1. Product Overview

Product Name: PCIe 32-Port Serial Communication Card
Model: A3232
Series: A320 Advanced PCIe Intelligent Multiport Series
Article Number: A3232
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 Rayon A3232 is a high-density PCI Express (PCIe) serial communication card designed for industrial and enterprise applications requiring multiple serial interfaces. It integrates intelligent processing and supports up to 32 serial ports, combining 16 RS422/485 and 16 RS232/422/485 configurable channels. The card is part of Rayon’s A320 intelligent multiport architecture, offering scalability up to 64 ports per system with advanced resource management and broad OS compatibility.

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2. Key Features

- High Port Density: Provides 32 serial ports in a single PCIe slot (16 RS422/485 + 16 RS232/422/485).
- Scalable Architecture: Based on the A320 intelligent multiport design, supporting up to 64 ports per card and up to 2 cards per system.
- Intelligent Processor: Integrated 3.3V intelligent processor for efficient serial communication management.
- Flexible Interface Configuration: Each port can be configured individually for RS232, RS422, or RS485 operation.
- Unified IRQ Management: Uses only one IRQ for all ports, minimizing system resource usage.
- Broad OS Support: Compatible with DOS, Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/Vista/7, Linux, and SCO OpenServer.
- High-Speed Communication: Supports baud rates from 110 to 115,200 bps per port.
- Flow Control Options: Supports both software (XON/XOFF) and hardware (RTS/CTS) handshaking.
- Ground Isolation: Optional IF-series connector boxes provide galvanic isolation for industrial environments.
- Plug-and-Play PCIe Interface: Fully compliant with PCI Express bus standards, supporting 3.3V and 5V signaling at 33 MHz.
- Compact Design: Card dimensions of 122 × 86 mm (approx. 10.0 × 9.5 cm).
- Included Cable: Supplied with A640 0.7 m DB37 male cable for connection to external boxes.
- Industrial Reliability: Designed for continuous operation in 5–40°C environments with 10–90% RH.

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3. Technical Specifications

Card Specifications
- Model: A3232 (A320 Series)
- Bus Interface: PCI Express (PCIe) 3.3V / 5V, 33 MHz
- Processor: Intelligent local processor for multiport management
- Memory Mapping:
- 128 bytes for PCI controller
- Two 4 KB memory blocks for UART controllers
- I/O Mapping:
- 128 bytes I/O for PCI controller
- 256 bytes I/O for UART controller
- 64 bytes I/O for status registers
- IRQ: Single IRQ assigned by PCI BIOS
- Maximum Cards per System: 2
- Connector: DB37 male
- Cable: A640 cable, 0.7 m length
- Dimensions: 122 × 86 mm (approx. 10.0 × 9.5 cm)
- Material: Industrial-grade PCB with EMI shielding
- Operating Temperature: 5°C to 40°C
- Storage Temperature: 0°C to 65°C
- Operating Humidity: 10%–90% RH
- Storage Humidity: 5%–90% RH

Port Specifications
- Total Ports: 32 (16 RS422/485 + 16 RS232/422/485)
- Baud Rate: 110–115,200 bps (configurable per port)
- Flow Control: XON/XOFF (software), RTS/CTS (hardware)
- Connector Type: DB9 male (via external connector boxes)
- Signal Isolation: Optional via IF-series boxes (up to 2.5 kV isolation)

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4. Functionality

The A3232 functions as a high-performance serial communication controller for industrial PCs and servers. It connects to external multiport connector boxes (NF or IF series) through the A640 cable, enabling flexible configuration of RS232, RS422, and RS485 interfaces. Each port can be independently set via DIP switches on the connector boxes.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation and control systems
- Data acquisition and SCADA networks
- POS and kiosk systems
- Serial device networking (PLC, sensors, modems)
- Multi-user terminal servers
- Communication gateways and protocol converters

Compatibility:
- Hardware: PCIe-compliant motherboards (3.3V/5V slots)
- Software:
- DOS (I/O map mode only)
- Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/Vista/7
- Linux (source driver provided)
- SCO OpenServer

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5. Components & Accessories

Included:
- A3232 PCIe card
- A640 0.7 m DB37 male cable
- Driver and documentation package

Compatible Connector Boxes:
- NF116: 16-port RS232C compatible (DB9 male)
- NF216: 16-port RS422/RS485 selectable (DB9 male)
- NF316: 16-port RS232/RS422/RS485 selectable (DB9 male)
- IF108: 8-port ground-isolated RS232C (DB9 male)
- IF208: 8-port ground-isolated RS422/RS485 selectable (DB9 male)
- IF308: 8-port ground-isolated RS232/RS422/RS485 selectable (DB9 male)

Optional Accessories:
- P640NU PCI card (legacy compatibility)
- P990F card (with Intel 80960JF local processor)
- IOP3927F card (with 133 MHz MIPS processor)
- Daisy-chain brackets for multi-box expansion (up to 8 boxes)

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6. Installation & Setup

Hardware Installation:
1. Power off the PC and insert the A3232 card into an available PCIe slot.
2. Connect the A640 cable to the DB37 connector on the card.
3. Attach the other end of the cable to the selected connector box (NF or IF series).
4. Configure DIP switches on the connector box to select RS232, RS422, or RS485 mode per port.
5. Secure the boxes using the provided brackets if multiple units are daisy-chained.

Software Installation:
- Windows: Plug-and-play installation with driver selection for the appropriate OS version.
- Linux: Install source driver via `/etc/rayon` directory using `tar` and `Install` scripts.
- SCO UNIX: Use `/etc/custom` or `tar` installation methods to integrate the driver into the kernel.

Configuration:
- Assign COM port numbers via the driver setup utility.
- Verify installation using “Device Manager” (Windows) or `dmesg` (Linux).
- Use Rayon’s “etty” and “om” utilities for port testing and monitoring.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Maximum Ports per Card: 64 (with expansion)
- Maximum Ports per System: 128 (two cards)
- Baud Rate Range: 110–115,200 bps
- Data Bits: 5, 6, 7, or 8
- Stop Bits: 1 or 2
- Parity: None, Even, Odd
- Flow Control: XON/XOFF, RTS/CTS
- Transmission Mode: Full-duplex (RS232/RS422), half-duplex (RS485)
- Isolation Voltage (IF series): Up to 2.5 kV
- Latency: Low-latency intelligent buffering via FIFO UART (16C554)
- Memory Buffer: Two 4 KB UART buffers for high-speed data throughput
- System Resource Efficiency: Single IRQ for all ports reduces CPU overhead
- Limitations:
- DOS and Windows 9x support only I/O map mode
- Maximum two cards per system
- RS485 mode requires proper termination and biasing

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Interface: PCI Express (3.3V/5V, 33 MHz)
- UART Controller: FIFO type 16C554
- Electrical Standards:
- RS232C (EIA/TIA-232)
- RS422 (EIA/TIA-422)
- RS485 (EIA/TIA-485)
- Isolation (IF Series): Ground-isolated per port
- Environmental Compliance:
- Operating: 5–40°C, 10–90% RH
- Storage: 0–65°C, 5–90% RH
- Regulatory Compliance:
- CE and FCC Class A (industrial environments)
- RoHS compliant materials
- Industry Standards:
- Compatible with PC/AT and x86-based systems
- Supports standard COM port addressing and IRQ mapping

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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 and web resources.
- Firmware and driver updates available from Rayon’s website.
- RMA (Return Material Authorization) required for repairs.

Repair Policy:
- In-warranty repairs: No charge for defective units.
- Out-of-warranty repairs: Flat-rate service fee.
- Customers must provide model number, serial number, and failure description when requesting RMA.

Maintenance Recommendations:
- Ensure proper grounding and shielding in industrial environments.
- Avoid hot-swapping connector boxes while powered.
- Periodically verify driver updates for OS compatibility.

Documentation & Utilities:
- Driver installation guides for Windows, Linux, and SCO UNIX.
- Diagnostic utilities: “etty” (data test) and “om” (port monitor).
- Configuration tools for COM port assignment and baud rate setup.

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Summary

The Rayon A3232 PCIe 32-Port Serial Communication Card is a robust, intelligent, and scalable solution for high-density serial connectivity in industrial and enterprise systems. Its hybrid port configuration (RS232/RS422/RS485), intelligent processor, and unified IRQ management make it ideal for applications requiring reliable, high-speed, and flexible serial communication. With comprehensive OS support, modular connector boxes, and industrial-grade design, the A3232 delivers exceptional performance and adaptability for multi-user and automation environments.