USB modem cable eases PC connectivity

Future Technology Devices International Ltd (FTDI) has made available its USB NMC-2.5m USB-to-USB Null modem cable. Using an approach that was established using legacy RS-232 serial COM ports when the PC industry was in its infancy, the USB NMC-2.5m offers a quick and convenient method of inter-PC communication using USB ports.

Packaged similar to a standard USB cable, featuring USB type "A" plugs at each end, both plugs conceal an FT232RQ USB-UART converter IC together with supporting components on a small PCB. Data is sent across cross-connected TXD/RXD connections while the RTS/CTS signals provide handshaking. A common GND reference rail links the two converter PCBs. The USB NMC-2.5m cable is 2.5m (8.2ft) long.

Used together with FTDI's Virtual COM port (VCP) drivers, the USB NMC provides inter-PC, COM Port-based communication at up to 3M baud rates. The drivers, supporting all the popular operating systems such as Windows, Linux and Mac OS are available for free download from FTDI's Website.

Further product information can be found here.

The USB-NMC 2.5m is priced $35 in single unit quantities.