Comprehensive Product Summary – Rayon Technology PCIe 48-Port RS422/RS485 Solution (Model A2048)

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: PCIe 48-Port RS422/RS485 Solution
Model: A2048
Article Number: A2048
Series: A320 Intelligent Multiport PCIe Series
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)

The A2048 is a high-density, intelligent PCI Express (PCIe) serial communication solution designed for industrial and multi-user systems requiring up to 48 RS422/RS485 ports. It is part of Rayon’s A320/A1032I intelligent multiport card family, supporting flexible expansion up to 64 ports per card and optimized for high-performance serial communication under multiple operating systems.

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### 2. Key Features

- High Port Density: Supports up to 64 serial ports per PCIe slot; A2048 configuration provides 48 RS422/RS485 ports.
- Single IRQ Operation: All ports share one interrupt request line, minimizing system resource usage.
- Flexible Interface Configuration: Each port can be configured for RS422 or RS485 operation via DIP switches.
- Ground Isolation: Ensures electrical isolation between ports and host system, improving reliability in industrial environments.
- Intelligent Processor Architecture: Integrated intelligent processor for efficient data handling and reduced CPU load.
- High Compatibility: Supports PCIe 3.3V and 5V slots at 33MHz; compatible with a wide range of operating systems.
- Expandable System: Modular design allows daisy-chaining of external connector boxes (NF216, IF208, IF308) to scale from 8 to 64 ports.
- Comprehensive OS Support: Drivers available for DOS, Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/Vista/7, Linux, and SCO OpenServer.
- High-Speed Communication: Each port supports baud rates from 110 to 115,200 bps with both hardware (RTS/CTS) and software (XON/XOFF) flow control.
- Industrial-Grade Design: Wide operating temperature and humidity range suitable for factory and data center environments.

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### 3. Technical Specifications

Card Dimensions: 122 mm × 86 mm (A2048) / 100 mm × 95 mm (A320 base card)
Connector Type: DB37 male connector on card; DB9 male connectors on external boxes
Cable: A640 cable, 0.7 m length (included)
Power Requirements: PCIe 3.3V and 5V, 33MHz bus
Maximum Cards per System: 2
Memory Mapping:
- PCI controller: 128 bytes
- UART controller: Two 4 KB memory blocks
I/O Mapping:
- PCI controller: 128 bytes I/O
- UART controller: 256 bytes I/O
- Status register: 64 bytes I/O
IRQ: One free IRQ assigned by PCI BIOS
Baud Rate: 110–115,200 bps (configurable per port)
Flow Control: XON/XOFF (software), RTS/CTS (hardware)
Operating Temperature: 5°C to 40°C
Storage Temperature: 0°C to 65°C
Operating Humidity: 10%–90% RH
Storage Humidity: 5%–90% RH
Material: Industrial-grade PCB with EMI shielding and reinforced connectors

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### 4. Functionality

The A2048 PCIe card functions as an intelligent multiport serial communication controller. It interfaces with external connector boxes (NF216 or IF208 series) via the A640 cable, each providing 8 or 16 isolated RS422/RS485 ports. The card’s onboard processor manages data flow between the host CPU and serial devices, reducing system overhead and improving throughput.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation and control systems
- Data acquisition and instrumentation
- Multi-terminal communication servers
- SCADA and process control networks
- Serial device networking (PLC, sensors, modems)
- POS and kiosk systems requiring multiple serial interfaces

Compatibility:
- PCIe bus slot (3.3V/5V, 33MHz)
- Operating systems: DOS, Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/Vista/7, Linux, SCO OpenServer
- Compatible connector boxes: NF216 (RS422/RS485), IF208 (Isolated RS422/RS485), IF308 (Isolated RS232/RS422/RS485)

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- A2048 PCIe 48-Port RS422/RS485 card
- A640 0.7 m connection cable
- Driver and installation media
- Documentation and user manual

Optional Accessories:
- NF216 Box: 16-port RS422/RS485 configurable interface, DB9 male connectors
- IF208 Box: 8-port ground-isolated RS422/RS485 configurable interface
- IF308 Box: 8-port ground-isolated RS232/RS422/RS485 configurable interface
- NF316 Box: 16-port RS232/RS422/RS485 configurable interface
- Mounting Brackets: For daisy-chained box installations (up to 8 boxes)
- Additional Cables: A640 extension cables for multi-box configurations

Connector Details:
- DB37 male connector on card
- DB9 male connectors on external boxes
- DIP switches on boxes for interface selection (RS422/RS485)

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### 6. Installation & Setup

Hardware Installation:
1. Power off the host system and disconnect AC power.
2. Insert the A2048 card into an available PCIe slot (3.3V or 5V).
3. Connect the A640 cable from the card’s DB37 connector to the first external box.
4. Daisy-chain additional boxes (up to 8) using the provided connectors.
5. Secure boxes using mounting brackets if multiple units are installed.

Software Installation:
- Windows: Plug-and-play detection for Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7; specify driver path (A:\WIN2000).
- Linux: Install source-based driver via `/etc/rayon/Install`; supports kernel 2.2–2.6 and later.
- SCO UNIX: Install using `/etc/custom` or `tar` command; rebuild kernel after installation.
- DOS/Legacy Windows: Use I/O map mode drivers for DOS and Windows 95/98/Me.

Configuration:
- Assign COM port start numbers via driver setup utility.
- Configure interface type (RS422/RS485) using DIP switches on each box.
- Verify installation using HyperTerminal (Windows) or `etty` utility (Linux).

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

Port Capacity: Up to 64 serial ports per card; A2048 configuration provides 48 RS422/RS485 ports.
Baud Rate Range: 110–115,200 bps per port (supports 50–230,400 bps in extended configurations).
Flow Control: Hardware (RTS/CTS) and software (XON/XOFF).
Data Handling: FIFO-type UART controller (16C554) per port ensures efficient buffering.
Processor: Intelligent local processor for offloading host CPU.
Memory: Dual 4 KB UART memory maps for high-speed data transfer.
System Load: Minimal CPU utilization due to intelligent I/O management.
Latency: Low-latency communication suitable for real-time control.
Scalability: Expandable from 8 to 64 ports in under 5 seconds via modular box connection.
Limitations: Maximum of two cards per system; total 128 ports supported.

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

Electrical Standards:
- RS422 and RS485 EIA/TIA compliant
- Ground isolation per industrial safety standards

Bus Interface:
- PCI Express (PCIe) 3.3V/5V, 33MHz
- Backward compatible with legacy PCI signaling

Certifications:
- CE and FCC Class A (industrial environment)
- RoHS compliant materials
- ISO 9001:2008 manufacturing process

Software Compliance:
- WHQL-certified drivers for Windows platforms
- Open-source compatible Linux drivers
- SCO OpenServer certified driver modules

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### 9. Additional Information

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

Support & Maintenance:
- Technical support via email and web resources.
- Firmware and driver updates available from Rayon’s website.
- RMA (Return Material Authorization) process available for repairs.

Maintenance Recommendations:
- Ensure proper grounding and isolation when connecting industrial equipment.
- Avoid hot-swapping external boxes while system power is on.
- Periodically check cable connections and DIP switch settings.

Repair Procedure:
- Obtain RMA number from Rayon support before returning products.
- Provide model number, serial number, and fault description.
- Out-of-warranty repairs available at flat-rate service charge.

Related Products:
- P640NU PCI Card: 64-port PCI version compatible with same connector boxes.
- P990F Card: Built-in Intel 80960JF local processor.
- IOP3927F Card: 133 MHz MIPS-based intelligent processor card.
- A1032I Card: 32-port ground-isolated RS232 PCIe card.

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### Summary

The Rayon A2048 PCIe 48-Port RS422/RS485 Solution is a robust, scalable, and intelligent serial communication platform engineered for industrial and enterprise environments. It combines high port density, flexible configuration, and broad OS compatibility with intelligent processing to deliver efficient, reliable multiport serial connectivity. Its modular architecture allows seamless expansion up to 64 ports per card, while maintaining a single IRQ and minimal CPU overhead. With comprehensive driver support, ground isolation, and industrial-grade construction, the A2048 is ideal for demanding applications in automation, data acquisition, and networked serial device management.