Comprehensive Product Summary – RAYON IOP3927A Intelligent PCI CPU Card and Associated Multiport Serial Solutions

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: Intelligent Input/Output Processor (IOP)
Model: IOP3927A
Series: PCIIOP Intelligent Multiport Series
Article Number: IOP3927A
Manufacturer: RAYON TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
Manufacturer Address: 2F, No. 177, Chung-Shan 2 Rd., Lu-Chou City, Taipei Hsien, Taiwan
Contact: Tel: +886-2-82858362 | Fax: +886-2-82857065
Email: rayon@ms1.hinet.net
Websites: [www.rayontech.com](http://www.rayontech.com), [www.computex.com.tw/rayon](http://www.computex.com.tw/rayon)

The IOP3927A is a high-performance intelligent PCI CPU card designed for multiport serial communication systems. It integrates a 133 MHz TMPR3927 RISC processor and 16 MB of dual-port SDRAM, providing intelligent offloading of serial I/O processing from the host CPU. The card supports 8 to 64 serial ports through daisy-chained external connector boxes and is compatible with both 3.3 V and 5 V PCI slots.

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### 2. Key Features

- High-Performance RISC Architecture:
Built-in 133 MHz TMPR3927 MIPS RISC processor for efficient I/O management and reduced host CPU load.

- Large Dual-Port Memory:
16 MB SDRAM shared between local processor and host system for high-speed data buffering.

- Flexible Port Expansion:
Supports 8 to 64 serial ports via external connector boxes (NF116, NF216, NF316, F641/F642, A641/A642, etc.).

- Universal PCI Compatibility:
Operates in both 3.3 V and 5 V PCI slots; compatible with 33 MHz PCI bus and 64-bit PCI environments.

- Multi-Interface Support:
RS-232C, RS-422, and RS-485 interfaces selectable per port via DIP switches on connector boxes.

- Advanced UART Control:
FIFO-type 16C554 UART controllers in each connector box ensure stable, high-speed serial communication.

- Scalable Daisy-Chain Architecture:
Up to eight external boxes can be chained per card, each supporting 8 or 16 ports, for a total of 64 ports.

- Cross-Platform Driver Support:
Drivers available for DOS, Windows 95/98/Me, NT, 2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7, Linux, and SCO OpenServer.

- Industrial Reliability:
Operating temperature 5 °C – 40 °C; humidity 10 – 90 % RH; designed for continuous multi-user environments.

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### 3. Technical Specifications

Processor: 133 MHz TMPR3927 RISC CPU
Memory: 16 MB SDRAM (dual-port, shared access)
Bus Interface: PCI 33 MHz, 3.3 V/5 V universal slot
Connector: 37-pin D-type male connector (to external I/O boxes)
Expansion Capability: Up to 8 external boxes per card (64 ports total)
Supported Interfaces: RS-232C, RS-422, RS-485 (depending on box type)
Baud Rate Range: 50 – 230,400 bps (software-selectable; 50/75/150/200 bps used for high-speed mapping)
Flow Control: XON/XOFF (software), RTS/CTS (hardware)
Operating Environment:
- Temperature: 5 °C – 40 °C
- Humidity: 10 – 90 % RH
- Storage: 0 °C – 65 °C, 5 – 90 % RH

Dimensions:
- CPU Card: 5.0 × 3.4 inches
- Connector Boxes (NF116/NF216/NF316): 268 × 128 × 38 mm

Power Requirements: Supplied via PCI bus and 37-pin cable (includes +5 V, +12 V, –12 V lines)

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### 4. Functionality

The IOP3927A acts as an intelligent I/O processor that manages serial data flow between the host CPU and external devices. The onboard RISC processor handles communication tasks, freeing the main CPU for other operations. Data exchange occurs through dual-port RAM, allowing simultaneous access by both processors.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Multi-user UNIX/Linux terminal servers
- Industrial automation and data acquisition systems
- Network management consoles
- Serial device aggregation (modems, sensors, controllers)
- High-density serial communication servers

Compatibility:
- Works with RAYON connector boxes (NF116, NF216, NF316, F641/F642, A641/A642, IF108/208/308)
- Supports daisy-chained configurations for scalable port expansion
- Compatible with P640NU intelligent multiport card and P1688U fixed 8-port card

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Components:
- IOP3927A PCI CPU card
- 37-pin D-type cable (A640/A641/A642 series)
- External connector boxes (as configured)

Connector Boxes:

| Model | Interface | Ports | Controller | Connector | Configuration |
|--------|------------|--------|-------------|-------------|----------------|
| NF116 | RS-232C | 16 | FIFO 16C554 | DB9 male | Fixed RS-232 |
| NF216 | RS-422/RS-485 | 16 | FIFO 16C554 | DB9 male | DIP switch selectable |
| NF316 | RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 | 16 | FIFO 16C554 | DB9 male | Dual-bit DIP switch per port |
| F641/F642 | RS-232C / RS-422 | 8 | FIFO 16C554 | DB25 male | Legacy 8-port boxes |
| A641/A642 | RS-232C / RS-422 | 8 | SCN2681 | DB25 male | For A-series cards |
| IF108/208/308 | Isolated RS-232/422/485 | 8 | FIFO 16C554 | DB9 male | Ground-isolated versions |

Cables:
- A640/A641/A642: 37-pin D-type interconnect cables
- R801/R804: DB25/DB9 breakout cables for P1688U
- R803: RS-422/485 isolation cable for P1688U

Optional Accessories:
- Mounting brackets for multi-box daisy-chain assemblies
- TWIN232/TWIN485 converters for signal isolation and protocol bridging

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### 6. Installation & Setup

Hardware Installation:
1. Power off the PC and disconnect AC power (to avoid standby voltage damage).
2. Insert the IOP3927A card into an available PCI slot.
3. Connect the 37-pin cable from the card to the first external box.
4. Daisy-chain additional boxes (up to eight total).
5. Secure boxes using provided brackets for multi-box configurations.

Software Installation:
- Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista/7:
Use Plug & Play detection or manual driver installation from `A:\WIN2000`.
Configure COM port numbering via Device Manager → Multi-Port Serial Adapter → Setup.
- Linux:
Install source-based driver from `/etc/rayon` using `tar` and `Install` scripts.
Device naming convention: `/dev/tty[6–7][1–8][a–h]`.
- SCO OpenServer:
Install via `/etc/custom` or `tar` method; rebuild kernel after installation.
- DOS/Windows 95/98/Me:
Supported through I/O map mode only; drivers provided on diskette.

Configuration Notes:
- JP1 jumper selects card number (1st or 2nd card).
- DIP switches on boxes define interface type per port.
- Ensure matching card and box types (A, F, or R series).

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

Data Throughput:
- Up to 38 kBd per port (IOP3927A variant)
- Up to 230.4 kBd supported in F-series configurations

Processing Efficiency:
- Local RISC CPU handles protocol and buffering, minimizing host interrupts.
- Dual-port memory enables concurrent data access.

Port Density:
- 8 ports per box × 8 boxes = 64 ports maximum per card
- Two cards per system = 128 ports total

Baud Rate Configuration:
- 50 – 230,400 bps (software selectable)
- UNIX mapping: 50 → 57,600 bps, 75 → 76,800 bps, 150 → 115,200 bps

Flow Control:
- Software: XON/XOFF
- Hardware: RTS/CTS

Limitations:
- Requires matched card/box type (A, F, or R)
- Power supply must support additional load for multiple boxes
- Windows XP/Vista limited to one IOP3927F card per system

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Interface: PCI 2.2 compliant (33 MHz, 32-bit, 3.3 V/5 V)
- Serial Standards: RS-232C (EIA/TIA-232), RS-422, RS-485
- UART Compatibility: 16C554 FIFO type
- Operating Systems: DOS, Windows (95 → 7), Linux (2.2 – 2.6 kernels), SCO OpenServer
- Electrical Safety: Ground-isolated options available (IF-series boxes)
- Environmental Compliance: Designed for industrial temperature and humidity ranges

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### 9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- One-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
- Excludes damage from misuse, unauthorized servicing, or electrical faults.

Support & Maintenance:
- Technical support via email (rayon@ms1.hinet.net).
- RMA procedure requires model, serial number, and fault description.
- Repairs under warranty are free; out-of-warranty repairs available at flat rate.

Software Updates:
- Source-level Linux drivers provided for kernel compatibility.
- Windows driver updates available for NT through Windows 7.
- Configuration utilities (`etty`, `om`, `setup`) included for testing and monitoring.

Upgrade Path:
- Compatible with P640NU intelligent multiport card and P1688U fixed 8-port card.
- Connector boxes interchangeable across PCIIOP series.
- Future-proof design supports expansion to 64 ports per card.

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### Summary

The RAYON IOP3927A Intelligent PCI CPU Card is a robust, scalable, and high-performance solution for multiport serial communication in industrial and multi-user computing environments. Its 133 MHz RISC processor and 16 MB dual-port SDRAM provide intelligent offloading of serial I/O tasks, ensuring efficient data throughput and reduced host CPU utilization. With support for up to 64 ports per card and flexible RS-232/422/485 configurations, it is ideal for applications requiring high-density, reliable serial connectivity across diverse operating systems. The modular connector box architecture, universal PCI compatibility, and comprehensive driver support make the IOP3927A a versatile choice for system integrators and industrial automation professionals seeking a proven, expandable serial communication platform.