1. Product Overview

Product Name: PCIe 24-Port Ground Isolated RS232 Serial Expansion Card
Model: A1024I
Series: A320 Intelligent Multiport PCIe Series
Article Number: A1024I
Manufacturer: Rayon Technology Co., Ltd.
Manufacturer Address: 2F, No. 177, Chung Shan 2 Rd., Lu Chou City, Taipei Hsien, Taiwan
Contact: Tel: +886-2-82858362 | Fax: +886-2-82857065
Email: rayon@ms1.hinet.net / info@rayontech.com.tw
Website: [www.rayontech.com](http://www.rayontech.com)

The Rayon A1024I is a high-density, industrial-grade PCI Express (PCIe) serial communication card designed to provide 24 ground-isolated RS232 ports through a single PCIe slot. It is part of Rayon’s A320 intelligent multiport architecture, which supports modular expansion up to 64 serial ports per system. The A1024I integrates an intelligent processor, dual memory mapping modes, and robust isolation for reliable operation in industrial and multi-user environments.

---

2. Key Features

- High-Density Serial Expansion: Provides 24 independent RS232 serial ports with full ground isolation, ideal for industrial automation, data acquisition, and communication servers.
- Intelligent Processor Architecture: Built on the A320 intelligent multiport platform with an onboard intelligent processor for efficient data handling and reduced CPU load.
- Flexible Resource Mapping: Supports both memory-mapped and I/O-mapped configurations, selectable via PCI BIOS.
- Single IRQ Operation: All 24 ports share a single interrupt request (IRQ), minimizing system resource usage.
- Ground Isolation: Each port is galvanically isolated to prevent ground loops and electrical interference, ensuring stable communication in electrically noisy environments.
- Wide OS Compatibility: Supports DOS, Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/Vista/7, Linux, and SCO OpenServer.
- Expandable Architecture: Compatible with Rayon’s IF108, IF208, and IF308 connector boxes for modular expansion up to 64 ports.
- High-Speed Communication: Each port supports baud rates from 110 to 115,200 bps with both hardware (RTS/CTS) and software (XON/XOFF) flow control.
- Industrial Reliability: Designed for continuous operation in 5°C–40°C environments with 10–90% relative humidity.
- Compact PCIe Form Factor: Fits standard PCIe slots (3.3V and 5V, 33 MHz), supporting up to two cards per system.

---

3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|-------------------|
| Bus Interface | PCI Express (PCIe) 3.3V / 5V, 33 MHz |
| Processor | Intelligent local processor (A320 architecture) |
| Memory Mapping | Two 4 KB memory blocks for UART controller; 128 bytes for PCI controller |
| I/O Mapping | 128 bytes for PCI controller, 256 bytes for UART controller, 64 bytes for status register |
| IRQ Assignment | Single IRQ assigned by PCI BIOS |
| Ports | 24 RS232 ports (ground isolated) |
| Connector Type | DB37 male connector (via A640 cable) |
| Included Cable | A640 cable, 0.7 m length |
| Baud Rate | 110–115,200 bps (configurable per port) |
| Flow Control | XON/XOFF (software), RTS/CTS (hardware) |
| Dimensions | 122 mm × 86 mm (card body) |
| Weight | Approx. 150 g (card only) |
| Material | Multi-layer PCB with industrial-grade components |
| Operating Temperature | 5°C to 40°C |
| Storage Temperature | 0°C to 65°C |
| Operating Humidity | 10% to 90% RH (non-condensing) |
| Storage Humidity | 5% to 90% RH |
| Maximum Cards per System | 2 cards (up to 48 ports total) |
| Isolation Type | Optical/electrical ground isolation per port |
| Power Requirements | Supplied via PCIe bus (3.3V/5V) |

---

4. Functionality

The A1024I functions as an intelligent multiport serial communication interface for PCs and industrial systems. It connects to external IF108 connector boxes via the included A640 cable, each box providing 8 ground-isolated RS232 ports. Three IF108 boxes can be daisy-chained to achieve 24 ports per card.

Operation Principle:
- The onboard intelligent processor manages UART communication, buffering, and flow control, offloading the host CPU.
- The PCI BIOS assigns memory or I/O resources automatically.
- Each port operates independently, supporting asynchronous serial communication with full modem control signals.

Use Cases:
- Industrial automation and control systems
- Data acquisition and instrumentation
- Multi-user terminal servers
- POS and kiosk systems
- SCADA and telemetry networks
- Communication gateways and device servers

Compatibility:
- Fully compatible with PCIe slots on standard PC/AT and industrial motherboards.
- Supports multiple operating systems with dedicated drivers for Windows, Linux, and UNIX variants.

---

5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- A1024I PCIe card
- A640 0.7 m DB37-to-connector cable
- Driver and utility software package
- Documentation and installation guide

Compatible Connector Boxes:
- IF108: 8-port Ground Isolated RS232C box (DB9 male connectors)
- IF208: 8-port Ground Isolated RS422/RS485 box (DB9 male connectors, DIP switch selectable)
- IF308: 8-port Ground Isolated RS232/RS422/RS485 box (DB9 male connectors, DIP switch selectable)

Optional Accessories:
- Additional A640 cables (various lengths)
- Mounting brackets for daisy-chained boxes
- External power adapters for extended cable runs

Connector Box Specifications (IF108 Example):
- Built-in FIFO type 16C554 UART controller
- 8 isolated RS232 ports
- DB9 male connectors
- Dimensions: 268 × 128 × 38 mm
- Operating temperature: 5–40°C
- Humidity: 10–90% RH

---

6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- IBM PC/AT or compatible system with available PCIe slot
- Supported operating system (DOS, Windows, Linux, SCO)
- Administrative privileges for driver installation

Installation Steps:
1. Power off the system and insert the A1024I card into an available PCIe slot.
2. Connect the A640 cable to the card’s DB37 connector.
3. Attach the cable to the IF108 connector box.
4. Power on the system; the PCI BIOS will detect and assign resources.
5. Install the appropriate driver for your operating system.
6. Verify installation via device manager or system log (e.g., `dmesg` in Linux).

Mounting Options:
- Standard PCIe slot mounting with bracket
- External boxes can be daisy-chained and fixed using provided brackets for up to 8 boxes (64 ports total).

Configuration:
- DIP switches on IF108/IF208/IF308 boxes allow interface selection (RS232/RS422/RS485).
- Baud rate and flow control configured via software utilities or OS driver settings.

---

7. Performance & Capabilities

- Port Density: 24 ports per card, expandable to 64 ports with additional boxes.
- Throughput: Each port supports up to 115.2 kbps; aggregate throughput depends on system bus bandwidth.
- Latency: Low-latency communication due to intelligent local processing.
- Efficiency: Single IRQ and shared memory mapping minimize CPU overhead.
- Scalability: Supports up to two cards per system (48 ports total).
- Reliability: Ground isolation prevents signal degradation and cross-interference.
- Limitations: Maximum of 64 ports per PCIe slot; limited to 2 cards per system due to IRQ sharing constraints.

---

8. Standards & Compliance

- Electrical Standards:
- RS232C (EIA/TIA-232) compliant
- Ground isolation per port
- Supports full modem control lines (DCD, DSR, DTR, RTS, CTS, RI)

- Bus Interface:
- PCI Express 3.3V/5V, 33 MHz compliant

- Software Standards:
- Compatible with Microsoft Windows driver model (WDM)
- Linux kernel module support (source-based installation)
- SCO OpenServer kernel integration

- Certifications:
- CE and FCC Class A (industrial environment)
- RoHS compliant materials

- Industry Standards:
- UART 16C554 FIFO architecture
- ISO 9001 manufacturing process compliance

---

9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- One-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
- Excludes damage from misuse, electrical surges, or unauthorized modifications.

Support & Maintenance:
- Technical support via email and web resources.
- Firmware and driver updates available from Rayon’s website.
- RMA (Return Material Authorization) process available for repairs.

Maintenance Recommendations:
- Ensure proper grounding and shielding in installation.
- Avoid hot-swapping cables while powered.
- Periodically inspect connectors and cables for wear.

Driver Updates:
- Windows: Plug-and-play installation with INF files for each OS version.
- Linux: Source-based driver installation supporting kernel 2.4.x and later.
- UNIX/SCO: Kernel rebuild required after driver installation.

Related Products:
- A1032I: 32-port ground-isolated RS232 PCIe card (four IF108 boxes).
- P640NU: PCI multiport card supporting same connector boxes.
- IOP3927F: Intelligent CPU card with 133 MHz MIPS processor for high-performance multiport systems.

Manufacturer’s Note:
Rayon Technology specializes in multi-user and industrial communication solutions, offering a full range of serial communication cards, connector boxes, and intelligent I/O processors for PC-based control and networking applications.

---

Summary

The Rayon A1024I PCIe 24-Port Ground Isolated RS232 card is a robust, scalable, and intelligent serial communication solution for industrial and enterprise environments. Built on the A320 intelligent multiport architecture, it combines high port density, electrical isolation, and broad OS compatibility in a compact PCIe form factor. With support for up to 64 ports per system, flexible configuration options, and proven reliability, the A1024I is ideal for demanding serial communication applications requiring stability, scalability, and long-term support.