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A2485

ISA 2 port RS422/485 isolated Card
70,00 EUR

including VAT 83.30 EUR

  • Manufacturer Rayon
  • Category: RS485 / RS422 2-Ports
  • The RAYON A2485 is a high-performance, intelligent buffer card designed to provide two independent, ground-isolated RS422/RS485 serial communication ports for industrial, commercial, and system integration applications. It is engineered for compatibility with legacy ISA and EISA bus architectures and supports a wide range of operating systems, including UNIX, XENIX, DOS, and multiple versions of Microsoft Windows.
- Dual Ground-Isolated Serial Ports: Provides two independent RS422/RS485 ports with galvanic isolation to prevent ground loops and electrical interference, ensuring stable communication in industrial environments.
- Flexible Interface Configuration: Each port can be independently configured as RS422 or RS485 via DIP switch settings, allowing mixed-mode operation on a single card.
- ISA/EISA Bus Compatibility: Fully compatible with standard ISA and EISA bus slots, supporting a wide range of legacy PC architectures (80286, 80386, 80486, and Pentium-class systems).
- Intelligent Buffer Design: Incorporates a 16550A-compatible UART controller with programmable gain array (PGA) support, enabling efficient buffered communication and reduced CPU overhead.
- Configurable I/O Address and IRQ: DIP switches and jumpers allow flexible assignment of I/O addresses and interrupt requests (IRQs), with independent IRQ configuration for each port.
- High-Speed Data Transmission: Supports baud rates from 50 to 38,400 bps under UNIX systems and up to 115,200 bps under other operating systems.
- Wide OS Compatibility: Supports multiple operating systems including SCO UNIX, SCO XENIX, MSDOS, Windows 95/98, Windows NT, and Windows 2000.
- Compact Form Factor: Compact PCB design measuring 138 mm × 83 mm, suitable for integration into space-constrained systems.
- Industrial-Grade Environmental Tolerance: Operates reliably in temperature ranges from 5°C to 65°C and humidity levels up to 95% RH.
- Upgradeable Product Line: Compatible with RAYON’s extended product family, including four-port (A4000) and eight-port (A480) buffer cards, as well as PCI-based models (P584 and P588).

Country of origin: Taiwan R.O.C.

Customs tariff number: 8473 3020 000

Comprehensive Product Summary – RAYON TECHNOLOGY A2485 ISA 2-Port RS422/RS485 Isolated Card




### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: A2485 Buffer Card
Model Number: A2485
Series: Intelligent Buffer Serial Communication Cards
Article Number: A2485
Manufacturer: RAYON TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
Product Type: ISA/EISA 2-Port Ground-Isolated RS422/RS485 Serial Communication Card

The RAYON A2485 is a high-performance, intelligent buffer card designed to provide two independent, ground-isolated RS422/RS485 serial communication ports for industrial, commercial, and system integration applications. It is engineered for compatibility with legacy ISA and EISA bus architectures and supports a wide range of operating systems, including UNIX, XENIX, DOS, and multiple versions of Microsoft Windows. The A2485 is part of RAYON’s family of intelligent serial communication solutions, offering robust isolation, flexible configuration, and reliable data transmission for multi-port serial communication environments.




### 2. Key Features

- Dual Ground-Isolated Serial Ports: Provides two independent RS422/RS485 ports with galvanic isolation to prevent ground loops and electrical interference, ensuring stable communication in industrial environments.
- Flexible Interface Configuration: Each port can be independently configured as RS422 or RS485 via DIP switch settings, allowing mixed-mode operation on a single card.
- ISA/EISA Bus Compatibility: Fully compatible with standard ISA and EISA bus slots, supporting a wide range of legacy PC architectures (80286, 80386, 80486, and Pentium-class systems).
- Intelligent Buffer Design: Incorporates a 16550A-compatible UART controller with programmable gain array (PGA) support, enabling efficient buffered communication and reduced CPU overhead.
- Configurable I/O Address and IRQ: DIP switches and jumpers allow flexible assignment of I/O addresses and interrupt requests (IRQs), with independent IRQ configuration for each port.
- High-Speed Data Transmission: Supports baud rates from 50 to 38,400 bps under UNIX systems and up to 115,200 bps under other operating systems.
- Wide OS Compatibility: Supports multiple operating systems including SCO UNIX, SCO XENIX, MSDOS, Windows 95/98, Windows NT, and Windows 2000.
- Compact Form Factor: Compact PCB design measuring 138 mm × 83 mm, suitable for integration into space-constrained systems.
- Industrial-Grade Environmental Tolerance: Operates reliably in temperature ranges from 5°C to 65°C and humidity levels up to 95% RH.
- Upgradeable Product Line: Compatible with RAYON’s extended product family, including four-port (A4000) and eight-port (A480) buffer cards, as well as PCI-based models (P584 and P588).




### 3. Technical Specifications

Physical Characteristics:
- Dimensions: 138 mm (L) × 83 mm (W)
- Weight: Not specified (lightweight PCB assembly)
- Material: High-quality PCB with industrial-grade electronic components
- Connector Type: Two DB9 male connectors (RAYON standard pinout for A2485; special pinout for A2485S variant)

Electrical & Communication Parameters:
- Bus Interface: ISA/EISA
- Controller Type: 16550A-compatible UART with PGA support
- Clock Frequency: 1.8432 MHz (expandable up to 7.3728 MHz)
- Port Count: 2 independent serial ports
- Interface Standards: RS422 and RS485 (selectable per port)
- Isolation: Ground isolation between ports and system bus
- Baud Rate:
- UNIX systems: 50–38,400 bps
- Other systems: up to 115,200 bps
- I/O Address Mapping (DIP Switch Selectable):
- Mode 1: 0x3E8 & 0x2E8
- Mode 2: 0x3F8 & 0x2F8
- Mode 3: 0x3E0 & 0x2E0
- Mode 4: 0x338 & 0x238
- IRQ Mapping (Jumper Selectable): IRQ3, IRQ4, IRQ5, IRQ7, IRQ10, IRQ11, IRQ12, IRQ15
- Each port can be assigned an IRQ independently.

Environmental Conditions:
- Operating Temperature: 5°C to 65°C
- Storage Temperature: 0°C to 85°C
- Operating Humidity: 5% to 95% RH (non-condensing)
- Storage Humidity: 5% to 95% RH




### 4. Functionality

The A2485 functions as an intelligent serial communication interface card that bridges ISA/EISA bus systems with RS422/RS485 serial networks. Each of the two ports operates independently, allowing simultaneous communication with multiple serial devices such as industrial controllers, POS terminals, sensors, or data acquisition modules.

Operational Principle:
The onboard 16550A-compatible UART controller manages serial data buffering and transmission, minimizing CPU load and ensuring smooth data flow even under high communication loads. The card’s ground isolation circuitry protects connected devices from voltage differences and electrical noise, which is critical in industrial and distributed control environments.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems: Reliable communication with barcode scanners, receipt printers, and cash drawers.
- Industrial Control Systems: Connection to PLCs, motor controllers, and instrumentation devices.
- UNIX and XENIX Workgroups: Multi-terminal communication for legacy UNIX-based systems.
- DOS and Windows Environments: Serial expansion for legacy PCs and embedded systems.
- Data Acquisition and Monitoring: Integration with sensors and measurement devices requiring RS422/RS485 communication.

Compatibility:
The A2485 supports a wide range of operating systems and hardware platforms, ensuring seamless integration into both legacy and modernized environments. It is compatible with 80286 through Pentium-class processors and supports ISA/EISA bus architectures.




### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Components:
- A2485 ISA 2-Port RS422/RS485 Isolated Card
- Two DB9 male connectors (onboard)
- Configuration jumpers and DIP switches (pre-installed)
- User documentation (manual or datasheet)

Optional Accessories:
- Custom DB9-to-terminal block adapters for field wiring
- Shielded RS422/RS485 communication cables
- A2485S variant with special DB9 pin definition
- Expansion cards for additional ports (A4000, A480, P584, P588)

Connectors:
- Port 1 and Port 2: DB9 male connectors
- Interface Selection: DIP switch configurable per port (RS422 or RS485)




### 6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- Available ISA or EISA bus slot
- Compatible PC architecture (80286, 80386, 80486, or Pentium)
- Supported operating system (UNIX, XENIX, DOS, Windows 95/98/NT/2000)

Installation Steps:
1. Power off the host system and remove the cover.
2. Insert the A2485 card into an available ISA or EISA slot.
3. Secure the card using the chassis screw.
4. Configure the I/O address using the onboard DIP switches according to system requirements.
5. Set the IRQ for each port using the jumper blocks (each port can have a unique IRQ).
6. Select the communication interface (RS422 or RS485) for each port via DIP switch.
7. Connect external devices to the DB9 connectors using appropriate cables.
8. Power on the system and install any required drivers or configure the operating system’s serial port settings.

Configuration Options:
- I/O Address: Four selectable address pairs for flexible system integration.
- IRQ: Eight selectable interrupt lines for conflict-free operation.
- Interface Mode: Independent RS422/RS485 selection per port.




### 7. Performance & Capabilities

Data Throughput:
- Supports high-speed serial communication up to 115.2 kbps (non-UNIX systems).
- Buffered UART operation ensures minimal data loss and efficient CPU utilization.

Capacity:
- Two independent communication channels per card.
- Expandable system architecture allows multiple cards to be installed for additional ports.

Efficiency:
- Intelligent buffering reduces CPU overhead, improving multitasking performance in multi-port communication environments.
- Ground isolation enhances signal integrity and reduces communication errors caused by electrical noise.

Limitations:
- Designed for ISA/EISA bus systems; not directly compatible with PCI or PCIe without an adapter.
- Maximum baud rate under UNIX limited to 38.4 kbps due to system driver constraints.




### 8. Standards & Compliance

Electrical and Interface Standards:
- RS422 and RS485 compliant (EIA/TIA standards)
- ISA/EISA bus interface compliant

Certifications and Compliance:
- Designed and manufactured by RAYON TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., adhering to industrial-grade quality standards.
- Meets general EMC and safety requirements for industrial communication equipment (specific certifications not listed).

Industry Standards Supported:
- UART 16550A compatibility ensures interoperability with standard serial communication protocols.
- Fully compliant with standard DB9 pin configurations (RAYON standard or A2485S variant).




### 9. Additional Information

Manufacturer:
RAYON TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
2F, No. 177, Chung Shan 2 Rd., Lu Chou City, Taipei Hsien, Taiwan
Telephone: +886-2-82858362
Fax: +886-2-82857065
Email: [rayon@ms1.hinet.net](mailto:rayon@ms1.hinet.net)
Websites:
- [http://www.computex.com.tw/rayon](http://www.computex.com.tw/rayon)
- [http://www.rayontech.com](http://www.rayontech.com)

Warranty & Support:
- Standard manufacturer warranty (details available upon request).
- Technical support provided via email and official website.
- Firmware and driver updates available for supported operating systems.

Maintenance:
- No active cooling required; passive operation.
- Periodic inspection recommended for connector integrity and dust removal.
- Ensure proper grounding and isolation for optimal performance.

Related Products:
- A4000 Buffour Card: Intelligent buffer four-port card.
- A480 Bufeight Card: Intelligent buffer eight-port card.
- P584 PCIPORT Card: PCI bus four-port card.
- P588 PCIPORT Card: PCI bus eight-port card.
- Local Processor Built-in Cards: Support 8 to 64 ports with reduced CPU overhead.

Trademarks:
- “Buffour” and “Bufeight” are trademarks of RAYON TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
- All other names and brands are trademarks of their respective owners.




### Summary

The RAYON A2485 ISA 2-Port RS422/RS485 Isolated Card is a robust, industrial-grade communication interface designed for systems requiring reliable, isolated serial connectivity. With its intelligent buffering, flexible configuration, and broad compatibility, it serves as an ideal solution for industrial automation, POS systems, and legacy computing environments. Its modular design, configurable I/O and IRQ settings, and support for multiple operating systems make it a versatile and future-proof choice for engineers and system integrators seeking dependable serial communication performance within ISA/EISA-based architectures.

No accessories available.