A hardware interface adapter allows modern computers lacking traditional serial ports to connect with devices using RS-232 serial communication. This bridges the gap between newer USB interfaces and older serial peripherals, enabling communication with equipment like scientific instruments, industrial machinery, and legacy networking hardware. A typical example involves connecting a computer with only USB ports to a device with a DB9 serial connector.
This type of adapter provides critical compatibility for systems that no longer feature integrated serial ports. It expands the functionality of modern computers, allowing them to interact with a wide range of specialized devices still relying on serial communication. This connectivity preserves investments in existing equipment and avoids costly replacements. The shift from standard serial ports on computers to the now-ubiquitous USB architecture necessitated this bridging technology, ensuring continued interoperability across different generations of hardware.
