Comprehensive Product Summary: Moxa CP‑118EL PCI Express 8‑Port RS‑232/422/485 Serial Board

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: CP‑118EL
Model: CP‑118EL
Series: Moxa PCI Express Multiport Serial Board Series
Article Number: CP‑118EL
Manufacturer: Moxa Inc.
Product Type: PCI Express x1 8‑port RS‑232/422/485 serial communication board
Intended Use: Industrial automation, POS, ATM, and embedded system serial expansion

The Moxa CP‑118EL is a low‑profile, 8‑port PCI Express serial interface card designed to provide flexible, high‑performance serial connectivity for industrial and commercial systems. Each port can be independently configured for RS‑232, RS‑422, or RS‑485 (2‑wire or 4‑wire) operation, making it suitable for a wide range of serial communication applications. The board integrates a 16C950‑compatible UART with a 128‑byte FIFO buffer and supports data rates up to 921.6 Kbps. It is fully compliant with PCI Express Specification 1.1 and supports installation in any PCIe slot (x1, x2, x4, x8, x16, or x32).

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### 2. Key Features

- Multi‑Protocol Serial Support: Eight independent ports selectable for RS‑232, RS‑422, or RS‑485 (2‑wire/4‑wire).
- High‑Speed Communication: Supports baud rates from 50 bps to 921.6 Kbps for fast data throughput.
- Advanced UART Design: MU860 communication controller (16C550C/16C950 compatible) with 128‑byte FIFO for efficient buffering and reduced CPU load.
- PCI Express x1 Interface: Fully compliant with PCI Express 1.1, ensuring compatibility with all PCIe slots.
- Low‑Profile Form Factor: Compact 132 × 67.21 mm design suitable for small‑form‑factor and embedded PCs.
- Robust Electrical Protection: 15 kV ESD protection on all signal lines for industrial reliability.
- Flexible Configuration: Onboard DIP switches for interface selection (RS‑232/422/485) and jumpers for termination resistor activation.
- Automatic Data Direction Control (ADDC™): Hardware‑based RS‑485 data direction management eliminates software overhead.
- Comprehensive OS Support: Drivers available for Windows (2000–2008, XP Embedded, CE 5.0), DOS, Linux (2.4/2.6, x86/x64), FreeBSD, QNX, SCO, and UnixWare.
- LED Indicators: Per‑port TX (red) and RX (green) LEDs for real‑time communication status.
- Scalable Installation: Supports up to four boards per system using a single IRQ.
- Long‑Term Reliability: Backed by a 5‑year manufacturer warranty.

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### 3. Technical Specifications

Hardware
- Communication Controller: MU860 (16C550C compatible)
- Bus Interface: PCI Express x1 (compliant with PCIe Spec. 1.1)
- Connector Type: Female VHDCI 68 (SCSI‑type)
- Number of Ports: 8 independent serial ports
- Maximum Boards per System: 4

Serial Interface Standards
- RS‑232, RS‑422, RS‑485 (2‑wire and 4‑wire selectable per port)

Serial Signals
- RS‑232: TxD, RxD, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, GND
- RS‑422: TxD+(B), TxD‑(A), RxD+(B), RxD‑(A), GND
- RS‑485 4‑wire: TxD+(B), TxD‑(A), RxD+(B), RxD‑(A), GND
- RS‑485 2‑wire: Data+(B), Data‑(A), GND

Performance Parameters
- Baud Rate: 50 bps – 921.6 Kbps
- Data Bits: 5, 6, 7, 8
- Stop Bits: 1, 1.5, 2
- Parity: None, Even, Odd, Space, Mark
- Flow Control: RTS/CTS (hardware), XON/XOFF (software)
- FIFO Buffer: 128 bytes (Tx/Rx)

Physical Characteristics
- Dimensions: 132 × 67.21 mm (5.20 × 2.65 in)
- Weight: Approx. 100 g (board only)
- Form Factor: Low‑profile PCIe card

Power Requirements
- Input Voltage: 3.3 V DC
- Power Consumption: 860 mA @ 3.3 V

Environmental Limits
- Operating Temperature: 0 – 55 °C (32 – 131 °F)
- Storage Temperature: –20 – 85 °C (–4 – 185 °F)
- Humidity: 5 – 95 % RH (non‑condensing)

Protection
- ESD Protection: 15 kV (IEC 61000‑4‑2 compliant)

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### 4. Functionality

The CP‑118EL functions as an intelligent serial expansion board that adds eight configurable communication ports to a host PC via the PCI Express bus. Each port can be independently set to RS‑232, RS‑422, or RS‑485 mode using onboard DIP switches (S1–S3). The board’s hardware automatically manages data direction for RS‑485 half‑duplex communication through Moxa’s ADDC™ technology, eliminating the need for software‑based control.

Typical Applications:
- Industrial automation and process control systems
- POS (Point‑of‑Sale) and ATM terminals
- Data acquisition and SCADA systems
- Kiosk and vending machine controllers
- Telecommunications and networking equipment
- Embedded and OEM serial communication modules

Compatibility:
- Works with any PCI Express slot (x1 to x16)
- Supports up to four boards per host system
- Compatible with Moxa PComm software and standard Windows COM port drivers

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included in Package:
- CP‑118EL PCIe board
- Standard and low‑profile brackets
- Documentation and Software CD (drivers, utilities, manuals)
- Quick Installation Guide (printed)
- Warranty card

Optional Connection Accessories:
- OPT8‑M9+ / OPT8D+: DB9 male × 8, 1.0–1.5 m cable
- OPT8B+ / OPT8C+: DB25 male × 8, 1.0–1.5 m cable
- OPT8A+ / OPT8S+: DB25 female × 8, 1.5 m cable
- OPT8S+ (25 kV ESD): Enhanced surge‑protected DB25 female × 8 cable

Connector Pinouts:
- Board‑side: VHDCI 68‑pin female
- Device‑side: DB9/DB25 male or female (depending on cable)

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### 6. Installation & Setup

Hardware Installation Steps:
1. Power off the PC and remove the cover.
2. Insert the CP‑118EL into an available PCI Express slot.
3. Secure the board with the bracket screw.
4. Configure each port’s interface using DIP switches:
- RS‑232 = S3 ON
- RS‑422 = S2 ON, S3 OFF
- RS‑485 4‑wire = S1 ON, S2 OFF, S3 OFF
- RS‑485 2‑wire = S1 OFF, S2 OFF, S3 OFF
5. Set termination resistors (JP1–JP8): Short = Enabled (120 Ω), Open = Disabled.
6. Replace the PC cover and power on the system.
7. BIOS automatically assigns IRQ and I/O resources.

Software Installation:
- Windows: Automatic detection via Plug‑and‑Play; install drivers from CD or Moxa website.
- Linux: Compile and install `mxser` driver; use `muestty` utility to configure interface and termination.
- DOS/SCO/Unix: Run provided setup utilities for driver installation.
- Windows CE 5.0: Integrate `mxserce5` driver into Platform Builder environment.

Configuration Tools:
- Moxa Port Configuration Utility: Adjust COM numbering, FIFO levels, and interface modes.
- PComm Diagnostic Utility: Test IRQ, TxD/RxD, and modem control signals.

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

- Transmission Speed: Up to 921.6 Kbps per port
- FIFO Buffering: 128‑byte transmit/receive buffers minimize CPU overhead
- Flow Control: Hardware (RTS/CTS) and software (XON/XOFF)
- RS‑485 ADDC™: Automatic half‑duplex control for reliable data direction switching
- LED Indicators: Per‑port TX (red) and RX (green) activity LEDs
- Scalability: Supports up to 32 ports per system (4 boards × 8 ports)
- Reliability: 15 kV ESD protection ensures stable operation in harsh environments
- Limitations: Operating temperature limited to 55 °C; requires 3.3 V PCIe slot

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

Electrical & EMC Compliance:
- FCC: Part 15 Class B
- CE/EN Standards: EN55022, EN55024, EN61000‑3‑2, EN61000‑3‑3
- IEC Immunity Tests: IEC 61000‑4‑2 (ESD), ‑4‑3 (RF), ‑4‑4 (EFT), ‑4‑5 (Surge), ‑4‑6 (Conducted), ‑4‑8 (Magnetic), ‑4‑11 (Dip/Interruption)

Environmental & Safety:
- Designed for industrial environments with high EMI tolerance
- RoHS‑compliant manufacturing

Operating System Driver Certifications:
- Microsoft WHQL‑tested drivers for Windows platforms
- Open‑source Linux drivers maintained by Moxa

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### 9. Additional Information

Warranty: 5 years (standard Moxa industrial warranty)
Support & Maintenance:
- Free driver and firmware updates via [www.moxa.com/support](https://www.moxa.com/support)
- Global technical support (Americas, Europe, Asia‑Pacific, China)
- Diagnostic utilities and PComm software suite included

Maintenance Recommendations:
- Periodically verify connector integrity and cable shielding.
- Keep firmware and drivers updated for optimal performance.
- Use Moxa diagnostic tools to monitor port health and communication status.

Ordering Information:
- Model: CP‑118EL – 8‑port RS‑232/422/485 low‑profile PCIe x1 serial board
- Optional Cables: OPT8‑M9+, OPT8B+, OPT8A+, OPT8C+, OPT8S+

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### Summary

The Moxa CP‑118EL is a robust, high‑performance PCI Express serial communication board engineered for industrial and embedded applications requiring multiple serial interfaces. Its eight configurable ports, wide OS compatibility, and advanced hardware features—such as 128‑byte FIFO buffering, ADDC™ for RS‑485, and 15 kV ESD protection—make it a versatile solution for system integrators and automation engineers. The low‑profile design ensures compatibility with compact PCs, while comprehensive driver support and diagnostic utilities simplify deployment across diverse operating environments. With a 5‑year warranty and proven reliability, the CP‑118EL delivers long‑term, stable serial connectivity for mission‑critical systems.