Serial Device Servers

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
2702758

2702758

Phoenix Contact

ETHERNET TO SERIAL RS-232/RS-422

965

MG-120

MG-120

Business Systems Connection Inc.

2-PORT RS232/422/485 MODBUS GATE

30

2313478

2313478

Phoenix Contact

ETHERNET TO SER RS-232/422/485

7

ICS-2200T

ICS-2200T

Business Systems Connection Inc.

IP30 INDUSTRIAL 2-PORT RS232/RS4

50

70002411

70002411

Digi

ETHERNET TO SERIAL RS-232

10

XSDRSN-03

XSDRSN-03

Maestro Wireless Solutions (Lantronix)

ETHERNET TO SER RS-232/422/485

22

TDS-732

TDS-732

ICP DAS USA Inc.

SERIAL TO ETHERNET DEVICE SERVER

30

PPDS-743-MTCP

PPDS-743-MTCP

ICP DAS USA Inc.

PROGRAMMABLE DEVICE SERVER WITH

30

CL-V24-SXL-B

CL-V24-SXL-B

AK-NORD GmbH

ETHERNET TO SERIAL RS-232

29

70001851

70001851

Digi

ETHERNET TO SER RS-232/422/485

319

ED2100002-01

ED2100002-01

Maestro Wireless Solutions (Lantronix)

ETHERNET TO SER RS-232/422/485

18

PPDSM-734D-MTCP

PPDSM-734D-MTCP

ICP DAS USA Inc.

PPDSM-734-MTCP WITH DISPLAY

30

TSH-734I

TSH-734I

ICP DAS USA Inc.

ROBUST VERSION OF TSH-734

30

DC-WS-8-INT

DC-WS-8-INT

Digi

ETHERNET TO SERIAL RS-232

0

MT100SEM-L-HV-IP

MT100SEM-L-HV-IP

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.

SERV/SER TO ETHERNET PC BOARD MT

10

70002403

70002403

Digi

ETHERNET TO SERIAL RS-232

25

1105710

1105710

Phoenix Contact

INTERFACE CONVETER

217

PPDS-742-IP67

PPDS-742-IP67

ICP DAS USA Inc.

4 PORT PROGRAMMABLE WATERPROOF /

30

BB-MESR901

BB-MESR901

Quatech / B+B SmartWorx

ETHERNET TO SER RS-232/422/485

25148

EKI-1512X-AE

EKI-1512X-AE

Quatech / B+B SmartWorx

ETHERNET TO SERIAL RS-422/485

2

Serial Device Servers

1. Overview

Serial Device Servers (SDS) are networking hardware solutions that bridge serial communication interfaces (RS-232/422/485) with Ethernet/IP networks. These devices enable legacy serial equipment to integrate seamlessly with modern TCP/IP-based systems, supporting remote monitoring, configuration, and data exchange. Their importance lies in industrial automation, IoT deployments, and legacy system modernization, where they eliminate distance limitations of serial connections while ensuring protocol compatibility.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

TypeFunctional FeaturesApplication Examples
Embedded Serial-to-Ethernet ConvertersCompact form factor, DIN-rail mounting, protocol conversion (Modbus/TCP to RTU), built-in web serverFactory automation systems
Wireless Serial Device ServersWi-Fi/BLE connectivity, mobile network support, antenna interfacesRemote sensor networks
Multi-Port Serial Concentrators8-32 serial ports, VLAN support, terminal emulationData center equipment management
Industrial-Grade SDSWide temperature range (-40 C to 75 C), shock/vibration resistance, galvanic isolationOutdoor infrastructure monitoring

3. Structural Composition

Typical hardware components:

  • Enclosure: Industrial-grade ABS plastic or metal housing with IP30 protection
  • Serial Interfaces: DB9/RJ45 connectors with ESD protection ( 15kV air discharge)
  • Network Interface: 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet port with Auto MDI/MDI-X
  • Processing Unit: ARM Cortex-M7 or similar processor (200-500 MHz)
  • Memory: 64-256 MB Flash + 128-512 MB RAM
  • Power Supply: 12-48V DC terminal block or PoE (802.3af)

4. Key Technical Specifications

ParameterValue RangeImportance
Serial Port Count1-32 portsDetermines device scalability
Protocol SupportTCP/IP, UDP, SNMP, HTTP/HTTPS, Modbus GatewayEnsures system interoperability
Transmission Rate100 bps-230 kbpsAffects data throughput
Operating Temperature-40 C to +75 CEnvironmental adaptability
MTBF>100,000 hoursSystem reliability indicator

5. Application Domains

Major industries include:

  • Industrial Automation: PLC/SCADA integration, robotics control
  • Healthcare: Medical imaging equipment telemetry
  • Transportation: Traffic light controllers, vehicle diagnostics
  • Energy: Smart grid monitoring, solar inverter management

Real-world case: A German automotive plant used Moxa NPort 5110 devices to network 120 legacy welding robots, achieving 30% maintenance cost reduction.

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

VendorProduct LineKey Features
Digi InternationalConnectCore X4IPv6 support, AES-256 encryption
SiemensSCALANCE M875PROFINET integration, redundant power
MoxaNPort 66505-port Gigabit Ethernet, -40 C operation
AdvantechEKI-13623G cellular backup, COM port sharing

7. Selection Guidelines

Consideration factors:

  • Port density vs physical space constraints
  • Environmental requirements (temperature, humidity)
  • Protocol compatibility with existing systems
  • Security features (firewall, VLAN segregation)
  • Future expansion capabilities (PoE++, fiber options)
  • Total cost of ownership (warranty period, support SLAs)

8. Industry Trends

Emerging developments:

  • Integration with IIoT platforms via MQTT/OPC UA protocols
  • Edge computing capabilities for local data preprocessing
  • Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) support for deterministic communication
  • Increased adoption of wireless (5G/NB-IoT) variants for mobile applications
  • AI-driven predictive maintenance capabilities
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