Most modern Linux kernels include the pl2303 driver natively. No download is needed.
To be 100% sure which driver you need:
The CipherLab 308 USB-to-RS232 Interface Converter is a humble piece of kit, often hidden behind a desk or tangled in a mess of cables. But without its dedicated driver, the modern supply chain would grind to a halt. It serves as a reminder that in the digital age, hardware is nothing without the software that drives it.
The CipherLab 308 USB-to-RS232 Interface Converter is a hardware adapter used to connect RS-232 serial devices—such as older CipherLab barcode scanners or mobile computers—to a modern computer via a USB port. This device functions as a Virtual COM Port, meaning that once the driver is installed, the operating system treats the USB connection as a standard serial (COM) port. Driver Specifications
The CipherLab 308 converter is primarily based on the Silicon Labs CP210x chipset.
Device ID: The hardware is typically identified by Windows with the ID USB\VID_10C4&PID_EA60.
Operating Systems: Drivers are available for Windows XP, 7, 8, 10, and 11 (both 32-bit and 64-bit), as well as Linux and Mac OS. Where to Download
Official CipherLab Support: Drivers and utilities like ScanMaster are available on the CipherLab Download Page. cipherlab 308 usb-to-rs232 interface converter driver
Silicon Labs CP210x Drivers: Because the 308 uses the CP210x chip, the standard Silicon Labs VCP Drivers are often the most up-to-date choice for modern operating systems.
Legacy Resources: Technical documentation and older driver versions can be found on community-supported sites like ScanCode.ru or through technical guides on iKelp. Installation Steps
Disconnect the Device: Do not plug the USB converter into the computer until the driver software has been installed.
Run Installer: Download the driver package (often a .exe or .rar file), unzip it, and run the setup.exe or pre-installer.
Connect Hardware: After the installation completes, plug in the CipherLab 308. Windows should recognize it as "CIPHERLAB 308 USB-to-RS-232 Interface Converter".
Verify COM Port: Open Device Manager and expand the "Ports (COM & LPT)" section. Note the COM port number (e.g., COM3) assigned to the device; you will need this for your scanning software. Common Issues
Yellow Exclamation Mark: If the device is listed as "Unknown Device," try manually updating the driver through Device Manager by pointing it to the folder where you unzipped the files. Identify the chipset (if unknown):
Old Hardware on New OS: For Windows 10 or 11, ensure you are using the latest Silicon Labs 6.7 or higher driver version to prevent system stability issues like "Blue Screen of Death".
Are you having trouble with a specific Windows version, or do you need help mapping the COM port to a particular software? Download - CipherLab * Mobile Computers. * Scanner. Cipherlab 308 Usb To Rs232 Interface Converterrar
* The Cipherlab 308 Usb To Rs232 Interface Converterrar is available for download from the official website of Cipherlab Co., Ltd.
Installing the driver is half the battle. The other half is configuring the virtual COM port to speak your scanner’s language.
Step 1: Identify Scanner Defaults Most CipherLab RS232 scanners default to:
Step 2: Configure the Port
Step 3: Program the Scanner (if necessary) If your scanner is set to a different baud rate, you must reprogram it by scanning configuration barcodes from the CipherLab user manual. The converter cannot change the scanner's settings; it only passes data through. Download and install the matching driver from the
Since the 308 often uses the PL-2303 chip:
Step 1: Download the Driver
Download the official package (e.g., PL2303_Prolific_DriverInstaller_vx.x.x.exe).
Step 2: Run the Installer as Administrator
Step 3: Reboot (Important) The installer may not require a reboot, but perform one manually to finalize the system-level changes.
Step 4: Connect the CipherLab 308
Step 5: Verify the Installation
