STORY

USB-C and RS-232C Cabling Frustrations

  • USB-C and RS-232C Cabling Frustrations

  • Comparing USB-C to classic RS-232C cabling frustrations and diagnostic breakout boxes.
  • Cable Frustrations

    • On June 23, 2025, I compared USB-C to the classic RS-232C standard, noting that both only guarantee that devices won't catch fire when connected, rather than guaranteeing they will actually work.
    • I lamented the confusion of modern USB-C cables, such as some being limited to 40W power delivery or 5Gb/s data transfer.
    • I shared that I had purchased the modern equivalent of RS-232C "breakout boxes" to diagnose and test these various cables.
These facts are as Randal recalls them, but much time has passed for most of this. If you find a factual error, please email realmerlyn@gmail.com.