Moxa UPorts FAQ | Easy World Automation

The Moxa UPort is a versatile USB-to-serial converter that simplifies connecting legacy serial devices to modern computers via USB. This USB converter is easy to use; just plug it into a USB port, install the driver, and your devices are ready for communication. A UPort is widely used in automation, industrial control, and system monitoring, where reliable serial-to-USB connectivity is essential for data transfer and device management.

A USB to RS-232 converter works by translating USB signals into RS-232 protocol through an internal chip and creates a virtual COM port on the computer. This process allows modern PCs to connect with legacy serial equipment.

A USB converter is a trusted solution for connecting serial devices to modern PCs through USB. This USB to serial converter provides stable communication and smooth data transfer between legacy equipment and current systems.

The main difference between a USB 2.0 hub and a USB 3.0 hub is data transfer speed and power delivery. A USB 2.0 hub supports speeds up to 480 Mbps, while a USB 3.0 hub offers much faster speeds up to 5 Gbps for large file transfers or high-bandwidth devices. USB 3.0 hubs also provide more power to connected devices, which is useful for charging or running power-hungry equipment. Additionally, USB 3.0 ports are usually colored blue to distinguish them from USB 2.0.

A USB hub itself doesn’t usually cause noticeable lag, but performance can be affected depending on usage. If multiple high-bandwidth devices (like external hard drives or webcams) share the same hub, the available bandwidth is split, which may slow down data transfer. Cheap or unpowered hubs can also cause delays or connection drops if they can’t supply enough power. For best performance, use a powered USB hub and a USB 3.0 or higher hub to minimize any lag.

An industrial USB hub expands a single USB port into multiple connections and enables industrial and commercial devices to communicate with a computer simultaneously. It is ideal for connecting peripherals like sensors, controllers, or serial converters in automation and monitoring systems. Many Moxa USB hubs are powered and ensure stable data transfer and sufficient power for connected devices in industries.

1. Connect the device: Plug the UPort 1150 into an available USB port on your computer.

2. Install the driver: Download and install the latest driver from the Moxa website to ensure the system recognizes the device.

3. Configure the COM port: Once installed, the UPort creates a virtual COM port in your operating system, which you can configure via Device Manager (Windows) or equivalent software.

4. Connect your serial device: Attach your RS-232/422/485 device to the UPort’s serial port.

5. Test communication: Use your application or terminal software to verify data transfer between the computer and the connected serial device.

The UPort 1150 is plug-and-play after driver installation and supports stable serial communication.

The Moxa UPort 1150 and UPort 1130 are both USB-to-serial converters in Moxa's 1000 Series, to facilitate communication between USB-equipped computers and legacy serial devices. 

UPort 1150: This model offers a versatile interface and supports RS-232, RS-422, and both 2-wire and 4-wire RS-485 protocols. It's suitable for applications that require flexibility in serial communication standards. 

UPort 1130: This converter supports RS-422 and both 2-wire and 4-wire RS-485 protocols for applications that specifically require these communication standards.

Both models feature a USB 2.0 interface with data rates up to 12 Mbps and support baud rates up to 921.6 Kbps. They are compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and WinCE, and come with drivers to ensure seamless integration. Additionally, the UPort 1150I variant offers 2 kV isolation protection to enhance its suitability for industrial environments.

To install Moxa UPort drivers on Windows, first download the latest driver package from the website. Connect your UPort USB to serial converter or USB converter to the computer, then run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. Once installed, the UPort creates a virtual COM port and allows your PC to communicate with connected serial devices for reliable data transfer.

The Moxa UPort 1100 Series USB-to-serial converters support various serial interfaces:

RS-232: Standard serial communication used for point-to-point connections.

RS-422: Differential signaling for longer distances and higher speeds.

RS-485: Supports both 2-wire and 4-wire configurations, ideal for multi-drop networks.

Specific models in the UPort 1100 Series offer different combinations of these interfaces:

UPort 1110: 1-port RS-232 USB-to-serial converter.

UPort 1130: 1-port RS-422/485 USB-to-serial converter.

UPort 1150: 1-port RS-232/422/485 USB-to-serial converter.

The maximum baud rate supported by Moxa UPort USB-to-serial converters is 921.6 kbps. This applies to various models across the UPort 1000, 1200, 1400, and 1600 series, including the UPort 1110, 1150, 1200, 1250, 1400, 1450, 1600, and 1650 models. These converters are compatible with RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 serial interfaces for high-speed data transmission. Additionally, the UPort 1200-G2 series offers USB 3.2 SuperSpeed connectivity with a maximum baud rate of 921.6 kbps, which supports RS-232/422/485 interfaces and provides optional 2kV optical isolation for certain models.

Yes, several Moxa UPort USB-to-serial converter models offer isolation protection, specifically the “-I” variants. These models safeguard connected devices from electrical surges, ground loops, and other electrical interferences.

1. Check the USB Connection: Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the PC and the UPort device. Try a different USB port on your PC (preferably a USB 2.0 port if it’s an older device).

2. Install or Update Drivers: Download the latest UPort drivers from Moxa’s official site: Moxa UPort Drivers. Make sure the driver matches your Windows version (32-bit or 64-bit). After installation, restart your PC.

3. Check Device Manager: Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager) and look under: Ports (COM & LPT). Universal Serial Bus controllers. If you see a device with a yellow exclamation mark, right-click → Update driver or Uninstall device, then reconnect the UPort to reinstall the driver.

4. Verify COM Port Assignment: Some software requires a specific COM port number.

In Device Manager → Ports, check the COM number assigned to the UPort.

If needed, change the COM port number in Properties → Port Settings → Advanced.

5. Check Power and Isolation Models: For isolated models (-I), ensure your PC and connected devices are properly grounded. Some USB hubs may not provide sufficient power and connect directly to the PC’s USB port.

6. Test on Another PC: This helps determine if the issue is with the PC configuration or the UPort device itself.

7. Contact Moxa Support: If the device still isn’t recognized, the UPort may be defective or incompatible with your OS. Moxa support can provide model-specific troubleshooting

Always use the official Moxa driver and avoid generic USB-to-serial drivers.

1. Download the Latest Driver

Visit Moxa’s official UPort driver page: Moxa UPort Drivers

Select your UPort model (e.g., 1150, 1200, 1400 series) and your Windows version.

Download the latest driver package.

2. Uninstall the Existing Driver (Recommended)

Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).

Locate the UPort device under Ports (COM & LPT) or Universal Serial Bus controllers.

Right-click → Uninstall device.

If prompted, check “Delete the driver software for this device”.

Disconnect the UPort from your PC.

3. Install the New Driver

Extract the downloaded driver package if it’s compressed.

Run the installer (usually setup.exe) and follow the prompts.

Restart your PC after installation.

4. Reconnect the UPort

Plug the device back into your PC.

Windows should now detect it using the updated driver.

5. Verify Installation

Open Device Manager → Ports (COM & LPT).

The UPort should appear without any warning icons.

Note the COM port number for your applications.

! Use a direct USB port instead of a hub to ensure sufficient power.

!For isolated (-I) models, make sure your PC is properly grounded.

!Always uninstall older drivers first to prevent conflicts.