While standard peripherals have largely migrated to USB, serial ports (COM ports) are often the better choice for specific engineering needs:
Schematic diagrams for building converters between RS-232, RS-485, and 5V TTL logic. Serial Port Complete - Latest Microcontroller p...
Serial Port Complete: COM Ports, USB Virtual COM Ports, and Ports for Embedded Systems by Jan Axelson is a definitive guide for developers who need to bridge the gap between PCs and embedded hardware. Despite the rise of USB, serial communication remains essential for its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and ability to handle long-distance links—up to 4,000 feet with RS-485. Why Serial Still Wins in Embedded Systems While standard peripherals have largely migrated to USB,
Complete routines for programming popular microcontrollers, including 8051 and PIC families, to handle serial data. USB Virtual COM Ports