1. Product Overview

Product Name: Aport-312
Model: Aport-312
Series: Aport-31x Serial-to-Ethernet Gateway Series
Article Number: Aport-312
Manufacturer: Artila Electronics Inc. (www.artila.com)

The Aport-312 is a dual-port, high-performance Serial-to-Ethernet gateway designed to connect legacy serial devices (RS-232/422/485) to modern TCP/IP networks. It provides a transparent communication bridge between serial interfaces and Ethernet LAN/WAN environments, enabling remote access, monitoring, and control of serial equipment over IP networks without requiring software modification. The Aport-312 is part of Artila’s Aport-31x family, which also includes the single-port Aport-311 model.

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2. Key Features

- Dual Serial Ports:
- Port 1: RS-232/422/485 (software selectable)
- Port 2: RS-232 only
Both ports use DB9 male connectors configured as DTE.

- Network Connectivity:
- 10/100BaseT Ethernet interface with RJ-45 connector
- Auto-detects 10BaseT or 100BaseTX
- Supports TCP, UDP, HTTP, Telnet, IP, ICMP, ARP protocols
- DHCP and Static IP addressing supported

- Versatile Operation Modes:
- TCP Server, TCP Client, UDP, and Paired (Serial Tunneling) modes
- Virtual COM mode for Windows (XP/2000/98/NT4.0)
- Heartbeat checking mechanism (port 5300) for automatic reconnection every 5 seconds

- Configuration Interfaces:
- Web-based configuration via HTTP
- Telnet console
- Serial console (via Port 1)
- Windows Manager utility software

- Performance:
- Serial data rate: 110 bps to 230.4 Kbps
- 10/100 Mbps Ethernet throughput
- Supports up to eight simultaneous TCP connections

- Reliability & Maintenance:
- Heartbeat mechanism ensures persistent connectivity
- Firmware upgradeable via serial or virtual COM interface
- CE/FCC compliant

- Mounting Options:
- DIN-rail and wall mounting supported

- Backward Compatibility:
- Windows Virtual COM driver allows legacy serial applications to operate over Ethernet without modification

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3. Technical Specifications

Network Interface:
- Type: 10/100BaseT Ethernet (RJ-45)
- Protocols: TCP, UDP, HTTP, Telnet, IP, ICMP, ARP
- IP Addressing: DHCP or Static IP

Serial Interface:
- Port 1: RS-232/422/485 (software selectable)
- Port 2: RS-232
- Connector: DB9 male, DTE configuration
- Baud Rate: 110 bps to 230.4 Kbps
- Data Bits: 5, 6, 7, 8
- Stop Bits: 1, 1.5, 2
- Parity: None, Even, Odd, Mark, Space
- Flow Control: None, RTS/CTS, XON/XOFF
- Signal Assignments:
- RS-232: TXD, RXD, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, GND
- RS-422: TX+/TX-, RX+/RX-, RTS+/RTS-, CTS+/CTS-, GND
- RS-485: Data+, Data-, GND

Physical Characteristics:
- Dimensions: 81 × 113 × 24 mm (approx. 3.2 × 4.4 × 0.9 in)
- Weight: ~350 g
- Enclosure: Metal housing suitable for industrial environments

Power Requirements:
- Input Voltage: 9–15 VDC
- Power Consumption: 400 mA @ 12 VDC
- Power Connector: Terminal block or DC jack

Environmental Conditions:
- Operating Temperature: 0–70 °C (32–158 °F)
- Storage Temperature: -20–85 °C (-4–185 °F)
- Humidity: 5–95% RH, non-condensing

Regulatory Compliance:
- CE and FCC certified

Warranty:
- 2 years manufacturer warranty

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4. Functionality

The Aport-312 functions as a serial-to-Ethernet bridge, enabling serial devices to communicate over IP networks. It encapsulates serial data into TCP or UDP packets and transmits them over Ethernet, allowing remote access to serial devices as if they were locally connected.

Operation Modes:
- Direct IP Mode:
Allows socket-based applications to communicate directly with the serial port using TCP or UDP. The Aport-312 acts as a TCP/UDP server, and the host application connects as a client.

- Virtual COM Mode:
The included Windows Virtual COM driver maps the Aport-312’s serial ports as local COM ports on the host PC. This allows existing serial applications to operate transparently over Ethernet without modification.

- Paired Mode (Serial Tunneling):
Two Aport-312 units can be configured in client/server mode to create a virtual serial link over Ethernet, enabling two serial devices to communicate as if directly connected.

- Heartbeat Mechanism:
A built-in watchdog feature (port 5300) automatically re-establishes lost TCP connections every 5 seconds, ensuring continuous communication.

Applications:
- Industrial automation and control systems
- Remote data acquisition and monitoring
- Building management systems
- POS terminals and kiosks
- SCADA and telemetry systems
- Legacy serial device networking

Compatibility:
- Compatible with Windows NT/98/ME/2000/XP systems
- Works with standard TCP/IP socket applications and Windows COM-based software

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- Aport-312 Serial-to-Ethernet Gateway unit
- Power terminal block connector
- CD-ROM containing:
- Manager configuration utility
- Virtual COM driver
- User manual and documentation

Optional Accessories:
- External 12 VDC power adapter
- DIN-rail mounting kit
- Null modem cable (for console configuration)
- Ethernet cable (straight-through or crossover)

Connectors:
- 2 × DB9 male serial ports
- 1 × RJ-45 Ethernet port
- 1 × Power terminal block / DC jack

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6. Installation & Setup

Hardware Installation:
1. Mounting:
The Aport-312 can be DIN-rail or wall-mounted. Ensure adequate ventilation and secure mounting in industrial enclosures.
2. Power Connection:
Connect 9–15 VDC power via terminal block or DC jack. The “Run” LED flashes every second when powered.
3. Ethernet Connection:
Use a straight-through cable for hub/switch connections or a crossover cable for direct PC connection.
4. Serial Connection:
Connect serial devices using appropriate cables (null modem for PC, straight-through for DCE devices).

DIP Switch Settings:
- ON/ON: Console Mode
- ON/OFF: Loopback Mode
- OFF/ON: Factory Default Mode
- OFF/OFF: Data Mode (RS-232/422/485 operation)

Configuration Methods:
- Web Console: Access via browser using device IP address.
- Telnet Console: Configure remotely using Telnet commands.
- Serial Console: Configure locally via Port 1 using HyperTerminal (19200 8-N-1).
- Manager Software: Windows utility for discovery, configuration, and firmware updates.

Default Network Settings:
- IP Address: 192.168.1.1
- Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
- Gateway: 192.168.1.254
- DHCP: Disabled
- TCP Ports: 4000 (Port 1), 4001 (Port 2)

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Serial Data Rate: 110 bps to 230.4 Kbps
- Ethernet Speed: 10/100 Mbps auto-negotiation
- Buffer Memory:
- Output: 64 KB per port
- Input: 8 KB per port
- Maximum TCP Connections: Up to 8 simultaneous sessions
- Heartbeat Interval: 5 seconds (automatic reconnection)
- Latency: Minimal, suitable for real-time control applications
- Reliability: Continuous link monitoring and automatic recovery from network interruptions
- Limitations:
- UDP mode does not support heartbeat
- Virtual COM driver limited to Windows platforms

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Electrical & Safety: CE and FCC compliant
- Network Protocols Supported: TCP, UDP, IP, ARP, DHCP, Telnet, HTTP, ICMP
- Environmental Standards: Designed for industrial temperature and humidity ranges
- Firmware Upgradeability: Supports in-field firmware updates via serial or virtual COM interface
- Security: Password-protected management access; IP address filtering for client connections

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9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- 2-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects and hardware failures under normal operation.

Technical Support:
- Provided by Artila Electronics via website and email.
- Online resources include firmware updates, driver downloads, and configuration guides.

Maintenance:
- Periodic firmware updates recommended for performance and security improvements.
- Device can be reset to factory defaults via DIP switch or software command.
- LEDs provide operational status:
- Link LED: Green (100BaseTX), Yellow (10BaseT)
- Run LED: Flashing green indicates normal operation
- Serial LEDs: Indicate connection and data transmission activity

Firmware Upgrade Procedure:
1. Download latest firmware (.hex file) from Artila website.
2. Set DIP switches to Upgrade Mode (all OFF).
3. Connect via serial or virtual COM port.
4. Use Manager software to upload firmware.
5. Device reboots automatically after successful upgrade.

Troubleshooting Highlights:
- Lost Characters in HyperTerminal: Ensure correct baud rate and input two distinct characters to sync.
- Unknown IP Address: Use Manager software to search LAN for connected devices.
- Virtual COM Port Issues: Verify matching IP, protocol, and port settings between PC and Aport-312.
- Arrow Key Malfunction in Console Mode: Update HyperTerminal version for proper VT100 emulation.

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Summary

The Artila Aport-312 Serial-to-Ethernet Gateway is a robust, dual-port communication bridge engineered for industrial and commercial networking applications. It seamlessly integrates RS-232/422/485 serial devices into Ethernet-based infrastructures, offering flexible configuration, reliable connectivity, and comprehensive management tools. With its support for multiple communication modes, heartbeat reconnection, and Windows Virtual COM compatibility, the Aport-312 provides a cost-effective and scalable solution for modernizing legacy serial systems while maintaining operational continuity and network transparency.