: High-end designs may include opto-isolators to prevent ground loops between the computer and the radio.
If you look at the official Icom schematic (often found in the service manuals for the CT-17), they include a 74LS05 or 74HC05 Hex Inverter chip.
Connects to the PC, usually via a standard USB-A or Micro-USB connector. Conversion Logic: TXD (Transmit) RXD (Receive)