Connecting sensors with rs232 output to computer

[tramp094]

As a part of my project I need to display & log the readings/test results of different types of sensors (RTD,Barometer,RH Sensor,Proximity sensor) with rs232 outputs into Labview software.
For this,can i simply connect them to my computer using rs232-usb converter or do i need a data aquisition device to convert the analog signals into digital signals?
If yes,please suggest an appropriate device for my requirement.Im trying to keep it simple and complete this project within a limited budget

Thanks in advance

[johnsold · Accepted solution]

Sensors with RS-232 outputs have already done the analog to digital conversion.  You just need the RS-232 to USB converter. Many people have reported on the Forums that converters with FTDI chips seem to have fewer problems than other devices.

You will also need the communications protocol from the sensor manufacturers to set the serial port parameters properly and to decode the results.

Lynn

[mikeporter]

There are a few rare exceptions, but typically if you have a sensor with a serial interface, and you have an RS232 interface on your computer, you are going to go.

The manual for the sensor will tell you what commands to send to retrieve the data. What sensor do you have?

If you are needing to buy a USB-RS232 interface, be sure the one you get is from a reputable dealer as there are a lot of Chinese-made knock-offs on the market that are made with pirated chips and substandard parts.

Mike...

[tramp094]

Thanks for your quick responses.

Is it really possible to read the signals if i connect different sensors to a usb hub using rs232-usb cables?

How can it shows signals from different sensors when i connect in a single usb port? 

[mikeporter]

Again yes, but each device will need it's own RS232 interface.

Mike...

[JÞB]

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@tramp094 wrote:

Thanks for your quick responses.

Is it really possible to read the signals if i connect different sensors to a usb hub using rs232-usb cables?

How can it shows signals from different sensors when i connect in a single usb port? 

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Typically you would connect an externally powered USB Hub to you computers USB Port then connect a USB-RS232 converter to each device.

READ SOME GOOD ADVICE HERE

The USB Standard and VISA hadles assigning the resources needed to sepeate the data from the devices and you don't really need to worry about how.  YEA LabVIEW!