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- Eight Independent RS-232 Ports: Each port operates independently, allowing simultaneous communication with multiple serial devices such as modems, terminals, printers, and data acquisition systems.
- High-Speed Operation: Supports baud rates up to 921.6 kbps, enabling high-throughput serial data transfer for demanding applications.
- 16550 UARTs: Each port is equipped with a 16550-compatible UART featuring 16-byte FIFO buffers for both transmit and receive, reducing CPU load and preventing data loss during high-speed communication.
- Surge Protection: Integrated 2 kV surge protection on all ports ensures reliable operation in electrically noisy industrial environments.
- Software-Configurable I/O and IRQ: Eliminates the need for jumpers or DIP switches. Configuration is handled via software utilities (IO-IRQ.EXE) that write settings to onboard EEPROM.
- Custom ASIC Design: Moxa’s proprietary ASIC reduces component count, improves reliability, and allows a compact half-size ISA form factor.
- Flexible Interrupt and Address Mapping: Supports IRQ2–5, 7, 10–12, and 15, with base I/O addresses selectable via software.
- Hardware Flow Control: On-chip RTS/CTS flow control ensures stable communication without data loss.
- Wide OS Support: Drivers available for Windows NT, Windows 95/98, DOS, Linux, and support for UNIX variants (SCO UNIX/XENIX/OpenServer, QNX, FreeBSD).
- Comprehensive Software Tools: Bundled with Moxa’s PComm (Windows) and API-232 (DOS) libraries for application development, diagnostics, and monitoring.
- Compact Design: Half-size ISA card (123 × 100 mm) suitable for space-constrained systems.
- Industrial Reliability: Designed for continuous operation in industrial automation, POS, and communication systems.
- High-Speed Operation: Supports baud rates up to 921.6 kbps, enabling high-throughput serial data transfer for demanding applications.
- 16550 UARTs: Each port is equipped with a 16550-compatible UART featuring 16-byte FIFO buffers for both transmit and receive, reducing CPU load and preventing data loss during high-speed communication.
- Surge Protection: Integrated 2 kV surge protection on all ports ensures reliable operation in electrically noisy industrial environments.
- Software-Configurable I/O and IRQ: Eliminates the need for jumpers or DIP switches. Configuration is handled via software utilities (IO-IRQ.EXE) that write settings to onboard EEPROM.
- Custom ASIC Design: Moxa’s proprietary ASIC reduces component count, improves reliability, and allows a compact half-size ISA form factor.
- Flexible Interrupt and Address Mapping: Supports IRQ2–5, 7, 10–12, and 15, with base I/O addresses selectable via software.
- Hardware Flow Control: On-chip RTS/CTS flow control ensures stable communication without data loss.
- Wide OS Support: Drivers available for Windows NT, Windows 95/98, DOS, Linux, and support for UNIX variants (SCO UNIX/XENIX/OpenServer, QNX, FreeBSD).
- Comprehensive Software Tools: Bundled with Moxa’s PComm (Windows) and API-232 (DOS) libraries for application development, diagnostics, and monitoring.
- Compact Design: Half-size ISA card (123 × 100 mm) suitable for space-constrained systems.
- Industrial Reliability: Designed for continuous operation in industrial automation, POS, and communication systems.
1. Product Overview
Product Name: Smartio C168HS
Model: C168HS
Series: Smartio C168 Series (ISA Bus)
Article Number: C168HS
Manufacturer: Moxa Technologies Co., Ltd.
Manufacturer Contact:
Tel: +886-2-8665-6373 Fax: +886-2-8665-6372
Website: [www.moxa.com](https://www.moxa.com) Email: support@moxa.com.tw
The Moxa Smartio C168HS is an industrial-grade, high-speed, 8-port asynchronous serial communication board designed for PC/AT and compatible systems using the ISA bus interface. It provides eight independent RS-232 serial ports with integrated surge protection (>2 kV) and supports data rates up to 921.6 kbps. The board incorporates a 16550 UART for each port, ensuring reliable, buffered communication with hardware flow control and minimal CPU overhead. The C168HS is part of Moxa’s Smartio family, known for its ASIC-based architecture, software-configurable I/O and IRQ settings, and robust performance in industrial and automation environments.
2. Key Features
- Eight Independent RS-232 Ports: Each port operates independently, allowing simultaneous communication with multiple serial devices such as modems, terminals, printers, and data acquisition systems.
- High-Speed Operation: Supports baud rates up to 921.6 kbps, enabling high-throughput serial data transfer for demanding applications.
- 16550 UARTs: Each port is equipped with a 16550-compatible UART featuring 16-byte FIFO buffers for both transmit and receive, reducing CPU load and preventing data loss during high-speed communication.
- Surge Protection: Integrated 2 kV surge protection on all ports ensures reliable operation in electrically noisy industrial environments.
- Software-Configurable I/O and IRQ: Eliminates the need for jumpers or DIP switches. Configuration is handled via software utilities (IO-IRQ.EXE) that write settings to onboard EEPROM.
- Custom ASIC Design: Moxa’s proprietary ASIC reduces component count, improves reliability, and allows a compact half-size ISA form factor.
- Flexible Interrupt and Address Mapping: Supports IRQ2–5, 7, 10–12, and 15, with base I/O addresses selectable via software.
- Hardware Flow Control: On-chip RTS/CTS flow control ensures stable communication without data loss.
- Wide OS Support: Drivers available for Windows NT, Windows 95/98, DOS, Linux, and support for UNIX variants (SCO UNIX/XENIX/OpenServer, QNX, FreeBSD).
- Comprehensive Software Tools: Bundled with Moxa’s PComm (Windows) and API-232 (DOS) libraries for application development, diagnostics, and monitoring.
- Compact Design: Half-size ISA card (123 × 100 mm) suitable for space-constrained systems.
- Industrial Reliability: Designed for continuous operation in industrial automation, POS, and communication systems.
3. Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|------------------|
| Bus Interface | ISA (EISA compatible, 16-bit architecture) |
| Number of Ports | 8 asynchronous serial ports |
| Communication Standard | RS-232 (with optional RS-422/485 via connection boxes) |
| UART Type | 8 × 16550 or compatible |
| Baud Rate | 50 bps – 921.6 kbps (C168HS); 50 bps – 115.2 kbps (C168P) |
| Data Bits | 5, 6, 7, 8 |
| Stop Bits | 1, 1.5, 2 |
| Parity | None, Even, Odd, Space, Mark |
| Flow Control | RTS/CTS hardware flow control |
| Surge Protection | > 2 kV on all ports |
| Connectors | DB62 female on board; external DB25/DB9 via connection boxes or cables |
| I/O Address Range | 0x0000 – 0xFFFF (software selectable) |
| IRQ Options | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 15 |
| Interrupt Vector | Software configurable (default 0x1C0) |
| Power Requirements | +5 V @ 180 mA max, +12 V @ 110 mA max, −12 V @ 160 mA max |
| Dimensions | 123 × 100 mm (C168HS) / 157 × 93 mm (C168P) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C – 55 °C |
| Storage Temperature | −20 °C – 85 °C (typical) |
| Relative Humidity | 5 % – 95 %, non-condensing |
| Material | Multi-layer PCB with gold-plated edge connector |
| Weight | Approx. 150 g |
| Certifications | CE, FCC Class A (industrial environments) |
4. Functionality
The C168HS functions as an 8-port asynchronous serial communication controller for ISA-based PCs. Each port operates independently, allowing simultaneous data exchange with multiple serial devices. The board’s ASIC architecture integrates address decoding, interrupt control, and UART management, minimizing CPU overhead.
Operation Principle:
- Each port’s UART buffers data in 16-byte FIFOs, reducing interrupt frequency.
- Hardware flow control (RTS/CTS) manages data transmission to prevent buffer overflow.
- Configuration data (I/O base, IRQ, interrupt vector) is stored in onboard EEPROM, accessible via the Configuration Access Port (CAP).
- The CAP address defaults to the first port’s base I/O address or 0xA700 when jumper JP1 is shorted.
Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation and process control systems.
- POS (Point-of-Sale) and kiosk terminals.
- Remote access servers and modem banks.
- Data acquisition and instrumentation.
- Telecommunication and networking equipment.
- Multi-user systems and serial device servers.
Compatibility:
- Fully compatible with PC/AT ISA bus systems.
- Supports standard COM port addressing and Windows COM numbering (COM1–COM256 under NT, COM1–COM128 under Windows 95/98).
- Compatible with Moxa Opt8x connection boxes for RS-232/422/485 interfaces.
5. Components & Accessories
Included Items:
- C168HS 8-port RS-232 ISA card.
- Device driver diskettes:
- Windows NT/95/98 driver.
- DOS driver.
- PComm Lite software diskette.
- User’s Manual (printed or electronic).
Optional Accessories (Connection Options):
- Opt8A: RS-232 connection box, 8 × DB25 F (DCE).
- Opt8B: RS-232 connection box, 8 × DB25 M (DTE).
- Opt8S: RS-232 connection box, 8 × DB25 F with surge protection.
- Opt8C: Octopus cable, 8 × DB25 M connectors (1 m).
- Opt8D: Octopus cable, 8 × DB9 M connectors (1 m).
- Opt8F: RS-422 connection box, 8 × DB25 F with 500 V DC isolation.
- Opt8Z: RS-422 connection box, 8 × DB25 F (non-isolated).
- Opt8J: RS-422/485 connection box, 8 × DB25 F with DIP switches for mode selection.
- Cables: 1.5 m DB62–DB62 shielded cable (for connection boxes).
Connectors:
- Onboard DB62 female connector (62-pin) for external connection.
- Pinouts include TxD, RxD, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, and GND for each port.
6. Installation & Setup
Hardware Installation:
1. Power off the PC and insert the C168HS into an available 16-bit ISA slot.
2. Ensure the board is firmly seated.
3. If using quick installation (Windows NT/95/98, single board), short jumper JP1 to fix CAP at 0xA700.
4. Connect the DB62 cable to the appropriate connection box (Opt8x).
5. Power on the system.
Software Configuration:
- Quick Installation: For single-board setups under Windows NT/95/98, configuration is handled automatically by the driver utility.
- Manual Configuration: Use the DOS utility IO-IRQ.EXE to set I/O addresses, IRQs, and interrupt vectors. The utility communicates via the CAP address.
- Driver Installation:
- Windows NT: Install via Control Panel → Network → Adapters → Add → Have Disk.
- Windows 95/98: Run Setup95.exe from the driver diskette.
- DOS: Run DOSINST.EXE and configure via SETUP.EXE.
Operating System Support:
- Windows NT 3.51/4.0 (32-bit driver, Win32 COMM API compliant)
- Windows 95/98 (VxD driver, VCOMM compliant)
- DOS (API-232 driver)
- Linux (driver available on request)
- SCO UNIX/XENIX/OpenServer, QNX, FreeBSD (supported by OS)
Configuration Parameters:
- I/O base addresses: 0x180–0x1B8 (default sequential per port)
- IRQ: Default = 10
- Interrupt Vector: Default = 0x1C0
- CAP Address: Default = first port’s I/O base or 0xA700 (JP1 shorted)
7. Performance & Capabilities
- Maximum Baud Rate: 921.6 kbps (C168HS)
- FIFO Buffers: 16 bytes transmit/receive per port
- Throughput: Optimized for multi-threaded, multi-process environments under Windows NT.
- Latency: Low interrupt latency due to ASIC-based design.
- Capacity: Up to four C168HS boards per system (32 ports total).
- Efficiency: Hardware buffering and flow control minimize CPU utilization.
- Reliability: Surge protection and isolation options ensure stable operation in industrial conditions.
- Limitations:
- ISA bus bandwidth limits total throughput when multiple boards are installed.
- RS-232 cable length limited to ~15 m at 115.2 kbps (longer with lower baud rates).
- RS-485 operation requires Opt8J connection box and proper termination.
8. Standards & Compliance
- Electrical Standards:
- RS-232 (EIA/TIA-232-F)
- RS-422 (EIA/TIA-422-B)
- RS-485 (EIA/TIA-485-A)
- Bus Interface: ISA (Industry Standard Architecture), EISA compatible.
- Safety & EMC:
- CE Mark (EMC Directive 89/336/EEC)
- FCC Part 15 Class A (Industrial Environment)
- Environmental Compliance: RoHS (lead-free manufacturing, depending on production batch).
- Software Standards:
- Win32 COMM API compliant (Windows NT/95/98)
- VCOMM compliant (Windows 95/98)
- API-232 standard for DOS.
- Surge Protection: IEC 61000-4-5 Level 2 equivalent (> 2 kV).
- Isolation (optional): Up to 500 V DC (Opt8F connection box).
9. Additional Information
Warranty:
Standard Moxa warranty (typically 3 years) covering defects in materials and workmanship. Extended warranty options available through authorized distributors.
Technical Support:
- Email: support@moxa.com.tw
- FTP: ftp.moxa.com / ftp.moxa.com.tw (User ID: ftp, Password: your_email_address)
- Web: [www.moxa.com](https://www.moxa.com) for driver updates, manuals, and FAQs.
Maintenance:
- Periodically inspect connectors and cables for wear or corrosion.
- Ensure proper grounding and surge protection in industrial environments.
- Firmware and driver updates available via Moxa’s FTP site.
Software Tools & Updates:
- PComm (Windows): Serial communication library, diagnostic, monitor, and terminal emulator utilities.
- API-232 (DOS): Serial programming library with modem control and file transfer functions (ASCII, XMODEM, YMODEM, ZMODEM, KERMIT).
- Utilities: Diagnostic, Monitor, Terminal Emulator, Data Scope, and Diagnose tools for testing and debugging serial communication.
Troubleshooting Highlights:
- If the board is not detected, verify CAP address and IRQ settings.
- Use IO-IRQ.EXE to reconfigure or recover unknown CAP addresses (JP1 short → CAP = 0xA700).
- Check for I/O or IRQ conflicts with other ISA devices.
- Use PComm Diagnostic utility to test UARTs and signal lines.
Return & RMA Procedure:
- Obtain RMA number from Moxa or authorized dealer.
- Provide completed Problem Report Form with serial number, driver version, and configuration details.
- Ship product in anti-static packaging with prepaid freight.
Summary
The Moxa Smartio C168HS is a robust, high-performance 8-port RS-232 serial communication board engineered for industrial and commercial PC-based systems. Its combination of high-speed operation (up to 921.6 kbps), surge protection, and software-configurable architecture makes it ideal for multi-device serial connectivity in automation, telecommunications, and data acquisition environments. With comprehensive driver support, flexible configuration utilities, and optional RS-422/485 connectivity via Opt8x accessories, the C168HS delivers reliable, scalable, and efficient serial communication for mission-critical applications.
Product Name: Smartio C168HS
Model: C168HS
Series: Smartio C168 Series (ISA Bus)
Article Number: C168HS
Manufacturer: Moxa Technologies Co., Ltd.
Manufacturer Contact:
Tel: +886-2-8665-6373 Fax: +886-2-8665-6372
Website: [www.moxa.com](https://www.moxa.com) Email: support@moxa.com.tw
The Moxa Smartio C168HS is an industrial-grade, high-speed, 8-port asynchronous serial communication board designed for PC/AT and compatible systems using the ISA bus interface. It provides eight independent RS-232 serial ports with integrated surge protection (>2 kV) and supports data rates up to 921.6 kbps. The board incorporates a 16550 UART for each port, ensuring reliable, buffered communication with hardware flow control and minimal CPU overhead. The C168HS is part of Moxa’s Smartio family, known for its ASIC-based architecture, software-configurable I/O and IRQ settings, and robust performance in industrial and automation environments.
2. Key Features
- Eight Independent RS-232 Ports: Each port operates independently, allowing simultaneous communication with multiple serial devices such as modems, terminals, printers, and data acquisition systems.
- High-Speed Operation: Supports baud rates up to 921.6 kbps, enabling high-throughput serial data transfer for demanding applications.
- 16550 UARTs: Each port is equipped with a 16550-compatible UART featuring 16-byte FIFO buffers for both transmit and receive, reducing CPU load and preventing data loss during high-speed communication.
- Surge Protection: Integrated 2 kV surge protection on all ports ensures reliable operation in electrically noisy industrial environments.
- Software-Configurable I/O and IRQ: Eliminates the need for jumpers or DIP switches. Configuration is handled via software utilities (IO-IRQ.EXE) that write settings to onboard EEPROM.
- Custom ASIC Design: Moxa’s proprietary ASIC reduces component count, improves reliability, and allows a compact half-size ISA form factor.
- Flexible Interrupt and Address Mapping: Supports IRQ2–5, 7, 10–12, and 15, with base I/O addresses selectable via software.
- Hardware Flow Control: On-chip RTS/CTS flow control ensures stable communication without data loss.
- Wide OS Support: Drivers available for Windows NT, Windows 95/98, DOS, Linux, and support for UNIX variants (SCO UNIX/XENIX/OpenServer, QNX, FreeBSD).
- Comprehensive Software Tools: Bundled with Moxa’s PComm (Windows) and API-232 (DOS) libraries for application development, diagnostics, and monitoring.
- Compact Design: Half-size ISA card (123 × 100 mm) suitable for space-constrained systems.
- Industrial Reliability: Designed for continuous operation in industrial automation, POS, and communication systems.
3. Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|------------------|
| Bus Interface | ISA (EISA compatible, 16-bit architecture) |
| Number of Ports | 8 asynchronous serial ports |
| Communication Standard | RS-232 (with optional RS-422/485 via connection boxes) |
| UART Type | 8 × 16550 or compatible |
| Baud Rate | 50 bps – 921.6 kbps (C168HS); 50 bps – 115.2 kbps (C168P) |
| Data Bits | 5, 6, 7, 8 |
| Stop Bits | 1, 1.5, 2 |
| Parity | None, Even, Odd, Space, Mark |
| Flow Control | RTS/CTS hardware flow control |
| Surge Protection | > 2 kV on all ports |
| Connectors | DB62 female on board; external DB25/DB9 via connection boxes or cables |
| I/O Address Range | 0x0000 – 0xFFFF (software selectable) |
| IRQ Options | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 15 |
| Interrupt Vector | Software configurable (default 0x1C0) |
| Power Requirements | +5 V @ 180 mA max, +12 V @ 110 mA max, −12 V @ 160 mA max |
| Dimensions | 123 × 100 mm (C168HS) / 157 × 93 mm (C168P) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C – 55 °C |
| Storage Temperature | −20 °C – 85 °C (typical) |
| Relative Humidity | 5 % – 95 %, non-condensing |
| Material | Multi-layer PCB with gold-plated edge connector |
| Weight | Approx. 150 g |
| Certifications | CE, FCC Class A (industrial environments) |
4. Functionality
The C168HS functions as an 8-port asynchronous serial communication controller for ISA-based PCs. Each port operates independently, allowing simultaneous data exchange with multiple serial devices. The board’s ASIC architecture integrates address decoding, interrupt control, and UART management, minimizing CPU overhead.
Operation Principle:
- Each port’s UART buffers data in 16-byte FIFOs, reducing interrupt frequency.
- Hardware flow control (RTS/CTS) manages data transmission to prevent buffer overflow.
- Configuration data (I/O base, IRQ, interrupt vector) is stored in onboard EEPROM, accessible via the Configuration Access Port (CAP).
- The CAP address defaults to the first port’s base I/O address or 0xA700 when jumper JP1 is shorted.
Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation and process control systems.
- POS (Point-of-Sale) and kiosk terminals.
- Remote access servers and modem banks.
- Data acquisition and instrumentation.
- Telecommunication and networking equipment.
- Multi-user systems and serial device servers.
Compatibility:
- Fully compatible with PC/AT ISA bus systems.
- Supports standard COM port addressing and Windows COM numbering (COM1–COM256 under NT, COM1–COM128 under Windows 95/98).
- Compatible with Moxa Opt8x connection boxes for RS-232/422/485 interfaces.
5. Components & Accessories
Included Items:
- C168HS 8-port RS-232 ISA card.
- Device driver diskettes:
- Windows NT/95/98 driver.
- DOS driver.
- PComm Lite software diskette.
- User’s Manual (printed or electronic).
Optional Accessories (Connection Options):
- Opt8A: RS-232 connection box, 8 × DB25 F (DCE).
- Opt8B: RS-232 connection box, 8 × DB25 M (DTE).
- Opt8S: RS-232 connection box, 8 × DB25 F with surge protection.
- Opt8C: Octopus cable, 8 × DB25 M connectors (1 m).
- Opt8D: Octopus cable, 8 × DB9 M connectors (1 m).
- Opt8F: RS-422 connection box, 8 × DB25 F with 500 V DC isolation.
- Opt8Z: RS-422 connection box, 8 × DB25 F (non-isolated).
- Opt8J: RS-422/485 connection box, 8 × DB25 F with DIP switches for mode selection.
- Cables: 1.5 m DB62–DB62 shielded cable (for connection boxes).
Connectors:
- Onboard DB62 female connector (62-pin) for external connection.
- Pinouts include TxD, RxD, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, and GND for each port.
6. Installation & Setup
Hardware Installation:
1. Power off the PC and insert the C168HS into an available 16-bit ISA slot.
2. Ensure the board is firmly seated.
3. If using quick installation (Windows NT/95/98, single board), short jumper JP1 to fix CAP at 0xA700.
4. Connect the DB62 cable to the appropriate connection box (Opt8x).
5. Power on the system.
Software Configuration:
- Quick Installation: For single-board setups under Windows NT/95/98, configuration is handled automatically by the driver utility.
- Manual Configuration: Use the DOS utility IO-IRQ.EXE to set I/O addresses, IRQs, and interrupt vectors. The utility communicates via the CAP address.
- Driver Installation:
- Windows NT: Install via Control Panel → Network → Adapters → Add → Have Disk.
- Windows 95/98: Run Setup95.exe from the driver diskette.
- DOS: Run DOSINST.EXE and configure via SETUP.EXE.
Operating System Support:
- Windows NT 3.51/4.0 (32-bit driver, Win32 COMM API compliant)
- Windows 95/98 (VxD driver, VCOMM compliant)
- DOS (API-232 driver)
- Linux (driver available on request)
- SCO UNIX/XENIX/OpenServer, QNX, FreeBSD (supported by OS)
Configuration Parameters:
- I/O base addresses: 0x180–0x1B8 (default sequential per port)
- IRQ: Default = 10
- Interrupt Vector: Default = 0x1C0
- CAP Address: Default = first port’s I/O base or 0xA700 (JP1 shorted)
7. Performance & Capabilities
- Maximum Baud Rate: 921.6 kbps (C168HS)
- FIFO Buffers: 16 bytes transmit/receive per port
- Throughput: Optimized for multi-threaded, multi-process environments under Windows NT.
- Latency: Low interrupt latency due to ASIC-based design.
- Capacity: Up to four C168HS boards per system (32 ports total).
- Efficiency: Hardware buffering and flow control minimize CPU utilization.
- Reliability: Surge protection and isolation options ensure stable operation in industrial conditions.
- Limitations:
- ISA bus bandwidth limits total throughput when multiple boards are installed.
- RS-232 cable length limited to ~15 m at 115.2 kbps (longer with lower baud rates).
- RS-485 operation requires Opt8J connection box and proper termination.
8. Standards & Compliance
- Electrical Standards:
- RS-232 (EIA/TIA-232-F)
- RS-422 (EIA/TIA-422-B)
- RS-485 (EIA/TIA-485-A)
- Bus Interface: ISA (Industry Standard Architecture), EISA compatible.
- Safety & EMC:
- CE Mark (EMC Directive 89/336/EEC)
- FCC Part 15 Class A (Industrial Environment)
- Environmental Compliance: RoHS (lead-free manufacturing, depending on production batch).
- Software Standards:
- Win32 COMM API compliant (Windows NT/95/98)
- VCOMM compliant (Windows 95/98)
- API-232 standard for DOS.
- Surge Protection: IEC 61000-4-5 Level 2 equivalent (> 2 kV).
- Isolation (optional): Up to 500 V DC (Opt8F connection box).
9. Additional Information
Warranty:
Standard Moxa warranty (typically 3 years) covering defects in materials and workmanship. Extended warranty options available through authorized distributors.
Technical Support:
- Email: support@moxa.com.tw
- FTP: ftp.moxa.com / ftp.moxa.com.tw (User ID: ftp, Password: your_email_address)
- Web: [www.moxa.com](https://www.moxa.com) for driver updates, manuals, and FAQs.
Maintenance:
- Periodically inspect connectors and cables for wear or corrosion.
- Ensure proper grounding and surge protection in industrial environments.
- Firmware and driver updates available via Moxa’s FTP site.
Software Tools & Updates:
- PComm (Windows): Serial communication library, diagnostic, monitor, and terminal emulator utilities.
- API-232 (DOS): Serial programming library with modem control and file transfer functions (ASCII, XMODEM, YMODEM, ZMODEM, KERMIT).
- Utilities: Diagnostic, Monitor, Terminal Emulator, Data Scope, and Diagnose tools for testing and debugging serial communication.
Troubleshooting Highlights:
- If the board is not detected, verify CAP address and IRQ settings.
- Use IO-IRQ.EXE to reconfigure or recover unknown CAP addresses (JP1 short → CAP = 0xA700).
- Check for I/O or IRQ conflicts with other ISA devices.
- Use PComm Diagnostic utility to test UARTs and signal lines.
Return & RMA Procedure:
- Obtain RMA number from Moxa or authorized dealer.
- Provide completed Problem Report Form with serial number, driver version, and configuration details.
- Ship product in anti-static packaging with prepaid freight.
Summary
The Moxa Smartio C168HS is a robust, high-performance 8-port RS-232 serial communication board engineered for industrial and commercial PC-based systems. Its combination of high-speed operation (up to 921.6 kbps), surge protection, and software-configurable architecture makes it ideal for multi-device serial connectivity in automation, telecommunications, and data acquisition environments. With comprehensive driver support, flexible configuration utilities, and optional RS-422/485 connectivity via Opt8x accessories, the C168HS delivers reliable, scalable, and efficient serial communication for mission-critical applications.
-
C168P.pdf
Manual
- Opt8A - 8-port RS232 (DCE) female DB25 box
- Opt8B - 8-port RS232 (DTE) male DB25 box
- Opt8C - 8-port RS-232 (DTE) 8*cable male DB25
- Opt8D - 8-port RS-232 (DTE) 8*cable male DB9
- Opt8J/230 - 8-Port RS-422/485 female DB25 box
- Opt8F/230 - Isolated 8-port RS422 female DB25 box
- Opt8K/230 - 8-port RS-422/485 female DB25 box with ADDC
- Opt8S - 8-port RS-232 female DB25 box
- Opt8Z/230 - 8-port RS422 female DB25 box
