The MD-54 can be used to solve communication problems between two devices communicating asynchronously. The MD-54 has two main functions. Firstly it can be used to convert data format and data rate and secondly it can be used to generate either hardware of software handshaking signals (Xon/Xoff to RTS/CTS converter). The MD-54 is used to connect equipment with either RS-232/V.24 or RS-422/ 485 interfaces together. The MD-54 has two RS-232/V.24 ports and one RS-422/485 port, although you would only use two of these three at once. The maximum data rate for the RS-232/V.24 ports is 115.2 kbit/s and 460.8 kbit/s for the RS-422/485 port. The MD-54 could also be used as a general platform for other types of data conversion and can be adapted to many customers needs.