What is RS232?
RS232 is a popular communications protocol for connecting modems and data acquisition devices to computers. RS232 devices can be plugged straight into the computer's serial port (also known as the COM or Comms port). Examples of data acquisition devices include GPS receivers, electronic balances, data loggers, temperature interfaces and other measurement instruments.
RS232 Software
To obtain data from your RS232 instruments and display it on your PC you need some software. The new version of Windmill RS232 Software, for Windows 7, is now just 50 - reduced from 145. They also offer serial trouble-shooting software for RS232, RS422, RS485 and Modbus communications, free to their Monitor newsletter subscribers.
The standard defines how computers ( it calls them Data Terminal Equipment or DTEs) connect to modems ( it calls them Data Communication Equipment or DCEs). The standard says that computers should be fitted with a 25 way plug whilst modems should have a 25 way D socket. The interconnecting lead between a computer and a modem should be simply pin1pin1, pin2pin2, etc. The main signals and their direction of flow are described below. It is important to note that a signal which is an output from a computer is an input to a modem and vice versa. This means that you can never tell from the signal name alone whether it is an input or an output from a particular piece of equipment. Also, instead of being a DCE device, a data acquisition device might be configured as DTE. In this case you need an adaptor or the RS232 cable wired differently to normal. When the PC is connected to a DTE instrument, some of the cable wires must cross over.
TXD Transmitted Data, Pin 2 of 25 way D This is the serial encoded data sent from a computer to a modem to be transmitted over the telephone line. RXD Received Data, Pin 3 of 25 way D This is the serial encoded data received by a computer from a modem which has in turn received it over the telephone line. DSR Data Set Ready, Pin 6 of 25 way D This should be set true by a modem whenever it is powered on. It can be read by the computer to determine that the modem is on line. DTR Data Terminal Ready, Pin 20 of 25 way D This should be set true by a computer whenever it is powered on. It can be read by the modem to determine that the computer is on line. RTS Request to Send, Pin 4 of 25 way D This is set true by a computer when it wishes to transmit data. CTS Clear To Send, Pin 5 of 25 Way D This is set true by a modem to allow the computer to transmit data. The standard envisaged that
when a computer wished to transmit data it would set its RTS. The local modem would then arbitrate with the distant modem for use of the telephone line. If it succeeded it would set CTS and the computer would transmit data. The distant modem would use its CTS to prevent any transmission by the distant computer. DCD Data Carrier Detect, Pin 8 of 25 Way D This is set true by a modem when it detects the data carrier signal on the telephone line.. PC Serial Ports A nine pin D plug has become the standard fitting for the serial ports of PCs, although it's nothing to do with the RS232 standard. The pin connections used are:
Pin 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Direction Input Input Output Output Input Output Input Input Signal DCD Data Carrier Detect RXD Received Data TXD Transmitted Data DTR Data Terminal Ready Signal Ground DSR Data Set Ready RTS Request To Send CTS Clear To Send RI Ring Indicator