What Is a Serial to Ethernet Converter?
A serial to Ethernet converter is a device that links a serial device, such as a PLC, sensor, meter or scanner with an RS-232 or RS-485 port, to an Ethernet network. The converter receives serial data and sends it over TCP/IP, so the device can be reached from a network instead of a direct cable. Many industrial sites use this method to move data from older equipment onto newer network systems.
A Thinvent industrial PC can also serve as the gateway for this task. Software running on the PC reads the serial port, processes the data and sends it over the Ethernet connection. This approach suits sites that need both protocol conversion and local processing in one fanless unit.
Key Specifications to Check
The Thinvent range includes Intel and AMD processors and an ARM-based thin client. The Industrial PC IPC5 and IPC3 models are rated for industrial use and run without a fan. Each model is listed below with its main specifications.
| Model | Processor | Cores | Max Frequency | Memory | Storage | Networking | OS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial PC IPC5 | Intel Core i5-1240P | 12 | 4.4 GHz | 16 GB DDR4 | 512 GB SSD | No WiFi | Windows 11 IoT Value |
| Industrial PC IPC3 | Intel Core i3-1215U | 6 | 4.4 GHz | 8 GB DDR4 | 256 GB SSD | No WiFi | Ubuntu Linux |
| Industrial PC IPC5 | Intel Core i7-1255U | 10 | 4.7 GHz | 16 GB DDR4 | 512 GB SSD | Dual LAN, Dual Band WiFi | Windows 11 Pro |
| Industrial PC IPC5 | Intel Core i7-1255U | 10 | 4.7 GHz | 64 GB DDR4 | 1 TB SSD | Dual LAN, Dual Band WiFi | Ubuntu Linux |
| Micro 5R Thin Client | ARM Cortex A53 | 4 | 2.0 GHz | 2 GB | 16 GB eMMC | WiFi 6, Bluetooth | Thinux Embedded Linux |
The Industrial PC IPC5 with the Intel Core i7-1255U has two LAN ports. Two Ethernet ports let one unit connect to two networks, such as a plant network and a separate control network. Choose a model with two LAN ports when the serial data must reach more than one network segment.
Use Cases
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Connecting legacy RS-232 or RS-485 equipment to a TCP/IP network
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Collecting data from several serial devices at one gateway
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Running local data processing before sending results to a server
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Operating in plant floors, factories and remote sites with limited space
Thinvent Products for Serial to Ethernet Connectivity
Thinvent has industrial PCs and a thin client that can act as serial to Ethernet gateways. The Industrial PC IPC5 and IPC3 are built for industrial environments, and the Micro 5R Thin Client suits lighter tasks. Compare the processor, memory and networking options above to select the model that fits your application.
