1. Product Overview

Product Name: Addressable RS422/485 to RS232 Converter
Model: EX9523D
Series: EX952N Series
Article Number: EX9523D
Manufacturer: TOPSCCC (TopSCCC Industrial Automation)

The EX9523D is a high-performance, addressable RS422/485 to RS232 converter designed for industrial communication networks. It enables seamless integration between RS232-based devices and RS422/485 networks, providing reliable, addressable, and programmable serial communication. The EX9523D belongs to the EX952N series, which includes models EX9521D, EX9522D, EX9523D, and EX9527D, each offering different port configurations and scalability options. The EX9523D model specifically supports three RS232 ports and one RS485 port, making it ideal for multi-device serial communication environments.

---

2. Key Features

- Addressable RS485 to RS232 Conversion: Built-in firmware allows each module to be assigned a unique address, enabling multiple converters to coexist on the same RS485 network.
- Embedded Industrial CPU: Powered by an Intel 80188 CPU running at 40 MHz, ensuring stable and efficient data processing.
- Memory Architecture: Equipped with 256 KB SRAM, 512 KB Flash ROM, and 2 KB EEPROM for configuration storage and firmware operation.
- Embedded Operating System: Runs ROM-DOS (Datalight), providing a robust embedded OS environment for industrial applications.
- Multiple Communication Ports:
- COM1: RS232 (5-wire)
- COM2: RS485
- COM3: RS232 (3-wire)
- COM4: RS232 (3-wire, used for program download)
- Wide Operating Temperature Range: Designed for harsh industrial environments, operating from -25°C to +75°C.
- Power Flexibility: Accepts unregulated DC power from 10 VDC to 30 VDC.
- Watchdog Timer: Ensures system reliability by automatically recovering from communication or system faults.
- Fanless Design: Passive cooling for silent, maintenance-free operation.
- 7-Segment LED Display: Displays status, baud rate, and diagnostic information.
- Program Download Capability: Supports firmware and configuration updates via RS232 (COM4) using Xmodem protocol.
- Built-in Real-Time Clock (RTC): Supports time-based operations and logging.
- High Communication Speed: Supports up to 115.2 Kbps data rate.
- Industrial-Grade Durability: Designed for continuous operation in demanding automation and control systems.

---

3. Technical Specifications

- CPU: Intel 80188, 40 MHz
- Memory:
- SRAM: 256 KB
- Flash ROM: 512 KB
- EEPROM: 2 KB
- Operating System: Embedded ROM-DOS (Datalight)
- Communication Ports:
- COM1: RS232 (5-wire, DB9 male)
- COM2: RS485 (2-wire differential)
- COM3: RS232 (3-wire)
- COM4: RS232 (3-wire, program download)
- Communication Speed: Up to 115,200 bps
- Power Supply: 10–30 VDC (unregulated)
- Operating Temperature: -25°C to +75°C
- Storage Temperature: -40°C to +80°C
- Indicators: 7-segment LED display for status and configuration
- Watchdog Timer: Hardware-based, automatic reset on fault detection
- Cooling: Fanless, convection-cooled
- Construction: Industrial-grade enclosure suitable for DIN-rail or panel mounting
- Weight and Dimensions: (Typical for EX952N series; exact values depend on enclosure type)
- Approx. 150–250 g
- Dimensions: ~120 mm (L) × 75 mm (W) × 25 mm (H)

---

4. Functionality

The EX9523D functions as an intelligent, addressable converter that bridges RS232 devices to an RS485 network. It allows multiple RS232 devices to communicate over a single RS485 bus by assigning each converter a unique address. The embedded firmware interprets and routes data between the RS485 master and the connected RS232 devices.

Typical Use Cases:
- Connecting PLCs, sensors, and measurement instruments with RS232 interfaces to an RS485 network.
- Industrial automation systems requiring multi-node serial communication.
- Remote data acquisition and control systems.
- Integration of legacy RS232 equipment into modern RS485-based control networks.

Compatibility:
- Compatible with standard RS232 and RS485 communication protocols.
- Works with PCs, PLCs, HMIs, and industrial controllers.
- Supports standard serial communication parameters (baud rate, parity, stop bits, data bits).

---

5. Components & Accessories

Included Components:
- EX9523D converter module
- DB9 male connector for COM1
- Terminal block for RS485 connection
- Power input terminal (10–30 VDC)
- 7-segment LED display for status indication

Optional Accessories:
- DIN-rail mounting kit
- RS232/RS485 communication cables
- External power supply (if not integrated)
- Configuration software or terminal emulator (e.g., HyperTerminal)

Connectors:
- COM1 (DB9 Male):
- Pin 1: DCD
- Pin 2: RXD
- Pin 3: TXD
- Pin 4: DTR
- Pin 5: GND
- Pin 6: DSR
- Pin 7: RTS
- Pin 8: CTS
- Pin 9: RI

---

6. Installation & Setup

Power Requirements:
- Supply voltage: 10–30 VDC (unregulated)
- Connect power to the designated terminal block.

Mounting Options:
- DIN-rail or panel mounting (depending on enclosure type)
- Ensure adequate ventilation for passive cooling.

Configuration Procedure:
1. Connect the EX9523D to a PC via COM4 (RS232) for programming.
2. Set the INIT* pin to GND to enter initialization mode.
3. Use HyperTerminal or equivalent software with the following settings:
- Baud rate: 57,600 bps
- Data bits: 8
- Parity: None
- Stop bits: 1
- Flow control: None
4. Transfer firmware or configuration files using the Xmodem protocol.
5. Disconnect INIT* from GND immediately after the update completes to prevent system hang.

INIT Mode:
- Default configuration: Address = 00, Baud rate = 9600 bps, Data bits = 8, Parity = None, Stop bits = 1.
- Used for resetting forgotten configurations or restoring factory defaults.

---

7. Performance & Capabilities

- Communication Speed: Up to 115.2 Kbps for both RS232 and RS485 ports.
- Addressable Operation: Each module can be assigned a unique address (00–FF) for networked communication.
- Command Set: Comprehensive ASCII-based command structure for configuration and control.
- Buffer Management: Built-in buffer for asynchronous data handling from active RS232 devices.
- Checksum and Error Handling: Optional checksum verification for data integrity.
- Watchdog Recovery: Automatic reset and recovery in case of communication failure or system hang.
- LED Display Feedback: Real-time display of baud rate, address, and operational status.
- Multi-Port Address Mapping:
- COM1 (RS232): Address = AA
- COM2 (RS485): Address = AA
- COM3 (RS232): Address = AA + 1
- COM4 (RS232): Address = AA + 2
This allows the EX9523D to function as three independent RS232 nodes on a single RS485 network.

Limitations:
- RS232 cable length limited by standard (typically <15 m).
- RS485 network limited by topology and termination (up to 1200 m typical).
- Requires proper grounding and shielding in noisy environments.

---

8. Standards & Compliance

- Communication Standards:
- RS232 (EIA/TIA-232)
- RS485 (EIA/TIA-485)
- Electrical Compliance: Designed for industrial DC power systems (10–30 VDC).
- Environmental Compliance:
- Operating temperature: -25°C to +75°C
- Storage temperature: -40°C to +80°C
- Safety and Reliability:
- Watchdog timer for fault recovery
- EEPROM for non-volatile configuration storage
- Firmware and Protocol Compliance:
- Supports standard serial communication parameters (baud rate, parity, stop bits, data bits)
- Compatible with Modbus RTU and other ASCII-based serial protocols (depending on configuration)
- Industry Standards: Suitable for industrial automation, process control, and instrumentation applications.

---

9. Additional Information

Warranty & Support:
- Standard manufacturer warranty (typically 1–2 years, depending on region and distributor).
- Technical support available through TOPSCCC or authorized distributors.
- Firmware updates and configuration tools available upon request.

Maintenance:
- Fanless design minimizes maintenance requirements.
- Periodic inspection of connectors and power terminals recommended.
- Firmware can be updated via RS232 (COM4) using Xmodem protocol.

Software & Updates:
- Configuration via terminal commands or serial communication software.
- Supports firmware version retrieval using command `$AAF`.
- Module name and version can be read using `$AAM` and `$AAF` commands.

Diagnostics & Monitoring:
- `$AA5` command reads reset status (detects watchdog resets).
- `$AAW` command reads CTS status of COM1.
- `$AAU` command retrieves buffered data from RS232 ports.
- `$AAF` and `$AAM` provide firmware version and module identification.

Command Summary (Partial):
- `$AAA(addr)`: Set module address
- `$AABN(baud rate)`: Set baud rate
- `$AADN(data-bit)`: Set data bits
- `$AAPN(parity-bit)`: Set parity
- `$AAON(stop-bit)`: Set stop bits
- `$AA6(ID)`: Set device ID string
- `$AA7`: Read device ID string
- `$AAC(delimiter)`: Set delimiter
- `$AAKN`: Enable/disable checksum
- `$AATN`: Set end-character mode
- `$AAXV`: Set RTS state
- `$AA5`: Read reset status
- `$AAF`: Read firmware version
- `$AAM`: Read module name
- `$AA2`: Read RS485 configuration
- `$AAW`: Read CTS status
- `$AAU`: Read buffered data

Firmware Version Example:
- `$01F` → `!01A2.0` (Module 01, firmware version 2.0)

Module Identification Example:
- `$01M` → `!019523` (Module 01 identified as EX9523)

---

Summary

The EX9523D is a robust, addressable RS422/485 to RS232 converter designed for industrial automation and control systems. With its Intel 80188 CPU, embedded ROM-DOS OS, and multiple serial ports, it provides a flexible and reliable platform for integrating RS232 devices into RS485 networks. Its wide operating temperature range, watchdog timer, and fanless design make it suitable for harsh industrial environments. The EX9523D’s comprehensive command set, addressable architecture, and built-in diagnostic tools ensure precise control, easy configuration, and dependable performance in complex serial communication networks.