RS-232 Driver Module - DTE Version

The RS-232 Driver Module is a TTL to RS-232 converter that allows any Transistor Transistor Logic (TTL 0-5 Volt) device -such as a microcontroller- to communicate with "true" RS-232 (±12 V) devices -such as a PC. Now you can easily use the reliability of RS-232 to send data from one microcontroller to another over distances up to several hundred feet. Data rates of over 115K Baud are possible.

This module is a simple, easy and inexpensive way to experiment with serial communications.

The RS-232 Driver Module is available in 2 configurations: DCE and DTE. Each configuration can be changed by the user.

The RS-232 standard was developed explicitly for data communications so the names were made to reflect the only two possibilities at the time; that is, modems (DCE), and things that connect to modems (DTE). The standard was designed such that a DTE could be connected to a DCE using a “straight-through” serial cable (i.e.: pin 1 to pin1, pin 2 to pin 2, etc.)

Data Communications Equipment (DCE): Refers to a device that is wired in such a way that it is expecting to talk to a PC. DCE devices transmit on pin 2 and receive on pin 3 of the DB-9 connector. Modems and Serial LCDs/VFDs are examples of DCE devices. DCE devices usually have female connectors.

Date Terminal Equipment (DTE): Refers to a device that is wired in such a way as to connect with a DCE device. DTE devices transmit on pin 3 and receive on pin 2 of the DB-9 connector. PCs, and many PLCs are examples of DTE devices. DTE devices usually have male connectors.

S232 DCE/DTE Sipex SP232A IC (pdf)
RS232 Adapter Manual (pdf) 179KB