RS-232

RS-232


RS-232 is an interface standard for serial data communication established by the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA). It is formally known as EIA-RS-232 (or simply 232, RS232). Widely employed for connecting computer peripherals that use serial interfaces, RS-232 operates through single-ended transmission, utilizing a signal line (TX for transmission) and a receive line (RX for reception). In contrast to RS-485, RS-232 utilizes non-differential signals, where data values are represented by voltages relative to ground. This characteristic makes RS-232 more susceptible to electromagnetic interference and limits its transmission distance.

While RS-232 was once a standard interface for communication between personal computers and various devices, it has gradually been replaced in some applications due to limitations such as shorter transmission distances, restricted data rates, and vulnerability to electromagnetic interference. Despite this, RS-232 continues to find use in specific applications, with some devices and instruments still supporting the RS-232 interface.

Logic Analyzer / MSO

TB3016F MSO2116E (w/ analog channels)  MSO3124V (w/ electrical validation)
TB3000 series Specifications PDF MSO2000 series Specifications PDF MSO3000 series Specifications PDF
Model TB3016F MSO2116E MSO3124V
Decode / Trigger y y y
Analog Channels y y
Electrical Validation y

UART(RS232) Decode


Save as TXT/CSV

In Logic Analyzer mode, click the icon above the report area to save the decoded data as a TXT/CSV file.


UART(RS232) Electrical Validation

Use an oscilloscope for UART electrical validation to ensure compliance with defined specifications. After an extended burn-in test, the oscilloscope confirms that the electrical characteristics of the signal meet the required standards.

Supported Models: TS3124V (4-channel DSO), MSO3124V (4-channel DSO + 16-channel LA)

Electrical Validation Solution PDF

UART(RS232) Decoding Setup Steps

1. Click Quick Settings or Add Protocol Decode to select a protocol for logic analyzer capture.

2. Select UART(RS232) for decoding.

3. If you use Quick Settings, the system will recommend configurations for trigger type, sampling rate, voltage threshold, and channel settings.

4. Click the icon to access the Decode Settings screen

 

Decode Settings


Channel:

  • Tx: Assign the Tx signal pin to the corresponding channel number of the logic analyzer.
  • Rx: Assign the Rx signal pin to the corresponding channel number of the logic analyzer. Enabled when selected.

Format:

  • Auto: Automatically detect the settings for the following options. Enabled when selected.
  • Baud Rate: The data transmission speed, measured in bits per second (bps). The supported range is 110 to 2M bps.
  • Polarity: Includes Idle High and Idle Low formats.
  • Parity: Includes N - None Parity (No parity bit), O - Odd Parity, and E - Even Parity.
  • Data Bits: Can be set between 4 to 16 bits.
  • Stop Bits: Can be set to 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, or 4.5 bits.
  • MSB First: When selected, the Most Significant Bit (MSB) comes after the Start Bit. When not selected, the Least Significant Bit (LSB) is used.
  • Invert Bits: Reverses High and Low levels. Enabled when selected.
  • Show S/P: Displays Start and Stop in the waveform area. Enabled when selected.

Waveform Area Settings:

  • Decode: Select whether to display the Rx or Tx decoding results in the waveform area. The Rx option is only effective when the Rx channel is enabled.
  • Show Scale: Displays the scale in the waveform area. Enabled when selected.

Report Area Settings (enabled when selected):

  • Show Idle State: Displays Unknown and Idle states in the report window.
  • Line Wrap Data: Allows setting two values as the primary order for decoding, making it easier to view analysis results.
  • Report Size: Sets the number of Data fields in the report area. Can be set to 16 or 32.

YouTube Video

UART Decoding Examples

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