***ACTiSYS Applications Notes: USB/RS232Cable-050511

====(Why Some USB-to-RS232 cable Can't Work With RS232-to-IrDA adapters?)====

a) Not all USB-RS232 conversion cable will work well with RS232-to-IrDA adapters. 
We tested 11 brands and only 3 are solid, 5 marginal, 3 totally not working. 

b) The reason is: Any RS232-IrDA adapters take power from 
RS232 signal lines which is follow RS232 spec., will deliver 
adequate current to drive IR220Li. Cheap USB-RS232 cable 
uses cheap IC inside which delivers current below RS232 spec.

c) Therefore, If USB-serial cables delivers RS232 spec., somewhat 
less, or badly off spec, it will work well, marginally, or not work
with RS232-IrDA adapter, as your customers discovered. 

d) ACTiSYS sells such qualified cable at competitive pricing, 
ACT1-201 (USB-RS232 Cable, 1 ft). It has been tested to work well 
with ALL RS232-to-IrDA Adapter models from many other suppliers.
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