DFRobot
RainbowLink V2: 4-Channel Isolated USB to Serial Converter (RS485/RS232/Dual TTL) with Built-in 12V Power Supply
· MPN: TEL0190
RainbowLink V2 is a pocket-sized USB Type-C serial debugging workstation that combines four independent communication channels with useful field power output...
RainbowLink V2 is a pocket-sized USB Type-C serial debugging workstation that combines four independent communication channels with useful field power outputs. It replaces multiple USB dongles for RS485, RS232 and TTL UART work, making it well suited to field engineering, IoT development and industrial automation.
The converter provides one fully isolated RS485 channel, one fully isolated RS232 channel and two TTL UART channels that can operate simultaneously. The RS485 and RS232 interfaces include signal and power isolation to help protect connected computers and prototypes from high-voltage surges, ground loops and electrical noise.
A built-in boost converter turns USB 5V input into 12V, 5V and 3.3V outputs, so you can power and debug compatible sensors or controllers from a laptop without carrying a bench supply or wall adaptor. Lever-type spring terminals make wiring quick in the field, and the dedicated driver uses smart port naming to help identify the correct COM port.
The package includes one RainbowLink V2 4 Channel USB to Serial Converter. Product wiki and driver download documentation are provided by DFRobot.
Features:
- Pocket-sized debugging workstation: Combines multiple serial interfaces and power outputs into one device.
- Four independent communication channels: All channels operate independently and can be used simultaneously.
- RS485 channel: Fully isolated interface for industrial PLCs and long-distance sensors.
- RS232 channel: Fully isolated interface for legacy hardware and standard serial devices.
- Dual TTL channels: Two TTL (UART) channels for microcontrollers, GPS modules and sensors.
- Integrated portable power supply: Built-in boost converter for powering 12V industrial sensors in the field.
- Power conversion: Converts USB 5V input into 12V (800mA), 5V (2A), and 3.3V (200mA) outputs.
- Industrial-grade protection: Full Signal & Power Isolation for the RS485 and RS232 interfaces.
- Surge and noise protection: Helps block high-voltage surges, ground loops and electrical noise.
- Smart Port Naming: Dedicated driver clearly names the ports in Device Manager, such as "RainbowLink RS485".
- Tool-free wiring: Lever-type spring terminals allow quick wire insertion and removal.
- Wire compatibility: Terminals accept 12-22AWG wire.
- Application support: Powers and debugs water level sensors, soil meters or PLCs directly from a laptop USB port.
- Field use: Suitable for outdoor sensor testing, industrial maintenance and R&D prototyping.
Specifications:
- Model: RainbowLink V2 (TEL0190)
- Input Interface: USB Type-C (5V)
- Total Channels: 4 Independent Channels
- Communication Protocols: 1x RS485 (Isolated), 1x RS232 (Isolated), 2x TTL
- Power Output: 12V @ 800mA
- Isolation Voltage: Signal & Power Isolation (for RS485 & RS232)
- Baud Rate Support: 2400bps - 128000bps
- Operating Systems: Windows, Linux (including Raspberry Pi), MacOS
- Dimensions: 77mm × 57mm × 21mm (Fully Enclosed PC Housing)
Use it for debugging RS485 soil sensors, connecting safely to PLCs over isolated RS232, or monitoring TTL data from boards such as an ESP32 and a GPS module at the same time.
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- baud
- Baud is the signalling rate of a serial connection, often used as the speed setting for UART communication. Matching the baud rate matters because both connected devices must use the same setting for readable data.
- boost converter
- A boost converter is a power circuit that raises a lower input voltage to a higher output voltage. It matters here because the board can power a sensor that needs a higher supply voltage while still using a single connector for power and data.
- COM port
- A COM port is the way many computers present a USB-connected serial device to software. It matters because it lets you configure or read the board from a computer using serial terminal tools or navigation software.
- ESP32
- ESP32 is a family of microcontroller modules with built-in wireless features such as Bluetooth and WiFi. Knowing this product uses an ESP32-based module helps explain how it provides wireless serial communication and firmware update features.
- GPS
- The US satellite navigation system used by GNSS receivers to calculate position and time. Support for GPS is important because it is widely available and often used together with other constellations for more reliable positioning.
- IoT
- Short for Internet of Things, meaning physical devices that connect to networks or the internet to send data or be controlled remotely. It matters if you want projects such as connected sensors, remote controls or classroom data-logging activities.
- RS485
- RS485 is a robust wired serial communication standard often used in factories, farms, and buildings where cables may be long or electrically noisy. It matters because it lets this controller connect to industrial sensors, meters, and control equipment over longer distances than typical hobby serial wiring.
- UART
- UART is a simple serial connection that sends data over separate transmit and receive wires, often labelled TX and RX. It matters because this module is designed to replace a wired UART cable with a wireless link while keeping the same serial data format.
- USB to serial converter
- A chip that turns the USB connection from your computer into serial data that the microcontroller can understand. It matters because this board uses it for programming and debugging instead of appearing as a direct native USB device such as a keyboard or mouse.
- USB Type-C
- A reversible USB connector used for power and data on many modern devices. On this kit it indicates an alternate 5V power input, which may be useful for setup or charging without the solar panel.
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