RS232C for Data Transfer
RS232 is an Interface and the protocol between DTE(data terminal equipment) and DCE(data
communication equipment) using serial binary data exchange, where C represents revised
version of RS-232 and RS-232C itself describes the physical and electrical characteristics of serial
communication for data transfer. Universal Asynchronous Data Receiver & Transmitter (UART),
attached in a motherboard, used in connection with RS232 for transmitting data to any serial
device like modem or printer from its DTE interface.
Electrical Specifications of RS232C for Data Transfer
Voltages
There can be two states in the signal level of RS232C pins.
Mark state - It is the high bit which is represented by binary 1 and have negative
voltages. Its voltage limits for transmitting signal ranges from -5 to -15V. Its voltage limits
for receiving signals ranges from -3 to -25V.
Space state - It is the low bit which is represented by binary 0 and have positive
voltages. Its voltage limits for transmitting signal ranges from +5 to +15V. Its voltage
limits for receiving signals ranges from +3 to +25V.
Cables and Wires
The maximum cable length for RS232C is equals to 15.24 meters or equal to the capacitance of
2500pF. Limits for the impedance of wires ranges from 3 ohms to 7 ohms.
Data and Slew Rates
Rate of data transmission through RS232C is up to 20Kbps. The rate of change in signal levels ie.
slew rate is up to 30V/microsecond.
Current
Maximum current rating is 3 Amps at the maximum operating voltage of 250V AC.
Pins and Working of RS232C
RS232C requires 25 pins connector for connecting DTE and DCE. Here is the list of pins and
signals of RS232C and the connection between DTE and DCE using drivers and receivers.
TXD & RXD -
Transmit Data and Receive Data on the DTE are the serial data lines. These lines have
opposite functions on a DCE. TXT sends outgoing data to DCE. RXD receives incoming
data from DTE.
RTS & CTS -
Transmitter activates the Request to Send when it requires to transmit data over the
line. The line itself gets deactivated when the communication stops. Receiver activates
the Clear To Send to tell the transmitter whether it is ready or not to receive the data. It
remains active during the transmission.
DTR & DSR -
Through the Data Terminal Ready line, DTE informs the DCE that it is in online mode and
the process of communication can occur. The main task of Data Set Ready signal is to
inform that DCE is ready for communication.
DCD -
DCE activates the Data Carrier Detect in order to show that it has been connected to
DTE.
RI -
When an incoming call on the telephone line is detected by DCE, then the Ring Indicator
gets activates.
Handshaking
Before the actual data transfer, signals are transmitted from DTE to DCE in order to make
connections by a process known as handshaking. Following is the sequence of signal
handshaking:
Initially, the computer activates RTS signal to modem when a data is transferred from
computer to modem.
Modem in turn activates the DCD and then the CTS gets activated.
Computer then sends data on TXD. After the data transmission is completed, the
computer deactivates the RTS which causes the modem to deactivate CTS.
Applications
It is used in establishing communication between the computer and embedded systems.
Due to its lower costs, It plays a vital role in CNC machines and servo controllers
Some microcontroller boards and PLC machines use RS232C.
RS232C ports are used to communicate in headless systems in the absence of any
network connection.
Many Computerized Numerical Control Systems are contains RS232C port.
Limitations
It cannot be used for chip to chip or chip to sensor device communication
It degrades the performance of the system in the presence of noise and requires shorter
cables due to having common grounds between DTE and DCE
The cost of system increases as RS232C interface needs separate transceiver chips.
Its performance degrades to short distances only when transfer speed is high.
Conclusion
RS232C is a reliable and simple standard for serial data communication, widely used for device
connections in legacy systems, industrial applications, and low-speed data transmission.
However, it has limitations in terms of distance, data rate, and multi-device support, and
modern communication standards like USB and Ethernet have largely replaced it in many
applications.
