Edgeport

Edgeport is a family of USB-to-serial adapters that provide additional serial communication interfaces to computers and embedded systems. These devices convert USB signals to RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485, enabling serial communication with equipment that relies on legacy interfaces. The line includes models that offer multiple ports in a single enclosure as well as single-port devices. Edgeport adapters typically present several virtual COM ports to the host operating system and support standard serial parameters such as baud rate, data bits, parity, and stop bits.

Driver and operating system support have historically varied by model, but many Edgeport devices have required vendor-supplied drivers for Windows, with additional support available for macOS and Linux through vendor packages or generic USB-to-serial drivers. Some variants can be powered directly from USB, while others require external power sources.

Common applications for Edgeport devices include connecting legacy laboratory instruments, industrial equipment, CNC machines, and development boards to modern PCs or testing setups, particularly when multiple serial channels are needed. The devices are distributed through electronics distributors and used in a range of industries that depend on reliable serial communication.

Overall, Edgeport represents a practical solution for expanding serial I/O on systems that rely on USB connectivity, balancing multi-port capability with straightforward installation and broad compatibility. See also USB-to-serial adapter; RS-232; RS-422; RS-485.