January 28, 2014 - ACCES I/O Products released ANDROID-232 USB serial interface board. Users can now control legacy RS-232 devices directly from modern Android devices. The ANDROID-232 uses the Android Open Accessory protocol to convince an Android device that its onboard USB port (normally limited to USB "slave" or "OTG" modes) is actually an RS-232 port. This two way data port allows external hardware to control the Android unit or for the Android unit to control external hardware.
Serial data up to 921.6kbps is supported (a max of 115.2kbps without flow control). Onboard circuitry will provide power to charge an Android device while connected. Multiple status and fault LEDs complete the package, and allow simple and convenient confirmation of operational state.
This small industrial/military grade product features industrial temperature operation (-40°C to 85°C) ideal for outdoor applications, harsh industrial surroundings, or military use. Also, a hard line wired connection eliminates security concerns associated with Wi-Fi and other radio frequency solutions. A Type A industrial strength USB connector provides high-retention that complies with class 1, Div II minimum withdrawal requirements. The ANDROID-232 is feature-rich and allows for the connection of RS-232 serial devices—ideal for a variety of applications such as automation, lighting, or any other application requiring the connection of RS-232 serial devices to an Android compatible system.
Available accessories include a broad range of cable assemblies and screw terminal boards for quick and easy connectivity. The ADAP9 accessory provides a screw terminal connection to break out the RS-232 signals on the DB9M connector for connections to non-standard RS-232 pinouts. Special order items such as conformal coating, custom software, and more, are also available. Key features of the ANDROID-232 board include:
- Android USB 2.0 Full-Speed Host to industry standard RS-232 DB9M serial port
- Supports UART interface with RX, TX, RTS and CTS
- RX buffer size 5512 bytes; TX buffer size 256 bytes
- Supports baud rates up to 460.8kbps, 921.6kbps optional
- Use with any Android platform supporting Android Open Accessory Mode (typically 3.1 or above)
- ±15kV ESD protection on USB data lines and all RS-232 signals
- Status and fault LEDs including external power, charging status, and USB status
- Supports USB charging for Android devices
- Type A USB connector features industrial strength high retention design
- Latching +5V external power input connector with external regulated power supply
- Industrial operating temperature (-40°C to +85°C) standard
- RoHS Compliant
- Factory Options include a RJ45 connector with Cisco pinout or a RJ12 connector Software
The ANDROID-232 product includes an Android sample program, with source, which operates within the Android Open Accessory protocol, available on all devices running Android 3.1 or higher (some 2.3.4 ROMs are supported). This program will allow a user to verify proper operation of the ANDROID-232 device, including sending and receiving RS-232 data.
A Python test program that can cooperate with the Android sample program to verify proper receipt of data as transmitted is also provided. In any operating system a user can communicate through the ANDROID-232 using a standard communication terminal program. Prices start at $139
