The CipherLab 308 is an active converter cable designed to bridge the gap between USB-only host computers and legacy RS-232 devices. It is commonly used with:
The converter features a USB Type-A connector on one end (for the PC) and a DB9 male or female connector on the other (for the serial device). It incorporates internal circuitry that performs voltage level shifting (from USB’s 5V logic to RS-232’s ±12V) and signal conversion.
To ensure your CipherLab 308 usbtors232 interface converter driver performs at its peak, implement these advanced tips. cipherlab 308 usbtors232 interface converter driver top
The CipherLab 308 does not require a traditional "driver" in the Windows sense (like a printer driver). Instead, it uses a USB CDC (Communications Device Class) driver that makes the converter appear as a virtual COM port.
CipherLab 308 USB to RS232 Converter Driver Download & Installation Guide The CipherLab 308 is an active converter cable
Q: Do I need a driver for Windows 10/11?
A: Yes, unless your unit has a genuine FTDI chip (rare). Most CipherLab 308 units need the Prolific PL-2303 driver.
Q: The driver installs but my scanner doesn’t send data.
A: Check your terminal software’s COM port number (increase receive buffer), and ensure RX/TX crossover is correct (use null modem cable if needed). The converter features a USB Type-A connector on
Q: Where can I find the driver for Linux?
A: No separate driver needed. Run lsusb → look for “Prolific Technology Inc.” → use /dev/ttyUSB0.
Why? The CipherLab 308 USB-to-RS232 converter internally uses a Prolific PL-2303 chipset. This is a common, industry-standard USB-to-serial bridge chip. However, counterfeit chips and Microsoft Windows updates have caused many older drivers to fail.
Note: CipherLab does not write this driver from scratch—they rebadge the Prolific driver. Therefore, the top driver is always the latest official Prolific driver, not an older CD-ROM version.