The Universal Serial Bus Communications Device Class (USB CDC) is a USB standard that allows a device to emulate a traditional serial communication port (RS-232C).
When a USB CDC-compliant unit--such as a high-voltage power supply--is connected to a computer, the operating system recognizes it as a "virtual COM port." This enables the computer to communicate with the USB device using standard serial commands, just as if it were connected via an RS-232C cable.
Key benefits include:
- Simplified Integration: Developers can use standard serial communication libraries to control USB instruments without writing complex USB drivers.
- Software Compatibility: It ensures backward compatibility, allowing legacy software designed for RS-232C to control modern USB hardware.
- Ease of Use: It bridges the gap between modern USB connectivity and established industrial communication protocols.