits include:

• Multi-Device Communication — RS485 supports multiple devices on a single bus (up to 32 nodes), enabling networked serial device communication.
• Long Distance Coverage — RS422/RS485 supports data transmission over distances up to 1,200 meters (4,000 feet).
• Higher Noise Immunity — Differential signaling helps cancel out electrical interference, making them suitable for noisy environments.

Adapter-Level Isolation & Protection

The STARTECH ICUSB422IS features advanced protection mechanisms including:

• 15kV ESD protection on all signal lines.
• Integrated optical isolation (in select variants) to protect against voltage spikes.
• Galvanic isolation to protect host equipment from faults in downstream serial equipment.

Design and Build: Ruggedized for Harsh Environments

Heavy-Duty Metal Housing

The ICUSB422IS is enclosed in a solid steel casing that resists vibration, shock, and electromagnetic interference (EMI). It is ideal for deployment in manufacturing floors, mobile environments, and outdoor enclosures.

DIN Rail and Surface Mount Options

This adapter includes built-in mounting ears and optional DIN rail clips for seamless integration into industrial panels and cabinets, supporting both horizontal and vertical alignment options.

Extended Temperature and Voltage Support

Operating between -10°C and +80°C, and supporting USB bus-powered operation, the adapter works reliably in extreme conditions without requiring an external power supply.

Compatibility and Driver Support

Operating System Compatibility

The STARTECH ICUSB422IS is compatible with:

• Windows 11, 10, 8.1, and 7
• macOS Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur
• Linux kernel 2.6.31 and above

Driverless Operation & Plug-and-Play Support

Utilizing FTDI’s chipset, the adapter often requires no manual driver installation on most systems. Where required, StarTech provides downloadable drivers and utility tools for advanced configuration.

Auto Direction Control for RS485

Built-in automatic send data control ensures seamless RS485 communication without the need for software flow control, making it ideal for half-duplex applications.

Serial Connectivity Trends and Industrial USB Adapter Relevance

Legacy Serial Communication in Modern Systems

Despite the rise of Ethernet and wireless communication, RS422/RS485 remain critical in applications requiring deterministic, low-latency, and robust communication — especially in environments where wireless interference is a concern.

USB as a Universal Interface

USB continues to be the standard I/O interface on laptops, workstations, and servers. USB to serial adapters enable seamless backward compatibility, extending the life and utility of existing industrial equipment.

Device Management, Configuration & Diagnostics

Diagnostic Tools and Configuration Utilities

Many users benefit from StarTech's diagnostic tools which allow monitoring of COM port status, data transmission rates, and signal integrity. These tools aid in rapid deployment and troubleshooting.

LED Indicators for Real-Time Monitoring

The ICUSB422IS features status LEDs for power, TX (transmit), and RX (receive) signals. This real-time visibility helps identify cabling and communication faults instantly.

Application Examples and Industry Usage

Factory Automation

From conveyor controls to robotic arms, the STARTECH ICUSB422IS bridges modern IT systems to embedded industrial controllers with secure and consistent communication.

Building Access Control Systems

Used to interface between servers and door entry systems, card readers, and intercoms, particularly where serial communication is used for secure data exchange.

Embedded Systems Debugging

Engineers use this adapter to connect development environments to microcontrollers and other embedded platforms that expose RS422 or RS485 ports.

Test and Measurement Instrumentation

Laboratories and testing environments rely on serial connections for real-time data logging, calibration, and sensor interfacing — tasks well supported by this rugged USB-to-serial adapter.