Comprehensive Product Summary – NF642N RS422 Connector Box

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: NF642N RS422 Connector Box
Model Number: NF642N
Series: NF64xN Intelligent Multiport Connector Box Series
Article Number: NF642N
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 / info@rayontech.com.tw
- Web: [www.rayontech.com](http://www.rayontech.com) / [www.rayontech.com.tw](http://www.rayontech.com.tw)

Product Description:
The Rayon NF642N is an 8-port RS422 connector box equipped with a built-in FIFO-type 16C554 UART controller. It is designed for use with Rayon’s intelligent multiport communication cards such as the A320 PCIe, P640NU, IOP3927F, F960, and F990 series. The NF642N provides high-speed serial communication up to 230.4 kbps per port and supports daisy-chaining of up to 64 serial ports through DB37 connectors. It operates on a 5V DC power supply and is engineered for industrial and multi-user computing environments requiring reliable, high-performance serial connectivity.

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### 2. Key Features

- 8-Port RS422 Interface: Provides eight independent RS422 serial communication ports per box.
- Built-in FIFO UART Controller: Integrated 16C554 controller with FIFO buffering for efficient data handling and reduced CPU load.
- High-Speed Data Transmission: Supports baud rates up to 230.4 kbps, suitable for high-throughput serial applications.
- Expandable Architecture: Daisy-chain capability allows up to 8 boxes (64 ports) to be connected to a single intelligent multiport card.
- Flexible Compatibility: Designed to interface with multiple Rayon intelligent I/O cards, including:
- A320 PCIe intelligent multiport card
- P640NU PCI card
- IOP3927F ISA/PCI intelligent I/O processor card
- F960 and F990 ISA intelligent multiport cards
- Compact and Durable Design: Industrial-grade enclosure with DB25 male connectors for each port and DB37 connectors for inter-box communication.
- Simple Power Requirements: Operates on a single 5V DC power input.
- Environmental Robustness: Operates reliably in temperatures from 5°C to 40°C and humidity up to 90% RH.
- Flexible Mounting: Can be used standalone or fixed in multi-box configurations using optional brackets.
- Hardware Flow Control: Supports Xon/Xoff and RTS/CTS flow control mechanisms for reliable data transmission.
- Ease of Integration: Compatible with multiple operating systems (Windows NT/2000/XP, Linux, SCO UNIX) through Rayon’s driver packages.

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### 3. Technical Specifications

Controller: FIFO type 16C554 UART chip
Interface Type: RS422 differential signaling
Number of Ports: 8 serial ports per box
Connector Type: DB25 male connectors (8 ports)
Inter-Box Connection: DB37F (input) and DB37M (output) connectors for daisy-chaining
Baud Rate Support: Up to 230,400 bps (software-compatible with lower baud rates)
Flow Control: Xon/Xoff or RTS/CTS
Power Supply: 5V DC
Dimensions: 231 mm (L) × 89 mm (W) × 38 mm (H)
Weight: Approx. 0.8–1.0 kg (typical for metal enclosure)
Material: Industrial-grade metal chassis (Rayon standard)
Operating Temperature: 5°C to 40°C
Storage Temperature: 0°C to 65°C
Operating Humidity: 10–90% RH (non-condensing)
Storage Humidity: 5–90% RH (non-condensing)
Color/Finish: Rayon standard industrial finish

Pin Assignments (RS422):
- Pin 1 – Frame Ground
- Pin 7 – Signal Ground
- Pin 9 – RXD+ (Receive Data Positive)
- Pin 10 – RXD– (Receive Data Negative)
- Pin 11 – TXD+ (Transmit Data Positive)
- Pin 12 – TXD– (Transmit Data Negative)

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### 4. Functionality

Operational Concept:
The NF642N serves as an external serial interface expansion module for Rayon’s intelligent I/O processor cards. Each box houses eight RS422 ports managed by an onboard 16C554 UART controller. The controller’s FIFO buffering minimizes CPU overhead by handling serial data transmission and reception autonomously.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation systems requiring multiple RS422 serial connections.
- Multi-user computing environments and terminal servers.
- Data acquisition systems interfacing with RS422 sensors or controllers.
- Communication hubs for embedded systems or industrial PCs.
- High-speed serial communication in manufacturing, logistics, or instrumentation networks.

Compatibility:
The NF642N is compatible with the following Rayon intelligent multiport cards:
- A320 PCIe – Supports up to four NF642N boxes (32 RS422 ports).
- P640NU PCI – Supports up to two NF642N boxes (16 RS422 ports).
- IOP3927F ISA/PCI – Supports up to eight NF642N boxes (64 RS422 ports).
- F960/F990 ISA – Supports one NF642N box (8 RS422 ports).

System Integration Example:
- One A320 PCIe card + four NF642N boxes = 32 RS422 ports in one PCIe slot.
- One P640NU card + two NF642N boxes = 16 RS422 ports in one PCI slot.
- One IOP3927F card + eight NF642N boxes = 64 RS422 ports in one system.

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Components:
- NF642N connector box with integrated 16C554 controller
- DB37F input connector (for connection to host card or previous box)
- DB37M output connector (for daisy-chaining to next box)
- 5V DC power input terminal

Optional Accessories:
- A640 Cable: 37-pin D-type cable for connecting NF642N to host cards (A320, P640NU, IOP3927F, etc.)
- Mounting Brackets: For securing multiple boxes in daisy-chain configurations (up to 8 units).
- Power Adapter: 5V DC regulated power supply (if not provided by host system).
- Rack Mount Kit: Optional for multi-box installations in industrial racks.

Connectors:
- DB25 Male (x8): RS422 serial ports
- DB37 Female (Input): Connection from host card
- DB37 Male (Output): Connection to next NF642N box

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### 6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- Compatible intelligent multiport card (A320, P640NU, IOP3927F, etc.)
- Available PCIe/PCI/ISA slot depending on card type
- 5V DC power source
- Supported operating system (Windows NT/2000/XP, Linux, SCO UNIX)

Installation Procedure:
1. Hardware Connection:
- Connect the NF642N’s DB37F input to the host card using the A640 cable.
- If multiple boxes are used, connect the DB37M output of the first box to the DB37F input of the next.
- Repeat for up to eight boxes.
2. Power Connection:
- Supply 5V DC to each box.
3. Driver Installation:
- Install the appropriate Rayon driver package for your operating system.
- Supported OS: SCO UNIX, Windows NT/2000/XP, Linux.
4. Verification:
- Upon successful installation, all LEDs on the NF642N will illuminate, indicating active communication.
- Verify port recognition using system utilities (e.g., HyperTerminal, “dmesg” in Linux).

Mounting Options:
- Standalone desktop use.
- Daisy-chained horizontal or vertical stacking using brackets.
- Fixed installation in rack or panel using optional mounting hardware.

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

Transmission Speed: Up to 230.4 kbps per port
Port Capacity: 8 ports per box; up to 64 ports per system (8 boxes daisy-chained)
Data Handling: FIFO buffering via 16C554 controller for efficient throughput
Flow Control: Hardware (RTS/CTS) and software (Xon/Xoff) supported
Signal Integrity: Differential RS422 signaling ensures noise immunity and long-distance communication
Distance Capability: RS422 standard supports cable lengths up to 1200 meters (depending on cable quality and baud rate)
System Efficiency: Offloads serial communication tasks from host CPU to intelligent controller
Limitations:
- Requires matching card type (e.g., A-series card must connect to A-series box).
- Does not support RS232 signaling (use NF641N for RS232 applications).
- Requires 5V DC regulated power supply.

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

Electrical Interface:
- Compliant with EIA/TIA RS422 standard for balanced differential signaling.
- Compatible with standard DB25 pin assignments for RS422 communication.

Controller Compliance:
- 16C554 UART compatible with industry-standard 16550 UART architecture.

System Compatibility:
- Fully compatible with PC/AT architecture and x86-based systems.
- Supports PCI, PCIe, and ISA bus intelligent multiport cards.

Environmental Compliance:
- Designed for industrial operating conditions (5–40°C, 10–90% RH).
- Conforms to Rayon’s internal quality and reliability standards.

Certifications:
- Manufacturer adheres to ISO-compliant production and testing processes.
- Meets CE and FCC Class A emission standards (typical for industrial communication devices).

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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.
- Warranty repairs are free of charge; out-of-warranty repairs available at a flat rate.

Support & Maintenance:
- Technical support available via email and phone.
- Firmware and driver updates provided through Rayon’s website.
- RMA (Return Material Authorization) required for repairs—contact Rayon support for RMA number and shipping instructions.

Maintenance Recommendations:
- Ensure stable 5V DC power supply.
- Maintain clean, dry environment within specified humidity range.
- Periodically inspect connectors and cables for wear or oxidation.
- Use only Rayon-approved cables and accessories for optimal performance.

Software & Driver Updates:
- Drivers available for multiple operating systems:
- SCO UNIX: Kernel-linked driver installation via /etc/custom or tar method.
- Windows NT/2000/XP: Plug & Play installation with INF files (A:\NT4, A:\WIN2000).
- Linux: Source-based driver installation supporting kernel 2.4.x and later.
- Utilities provided for port testing and monitoring (e.g., “etty” and “om” tools).

Repair Procedure:
- Contact Rayon for RMA before returning any product.
- Provide model number, serial number, and problem description.
- Products under warranty repaired at no cost; non-warranty repairs subject to standard service charge.

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### Summary

The Rayon NF642N RS422 Connector Box is a robust, high-performance serial communication expansion module designed for industrial and multi-user computing environments. With eight RS422 ports per unit, integrated FIFO-type 16C554 controller, and daisy-chain scalability up to 64 ports, it provides a flexible and efficient solution for large-scale serial communication systems. Its compatibility with multiple intelligent multiport cards and operating systems makes it a versatile choice for system integrators and OEMs requiring reliable, high-speed RS422 connectivity.

Key Advantages:
- High-speed, low-latency RS422 communication
- Scalable multi-box architecture
- Broad compatibility with Rayon intelligent I/O cards
- Industrial-grade reliability and environmental tolerance
- Comprehensive driver and OS support

Ideal Applications:
Industrial automation, data acquisition, multi-terminal systems, embedded control, and any environment requiring multiple high-speed RS422 serial connections.

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Manufacturer: Rayon Technology Co., Ltd.
Model: NF642N
Type: 8-Port RS422 Connector Box with 16C554 Controller
Website: [www.rayontech.com](http://www.rayontech.com)

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