FAQ: Interface Media Converters Designed Link Different Types of Communication Media

Electro Standards produces a broad line of interface (media) converters and extenders, designed to link different types of communication media — including copper-serial (RS-232/422/485), USB, TTL logic, glass fiber (ST, SC, LC), and plastic/fiber-optic (POF, polymer) — to help extend or convert data/network connections.

These converters are used across many industries and environments, including industrial process control, casino/lottery networks, retail/POS systems, government labs — basically anywhere you need reliable, long-distance or interference-resistant data connections.

Electro Standards Laboratories' Interface Converter Types & Flexibility

• The product line supports many connection types: serial (RS232, RS422, RS485), USB, Ethernet, fiber optic, TTL logic, and hybrid conversions (for example, fiber to serial or USB to serial/fiber).

• Converters come in multiple form factors — standalone desktop units, board-level modules (for embedding), DIN-rail mountable modules, and even custom configurations — giving flexibility depending on whether you need a rugged industrial installation, embedded system, rack-mount, or custom setup.

Performance & Ruggedness

• Many of the converters are “ruggedized” for harsh environments: for example, certain fiber-to-serial models operate across wide temperature ranges (e.g. from –40 °C to 85 °C), and include protection like galvanic isolation (no metallic connection), ESD protection, and isolation of power/data interfaces.

• Data speeds vary depending on the type: for instance, a fiber-to-RS422 converter offers up to ~12.6 Mbps over fiber.

Electro Standards Laboratories' Interface Converters are Suited to Connect:

• Industrial automation devices — PLCs, motor controls, factory sensors

• Remote serial devices over long distances — barcode readers, scales, time clocks, ATMs, POS terminals, data entry terminals, etc.

• Mixed networks where part of the system is fiber-optic (for noise/immunity or long distance), and part is copper or serial-based bridging legacy serial devices with modern fiber or Ethernet networks.

Custom & Specialized Options

• If a standard converter doesn’t meet specific requirements, Electro Standards offers custom-designed converters tailored to your needs (different interfaces, pinouts, fiber types, enclosures, mounting, etc.)

• ESL's offerings cover a broad spectrum: from simple serial-to-fiber adapters, to multi-channel logic-to-fiber modules, to Ethernet-to-serial/fiber interface boards for remote access over LAN/WAN

• See Example Diagram below of a Network that Incorporates Serial to Fiber Links with Electro Standards Laboratories' Interface Converters.

For product selection, visit our Interface Converter Category Page or contact customer support at 401-943-1164 or via Chat.