16 port USB to RS232

[Borisw37]

I need to build a 16 port USB to RS232 converter (1 USB, 16 RS232s)
Will this be the best setup:
- 1 x 4 port USB hub
- 4 x FTDI FT4232H (USB to quad UART)
- 8 x MAX232 UART to RS232 levle conv. (each MAX232 can support 2 TX/RX pairs)

Any recommendations for a simple 4 port USB hub IC?

Thank you,

Boris.

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

Have you tried looking for multiple USB/Serial converters? - there are some pretty big ones.

 

[Borisw37]

Have you tried looking for multiple USB/Serial converters? - there are some pretty big ones.

There are a few out there but they are expensive and big. I don't need DB9 connectors, but small 3pin connectors for each RS232 channel, thus a need to build my own PCB.

 

[cowboybob]

Is this rig going to have single or bi-directional communications. With only a three wire RS232 connection, I'm assuming single.

 

[Borisw37]

Is this rig going to have single or bi-directional communications. With only a three wire RS232 connection, I'm assuming single.

Yes, bi-directional [TX, RX, GND] the bare minimum for RS232 no handshaking, etc...

 

[cowboybob]

Wild guess here.

How about a TUSB2046B (with optional serial EEPROM interface, model TUSB2046BI) from TI? Digikey has them for $3.80.