Serial (DB9) to USB-C Connector

Have you ever tried plugging something old into something new, and it just didn’t fit? Like trying to charge an old toy with a new charger? That’s the kind of problem some people have when working with really old computers and machines. One of the most common connector types starting in the early 1960s was the “serial” connection or “DB” connector.

A serial connector is a type of plug used to connect devices like computers, printers, and modems. It sends data one bit at a time, in a single line – like sending letters one by one through a pipe. This was the main way for computers to talk to other devices before USBs (Universal Serial Bus) became popular.

The first serial port (specifically the RS-232 standard) was invented in 1960 by a group called the Electronic Industries Association (EIA). It was made to help different kinds of machines communicate easily.

It became widely available to the public in the early 1960s, especially when computers and terminals started using it more often in offices and labs. By the 1980s the DB9 was the most common serial connector and was a common feature on most computers.

Sabrent has created a special cable that lets old machines talk to new computers. It’s called a DB9 Serial to USB-C cable.

DB9 Serial is an old way that machines used to send information to each other. It’s a type of plug that has 9 little pins. USB-C is the newer, smaller plug that you see on most new computers, tablets, and phones today. It’s the oval-shaped one you can plug in either way!

Why is the serial connector to USB-C important?

A lot of businesses and even schools still use really old equipment like:

• Old computer screens (called terminals)
• Printers
• Modems (a device that helps computers talk over the phone line)
• GPS systems (machines that tell you where you are)

But new computers don’t have the old DB9 Serial plug anymore. That’s why this new Sabrent cable is so helpful It acts like a translator so old machines and new computers can understand each other.

What is cool about the Sabrent cable?

• Works with modern computers like Windows, Linux, and macOS.
• Windows is the system that runs most PCs.
• Linux is another system some people like to use instead of Windows.
• macOS is the system that Apple computers use.

By scanning a QR code printed on the cable it is easy to setup and read the user manual if you are having issues. The DB9 Serial to USB-C cable uses the Prolific PL2303GS chip on one side of the cable connector, the serial side. This chip is a “bridge chip” which basically translates the digital signal received from the serial port of the host, to the USB protocol and then a new digital signal is sent via USB to the host, or receiver.

For the awesome feature this cable solves, the price isn’t bad. 90cm cable is about $15. 180cm cable is about $20.

Is it USB-C fast?

Nope. It’s slow, but understably. This cable is designed for old machines, so it only moves information at speeds up to 12 Mbps (megabits per second) 12 Mbps is plenty fast for old stuff, but not for things like games or videos.

About Sabrent:

Sabrent is a prominent manufacturer of computer accessories and peripherals, recognized for delivering cutting-edge technology at affordable prices. Established in 1998 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company relocated to Los Angeles, California, in 2001, where its headquarters remain today.

Key Milestones in Sabrent’s History:

• 1998 Founded in Pittsburgh, PA.
• 2001 Moved headquarters to Los Angeles, CA.
• 2008 Transitioned from selling PC parts on eBay to partnering with retailers.
• 2012 Became an Amazon seller, expanding its online presence.
• 2015 Initiated international sales, broadening its global reach.
• 2016 Achieved status as a top 10 Amazon brand.
• 2018 Entered the solid-state drive (SSD) market, quickly becoming one of the largest SSD vendors.
• 2020 Established branch offices in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Shenzhen, China.
• 2022 Expanded product line to include RAM, SD cards, and CFexpress cards.

Sabrent’s product portfolio encompasses over 400 items, serving more than 100 countries worldwide. Their offerings include storage solutions, memory devices, cables, hard drive accessories, and card readers. Notable product releases include the 8TB Rocket Q, 16TB dual Rocket Thunderbolt Dock, 8TB Rocket 4 Plus, 512GB UHS-II SD card, and 1TB CFexpress cards.

The company’s philosophy centers on building reliable, cutting-edge products at reasonable prices, offering a diverse catalog to meet various needs, ensuring prompt product availability, and providing responsive customer service and technical support. Sabrent is committed to delivering the latest technology and high-quality consumer electronic products to a broad audience.