RS232 Self-Powered Fiber DB9 Converter – DFP/9S

DFP/9S is a RS232 self-powered fiber DB9 converter that converts from RS232 serial standard (with a DB9 connector) to synthetic optical fiber with a screw-type connector, self-powered via the DB9 connector. It can be used to extend the transmission distance of a serial communication or to isolate network branches. The complete electrical isolation provided by the fiber may be necessary to protect the PC from medium- and high-level overvoltages.

The device is fully Plug & Play and requires no drivers or DIP switches. The RS232 self-powered fiber DB9 converter operates in full-duplex mode and automatically detects baud rates up to 250 kbps, so it can be easily installed in any new or existing system.

Use cases

The very compact size of this converter allows it to be installed in tight spaces where there is physically no room for a traditional DIN-rail converter. Another scenario in which this RS232 self-powered fiber DB9 converter may be necessary is when a machine has only a DB9 (or, more precisely, D-sub) port and can communicate only through that port. This converter can be secured to the machine on the D-sub side with screws for maximum communication reliability.

Fiber optics isolate various branches of a network, such as the floors of a hotel or sections of a photovoltaic system, from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and power surges. Electromagnetic interference is common in these environments. Therefore, it is good practice to install two or more optical-to-electrical converters to ensure signal integrity.

In industrial environments this type of interference is particularly common. The electrical isolation provided by optical fiber is therefore particularly useful, and in some cases even necessary.

Protocol

DFP/9S RS232 self-powered fiber DB9 converter is completely protocol-independent. This means that the converter is transparent to the communication and can be used with any proprietary protocol.

This is possible because the converter operates at the logic level rather than at the protocol level. Therefore, this RS232 self-powered fiber DB9 converter can be used with any computer or machine that communicates via a DB9 port using the RS232 serial standard.

Ease of installation

This RS232 self-powered fiber DB9 converter draws its power directly from the signals of the D-sub port and needs no other power cables. However, this reduces the transmission power of the optical fiber: from the typical 100 m, the range drops to about 50 m. To reach the specified 100 m, DFP/9A is suitable, and it can be powered from a simple USB port.

Multi-mode synthetic optical fiber has several advantages over glass fiber; for example, it is more economical and easier to install. It does not need to be terminated; simply use a sharp utility knife to make a clean cut at the ends.

As long as you stay within the recommended specifications, use good-quality plastic optical fiber, and maintain appropriate bend radius, simply cut the fiber as indicated. Then simply insert the fiber into the adapter and gently screw the connector on with your fingers, no special tools are needed. There’s no need to over-tighten the connectors, as this risks breaking them or damaging the fiber. This speeds up installation and maintenance, which can even be performed by non-specialized personnel.

In more challenging situations, where a few extra meters can make a difference, or where the fiber is not of the highest quality, additional steps may be necessary to minimize insertion loss. You can polish the ends with fine-grit sandpaper, although this is not necessary in the vast majority of cases.

Versatility

The RS232 self-powered fiber DB9 converter is also available with an external power supply or with different connectors. DFP/9A converter, for example, is functionally identical to DFP/9S, but needs an external 5 V power supply to double the transmission range. IMC/9R and RMC/9R are isolated and non-isolated RS232-RS485 converters, respectively, from a DB9 connector to a 3-pin Mini XLR connector.

CRM/1S is a DIN-rail RS232 to synthetic optical fiber converter, while BTS/1 industrial serial converter enables communication with a synthetic optical fiber bus via USB. All combinations of serial standards, optical fiber, and power supply are available in the catalog, while special requests (such as higher baud rates) can be made via the contact form.

Main features

RS232

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Mechanical features

Working conditions