ESP32 - RS232
In this tutorial, we are going to learn how to use RS232 communication with ESP32. In detail, we will learn:
- How to connect ESP32 to the TTL to RS232 module
- How to program ESP32 to read data from the TTL to RS232 module
- How to program ESP32 to send data to the TTL to RS232 module
Hardware Used In This Tutorial
1 | × | ESP-WROOM-32 Dev Module | |
1 | × | Micro USB Cable | |
1 | × | TTL to RS232 Module | |
1 | × | Jumper Wires | |
1 | × | Breadboard | |
1 | × | (Optional) ESP32 Screw Terminal Adapter |
Or you can buy the following sensor kit:
1 | × | DIYables Sensor Kit 30 types, 69 units |
Introduction to TTL to RS232 Module
When you use the serial communication by using Serial.print(), Serial.read(), Serial.write() ... functions on ESP32, ESP32 output data to TX pin or read data come from RX pin. The signals on TX and RX pins are TTL level. This signal cannot go far. Therefore, when you want to use the serial communication via long distance, you need to converts the TTL signal to RS232, RS485, or RS422 signal.
The TTL to RS232 module converts TTL signal to RS232 signal, and vice versa.
Pinout
The RS232 to TTL module has two interfaces:
- The TTL interface (connnected to ESP32) includes 4 pins
- VCC pin: power pin, needs to be connected to VCC (5V)
- GND pin: power pin, needs to be connected to GND (0V)
- RXD pin: data pin, needs to be connected a RX pin of ESP32
- TXD pin: data pin, needs to be connected a TX pin of ESP32
- The RS232 interface: DB9 female D-Sub connector, connect this to the serial device

Wiring Diagram
- Wiring diagram if using hardware serial

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- Wiring diagram if using breadboard

This image is created using Fritzing. Click to enlarge image
How To Program ESP32 to use the RS232 module
- If this is the first time you use ESP32, see how to setup environment for ESP32 on Arduini IDE.
- Initializes the Serial interface:
- To read data come from RS232, you can use the following functions:
- To write data to RS232, you can use the following functions:
- And more functions to use with RS232 in Serial reference
ESP32 Code for RS232
Video Tutorial
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