Comprehensive Product Summary – TRP‑C37A Serial Device Server with Remote Monitoring

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: TRP‑C37A Serial Device Server with Remote Monitoring
Model: TRP‑C37A
Series: TRP‑C Industrial Serial Device Server Series
Article Number: TRP‑C37A
Manufacturer: Trycom Technology Co., Ltd.
Manufacturer Address: No. 35, Zhongxing Rd., Guishan Township, Taoyuan County 333, Taiwan
Contact: Tel: +886‑3‑350‑3351 | Fax: +886‑3‑350‑3352
Website: [www.trycom.com.tw](http://www.trycom.com.tw)
Revision: User’s Manual Rev. 1.1, Printed September 1, 2015

The Trycom TRP‑C37A is an industrial‑grade Ethernet‑to‑Serial device server designed to connect RS‑232, RS‑422, or RS‑485 serial devices to TCP/IP networks. It provides remote monitoring, automatic restart, and relay control capabilities, making it suitable for industrial automation, remote equipment management, and serial‑to‑Ethernet communication applications.

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### 2. Key Features

- Multi‑Protocol Serial Interface: Supports RS‑232, RS‑422, and RS‑485 communication standards with automatic interface switching.
- Remote Monitoring Functionality: Enables automatic or manual monitoring of connected serial devices.
- *Automatic Mode:* Device must send a pulse every 30 seconds; if not received, the relay activates automatically.
- *Manual Mode:* Relay can be triggered remotely via the web interface to restart the device.
- Relay Control and Digital I/O: Two independent relays (NC/COM/NO) and digital input monitoring with adjustable latch time (1–255 ms/unit).
- Network Connectivity: 10/100 Mbps Ethernet with Auto‑MDIX and Auto‑Correction for crossover detection.
- High Connection Capacity: Supports up to 16 simultaneous TCP client connections in server mode.
- Security Control: Allows configuration of up to 8 authorized host IP addresses to restrict network access.
- Surge and ESD Protection: ±15 kV ESD protection on serial interfaces; surge, over‑current, and over‑voltage protection on RS‑422/485 lines.
- Wide Power Input Range: Operates from DC +10 V to +30 V with dual input options (screw terminal or DC jack).
- External Watchdog and Power Detection: Prevents system lockup or power failure by automatic reset.
- Heartbeat Function: Periodic TCP heartbeat (port 5300) every 5 seconds ensures communication reliability.
- Firmware and Configuration Management: Supports LAN‑based firmware updates, serial console configuration, and factory reset via external switch.
- Virtual COM Support: Provides Windows virtual COM drivers for multiple OS versions (Windows 98 through Windows 10).
- Flexible Operation Modes: Direct IP, Virtual COM, and Paired Mode for versatile deployment.
- LED Indicators: Power, Link, RX/TX, DI, and DO LEDs for real‑time status monitoring.
- Compact Industrial Design: Rugged metal enclosure suitable for harsh environments.

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### 3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|------------------|
| Power Input Voltage | DC +10 V to +30 V |
| Power Consumption | 12 V / 150 mA |
| Ethernet Interface | 10/100 Mbps, Auto‑MDIX, Auto‑detecting |
| Serial Interfaces | RS‑232, RS‑422, RS‑485 (auto‑switching) |
| RS‑232 Signals | TX, RX, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, GND |
| RS‑422 Signals | TX+, TX‑, RX+, RX‑ (4‑wire full duplex) |
| RS‑485 Signals | DATA+, DATA‑ (2‑wire half duplex) |
| Data Rate (Baud Rate) | 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200, 921600 Kbps |
| Data Bits | 5, 6, 7, or 8 |
| Parity | None, Even, Odd |
| Stop Bits | 1, 1.5, or 2 |
| Protocols Supported | TCP, IP, ARP, DHCP, Telnet, HTTP, UDP, ICMP |
| Max TCP Connections | 16 simultaneous connections |
| Digital Input Voltage Range | ±4 V to ±30 V DC |
| Digital Input Counter Range | 0–65535 |
| Relay Contact Type | Two independent relays (NC, COM, NO) |
| Relay Contact Capacity | AC 125 V / 0.5 A, DC 30 V / 2 A, DC 110 V / 0.3 A |
| Relay Latch Time | Adjustable 1–255 ms/unit |
| ESD Protection | ±15 kV on serial interface |
| Surge/Over‑Voltage Protection | RS‑422/485 lines protected |
| Operating Temperature | −10 °C to +65 °C |
| Humidity | 0–90% RH, non‑condensing |
| Dimensions | 151 mm (L) × 75 mm (W) × 26 mm (H) |
| Weight | 410 g (with packaging) |
| Enclosure Material | Industrial metal housing |
| Mounting | Desktop or panel mounting |
| Firmware Upgrade | Supported via LAN |
| Factory Reset | Via DIP switch (SW1, SW2 = ON/ON) |

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### 4. Functionality

The TRP‑C37A functions as a bridge between Ethernet networks and serial devices, enabling remote access, monitoring, and control of legacy serial equipment over TCP/IP. It supports three primary operation modes:

1. Direct IP Mode:
The device acts as a TCP server or client, allowing direct socket communication between a host PC and the serial device. Ideal for SCADA systems, PLC communication, and industrial controllers.

2. Virtual COM Mode:
Creates a virtual COM port on a Windows PC, mapping Ethernet data to the serial interface. This allows existing serial applications to communicate transparently over the network without modification.

3. Paired Mode:
Two TRP‑C37A units can be configured in client/server pair to create a transparent serial tunnel over Ethernet, effectively replacing long serial cables.

Remote Monitoring and Control:
- In Automatic Monitoring Mode, the TRP‑C37A expects a periodic pulse (every 30 seconds) from the connected serial device. If the pulse is not received, the relay activates to reset the device automatically.
- In Manual Mode, users can trigger the relay remotely via the web interface to restart or control the connected equipment.

Compatibility:
- Works with Modscan32, Modbus Poll, and other serial communication utilities.
- Supports Windows operating systems from Windows 98 to Windows 10.
- Fully compatible with standard Ethernet and TCP/IP networks.

Applications:
- Industrial automation and control systems
- Remote equipment monitoring and reboot
- Serial‑to‑Ethernet data acquisition
- SCADA and Modbus communication
- Building management systems
- Laboratory instrumentation and test equipment integration

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Components:
- TRP‑C37A Serial Device Server unit
- User manual and documentation
- TRP‑Serial support CD containing DSM Utility, Virtual‑COM software, and TRPCOM test utility
- Mounting hardware (if applicable)

Connectors:
- Ethernet Port: RJ‑45 connector supporting Auto‑MDIX
- Serial Port: D‑type 9‑pin female connector
- Power Input: 5.5 × 2.1 mm DC jack and screw terminal block
- Digital I/O: Integrated into the D‑sub connector (DI and DO pins)

Optional Accessories:
- External power adapter (DC 12–24 V)
- RS‑232/422/485 cables (null‑modem or straight‑through)
- DIN‑rail mounting kit (optional)

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### 6. Installation & Setup

Power Connection:
- Connect DC +10–30 V via the 5.5 × 2.1 mm DC jack or screw terminal.
- The PWR LED blinks when the system is ready.

Network Connection:
- Connect the Ethernet port to a LAN switch, router, or PC using either straight‑through or crossover cable (Auto‑MDIX supported).
- The LINK LED illuminates when a valid connection is established.

Serial Connection:
- RS‑232: Connect via null‑modem cable (max 15 m).
- RS‑422/485: Connect using AWG #12–30 wires (max 1.2 km).
- DI input accepts ±4–30 V DC; DO relay can control AC/DC loads or dry contacts.

Configuration Methods:
1. TRP‑C37A DSM Utility:
- Detects devices on the LAN, displays configuration, and allows firmware upgrades.
- Supports saving/loading configuration files and EEPROM updates.

2. Web‑Based Utility:
- Access via browser using the device IP (default 192.168.1.1).
- Configure network parameters, serial settings, relay control, and monitoring functions.

Factory Reset:
- Set DIP switches SW1 and SW2 to ON/ON, power on until PWR LED blinks, then return switches to OFF/OFF.

LED Indicators:
- PWR: System ready (blinking)
- LINK: Ethernet connection active
- TX/RX: Serial data transmission/reception
- DI: Digital input status
- DO: Relay active status

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

- Data Throughput: Up to 921.6 Kbps serial data rate.
- Network Throughput: 10/100 Mbps Ethernet auto‑negotiation.
- Connection Capacity: Up to 16 concurrent TCP clients in server mode.
- Security: Configurable access control for up to 8 host IP addresses.
- Reliability:
- Heartbeat function transmits keep‑alive packets every 5 seconds (TCP port 5300).
- External watchdog automatically resets the system on power or network failure.
- Power detection circuit prevents boot failure under unstable voltage conditions.
- Relay Control: Adjustable latch time (1–255 ms/unit) for precise control.
- Digital Input Counter: 16‑bit counter (0–65535) for pulse monitoring.
- Environmental Tolerance: Operates reliably from −10 °C to +65 °C and up to 90% humidity.
- Limitations:
- Not a protocol converter; transmits raw serial data only (for Modbus protocol conversion, use TRP‑C37MA).
- Requires periodic pulse input for automatic monitoring mode to function properly.

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

- Network Protocols: TCP, IP, UDP, ARP, DHCP, ICMP, Telnet, HTTP
- Electrical Protection:
- ±15 kV ESD protection on serial ports
- Surge, over‑current, and over‑voltage protection on RS‑422/485 lines
- Safety and EMC: Designed for industrial environments with robust isolation and grounding.
- Environmental Compliance: RoHS‑compliant components and materials.
- Firmware Upgradability: Supports LAN‑based firmware updates for long‑term maintainability.
- Industry Standards:
- IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet 10Base‑T/100Base‑TX)
- RS‑232/422/485 serial communication standards

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### 9. Additional Information

Warranty:
Standard manufacturer warranty (contact Trycom for regional terms). Covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.

Technical Support:
- Trycom provides technical assistance via email, phone, and online resources.
- Firmware updates and utilities are available from the Trycom website.

Maintenance:
- Periodically check power and network connections.
- Ensure firmware is up to date for optimal performance.
- Use surge‑protected power sources in industrial environments.

Software Utilities:
- TRP‑C37A DSM Utility: Device discovery, configuration, and firmware management.
- Virtual‑COM Utility (VCOMM): Creates virtual COM ports for Windows systems, supporting up to 1024 ports.
- TRPCOM Utility: Diagnostic and testing tool for direct IP, virtual COM, and paired modes.

Firmware Versioning:
- Firmware version format: *AB C* (e.g., 351 → DSM Utility v3.5, Release 1).
- Compatible DSM Utility version must match firmware version for stable operation.

Comparison with TRP‑C37MA:
- TRP‑C37A: Transparent serial‑to‑TCP bridge; transmits raw data without protocol interpretation.
- TRP‑C37MA: Adds Modbus TCP to RTU/ASCII gateway functionality, enabling protocol translation and slave ID assignment.

Use Case Examples:
- Direct IP Mode: PC ↔ Ethernet ↔ TRP‑C37A ↔ RS‑485 device (e.g., TRP‑C28 I/O module).
- Virtual COM Mode: PC application communicates via virtual COM port mapped to TRP‑C37A.
- Paired Mode: Two TRP‑C37A units create a transparent serial tunnel over Ethernet.
- Multi‑Client Mode: Up to 16 PCs connect simultaneously to one TRP‑C37A server.
- Heartbeat Monitoring: Detects online/offline status via TCP port 5300.
- Automatic Restart: Relay triggers when monitored device fails to send pulse within 30 seconds.

Environmental and Operational Notes:
- Ensure adequate ventilation for continuous operation in high‑temperature environments.
- Avoid exposure to moisture or corrosive atmospheres.
- Use shielded cables for long‑distance RS‑422/485 connections (up to 1.2 km).

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### Summary

The Trycom TRP‑C37A Serial Device Server is a robust, feature‑rich Ethernet‑to‑Serial converter designed for industrial automation and remote monitoring applications. It combines flexible serial communication (RS‑232/422/485) with advanced network management, relay control, and watchdog protection. Its dual power inputs, surge protection, and wide operating temperature range make it ideal for demanding environments. With support for multiple operation modes, up to 16 simultaneous TCP connections, and comprehensive configuration utilities, the TRP‑C37A provides a reliable and scalable solution for integrating legacy serial devices into modern IP networks.