Ethernet to Serial device servers bring eco-network connectivity to a wide range of industrial serial devices helping to Connect, Configure & Control networked devices

Brainboxes, a leader in RS232 and RS422/485 Serial connectivity, has recently expanded its product range by introducing Ethernet to Serial devices. The new Brainboxes products are designed to provide easy, fast and reliable connection between Ethernet ports on existing network infrastructure and asynchronous serial interfaces. These sophisticated, easy to use RS232 and RS422/485 device servers will open up a new era in the functionality and reliability of extended networks.

Example Application – Remote Camera Control
Brainboxes products have been used in sporting events since designing a custom fit solution for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Their track record of perfect fit solutions in this area has won business involved with the Delhi Commonwealth Games. The Ethernet devices are being used to control cameras placed across the city, with the images captured supplied to broadcasters around the World showcasing this event.

The customer chose Brainboxes products for their proven functionality and compatibility where other suppliers products had failed in the application. The devices also fit the organisations green credentials by being one of the lowest power consuming products available within this market.

By their very nature, most serial devices currently in use throughout industry are not connected to a local network and are therefore working in a closed environment that requires physical access to operate, monitor and control the device. Brainboxes’ Ethernet to Serial products provide a powerful processor at the edge of a network, making it possible to remotely manage such devices from any connected location.  Allowing the same control as if working locally and, if connected to the Internet, these devices can be based anywhere in the world and still be managed remotely.

Brainboxes has engineered the Ethernet to Serial devices to operate completely autonomously. This means the 1 and 2 port RS232 and RS422/485 device servers will enable connection across a network with no loss of reliability or signal integrity, whether it is over one metre or 1,000 kilometres. Brainboxes’ Ethernet to Serial connectivity will prove ideal for large installations such as refineries, large manufacturing plants and warehousing where increased control and automation can help to reduce costs and so improve efficiency. These will also provide a greener option to your application as these products have a power consumption of less that 1 watt!!

These devices have also been designed with both Industrial and Desktop applications in mind; they are ruggedized in a metal enclosure for Industrial applications yet are smart and small enough to be used in any office environment.

“We identified the need for serial devices to be connected to the Ethernet network and responded by designing these serial products to work autonomously,” said Eamonn Walsh, chairman of Brainboxes. “We believe that Ethernet to Serial connectivity is the way forward for customers who no longer wish to rely on physical access to their devices.  At Brainboxes we strive to provide our customers with connectivity options to suit their needs that are also cost-effective, in terms of capital investment and running costs.  By developing new Ethernet to Serial devices we are enabling our customers to both increase the accessibility of their devices and provide expanded connectivity for additional devices, while maintaining a low energy footprint.”

Brainboxes’ Ethernet to Serial range is based on proven and familiar technology. It is a cost-effective way to manage a wide range of serial accessories for various applications in an organisation.

Brainboxes’ Ethernet to Serial products are ideal for a wide and varied range of applications which are becoming increasingly networked including: ATM machines, barcode scanners, refrigeration and heating controls, medical devices, security controls, weather stations and electronic key systems.

The 1 and 2 port RS232 and RS422/485 device servers support data transfer rates up to 230,400 baud coupled with 1Mbit/s line drivers to deliver uncompromising performance to a laptop, server or PC.  Brainboxes will package these products with its Boost.net driver, retaining existing software applications on the network and allowing high reliability connectivity over longer distances.

The Ethernet to Serial range comes with Microsoft signed drivers for Windows 7 and XP 32-bit & 64-bit editions. The range will also benefit from Brainboxes’ renowned lifetime support and lifetime guarantee: subject to online registration.