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A960e
8-port RS232 ISA Card with RISC CPU 80960
179,00 EUR
including VAT 213.01 EUR
- 8 Independent RS-232 Ports: Provides eight fully functional serial communication ports for simultaneous data transmission and reception.
- Intel RISC CPU 80960: Onboard 32-bit RISC processor handles communication tasks independently, reducing host CPU load and improving system performance.
- 16550A UART Compatibility: Each port is equipped with a 16550A-compatible UART, ensuring compatibility with standard serial communication protocols and software.
- High-Speed Data Transfer: Supports baud rates from 50 bps up to 115,200 bps, suitable for a wide range of serial communication applications.
- Shared IRQ Mapping: Utilizes a single sharable interrupt request (IRQ) line for all ports, optimizing system resource usage and simplifying configuration.
- Flexible I/O Address Assignment: 64-byte and 8-byte I/O address ranges are automatically assigned by the PCI BIOS, ensuring seamless integration with system resources.
- Comprehensive OS Support: Compatible with multiple operating systems including DOS, Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP, Linux, and SCO Unix.
- Compact ISA Form Factor: Designed for standard ISA slots, with a compact board size of 141 mm x 106 mm.
- Durable Construction: Built with industrial-grade components for long-term reliability in demanding environments.
- Connector Options: Equipped with a DB62 female connector on the card, with an included breakout cable (DB62 male to 8×DB9 male). Optional DB25 male connectors are available upon request.
- Multi-Card Support: Supports installation of up to two cards per system, allowing expansion to 16 serial ports.
- Intel RISC CPU 80960: Onboard 32-bit RISC processor handles communication tasks independently, reducing host CPU load and improving system performance.
- 16550A UART Compatibility: Each port is equipped with a 16550A-compatible UART, ensuring compatibility with standard serial communication protocols and software.
- High-Speed Data Transfer: Supports baud rates from 50 bps up to 115,200 bps, suitable for a wide range of serial communication applications.
- Shared IRQ Mapping: Utilizes a single sharable interrupt request (IRQ) line for all ports, optimizing system resource usage and simplifying configuration.
- Flexible I/O Address Assignment: 64-byte and 8-byte I/O address ranges are automatically assigned by the PCI BIOS, ensuring seamless integration with system resources.
- Comprehensive OS Support: Compatible with multiple operating systems including DOS, Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP, Linux, and SCO Unix.
- Compact ISA Form Factor: Designed for standard ISA slots, with a compact board size of 141 mm x 106 mm.
- Durable Construction: Built with industrial-grade components for long-term reliability in demanding environments.
- Connector Options: Equipped with a DB62 female connector on the card, with an included breakout cable (DB62 male to 8×DB9 male). Optional DB25 male connectors are available upon request.
- Multi-Card Support: Supports installation of up to two cards per system, allowing expansion to 16 serial ports.
1. Product Overview
Product Name: A960e
Model: A960e
Series: ISA Intelligent Serial Communication Series
Article Number: A960e
Manufacturer: Rayon
The Rayon A960e is an intelligent 8-port RS-232 serial communication card designed for ISA bus systems. It integrates an Intel RISC CPU 80960 processor to offload serial communication tasks from the host CPU, providing efficient, high-speed, and reliable multi-port serial connectivity. The card is engineered for industrial, commercial, and embedded computing environments that require multiple serial interfaces for data acquisition, control, or communication with legacy serial devices.
2. Key Features
- 8 Independent RS-232 Ports: Provides eight fully functional serial communication ports for simultaneous data transmission and reception.
- Intel RISC CPU 80960: Onboard 32-bit RISC processor handles communication tasks independently, reducing host CPU load and improving system performance.
- 16550A UART Compatibility: Each port is equipped with a 16550A-compatible UART, ensuring compatibility with standard serial communication protocols and software.
- High-Speed Data Transfer: Supports baud rates from 50 bps up to 115,200 bps, suitable for a wide range of serial communication applications.
- Shared IRQ Mapping: Utilizes a single sharable interrupt request (IRQ) line for all ports, optimizing system resource usage and simplifying configuration.
- Flexible I/O Address Assignment: 64-byte and 8-byte I/O address ranges are automatically assigned by the PCI BIOS, ensuring seamless integration with system resources.
- Comprehensive OS Support: Compatible with multiple operating systems including DOS, Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP, Linux, and SCO Unix.
- Compact ISA Form Factor: Designed for standard ISA slots, with a compact board size of 141 mm x 106 mm.
- Durable Construction: Built with industrial-grade components for long-term reliability in demanding environments.
- Connector Options: Equipped with a DB62 female connector on the card, with an included breakout cable (DB62 male to 8×DB9 male). Optional DB25 male connectors are available upon request.
- Multi-Card Support: Supports installation of up to two cards per system, allowing expansion to 16 serial ports.
3. Technical Specifications
- Bus Interface: ISA (Industry Standard Architecture)
- Processor: Intel RISC CPU 80960
- Number of Ports: 8 independent RS-232 serial ports
- UART Type: 16550A compatible per port
- Baud Rate Range: 50 bps to 115,200 bps
- Interrupts: 1 shared IRQ for all ports
- I/O Address Range: 64-byte and 8-byte I/O space, assigned automatically by PCI BIOS
- Connector Type: DB62 female on card
- Breakout Cable: DB62 male to 8×DB9 male (standard); optional DB62 male to 8×DB25 male available
- Maximum Cards per System: 2
- Supported Operating Systems: DOS, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Linux, SCO Unix
- Board Dimensions: 141 mm (L) × 106 mm (W)
- Material: Industrial-grade PCB with reinforced components for durability
- Mounting: Standard ISA slot installation
- Manufacturer: Rayon
4. Functionality
The Rayon A960e functions as an intelligent multi-port serial communication controller for ISA-based systems. Its onboard Intel 80960 RISC CPU manages serial data flow, buffering, and protocol handling, significantly reducing the processing burden on the host CPU. Each of the eight RS-232 ports operates independently, allowing simultaneous communication with multiple serial devices such as modems, barcode scanners, industrial controllers, sensors, or legacy terminals.
The card’s 16550A-compatible UARTs ensure compatibility with standard serial communication software and drivers. The shared IRQ design simplifies system configuration by minimizing interrupt resource usage, while the automatic I/O address assignment by the system BIOS ensures conflict-free installation.
Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation and control systems requiring multiple serial interfaces
- Data acquisition systems connecting to sensors and measurement devices
- Point-of-sale (POS) systems with multiple peripheral connections
- Communication servers or terminal servers managing multiple serial sessions
- Legacy system integration where ISA and RS-232 interfaces are still in use
- Laboratory instrumentation and monitoring systems
Compatibility:
The A960e is compatible with a wide range of operating systems and legacy hardware platforms that support ISA expansion cards. It integrates seamlessly with standard serial communication software and drivers, ensuring broad compatibility across industrial and commercial applications.
5. Components & Accessories
Included Items:
- A960e ISA 8-port RS-232 card (with Intel 80960 CPU)
- 1× DB62 male to 8×DB9 male breakout cable (standard configuration)
- User documentation and installation guide
Optional Accessories:
- DB62 male to 8×DB25 male breakout cable (available upon request)
- Additional mounting brackets or retention hardware (optional, depending on chassis type)
Connectors:
- Onboard DB62 female connector for external cable connection
- Breakout cable provides eight individual DB9 male connectors for RS-232 devices
6. Installation & Setup
System Requirements:
- Available ISA slot in the host system
- Compatible operating system (DOS, Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP, Linux, SCO)
- Sufficient system resources for IRQ and I/O address allocation
Installation Steps:
1. Power off the host system and disconnect it from power.
2. Insert the A960e card into an available ISA slot, ensuring proper alignment and secure seating.
3. Attach the DB62 breakout cable to the card’s DB62 female connector.
4. Connect RS-232 devices to the breakout cable’s DB9 (or optional DB25) connectors.
5. Power on the system and allow the BIOS to automatically assign I/O addresses.
6. Install the appropriate drivers for the operating system in use.
7. Configure communication parameters (baud rate, parity, stop bits, flow control) as required by connected devices.
Mounting Options:
- Standard ISA slot mounting within desktop or industrial chassis
- Optional retention brackets for vibration-resistant installations
Configuration:
- IRQ and I/O address mapping are handled automatically by the system BIOS.
- Communication parameters are configured via software or driver utilities.
7. Performance & Capabilities
Speed and Throughput:
Each port supports data rates from 50 bps up to 115,200 bps, suitable for both low-speed control signals and high-speed data transmission. The onboard Intel 80960 RISC CPU ensures efficient data handling, minimizing latency and maximizing throughput even under heavy multi-port operation.
Capacity:
- 8 independent RS-232 channels per card
- Up to 2 cards per system (16 total ports)
Efficiency:
The intelligent design offloads serial communication processing from the host CPU, freeing system resources for other tasks. The shared IRQ mechanism further enhances efficiency by reducing interrupt overhead.
Limitations:
- Limited to ISA bus systems (not compatible with PCI or PCIe slots)
- Maximum of two cards per system due to resource constraints
- RS-232 only (no RS-422/485 support)
Reliability:
Industrial-grade components and robust PCB design ensure stable operation in continuous-use environments. The card’s architecture minimizes data loss and communication errors, even under high-load conditions.
8. Standards & Compliance
Interface Standards:
- RS-232 (EIA/TIA-232) compliant serial communication
- ISA bus interface standard
Electrical and Safety Compliance:
- Designed to meet industrial-grade electrical and EMC standards (specific certifications may vary by region)
- Compliant with standard PC hardware design and safety guidelines
Software and Driver Compliance:
- Compatible with standard serial communication APIs and driver models under supported operating systems
- 16550A UART compatibility ensures adherence to widely accepted serial communication standards
Industry Standards:
- Intel 80960 RISC CPU architecture
- EIA/TIA RS-232 signal levels and pin assignments
- ISA bus electrical and mechanical specifications
9. Additional Information
Warranty:
Typically supplied with a manufacturer’s limited warranty (duration dependent on region and distributor). Covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal operating conditions.
Technical Support:
Rayon provides technical documentation, driver downloads, and installation support for the A960e. Assistance is available for configuration, troubleshooting, and integration with supported operating systems.
Maintenance:
The A960e requires minimal maintenance. Periodic inspection of connectors and cables is recommended to ensure reliable electrical contact. The card should be operated within specified environmental conditions to maintain performance and longevity.
Firmware and Software Updates:
Driver and firmware updates may be available from Rayon’s support portal to enhance compatibility with newer operating systems or to improve performance.
Environmental Considerations:
- Operate within standard PC environmental conditions (typically 0°C to 50°C, non-condensing humidity).
- Ensure adequate ventilation within the system chassis.
Product Lifecycle and Availability:
As an ISA-based product, the A960e is primarily intended for legacy system support and industrial applications where ISA infrastructure remains in use. Rayon continues to provide support and replacement units for long-term maintenance of existing installations.
Summary
The Rayon A960e is a high-performance, intelligent 8-port RS-232 ISA card featuring an onboard Intel 80960 RISC CPU. It delivers efficient, reliable, and flexible serial communication for industrial and legacy computing environments. With 16550A-compatible UARTs, shared IRQ mapping, and broad OS compatibility, the A960e provides a robust solution for multi-port serial connectivity. Its durable design, comprehensive accessory options, and ease of installation make it a dependable choice for system integrators, engineers, and technicians maintaining or upgrading ISA-based systems requiring multiple RS-232 interfaces.
Product Name: A960e
Model: A960e
Series: ISA Intelligent Serial Communication Series
Article Number: A960e
Manufacturer: Rayon
The Rayon A960e is an intelligent 8-port RS-232 serial communication card designed for ISA bus systems. It integrates an Intel RISC CPU 80960 processor to offload serial communication tasks from the host CPU, providing efficient, high-speed, and reliable multi-port serial connectivity. The card is engineered for industrial, commercial, and embedded computing environments that require multiple serial interfaces for data acquisition, control, or communication with legacy serial devices.
2. Key Features
- 8 Independent RS-232 Ports: Provides eight fully functional serial communication ports for simultaneous data transmission and reception.
- Intel RISC CPU 80960: Onboard 32-bit RISC processor handles communication tasks independently, reducing host CPU load and improving system performance.
- 16550A UART Compatibility: Each port is equipped with a 16550A-compatible UART, ensuring compatibility with standard serial communication protocols and software.
- High-Speed Data Transfer: Supports baud rates from 50 bps up to 115,200 bps, suitable for a wide range of serial communication applications.
- Shared IRQ Mapping: Utilizes a single sharable interrupt request (IRQ) line for all ports, optimizing system resource usage and simplifying configuration.
- Flexible I/O Address Assignment: 64-byte and 8-byte I/O address ranges are automatically assigned by the PCI BIOS, ensuring seamless integration with system resources.
- Comprehensive OS Support: Compatible with multiple operating systems including DOS, Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP, Linux, and SCO Unix.
- Compact ISA Form Factor: Designed for standard ISA slots, with a compact board size of 141 mm x 106 mm.
- Durable Construction: Built with industrial-grade components for long-term reliability in demanding environments.
- Connector Options: Equipped with a DB62 female connector on the card, with an included breakout cable (DB62 male to 8×DB9 male). Optional DB25 male connectors are available upon request.
- Multi-Card Support: Supports installation of up to two cards per system, allowing expansion to 16 serial ports.
3. Technical Specifications
- Bus Interface: ISA (Industry Standard Architecture)
- Processor: Intel RISC CPU 80960
- Number of Ports: 8 independent RS-232 serial ports
- UART Type: 16550A compatible per port
- Baud Rate Range: 50 bps to 115,200 bps
- Interrupts: 1 shared IRQ for all ports
- I/O Address Range: 64-byte and 8-byte I/O space, assigned automatically by PCI BIOS
- Connector Type: DB62 female on card
- Breakout Cable: DB62 male to 8×DB9 male (standard); optional DB62 male to 8×DB25 male available
- Maximum Cards per System: 2
- Supported Operating Systems: DOS, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Linux, SCO Unix
- Board Dimensions: 141 mm (L) × 106 mm (W)
- Material: Industrial-grade PCB with reinforced components for durability
- Mounting: Standard ISA slot installation
- Manufacturer: Rayon
4. Functionality
The Rayon A960e functions as an intelligent multi-port serial communication controller for ISA-based systems. Its onboard Intel 80960 RISC CPU manages serial data flow, buffering, and protocol handling, significantly reducing the processing burden on the host CPU. Each of the eight RS-232 ports operates independently, allowing simultaneous communication with multiple serial devices such as modems, barcode scanners, industrial controllers, sensors, or legacy terminals.
The card’s 16550A-compatible UARTs ensure compatibility with standard serial communication software and drivers. The shared IRQ design simplifies system configuration by minimizing interrupt resource usage, while the automatic I/O address assignment by the system BIOS ensures conflict-free installation.
Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation and control systems requiring multiple serial interfaces
- Data acquisition systems connecting to sensors and measurement devices
- Point-of-sale (POS) systems with multiple peripheral connections
- Communication servers or terminal servers managing multiple serial sessions
- Legacy system integration where ISA and RS-232 interfaces are still in use
- Laboratory instrumentation and monitoring systems
Compatibility:
The A960e is compatible with a wide range of operating systems and legacy hardware platforms that support ISA expansion cards. It integrates seamlessly with standard serial communication software and drivers, ensuring broad compatibility across industrial and commercial applications.
5. Components & Accessories
Included Items:
- A960e ISA 8-port RS-232 card (with Intel 80960 CPU)
- 1× DB62 male to 8×DB9 male breakout cable (standard configuration)
- User documentation and installation guide
Optional Accessories:
- DB62 male to 8×DB25 male breakout cable (available upon request)
- Additional mounting brackets or retention hardware (optional, depending on chassis type)
Connectors:
- Onboard DB62 female connector for external cable connection
- Breakout cable provides eight individual DB9 male connectors for RS-232 devices
6. Installation & Setup
System Requirements:
- Available ISA slot in the host system
- Compatible operating system (DOS, Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP, Linux, SCO)
- Sufficient system resources for IRQ and I/O address allocation
Installation Steps:
1. Power off the host system and disconnect it from power.
2. Insert the A960e card into an available ISA slot, ensuring proper alignment and secure seating.
3. Attach the DB62 breakout cable to the card’s DB62 female connector.
4. Connect RS-232 devices to the breakout cable’s DB9 (or optional DB25) connectors.
5. Power on the system and allow the BIOS to automatically assign I/O addresses.
6. Install the appropriate drivers for the operating system in use.
7. Configure communication parameters (baud rate, parity, stop bits, flow control) as required by connected devices.
Mounting Options:
- Standard ISA slot mounting within desktop or industrial chassis
- Optional retention brackets for vibration-resistant installations
Configuration:
- IRQ and I/O address mapping are handled automatically by the system BIOS.
- Communication parameters are configured via software or driver utilities.
7. Performance & Capabilities
Speed and Throughput:
Each port supports data rates from 50 bps up to 115,200 bps, suitable for both low-speed control signals and high-speed data transmission. The onboard Intel 80960 RISC CPU ensures efficient data handling, minimizing latency and maximizing throughput even under heavy multi-port operation.
Capacity:
- 8 independent RS-232 channels per card
- Up to 2 cards per system (16 total ports)
Efficiency:
The intelligent design offloads serial communication processing from the host CPU, freeing system resources for other tasks. The shared IRQ mechanism further enhances efficiency by reducing interrupt overhead.
Limitations:
- Limited to ISA bus systems (not compatible with PCI or PCIe slots)
- Maximum of two cards per system due to resource constraints
- RS-232 only (no RS-422/485 support)
Reliability:
Industrial-grade components and robust PCB design ensure stable operation in continuous-use environments. The card’s architecture minimizes data loss and communication errors, even under high-load conditions.
8. Standards & Compliance
Interface Standards:
- RS-232 (EIA/TIA-232) compliant serial communication
- ISA bus interface standard
Electrical and Safety Compliance:
- Designed to meet industrial-grade electrical and EMC standards (specific certifications may vary by region)
- Compliant with standard PC hardware design and safety guidelines
Software and Driver Compliance:
- Compatible with standard serial communication APIs and driver models under supported operating systems
- 16550A UART compatibility ensures adherence to widely accepted serial communication standards
Industry Standards:
- Intel 80960 RISC CPU architecture
- EIA/TIA RS-232 signal levels and pin assignments
- ISA bus electrical and mechanical specifications
9. Additional Information
Warranty:
Typically supplied with a manufacturer’s limited warranty (duration dependent on region and distributor). Covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal operating conditions.
Technical Support:
Rayon provides technical documentation, driver downloads, and installation support for the A960e. Assistance is available for configuration, troubleshooting, and integration with supported operating systems.
Maintenance:
The A960e requires minimal maintenance. Periodic inspection of connectors and cables is recommended to ensure reliable electrical contact. The card should be operated within specified environmental conditions to maintain performance and longevity.
Firmware and Software Updates:
Driver and firmware updates may be available from Rayon’s support portal to enhance compatibility with newer operating systems or to improve performance.
Environmental Considerations:
- Operate within standard PC environmental conditions (typically 0°C to 50°C, non-condensing humidity).
- Ensure adequate ventilation within the system chassis.
Product Lifecycle and Availability:
As an ISA-based product, the A960e is primarily intended for legacy system support and industrial applications where ISA infrastructure remains in use. Rayon continues to provide support and replacement units for long-term maintenance of existing installations.
Summary
The Rayon A960e is a high-performance, intelligent 8-port RS-232 ISA card featuring an onboard Intel 80960 RISC CPU. It delivers efficient, reliable, and flexible serial communication for industrial and legacy computing environments. With 16550A-compatible UARTs, shared IRQ mapping, and broad OS compatibility, the A960e provides a robust solution for multi-port serial connectivity. Its durable design, comprehensive accessory options, and ease of installation make it a dependable choice for system integrators, engineers, and technicians maintaining or upgrading ISA-based systems requiring multiple RS-232 interfaces.
No manuals/catalogs available.
No accessories available.
