ATC-1200 RS232/RS485/RS422 Ethernet Converter with Virtual COM Port

ATC-1200 Serial Ethernet Converter

The ATC-1200 is a device server that connects devices with RS232, RS485, or RS422 interfaces to a 10/100 Mbit/s Ethernet network. It allows you to manage serial devices remotely via virtual COM, direct TCP connection, or a bridge between two converters.

The serial interface and communication parameters, such as speed, parity, and stop bits, are configurable via a browser or Windows utility. It is suitable for integrating PLCs, CNCs, scales, barcode readers, inverters, time and attendance terminals, and supervision systems equipped with a compatible serial port.

An evolution of the ATC-1000, the ATC-1200 offers a compact and cost-effective solution for serial equipment networking, featuring a single-cycle-per-instruction AX11005 RISC processor, up to 100 MHz (100 MIPS) frequency, 512 KB of Flash memory, and 32 KB of SRAM. The platform integrates improved management and performance features for use in virtual COM mode.

Mode of operation

• Virtual COM port with VCOM: The provided software creates a COM port on your Windows PC to communicate with the serial device over the network, using applications that work on a serial port. It also supports HW VSP and similar software for creating virtual COM ports , configured for TCP/IP connection to the converter.
• Direct connection via TCP socket: data received from the network is forwarded to the serial port and vice versa. Buffers and terminators are configurable to manage data transmission.
• Connection between two ATC-1200s (paired mode, master/slave): Two converters create a serial bridge via Ethernet, without an intermediate PC. Different serial interfaces can be used at each end. The second converter is required and not included.

In server mode , the converter receives the connection from the PC or other device; in client mode , it initiates the connection to the configured IP address. Internet access requires appropriate network configuration, especially when using routers and NAT.

Communication is bidirectional, with full duplex operation in RS232 and RS422. The RS232 interface supports RTS/CTS hardware flow control.

Configuration and management functions

• Configuration via integrated web server and Windows utilities.
• Selection of RS232, RS485 or RS422 interface.
• Flow control disabled, software XON/XOFF or hardware RTS/CTS.
• Restrict connections to authorized IP addresses.
• Email notifications for cold boots, authentication errors, local IP changes, and password changes.
• Support for IPv4, TCP, UDP, ICMP, DHCP, BOOTP, ARP, DNS, HTTP, Telnet, SMTP, SNTP and UPnP protocols.

Device discovery and configuration functions are accessible via driver tools, the serial port, Telnet, and a web browser. SNMP management and RAW mode for direct network-to-serial communication are also available.

Serial data speed and format

The supported baud rates are 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200, and 921600 bits/s . The 921600 bit/s rate is available on the RS422/RS485 interfaces; on RS232 the maximum is 115200 bits/s.

The serial format is configurable with 5, 6, 7 or 8 data bits , 1, 1.5 or 2 stop bits and even, odd or no parity.

Connections and power supply

The Ethernet port uses an RJ45 connector. The RS232 interface is available on a DB9 male (DTE) , while RS422/RS485 uses a 6-pin removable terminal block . The serial lines feature 600W surge protection; the Ethernet port integrates 1.5kV magnetic isolation.

Power can be supplied via terminals or via a 2.1 mm jack. The device accepts 9–24 V DC and is supplied with a 9 V DC power supply .

For use on a Wi-Fi network, an external Wi-Fi access point or bridge connected to the Ethernet port is required, not included.

Technical specifications

Software and operating systems

Direct access via TCP/IP sockets allows integration with network applications on Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server, Linux, and macOS , without requiring a COM driver for the converter. Configuration is done via a web browser.

To create a virtual COM port on Windows, you can use VCOM, HW VSP, or similar software . HW VSP3 brings support back to Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016; for Windows 11 and other recent versions, you'll need to choose serial virtualization software that declares compatibility with your system. Virtual COM compatibility depends on the software and its installed driver.

Package Contents

• ATC-1200 Serial Ethernet Converter.
• 9V DC AC/DC power adapter.
• CD-ROM with documentation and drivers.

The DIN rail mount, second converter for paired mode and external Wi-Fi devices are optional accessories not included.