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.
| Type | Functional Features | Application Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Embedded Serial-to-Ethernet Converters | Compact form factor, DIN-rail mounting, protocol conversion (Modbus/TCP to RTU), built-in web server | Factory automation systems |
| Wireless Serial Device Servers | Wi-Fi/BLE connectivity, mobile network support, antenna interfaces | Remote sensor networks |
| Multi-Port Serial Concentrators | 8-32 serial ports, VLAN support, terminal emulation | Data center equipment management |
| Industrial-Grade SDS | Wide temperature range (-40 C to 75 C), shock/vibration resistance, galvanic isolation | Outdoor infrastructure monitoring |
Typical hardware components:
| Parameter | Value Range | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Serial Port Count | 1-32 ports | Determines device scalability |
| Protocol Support | TCP/IP, UDP, SNMP, HTTP/HTTPS, Modbus Gateway | Ensures system interoperability |
| Transmission Rate | 100 bps-230 kbps | Affects data throughput |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +75 C | Environmental adaptability |
| MTBF | >100,000 hours | System reliability indicator |
Major industries include:
Real-world case: A German automotive plant used Moxa NPort 5110 devices to network 120 legacy welding robots, achieving 30% maintenance cost reduction.
| Vendor | Product Line | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Digi International | ConnectCore X4 | IPv6 support, AES-256 encryption |
| Siemens | SCALANCE M875 | PROFINET integration, redundant power |
| Moxa | NPort 6650 | 5-port Gigabit Ethernet, -40 C operation |
| Advantech | EKI-1362 | 3G cellular backup, COM port sharing |
Consideration factors:
Emerging developments: