Each of its male DB9 ports allow connection to RS232 serial devices at data rates up to 960 Kbps. In addition to Mac OS (8.6 and higher) and Windows, the drivers are supported within the kernel of Linux release 2.4 to add off-the shelf serial-to-USB support for the Linux platform. Support for Mac OS X is planned for the third quarter.
This new adapter is targeted to enterprise and industrial market segments, according to the company. It is an ideal for connecting serial devices needed in laboratory, manufacturing, and retail settings for Point of Sale (POS), process control, or data retrieval applications.
The manufacturers retail price of the 4-port adapter is US$149. Mike Ridenhour, Keypan president, said the company has brought the adapter to market at a price point that’s “about 50 percent less than the competition.”
Keyspan’s Linux drivers are examples of the company’s expansion into new areas. It is also working on USB 2.0 and Bluetooth solutions for the Mac. See our previous story for details.