An RS232 pinout 9 pin cable features nine pins: 1. Data Carrier Detect (DCD or CD) – After a data terminal is detected, a signal is sent to the data set that is going to be transmitted to the terminal. 2. Received Data – The data set receives the initial signal via the receive data line (RxD). 3. Transmitted Data (TxD) – The data terminal gets a signal from the data set, a confirmation that there is a connection between the data terminal and the data set. 4. Data Terminal Ready – A positive voltage is applied to the data terminal ready (DTR) line, a sign that the data terminal is prepared for the transmission of data. 5. Signal Ground – A return for all the signals on a single interface, the signal ground (SG) offers a return path for serial communications. Without SG, serial data cannot be transmitted between devices. 6. Data Set Ready – A positive voltage is applied to the data set ready (DSR) line, which ensures the serial communications between a data terminal and a data set can be completed. 7. Request to Send – A positive voltage indicates the request to send (RTS) can be performed, which means the data set is able to send information to the data terminal without interference. 8. Clear to Send – After a connection has been established between a data terminal and a distant modem, a clear to send (CTS) signal ensures the data terminal recognizes that communications can be performed. 9. Ring Indicator – The ring indicator (RI) signal will be activated if a modem that operates as a data set detects low frequency. When this occurs, the data terminal is alerted, but the RI will not stop the flow of serial data between devices.