My Account  |  Shopping Cart  |  Find a Distributor  |  International Sales
B&B Electronics Home Page
Products available from B&B Electronics
Custom / OEM
Technical Support available from B&B Electronics
Technical Library - B&B Electronics
Applications
Free Catalog B&B Electronics
 

Ethernet Serial Device
Servers

Ethernet Switches

Serial Connectivity

Wireless

USB Connectivity

Remote I/O and Data
Acquisition

Industrial Automation

Cables and Cable
Accessories

Controllers

Operator Interface

Power Supplies

Relays, Timers

Surge Protection

More Products


Simplify your RS-232 connections with a smart switch

  • Network your RS-232 peripherals using only a single serial port from your PC.
  • Smart switches simplify multiple RS-232 connections.
  • Vlinx™ software networks 64 or more serial devices with ease using Model 232BSS4

  • Stan's Notebook: Connect up to 17 devices to one serial port

    Often called “line sharers” or “code-activated switches,” B&B Electronics’ smart switches can be used to connect one RS-232 port to four or more different serial devices. These switches can be controlled in two different ways.

    The first way is referred to as “smart switch mode.” In this mode, the switch is controlled by sending a preamble (usually three characters) to the master port. One character of the preamble code is user programmable by internal switch settings. As soon as the preamble code is received, the selected slave port is connected to the master port.

    The second way the switch can be controlled is referred to as “port combiner mode.” In port combiner mode, a slave port can gain access to the master port by asserting a handshake line (RTS for DTE slave ports, CTS for DCE slave ports). If none of the slave ports have their handshake line asserted, the switch can be controlled using the preamble codes. There is no delay through non-buffered switches. LEDs indicate which port is selected.


     

    Home > Products > Serial Connectivity > Serial Data Switches

     Serial Data Switches

    Model 232BSS4, our most versatile and intelligent smart switch. A single RS-232 port on your PC can now communicate seamlessly with four or more RS-232 devices.

    Once configured, simply run your existing application software to converse with each device as if it was directly wired to your PC.

    When used with B&B Electronics RS-485 or fiber optic converters, the Model 232BSS4 smart switch may be connected to PCs or serial devices miles away. Requires 12 VDC power. Model 232PS is recommended.

    • Free set-up software included for XP, 2000
    • User friendly graphic interface
    • Configure each port individually from your PC
    • 8 KB buffer on each port ensures no lost data
    • Connectors: master DB25 female, slaves DB9 male
    • Mix and match baud rates
    232XS5 - 5 Port Smart Switch

    Model 232XS5 is a five-port smart switch. Its master port may be configured as either a DTE or DCE port. If the master port is DTE, the five other ports automatically become DCE ports. The port expansion feature allows cascading of up to four Model 232XS5 switches to provide up to 17 addressable RS-232 ports from a single PC port.

    • 5 RS-232 DB9 male slave ports
    • Expansion port provides up to 17 ports
    • Port powering is optional on all five ports
    • Supports 1200 to 115.2 kbps
    • 120 VAC to 12 VDC power supply included
    232MSS2 - Compact Four Port Mini Switch

    Model 232MSS2 is a compact four port mini switch. Its master port may be configured as either a DTE or DCE port. If the master port is DTE, the four other ports automatically become DCE ports. This model offers enhanced features that automatically control transmit/ receive functions, stop inadvertent switching from binary/graphic file transfers and inactive slave devices from holding control of the master port.

    • 4 RS-232 DB9 female slave ports
    • Automatic transmit and receive control
    • Supports 1200 to 115.2 kbps
    • Requires 12 VDC power supply, Model 232PS recommended
    485DSS - Distributed Smart Switch

    Model 485DSS is a distributed smart switch. Use this model when your RS-232 devices are scattered. The Model 485DSS uses RS-485 technology to reach RS-232 peripherals up to 4,000 feet away. Each switch has a unique address. A simple serial command from your host turns communications on or off or requests status. QuickBasic demo software is included.

  • Attach a unit to each “dumb” RS-232 device to make it a network node
  • Network up to 32 RS-232 devices up to 4,000 feet away
  • Requires 12 VDC power supply, Model 485PS2 recommended
  •  

    Model Number Host Port Slave Ports Power Supply   Price
    232BSS4
    DB25 Female 4 DB9 Male 232PS
    12 VDC
     
    $289.00

    232XS5
    DB9 Female 5 DB9 Male Included 12 VDC  
    $199.00

    232MSS2
    DB25 Female 4 DB9 Female 232PS
    12 VDC
     
    $179.00

    485DSS
    Terminal Block DB25 Male 485PS2
    12 VDC
     
    $139.00

     

    Home | Products | Partners | Support | Tech Notes | News | About | Contact | Site Map | Privacy Policy
    Questions or Comments? Copyright © 2010 B&B Electronics Mfg