USB to RS485 Converter Module with MAX485 & CH340 Chip

The USB to RS485 Converter Module is a compact, reliable serial communication adapter built around the industry-trusted MAX485 transceiver and CH340 USB-to-serial chip. Whether you're connecting industrial sensors, PLCs, smart meters, automation controllers, or microcontroller projects, this module delivers rock-solid half-duplex RS485 communication over a standard USB port — no external power supply needed.

Plug it in, install the CH340 driver (widely supported on Windows, macOS, and Linux), and you're ready to send and receive RS485 data within minutes. The onboard LED indicators give you instant visual feedback on data transmission and reception, so you always know your signal is flowing.

Key Features

MAX485 Transceiver: Industry-standard RS485 chip for robust, long-distance differential signaling up to 1200 meters
CH340 USB-to-Serial Chip: Reliable USB interface with broad OS driver support (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Bus-Powered via USB: No external power adapter required — draws power directly from the USB port
Half-Duplex Communication: Efficient bidirectional data transfer over a single twisted-pair cable
TX/RX LED Indicators: Onboard LEDs for real-time transmission and reception monitoring
Plug-and-Play Setup: Simple driver installation for quick deployment in any environment
Wide Compatibility: Ideal for PLCs, smart meters, industrial sensors, Modbus devices, and automation projects
Compact Form Factor: Lightweight and portable for bench use or field deployment

Technical Specifications

Interface: USB (Type-A) to RS485
USB Chip: CH340
RS485 Chip: MAX485
Communication Mode: Half-Duplex
Baud Rate: Up to 115200 bps
Signal Distance: Up to 1200 m (with appropriate cable)
Operating Voltage: 5V (USB bus-powered)
OS Support: Windows XP/7/8/10/11, macOS, Linux

What's in the Box

1 × USB RS485 Converter Module (MAX485 + CH340)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the USB to RS485 MAX485 CH340 converter module do?

A: This module converts a standard USB connection into an RS485 serial interface, allowing your computer or laptop to communicate directly with RS485-compatible devices such as PLCs, industrial sensors, smart meters, and Modbus equipment. It uses the MAX485 chip for the RS485 side and the CH340 chip to handle the USB-to-serial conversion.

Q: Is the CH340 driver easy to install, and which operating systems are supported?

A: Yes — the CH340 driver is straightforward to install and is supported on Windows XP through Windows 11, macOS, and most Linux distributions. Driver packages are widely available, and many modern Linux systems detect the CH340 automatically without any manual installation.

Q: What is the maximum cable distance supported by this RS485 module?

A: The MAX485 transceiver supports RS485 differential signaling over distances of up to 1200 meters (approximately 3940 feet) when using a suitable twisted-pair cable, making it well-suited for longer industrial runs where standard serial interfaces fall short.

Q: Does this module require an external power supply?

A: No. The module is fully bus-powered via the USB connection, so it draws all the power it needs directly from your computer's USB port. No separate power adapter or external supply is required.

Production & Packaging Notice

To maintain high stock availability and fast shipping times, our items are sourced from multiple verified manufacturing facilities. While the core quality, materials, and product specifications remain identical, you may notice slight variations in the packaging design, manufacturing origin, or the wording of the printed instructions.