# RS-232 transceiver

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/rs-232-transceiver
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-27
Lookup label: RS232
Drawing use: Schematic
Reference families: Manufacturer

An RS-232 transceiver converts between logic-level serial signals and the selected RS-232 electrical interface.

## In plain English

### What does RS-232 transceiver mean?

An RS-232 transceiver converts between logic-level serial signals and the selected RS-232 electrical interface.

### A simple example

A controller can connect to a compatible serial service port using the required conversion device.

### What the drawings help you do

Put logic-level serial signals on one side and RS-232 signals on the other. These are different electrical levels, even when both carry serial data. Label the transmit, receive and reference connections according to the selected devices so crossing or connector conventions are not guessed.

### Before using this reference

- Distinguish logic-level UART and RS-232 connections.
- Identify transmit, receive and signal-reference connections.
- Reference the exact connector and device pin assignments.

### Can a logic-level UART pin connect directly to RS-232?

Not as a general rule. The electrical interfaces differ. Use a suitable transceiver and the selected device documentation to establish valid levels and connections.

### Terms

- UART: A logic-side serial communication function.
- Signal reference: The connection against which the selected single-ended signals are interpreted.

Concept diagram: Logic-level serial interface → RS-232 transceiver → RS-232 electrical link
Original functional explanation. Arrows show information or energy roles; two-headed arrows identify two-way interfaces. This is not a pinout, certified standards graphic or complete circuit.

- [RS-232 transceiver functions](https://www.ti.com/product-category/interface/rs-232-transceivers/overview.html)


## What it represents

An RS-232 transceiver converts between logic-level serial signals and the selected RS-232 electrical interface.
A controller can connect to a compatible serial service port using the required conversion device.
Put logic-level serial signals on one side and RS-232 signals on the other. These are different electrical levels, even when both carry serial data. Label the transmit, receive and reference connections according to the selected devices so crossing or connector conventions are not guessed. This is original functional artwork, not a certified standard graphic or device pinout.

## How to read it

- Distinguish logic-level UART and RS-232 connections.
- Identify transmit, receive and signal-reference connections.
- Reference the exact connector and device pin assignments.
- Logic-level UART wiring is not directly interchangeable with an RS-232 electrical connection.

## Information to show or reference

- Distinguish logic-level UART and RS-232 connections.
- Identify transmit, receive and signal-reference connections.
- Reference the exact connector and device pin assignments.

## Important distinction

Logic-level UART wiring is not directly interchangeable with an RS-232 electrical connection.

## Facts

- Representation type: Original functional block; not a certified IEC or IEEE graphic
- Concept input: Logic-level serial interface
- Concept output: RS-232 electrical link

## Public references

- [RS-232 transceiver functions](https://www.ti.com/product-category/interface/rs-232-transceivers/overview.html) — Texas Instruments. RS-232 transceiver functions: public technical context for the named function. Product and compliance details remain with the publisher.

## Graphic scope

Independent original educational concept illustration by Elora Grid. Not a certified standards graphic or manufacturer footprint. Unitless; not to scale. Original artwork licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Publisher material is linked only.