1. Product Overview

Product Name: APORT008
Article Number: APort008
Model/Series: APORT Series – IP to Serial Port Converter
Manufacturer: Rayon Technology Co., Ltd.
Product Type: IP Device Server – 10/100 TX to Isolated 8×RS485/422 Converter
Manufacturer Contact:
2F, No. 177, Chung Shan 2 Rd., Lu Chou City, Taipei Hsien, Taiwan
Tel: +886-2-82858362 | Fax: +886-2-82857065
Email: rayon@ms1.hinet.net / info@rayontech.com.tw
Web: [www.rayontech.com.tw](http://www.rayontech.com.tw)

The APORT008 is a high-performance industrial-grade IP-to-serial device server designed to connect up to eight isolated RS422/RS485 serial devices to an Ethernet network. It provides a reliable and flexible solution for remote serial communication, industrial automation, and data acquisition systems. The device integrates a 32-bit 100 MHz MIPS RISC processor, embedded Linux-based firmware, and multiple configuration interfaces (Web, Telnet, Console) to ensure robust network-to-serial data conversion.

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2. Key Features

- Eight Ground-Isolated Serial Ports: Supports 8 independent RS422/RS485 ports with galvanic isolation to prevent ground loops and electrical interference.
- Auto-Detecting 10/100 Mbps Ethernet Interface: Automatically negotiates between 10Base-T and 100Base-TX speeds via RJ45 connector.
- High-Performance Embedded CPU: 32-bit 100 MHz MIPS RISC processor ensures efficient data handling and low latency.
- Flexible Communication Modes: Supports TCP Server, TCP Client, UDP Send/Receive, and UDP Multi-Serial modes for diverse networking environments.
- Cross-Platform Driver Support:
- Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista/7/8/10 Virtual COM driver
- Linux raw TTY driver
- SCO UNIX real TTY driver
- Auto Data Direction Control (RS485): Automatically manages data flow direction in half-duplex RS485 communication.
- Web, Telnet, and Console Configuration: Multiple setup interfaces for easy device management and firmware updates.
- Ground Isolation: Each serial port is electrically isolated from the system ground, enhancing reliability in industrial environments.
- Firmware Upgradeable: Supports TFTP-based firmware updates via console or network.
- Compact Industrial Design: Rugged metal enclosure suitable for control cabinets and industrial installations.
- Comprehensive Software Utilities: Includes TPORT and RPORT virtual COM drivers, search utilities, and configuration tools.

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3. Technical Specifications

Processor & Memory:
- CPU: 32-bit MIPS RISC, 100 MHz
- Flash ROM: 16 MB
- SDRAM: 16 MB

Network Interface:
- Ethernet: 10/100 Mbps auto-sensing (100Base-TX)
- Connector: RJ45
- Protocols: TCP/IP, UDP/IP
- Configuration: Static or DHCP IP assignment

Serial Interfaces:
- Type: Ground-isolated RS422/RS485 (selectable per port)
- Connector: DB9 male (×8)
- Port Count: 8 independent channels
- Baud Rate: Up to 230,400 bps
- Isolation: Galvanic isolation between ports and system ground
- Console Port: Shared with Serial Port 1
- Mode Selection: RS422 or RS485 via DIP switch (per port or global)

Power Requirements:
- Input Voltage: 5 V DC
- Current Consumption: 1.6 A (typical)
- Power Adapter: UP110/UP220 (included)

Physical Characteristics:
- Dimensions: 205 mm × 135 mm × 48 mm
- Weight: Approx. 0.9 kg (typical)
- Material: Metal enclosure (Rayon industrial design)

Environmental Conditions:
- Operating Temperature: +5 °C to +40 °C
- Storage Temperature: 0 °C to +65 °C
- Operating Humidity: 10 %–90 % RH (non-condensing)
- Storage Humidity: 5 %–90 % RH

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4. Functionality

The APORT008 functions as an IP-to-serial gateway, enabling serial devices to communicate over Ethernet networks. Each of its eight serial ports can be independently configured for RS422 or RS485 operation, allowing flexible integration with industrial controllers, PLCs, sensors, and other serial-based equipment.

Operating Modes:
- TCP Server Mode: The APORT008 listens for incoming TCP connections from clients. Ideal for remote monitoring or control applications.
- TCP Client Mode: The device initiates a connection to a designated server, suitable for centralized data collection.
- UDP Mode: Supports both send and receive operations, allowing broadcast or multicast data exchange.
- UDP Multi-Serial Mode: Enables multiple serial ports to share the same UDP port number for simultaneous data distribution.
- Real TTY Modes:
- *COM Real TTY Mode* (UDP-based) for Windows and SCO UNIX systems.
- *GVMODEM Real TTY Mode* (TCP-based) for Linux and UNIX systems.

Configuration Interfaces:
- Web Browser: Access via default IP (192.168.1.254) and password (11111).
- Telnet: Command-line configuration and diagnostics.
- Console Port: Local setup via RS232 terminal (115200 bps, 8N1).

Compatibility:
- Compatible with Windows (NT through 10), Linux, and UNIX systems.
- Supports virtual COM port mapping for legacy serial applications.
- Integrates with industrial protocols such as MODBUS RTU over TCP/IP.

Use Cases:
- Industrial automation and SCADA systems
- Remote serial device management
- Data acquisition and monitoring
- Building management systems (BMS)
- Machine-to-machine (M2M) communication
- Serial-over-IP integration for legacy equipment

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- APORT008 main unit
- UP110/UP220 5 V DC power adapter
- User manual and software CD (drivers, utilities, documentation)

Optional Accessories:
- RS422/RS485 communication cables
- DIN-rail mounting brackets
- Console cable (for firmware upgrade and configuration)

Connectors:
- 1× RJ45 Ethernet port
- 8× DB9 male serial ports
- Power input jack (5 V DC)
- DIP switches for configuration (front panel and internal PCB)

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6. Installation & Setup

Hardware Installation:
1. Connect the APORT008 to a network hub or switch using a standard Ethernet cable.
2. Connect serial devices to the DB9 ports.
3. Configure DIP switches for RS422 or RS485 operation:
- Front panel DIP switch bit 3: global RS422/RS485 selection.
- Front panel DIP switch bit 4: global or per-port mode control.
- Internal DIP switches (SW2, SW3): per-port interface selection.
4. Connect the 5 V DC power adapter (use only UP110/UP220).
5. Observe LED indicators for power and link status.

Software Setup:
- Access the device via Web, Telnet, or Console for IP and mode configuration.
- Default IP: 192.168.1.254 | Default password: 11111
- Configure each serial port’s mode, baud rate, parity, and flow control.
- Install appropriate drivers on host systems:
- *TPORT driver* for TCP Server mode (Windows).
- *RPORT driver* for dynamic multi-user access.
- *GVMODEM* or *RTTY* drivers for UNIX/Linux.

Firmware Upgrade Procedure:
- Set DIP switch bit 2 to ON (firmware upgrade mode).
- Connect via console (115200 bps) and use TFTP client to upload firmware to 192.168.1.254.
- Supported utilities: `wftp8.exe` (Windows) or native `tftp` (Linux/UNIX).

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Data Rate: Up to 230.4 kbps per serial port.
- Throughput: Optimized for simultaneous multi-port operation with minimal latency.
- CPU Efficiency: 32-bit RISC architecture ensures stable performance under high data loads.
- Network Latency: Dependent on TCP/UDP configuration; adjustable via “TCP delay time” parameter in TPORT driver.
- Reliability: Heartbeat mechanism in TPORT driver detects disconnections and automatically re-establishes links.
- Multi-User Access:
- *TPORT driver:* Dedicated single-host connection.
- *RPORT driver:* Multi-host dynamic access.
- Buffering: Internal FIFO buffers manage serial-to-network data flow efficiently.
- Limitations:
- TCP latency may affect time-critical applications.
- Network interruptions can cause temporary disconnections; heartbeat and timeout settings mitigate this.

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Network Standards: IEEE 802.3 10/100Base-TX Ethernet
- Serial Standards: EIA/TIA RS422 and RS485
- Protocol Support: TCP/IP, UDP/IP, RFC2217 (Telnet COM Port Control)
- Operating System Compatibility: Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista/7/8/10, Linux, SCO UNIX
- Firmware Environment: Embedded Linux OS
- Safety & Isolation: Ground-isolated serial ports to prevent electrical interference
- Regulatory Compliance: Designed to meet industrial EMC and safety standards (manufacturer-specific compliance details available upon request)

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9. Additional Information

Warranty & Support:
- Standard one-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
- Excludes damage from misuse, unauthorized servicing, or electrical faults.
- Out-of-warranty repairs available at a flat-rate service charge.
- RMA (Return Material Authorization) required for all returns.

Maintenance:
- Use only specified 5 V DC power supply.
- Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures or humidity.
- Periodically check firmware updates via Rayon support.

Technical Support:
- Email: rayon@ms1.hinet.net
- Support includes driver updates, firmware downloads, and configuration assistance.

Firmware & Software Updates:
- Firmware upgrades via TFTP (Appendix C procedure).
- Driver updates for Windows and Linux available on the manufacturer’s website.

Related Models in APORT Series:
- APORT200: 2×RS232
- APORT020: 2×Isolated RS232
- APORT101: 1×RS232 + 1×Isolated RS422/485
- APORT400: 4×RS232
- APORT004: 4×Isolated RS422/485
- APORT080: 8×Isolated RS232
- APORT602: 6×RS232 + 2×Isolated RS422/485
- APORT022: 2×Isolated RS232 + 2×Isolated RS422/485

Troubleshooting Highlights:
- Verify 5 V DC power LED is ON.
- Use console terminal to monitor Linux boot messages.
- Confirm network connectivity via “ping.”
- Check serial port LEDs for TX/RX activity.
- Use “aport_search.exe” or “tport_search.exe” utilities to locate devices on the network.

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Summary

The Rayon APORT008 IP Device Server is a robust, Linux-based, eight-port serial-to-Ethernet converter engineered for industrial and automation environments requiring reliable, isolated serial communication over IP networks. With its 32-bit RISC CPU, flexible configuration modes, and comprehensive driver support across multiple operating systems, it bridges legacy serial equipment with modern network infrastructures. Its ground isolation, auto data direction control, and firmware upgradeability make it a long-term, scalable solution for industrial control, SCADA, and remote monitoring applications.