1203-USB — USB to DPI Converter Module for AC Drive Communication

The 1203-USB is a USB-to-DPI (Drive Peripheral Interface) converter that connects a PC's USB port directly to the communication port of compatible AC drives, eliminating the need for a serial RS-232 cable and adapter chain. It plugs into the drive's DPI port and presents itself to the PC as a virtual COM port through its driver, allowing Connected Components Workbench or other drive configuration software to communicate with the drive over a single USB cable.

Specifications

Parameter	Value
Part Number	1203-USB
PC Interface	USB 2.0 / 1.1 (Type A to PC)
Drive Interface	DPI (Drive Peripheral Interface) port
Compatible Drives	22-series, 750-series, and other DPI-equipped AC drives
Power Source	USB bus power (no external supply needed)
Driver Requirement	Windows virtual COM port driver (vendor-supplied)
Cable Length (USB to PC)	≤ 5 m recommended
Compatible Software	Connected Components Workbench, DriveExplorer, DriveExecutive
Operating Temperature	0°C to 50°C

Why a Dedicated USB-to-DPI Converter

DPI is the internal communication interface most AC drives use to connect to peripheral devices — HIMs, communication option cards, and PC configuration tools. Before USB converters like the 1203-USB became common, connecting a laptop to a drive's DPI port required an RS-232 serial cable plus, on modern laptops without a serial port, a separate USB-to-serial adapter — two cables and two potential points of driver or compatibility failure.

The 1203-USB collapses this into one cable and one driver installation. It draws power from the USB bus, so no external power supply or battery is needed in the field. For technicians who commission or troubleshoot multiple drives in a facility, having one reliable USB cable that works consistently across different laptops eliminates a recurring source of connectivity frustration during fieldwork.

Driver Installation and Connection Notes

Install the virtual COM port driver before first connecting the adapter. Windows will not recognize the device correctly without the driver package installed first.
Note which COM port number Windows assigns after installation — the configuration software (Connected Components Workbench, DriveExplorer) needs this port number selected to establish communication.
If multiple 1203-USB adapters or other virtual COM devices have been used on the same PC, COM port numbers can shift between connections — verify the assigned port in Windows Device Manager if the software can't find the drive.
The DPI connector orientation matters — verify correct seating at the drive's DPI port before applying power to the connection sequence; a partially-seated connector causes intermittent communication.

FAQ

Q: Can the 1203-USB power the drive's HIM display while connected?

No. The adapter provides a communication path only — it doesn't supply power to the drive or its peripherals. The drive must be powered through its normal AC or DC input for any communication session to be useful.

Q: Does this adapter work with drives that use an RJ-45 DPI connector instead of the older style?

Compatibility depends on the specific drive's DPI connector type. Some 1203-USB variants and drive generations use different physical connectors for the same DPI protocol. Verify the connector style on the target drive matches the adapter before attempting a connection.

Q: Can two drives be connected to one PC simultaneously through two 1203-USB adapters?

Yes, each adapter establishes its own independent virtual COM port. The configuration software can address each drive separately by selecting the corresponding COM port for each connection.

Q: What happens if the USB cable is disconnected during a parameter download?

An interrupted download can leave the drive's parameter set in an incomplete or inconsistent state. Always verify a stable connection before initiating a parameter download, and avoid disconnecting until the software confirms the transfer is complete.

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