This USB to RS485 Adapter is a basic USB-powered converter designed to bridge USB hosts with RS485 networks in industrial environments. This compact yet powerful device delivers reliable RS485 communication with 6 kV three-level lightning protection and robust USB port protection, making it ideal for industrial automation, sensor networks, and multi-node serial systems.
Powered directly by a USB port (no external power required), the adapter features plug-and-play compatibility with standard serial software and supports long-distance, multi-point RS485 communication.
This converter has an AUX terminal (VCC and GND) which can be used for powering a low-voltage (5V) device. The amperage depends which type of USB the converter is connected to (USB 2.0 or 3.0).
Key Features
High-Level Industrial Protection
- 6 kV three-level lightning protection on the RS485 interface meets GB/T17626.5 (IEC61000-4-5) standards.
- TVS protection on the USB port (±15 kV air / ±8 kV contact ESD).
- Built-in USB surge and EFT protection for enhanced reliability.
Connectivity & Compatibility
- Full-speed USB 2.0 interface with USB-powered operation.
- 5VDC AUX power which can be used for powering a low power/amp device.
- Emulates a standard serial port (no special drivers for many applications).
- Compatible with Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and legacy environments.
- Equipped with a structured industrial USB cable (1.5 m).
Performance & Status Indicators
- Supports communication baud rates from 300 to 921600bps
- Compatible with shielded twisted-pair cabling — up to 3 000 m communication distance at 4 800 bps.
- Three LED indicators — Power (red), RS485 Receive (orange), RS485 Transmit (green) — for at-a-glance status monitoring.
Typical Applications
Ideal for:
- Industrial automation systems
- PLC / HMI communication links
- Sensor and control networks
- Multi-node RS485 networks
- Legacy device integration
Connect control PCs, IoT gateways, or HMI interfaces directly to RS485 devices without external adapters — the FC-2101 delivers robust and reliable performance even in electrically noisy environments.
Resources
| SPECIFICATIONS |
| Part number |
FC-2101-B |
| Operating system |
Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/VISTA/XP/2000/98, Server 2022/2019/2016/2012/2008/2003 -32/64bit, Microsoft WHQL/HCK Certified |
| Processor |
CH340 |
| Power |
5VDC provided by USB port |
| Serial interface |
RS485 2-wirre half-duplex, screw terminals, A, B, signal GND, GND and VCC |
| Compatible with |
Modbus RTU/ASCII, BACnet |
| Bias resistors |
Yes |
| USB interface |
Standard Type B Female. Static protection ±15kV(air), ±8kV(contact), EFT protection 40A(5/50ns), surge 5A(8/20us). 200mA self-recovery fuse (USB) |
| Indication LEDs |
Power, Send and Receive |
| Baud rate |
300 to 921600bps |
| Parity |
None, Odd, Even, Mark, Space |
| Data Bits |
5, 6, 7, 8 |
| Stop Bits |
1, 1.5, 2 |
| Flow Control |
Hardware automatic control |
| COM port accessible by |
Included virtual COM port drivers |
| Isolation |
RS485 port: GB/T17626.5(IEC61000-4-5), 10/700μs short circuit, 6KV open circuit peak output voltage |
| Electrostatic (ESD) protection |
15KV/ 600W/ms high voltage protection |
| Current draw |
Static: less than 80mA. Dynamic average: less than 30mA |
| Dimensions |
75 × 47 × 20.5 mm |
| Cable length |
1.5m |
| Interface compliance |
USB1.1,2.0,3.0, EIA/TIA RS-232 |
| Regulatory compliance |
FCC, CE and RoHS |
| Operating temp |
-40C to +85C |
| Warranty |
1 year limited warranty |
