Connecting RS232 cable to level converter

[EngIntoHW]

As was discussed in previous post, I'd like to connect RS232 cable to a level converter (the main goal is to have the PC interfacing a microcontroller).

Could you help me complete the level converter's column (ICL3223)?

**broken link removed**

These are the functions of the relevant pins:

**broken link removed**


Thanks.

 

[jimlovell777]

Without a specific reason or application a lot of hobbyists and DIYers use only the TxD and RxD pins. You probably don't need the other pins connected and if you're using a hardware UART on a microcontroller chances are they're not supported any way. On the ICL3223 tie any unused inputs high or low as per the datasheet and nothing more need be done.

 

[EngIntoHW]

Thanks.

I currently just think of using TxD and RxD, however I dont want to rule out any possibilities at this stage.

Therefore I'm wondering whether there are more pins that need to be connected.

Also, is it correct that in the RS-232, CTS is an input and RTS is an output?

Thanks again.

 

[Mikebits]

Thanks.

I currently just think of using TxD and RxD, however I dont want to rule out any possibilities at this stage.

Therefore I'm wondering whether there are more pins that need to be connected.

Also, is it correct that in the RS-232, CTS is an input and RTS is an output?

Thanks again.

See... that is the most confusing part about RS232. Which end is DCE and which is DTE. In the old days, the computer was the DTE and the modem was DCE. At any rate, RTS is an output from DTE and CTS is input on DCE.

 

[EngIntoHW]

Thanks Mike!

What you just said settles with what I just read in Wiki - the RTS originates from the DTE (PC) and the CTS originates from the DCE (levels converter).

Besides the 4 pins - RxD, TxD, RTS, CTS - are there any other pins that should be connected between RS232 and the levels converter?