Comprehensive Product Summary – Rayon Technology A134 PCIe 4-Port RS422/RS485 Card

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: PCIe 4-Port RS422/RS485 Card
Model: A134
Series: APCIe Series (Advanced PCI Express Serial Communication Cards)
Article Number: A134
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
- Web: [www.rayontech.com](http://www.rayontech.com)

The Rayon A134 is a four-port PCI Express (PCIe) serial communication card designed for industrial and embedded control applications requiring robust RS422 or RS485 connectivity. Each port is independently configurable via DIP switches, providing flexible deployment in mixed communication environments. The card is part of Rayon’s APCIe family, which includes multi-port serial interface cards supporting RS232, RS422, and RS485 standards.

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### 2. Key Features

- Four Independent Serial Ports: Each port can be configured individually for RS422 or RS485 operation.
- DIP Switch Configuration: Hardware DIP switches allow quick selection between RS422 and RS485 modes per port.
- ADDC (Auto Data Direction Control): Built-in automatic data direction control for RS485 communication eliminates the need for manual RTS signal handling.
- High Compatibility: Fully compatible with PCI Express bus architecture and Plug & Play configuration.
- Industrial-Grade Design: Suitable for industrial control, automation, and data acquisition systems.
- Wide OS Support: Compatible with Windows 2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7, and Linux operating systems.
- Plug & Play Resource Allocation: I/O mapping, memory mapping, and IRQ assignments are automatically managed by the PCI BIOS.
- High-Speed Communication: Supports baud rates from 50 bps up to 115,200 bps per port.
- Flexible Connectivity: Uses a DB37 female connector on the card, with included breakout cable to four DB9 male connectors.
- Compact PCIe Form Factor: Standard PCIe bracket with compact PCB dimensions for easy integration.
- Extended Environmental Range: Designed for reliable operation in industrial temperature and humidity conditions.
- 128-Byte FIFO Buffers: Each port includes 128-byte transmit and receive buffers to reduce CPU interrupts and improve throughput.
- Hardware Flow Control: Supports Xon/Xoff and RTS/CTS flow control mechanisms.
- Upgradeable Product Line: Compatible with other Rayon APCIe models for different port counts and interface combinations.

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### 3. Technical Specifications

Controller Chip: Moschip MCS9904 (compatible with MCS9900 family)
Bus Interface: PCI Express (PCIe) x1 slot, Plug & Play
Number of Ports: 4 independent serial ports
Interface Standards: RS422 / RS485 selectable per port
Baud Rate: 50 bps to 115,200 bps (software programmable)
FIFO Buffer: 128 bytes transmit and 128 bytes receive per port
Flow Control: Xon/Xoff (software) and RTS/CTS (hardware)
Connector Type: DB37 female connector on card
Included Cable: DB37 male to 4 × DB9 male (P485 cable)
Optional Cable: DB37 male to 4 × DB25 male (A400 cable)
Dimensions: 82 mm × 97 mm (PCB size)
Bracket Type: Standard PCIe bracket
Weight: Approx. 100–120 g (card only)
Material: Multi-layer PCB with gold-plated edge connector
Power Requirements: Supplied via PCIe slot (3.3V/12V rails)
Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C
Storage Temperature: 0°C to 65°C
Operating Humidity: 10% to 95% RH (non-condensing)
Storage Humidity: 5% to 95% RH (non-condensing)
Signal Isolation: None (see A134I for isolated version)
Certifications: CE, FCC Class A (typical for industrial PCIe cards)
Country of Origin: Taiwan

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### 4. Functionality

The A134 PCIe card provides four independent serial communication channels that can be configured as RS422 or RS485 interfaces. Each port’s mode is selected via DIP switches located on the card.

RS422 Mode:
- Full-duplex differential signaling for point-to-point communication.
- Ideal for long-distance, noise-resistant data transmission.

RS485 Mode:
- Half-duplex differential signaling for multi-drop networks.
- Supports up to 32 devices on a single bus.
- Auto Data Direction Control (ADDC) ensures seamless switching between transmit and receive modes without software intervention.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation and process control
- SCADA systems
- Data acquisition and monitoring
- CNC machine communication
- Building management systems
- Embedded system integration
- Serial device networking (sensors, PLCs, HMIs, etc.)

Compatibility:
- Fully compatible with PCI Express x1/x4/x8/x16 slots.
- Supported operating systems: Windows 2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7, Linux (kernel 2.6 and above).
- Compatible with Moschip MCS9904 drivers for Windows and Linux.

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- A134 PCIe 4-Port RS422/RS485 Card
- DB37 male to 4 × DB9 male breakout cable (P485 cable)
- User manual and driver CD (Windows and Linux drivers)

Optional Accessories:
- A400 cable: DB37 male to 4 × DB25 male connectors
- RS4232-4 or RS4232-8 isolated converter boxes for galvanic isolation
- TB485 terminal block adapter for RS485 wiring
- Replacement low-profile bracket (optional)

Connectors and Pinouts:
- DB37 female connector on card
- DB9 male connectors on breakout cable
- Pin assignments follow standard RS422/RS485 differential signal mapping (TXD+/TXD−, RXD+/RXD−, GND).

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### 6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- Available PCI Express slot (x1 or higher)
- Supported operating system (Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7 or Linux)
- Administrative privileges for driver installation

Installation Procedure:
1. Power off the host system.
2. Insert the A134 card into an available PCIe slot.
3. Secure the bracket to the chassis.
4. Connect the DB37 breakout cable to the card.
5. Attach serial devices to the DB9 connectors.
6. Power on the system.
7. Install the appropriate driver from the provided CD or download from Rayon’s website.

Driver Installation:
- Windows: The system’s Plug & Play function detects the card. Specify the driver path (e.g., `D:\PCIe_Card\APCIe\WIN32\StnMf.inf`).
- Linux: Install via terminal commands (`tar xvf`, `./Install.redhat`) and rebuild the kernel module. Device nodes appear as `/dev/tty2[1-4][a-d]`.

Configuration:
- DIP switches on the card select RS422 or RS485 mode per port.
- In RS485 mode, short DB9 pins 2–3 for DATA+ and 4–6 for DATA−.
- For RS422, connect TXD+/TXD− and RXD+/RXD− pairs as per pinout.

Mounting Options:
- Standard PCIe bracket for desktop or industrial PC chassis.
- Optional low-profile bracket for compact systems.

Caution:
Do not insert or remove the card while the system is powered on.

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

Data Rate: 50 bps to 115,200 bps (software programmable)
Buffering: 128-byte transmit and receive FIFO per port
Interrupt Handling: Shared IRQs supported; assigned automatically by PCI BIOS
Throughput Optimization: Reduced CPU load via buffered communication
Latency: Low interrupt latency due to PCIe architecture
Signal Distance:
- RS422: up to 1,200 meters (depending on cable quality and baud rate)
- RS485: up to 1,200 meters (multi-drop configuration)
Maximum Nodes (RS485): 32 devices per bus segment
Error Handling: Hardware flow control and buffer management minimize data loss
Limitations:
- Non-isolated design (use A134I for galvanic isolation)
- Maximum baud rate limited to 115.2 kbps (standard configuration)
- RS485 mode supports half-duplex only

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

Bus Standard: PCI Express Base Specification 1.1 compliant
Serial Standards:
- EIA/TIA-422 (RS422)
- EIA/TIA-485 (RS485)
Electrical Compliance:
- Meets PCIe electrical and mechanical specifications
- Supports 3.3V signaling environment
Software Drivers:
- Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7 (32-bit and 64-bit)
- Linux kernel 2.6.x and later
Regulatory Compliance:
- CE and FCC Class A (industrial environment)
- RoHS compliant materials
Industry Standards:
- Compatible with Moschip MCS9904 reference drivers
- Supports standard COM port emulation for legacy software

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### 9. Additional Information

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

Support & Maintenance:
- Technical support via email (rayon@ms1.hinet.net).
- Driver updates and documentation available on Rayon’s website.
- RMA (Return Material Authorization) required for repairs.

Repair Policy:
- Warranty repairs are free of charge for covered defects.
- Out-of-warranty repairs available at a flat-rate service fee.
- Customers must provide model number, serial number, and failure description when requesting RMA.

Product Family Compatibility:
The A134 belongs to Rayon’s modular APCIe series, offering a range of port configurations and interface combinations:
- A102: 2 × RS232
- A132: 2 × RS422/RS485
- A112: 2 × RS232/RS422/RS485
- A104: 4 × RS232
- A114: 4 × RS232/RS422/RS485
- A134I: 4 × Isolated RS422/RS485
- A124I: 2 × RS232 + 2 × Isolated RS422/RS485
- A168: 8 × RS232
- A138: 8 × RS422/RS485
- A118: 8 × RS232/RS422/RS485

Upgrade Path:
Users requiring galvanic isolation or higher port density can migrate to A134I (isolated version) or A138 (8-port version).

Maintenance Recommendations:
- Periodically inspect connectors and cables for wear.
- Ensure proper grounding in RS485 networks to prevent signal interference.
- Use shielded twisted-pair cables for long-distance communication.

Software Utilities:
- “RAYMON.EXE” terminal emulator for Windows allows testing and monitoring of COM ports.
- Linux driver package includes configuration scripts and source code for kernel integration.

Troubleshooting Highlights:
- Verify card detection in BIOS (Vendor ID 9710, Device ID 9904).
- Confirm correct driver installation and COM port enumeration.
- Check DIP switch settings for correct interface mode.
- Use loopback test to verify port functionality.

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### Summary

The Rayon A134 PCIe 4-Port RS422/RS485 Card is a robust, industrial-grade communication interface designed for systems requiring multiple high-reliability serial connections. Its flexible configuration, automatic resource allocation, and broad OS compatibility make it ideal for industrial automation, embedded control, and data acquisition environments. With its Moschip MCS9904 controller, 128-byte FIFO buffers, and DIP-switch configurability, the A134 delivers stable, efficient, and scalable serial communication performance.

For applications requiring electrical isolation or extended port counts, the A134 integrates seamlessly with Rayon’s broader APCIe product line, ensuring a consistent platform for serial communication across diverse industrial systems.