Once the drivers are installed, the computer treats the USB connection as a standard serial (COM) port, which can be selected in terminal software or data management utilities. Technical Specifications Chipset: Typically utilizes the Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge controller. Interface Type: 16-pin UART (RS232) to USB.
Your POS software, inventory management system, or terminal emulator must listen on that specific COM port (e.g., COM3). If your software only expects a physical COM1/COM2 port, use a virtual serial port redirector, or change the COM number in Device Manager (Advanced > COM Port Number).
Mobile carts running Windows IoT or Linux connect to CipherLab 1560 cordless scanners. The 308 converter ensures the base station receives power and data over a single USB cable, eliminating wall warts.
A retail store replaces its old XP-based POS terminal with a modern Windows 11 touchscreen PC. The new PC has no serial port. The old CipherLab RS232 barcode scanner works perfectly. Solution: Plug the scanner into the CipherLab 308, then into the USB port. The POS software sees COM3 and continues scanning.
Users must verify the assigned port number in Device Manager > Ports (COM & LPT) to ensure their data collection software is pointed to the correct channel. Common Use Cases