Comprehensive Product Summary – MOXA CP-168U-V2 8-Port RS-232 Universal PCI Card

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: CP-168U-V2
Model: CP-168U-V2
Series: CP-168 Universal PCI Series
Article Number: CP-168U-V2
Manufacturer: MOXA Inc.

The MOXA CP-168U-V2 is an advanced 8-port RS-232 asynchronous Universal PCI communication card designed for industrial and commercial applications requiring multiple serial connections. As part of MOXA’s CP-168 Universal PCI series, this model provides robust serial connectivity for data acquisition systems, industrial automation, and communication servers. It supports both 3.3V and 5V PCI bus architectures, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of modern and legacy PC server platforms. The CP-168U-V2 integrates high-performance UARTs, embedded 16 kV ESD protection, and LED indicators for data transmission, making it a reliable and durable solution for demanding serial communication environments.

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### 2. Key Features

- 8 Independent RS-232 Ports: Provides eight fully isolated asynchronous serial ports for simultaneous communication with multiple devices.
- Universal PCI Interface: Compatible with both 3.3V and 5V PCI slots, ensuring broad system compatibility across various PC and server architectures.
- High-Speed Data Transmission: Supports baud rates from 50 bps up to 230.4 Kbps, suitable for a wide range of serial communication applications.
- 16550C-Compatible UARTs: Each port is equipped with a MOXA UART controller that is 16C550C compatible, featuring a 64-byte FIFO driver for efficient data buffering and reduced CPU load.
- Embedded Surge Protection: Integrated 16 kV ESD protection on each port safeguards connected devices and the host system from electrostatic discharge and transient voltage spikes.
- LED Indicators: Built-in data flow LEDs provide real-time visual feedback of transmission (Tx) and reception (Rx) activity.
- Compact Design: The board’s 110 x 135 mm form factor fits standard PCI slots, with a 121 mm standard bracket for secure installation.
- Flexible Connector Options: Uses a DB62 female connector on the board, with optional breakout cables or boxes for DB9 or DB25 connections.
- Multi-Board Support: Up to four CP-168U-V2 boards can be installed in a single system, providing up to 32 serial ports per host.
- Comprehensive OS Support: Compatible with major operating systems through MOXA’s driver suite (included on CD).
- Industrial-Grade Reliability: Designed for continuous operation in environments with temperature ranges from 0°C to 55°C and humidity levels up to 95% RH.

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### 3. Technical Specifications

Bus Interface:
- 32-bit Universal PCI (supports both 3.3V and 5V signaling)

Number of Ports:
- 8 independent RS-232 asynchronous serial ports

Maximum Number of Boards per System:
- 4 boards (up to 32 ports total)

Communication Controller:
- MOXA proprietary UART, 16C550C compatible

FIFO Buffer:
- 64-byte FIFO per port (driver support for 128-byte FIFO)

Baud Rate:
- 50 bps to 230.4 Kbps

Data Bits:
- 5, 6, 7, or 8 bits

Stop Bits:
- 1, 1.5, or 2 bits

Parity Options:
- None, Even, Odd, Space, Mark

Data Signals:
- TxD (Transmit Data)
- RxD (Receive Data)
- RTS (Request to Send)
- CTS (Clear to Send)
- DCD (Data Carrier Detect)
- DTR (Data Terminal Ready)
- DSR (Data Set Ready)
- GND (Signal Ground)

Connector Type:
- Onboard DB62 female connector

Surge Protection:
- Embedded 16 kV ESD protection

Dimensions:
- 110 mm (W) x 135 mm (D)
- Standard bracket length: 121 mm

Weight:
- Approx. 150–200 g (typical for PCI expansion cards of this size)

Environmental Conditions:
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C
- Storage Temperature: -20°C to 85°C
- Humidity: 5% to 95% RH (non-condensing)

Regulatory Approvals:
- CE and FCC certified for electromagnetic compatibility and safety compliance.

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### 4. Functionality

The CP-168U-V2 functions as a high-performance serial expansion card that enables a host computer to communicate with multiple RS-232 devices simultaneously. Each of the eight ports operates independently, allowing concurrent data transmission and reception across all channels.

How It Works:
Once installed in a PCI slot, the CP-168U-V2 is automatically recognized by the system BIOS and operating system. The PCI BIOS dynamically assigns I/O addresses and IRQs, simplifying configuration and eliminating resource conflicts. Each port appears as a standard COM port to the operating system, allowing seamless integration with existing serial communication software.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial Automation: Connecting PLCs, sensors, and control panels.
- Data Acquisition Systems: Interfacing with measurement instruments and data loggers.
- Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems: Managing barcode scanners, receipt printers, and cash drawers.
- Networking and Communication: Linking modems, routers, and serial consoles.
- Laboratory and Test Equipment: Controlling oscilloscopes, analyzers, and programmable instruments.
- Building Management Systems: Integrating HVAC controllers, access systems, and environmental sensors.

Compatibility:
The CP-168U-V2 is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and other industrial OS platforms supported by MOXA’s driver suite. It supports both legacy and modern PCI architectures, ensuring long-term usability across evolving hardware generations.

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- CP-168U-V2 PCI Card
- MOXA Software CD (includes drivers, utilities, and documentation)

Optional Accessories (choose one per board):
- Opt8A: 8-port DB25 female connection box (includes connection cable)
- Opt8B: 8-port DB25 male connection box (includes connection cable)
- Opt8C: 8-port DB9 male connection cable
- Opt8D: 8-port DB25 female connection cable

These optional accessories provide flexibility in connecting various RS-232 devices, depending on the required connector type and installation environment.

Connectors and Cables:
The board’s DB62 female connector serves as the main interface for the breakout cables or boxes, which then provide individual DB9 or DB25 connectors for each serial port.

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### 6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- Available PCI slot (Universal PCI, 3.3V or 5V)
- Compatible operating system with MOXA driver support
- Administrative privileges for driver installation

Installation Steps:
1. Power off the host computer and disconnect it from the power source.
2. Insert the CP-168U-V2 card into an available PCI slot, ensuring a secure fit.
3. Attach the appropriate breakout cable or connection box (Opt8A–Opt8D) to the DB62 connector.
4. Power on the system; the BIOS will automatically detect the new hardware.
5. Install the MOXA driver software from the included CD or download the latest version from MOXA’s website.
6. Verify that all eight COM ports are recognized by the operating system.
7. Configure port parameters (baud rate, parity, stop bits, etc.) as required by the connected devices.

Mounting Options:
The card is designed for standard PCI slots in desktop or rack-mounted servers. The 121 mm bracket ensures compatibility with standard chassis designs. Optional low-profile brackets may be available for compact systems.

Configuration:
All I/O addresses and IRQs are automatically assigned by the PCI BIOS, eliminating manual jumper settings. Port parameters are configured through the operating system’s device manager or MOXA’s configuration utility.

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

Data Throughput:
Each port supports data rates up to 230.4 Kbps, sufficient for most industrial and commercial RS-232 applications. The 64-byte FIFO buffer per port minimizes CPU overhead and ensures smooth data flow even under high-load conditions.

Multi-Board Scalability:
Up to four CP-168U-V2 boards can be installed in a single system, providing a total of 32 serial ports. This scalability makes it ideal for large-scale communication hubs or data acquisition systems.

Efficiency and Reliability:
The combination of hardware FIFO buffering, efficient driver design, and ESD protection ensures stable and error-free communication. The card’s design minimizes latency and maximizes throughput, even when multiple ports are active simultaneously.

Limitations:
While optimized for RS-232 communication, the CP-168U-V2 does not support RS-422 or RS-485 interfaces. For mixed-protocol environments, MOXA offers alternative models with multi-protocol support.

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

Electrical and Mechanical Standards:
- PCI Specification: Universal PCI, 32-bit, 33 MHz, 3.3V/5V signaling
- Serial Interface Standard: EIA/TIA RS-232

Safety and EMC Compliance:
- CE Certified: Conforms to European safety and electromagnetic compatibility standards.
- FCC Certified: Meets U.S. Federal Communications Commission requirements for Class A digital devices.

Environmental Compliance:
- Designed for operation in industrial environments with wide temperature and humidity ranges.
- Built with components that meet RoHS environmental standards (lead-free manufacturing).

ESD Protection:
- Embedded 16 kV electrostatic discharge protection on all signal lines, compliant with IEC 61000-4-2 standards.

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### 9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Standard 3-year limited warranty from MOXA (typical for MOXA hardware products; confirm with vendor).
- Covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.

Technical Support:
- Comprehensive support available via MOXA’s global service network.
- Access to online resources, driver updates, and technical documentation.
- Email and phone support for configuration and troubleshooting.

Maintenance:
- No regular maintenance required beyond ensuring clean, dust-free PCI contacts.
- Periodic inspection of connectors and cables recommended for optimal performance.

Firmware and Driver Updates:
- MOXA provides regular driver updates to ensure compatibility with new operating systems and hardware platforms.
- Firmware updates (if applicable) can be downloaded from MOXA’s official website.

Product Longevity and Availability:
- Designed for long-term availability and backward compatibility, ensuring stable supply for industrial and OEM applications.
- MOXA’s commitment to long product life cycles supports extended project deployments.

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### Summary

The MOXA CP-168U-V2 is a robust, high-performance 8-port RS-232 Universal PCI communication card engineered for industrial-grade reliability and flexibility. With support for both 3.3V and 5V PCI slots, 230.4 Kbps data rates, 16550C-compatible UARTs, and 16 kV ESD protection, it delivers dependable multi-port serial connectivity for a wide range of applications. Its modular connector options, automatic PCI resource allocation, and comprehensive driver support make it a versatile solution for system integrators, automation engineers, and IT professionals seeking scalable serial communication expansion.

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In summary:
- Model: CP-168U-V2
- Ports: 8 RS-232
- Interface: Universal PCI (3.3V/5V)
- Baud Rate: 50–230.4 Kbps
- Protection: 16 kV ESD
- Dimensions: 110 × 135 mm
- Certifications: CE, FCC
- Manufacturer: MOXA Inc.

The CP-168U-V2 exemplifies MOXA’s commitment to quality, performance, and long-term reliability in industrial communication solutions.