1. Product Overview

Product Name: PCIe 32-Port RS422/485 Solution
Model: A2032
Series: A320 / A1032I Advanced PCIe Intelligent Multiport Card Series
Article Number: A2032
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 A2032 PCIe 32-Port RS422/485 Solution is an industrial-grade intelligent multiport serial communication card designed for high-density serial connectivity in modern computing environments. It integrates advanced UART controllers, ground isolation, and flexible interface configuration to support RS232, RS422, and RS485 communication standards. The A2032 is part of Rayon’s A320/A1032I family of intelligent PCIe serial expansion cards, offering scalable solutions from 8 to 64 ports per system.

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2. Key Features

- High-Density Serial Expansion: Supports up to 32 ground-isolated RS422/RS485 serial ports in a single PCIe slot.
- Scalable Architecture: Expandable from 8 to 64 ports using compatible connector boxes (NF/IF series).
- Single IRQ Operation: All ports share one IRQ, minimizing system resource usage.
- Intelligent Processor Design: Built-in intelligent processor for efficient data handling and reduced CPU load.
- Flexible Interface Configuration: Each port can be configured individually for RS232, RS422, or RS485 operation via DIP switches.
- Ground Isolation: Ensures electrical isolation between ports and host system, enhancing reliability in industrial environments.
- Wide OS Compatibility: Supports DOS, Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/Vista/7, Linux, and SCO OpenServer.
- High-Speed Communication: Baud rate configurable from 110 to 115,200 bps per port.
- Flow Control Options: Supports both software (XON/XOFF) and hardware (RTS/CTS) handshaking.
- Compact PCIe Form Factor: Designed for 3.3V PCIe slots, compatible with 33 MHz PCI bus systems.
- Industrial Reliability: Operates in temperature ranges from 5°C to 40°C and humidity up to 90% RH.
- Plug-and-Play Configuration: PCI BIOS automatically assigns memory and I/O resources.
- Comprehensive Driver Support: Includes drivers for multiple operating systems and kernel versions, with source-level Linux drivers for custom integration.

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3. Technical Specifications

Card Specifications (A2032 / A320 / A1032I):
- Bus Interface: PCI Express (PCIe) 3.3V, 33 MHz
- Voltage Compatibility: 3.3V and 5V PCI slots
- Memory Map Model:
- 128 bytes for PCI controller
- Two 4 KB blocks for UART controller
- I/O Map Model:
- 128 bytes I/O for PCI controller
- 256 bytes I/O for UART controller
- 64 bytes I/O for status register
- IRQ: One free IRQ assigned by PCI BIOS
- Dimensions: 100 mm × 95 mm (card)
- Weight: Approx. 120 g (card only)
- Material: Multi-layer PCB with industrial-grade components
- Connector: DB37 male connector (on card)
- Included Cable: A640 0.7 m cable
- Maximum Cards per System: 2

Environmental Conditions:
- 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

Performance:
- Baud Rate: 110 to 115,200 bps per port
- Flow Control: XON/XOFF (software), RTS/CTS (hardware)
- Port Count: Up to 32 ports (A2032 configuration) or 64 ports (A320 configuration)
- Isolation: Ground-isolated per port (IF-series boxes)

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4. Functionality

The A2032 PCIe 32-Port RS422/485 Solution functions as a high-performance serial communication interface for industrial and commercial systems requiring multiple serial connections. It uses an intelligent processor-based architecture to offload serial communication tasks from the host CPU, improving system throughput and stability.

Operation:
- The PCIe card interfaces with the host system via the PCIe bus.
- External connector boxes (IF108, IF208, IF308) connect to the card through the A640 cable.
- Each box provides 8 ground-isolated serial ports, configurable for RS232, RS422, or RS485.
- DIP switches on each box allow per-port interface selection and output enable timing.
- The system BIOS assigns memory and I/O resources automatically, simplifying installation.

Use Cases:
- Industrial automation and control systems
- Data acquisition and instrumentation
- Multi-terminal communication servers
- POS and kiosk systems
- SCADA and telemetry networks
- Serial device networking and monitoring

Compatibility:
- Compatible with NF116/NF216/NF316 (16-port) and IF108/IF208/IF308 (8-port) connector boxes.
- Supports daisy-chaining up to 8 boxes for 64-port configurations.
- Works with Rayon’s P640NU, P990F, and IOP3927F intelligent cards for extended applications.

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Components:
- A2032 PCIe card (A320 intelligent multiport architecture)
- A640 0.7 m connection cable
- Four IF208 or IF308 connector boxes (depending on configuration)

Optional Accessories:
- NF116/NF216/NF316 16-port connector boxes
- IF108/IF208/IF308 8-port ground-isolated connector boxes
- P640NU PCI card (compatible with same connector boxes)
- P990F card with built-in Intel 80960JF processor
- IOP3927F card with 133 MHz MIPS processor
- Daisy-chain brackets for multi-box mounting

Connector Types:
- DB9 male connectors on all IF/NF boxes
- DB37 male connector on card
- 37-pin D-type cable interconnects between card and boxes

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6. Installation & Setup

Hardware Installation:
1. Power off the host system and disconnect AC power.
2. Insert the A2032 PCIe card into an available PCIe slot.
3. Connect the A640 cable between the card’s DB37 connector and the first IF/NF box.
4. Daisy-chain additional boxes if required (up to 8 total).
5. Secure boxes using provided brackets for stable installation.
6. Power on the system and verify BIOS resource allocation.

Software Installation:
- Windows:
- Plug-and-play detection under Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7.
- Specify driver path (e.g., A:\WIN2000).
- Configure COM port numbering via Device Manager → Multi-port Serial Adapter → Setup.
- Linux:
- Install source-level driver from /etc/rayon directory using `tar` and `./Install`.
- Configure kernel module for Slackware or RedHat distributions.
- Device naming convention: `/dev/tty[6–7][1–8][a–h]`.
- SCO UNIX:
- Install via `/etc/custom` or `tar` command.
- Rebuild kernel to integrate driver.
- DOS/Windows 9x:
- Use I/O map mode drivers for legacy systems.

Configuration:
- DIP switches on IF boxes set RS232/RS422/RS485 modes.
- Output enable timing adjustable per port.
- COM port start number configurable in driver setup.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Port Density: 32 ports per card (A2032), expandable to 64 ports (A320).
- Baud Rate Range: 110–115,200 bps (supports 50–230,400 bps in extended configurations).
- Data Integrity: FIFO-type 16C554 UART controllers ensure stable data buffering.
- Isolation: Full ground isolation per port prevents signal interference and ground loops.
- Latency: Minimal due to intelligent processor offloading.
- System Load: Single IRQ for all ports reduces CPU overhead.
- Scalability: Supports up to two cards per system (128 ports total).
- Reliability: Industrial-grade design for continuous operation in harsh environments.
- Limitations:
- Maximum of two cards per system.
- RS485 mode requires correct DIP switch configuration for data direction control.
- Some legacy OS versions limited to 16 ports in I/O map mode.

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Interface Standards:
- RS232C (EIA/TIA-232)
- RS422 (EIA/TIA-422)
- RS485 (EIA/TIA-485)
- Bus Standard: PCI Express (PCIe) 3.3V, 33 MHz
- UART Controller: FIFO type 16C554 compliant
- Electrical Isolation: Ground-isolated per port (IF-series)
- Operating System Compliance:
- Microsoft Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/Vista/7
- Linux (kernel 2.2, 2.4, 2.6 and later)
- SCO OpenServer 5.x
- DOS environments
- Regulatory Compliance:
- CE and FCC Class A (industrial environment)
- RoHS-compliant manufacturing
- Industry Standards:
- Compatible with PC/AT and x86-based systems
- Supports standard COM port addressing and IRQ mapping

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9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- One-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
- Excludes damage from misuse, unauthorized servicing, or electrical faults.
- Warranty repairs performed at no cost; non-warranty repairs available at flat-rate service charge.

Support & Maintenance:
- Technical support available via email and web resources.
- Firmware and driver updates provided through Rayon’s website.
- RMA (Return Material Authorization) required for repairs; contact Rayon Service Center for authorization.

Maintenance Recommendations:
- Ensure proper grounding and shielding of cables.
- Avoid hot-swapping connector boxes while powered.
- Periodically inspect connectors and cables for wear.
- Maintain ambient temperature within specified range.

Software Updates:
- Updated drivers for Windows and Linux available online.
- Source code for Linux drivers provided for kernel customization.
- Diagnostic utilities (`etty`, `om`) included for port testing and monitoring.

Related Products:
- P640NU PCI Card: Compatible with same connector boxes, supports 3.3V/5V PCI slots.
- P990F Card: Features built-in Intel 80960JF local processor.
- IOP3927F Card: Equipped with 133 MHz MIPS processor for advanced I/O management.
- IF108/IF208/IF308 Boxes: Ground-isolated 8-port connector boxes for RS232/RS422/RS485.
- NF116/NF216/NF316 Boxes: 16-port connector boxes for non-isolated RS232/RS422/RS485.

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Summary

The Rayon A2032 PCIe 32-Port RS422/485 Solution is a robust, intelligent, and scalable serial communication platform engineered for industrial and enterprise applications requiring high-density, reliable, and flexible serial connectivity. With its intelligent processor architecture, ground isolation, and comprehensive OS support, it provides a cost-effective and high-performance solution for multi-port serial communication in automation, data acquisition, and networked control systems. Its modular design, compatibility with multiple connector boxes, and support for up to 64 ports per system make it a versatile choice for system integrators and OEMs seeking reliable serial expansion in PCIe-based environments.