1. Product Overview

Product Name: APort101
Model: APort101
Series: APORT Series – IP to Serial Port Converter
Article Number: APort101
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
Websites: [www.rayontech.com](http://www.rayontech.com), [www.computex.com.tw/rayon](http://www.computex.com.tw/rayon)

The APort101 is a compact, Linux-based IP device server designed to convert Ethernet (10/100Base-TX) communication into serial data streams. It provides one RS232 port and one ground-isolated RS422/RS485 port, enabling seamless integration of serial devices into TCP/IP or UDP/IP networks. The unit is part of Rayon’s APORT series, which includes models supporting multiple serial ports and various isolation configurations.

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2. Key Features

- Dual Serial Interfaces: One standard RS232 port and one ground-isolated RS422/RS485 port (DB9 male connectors).
- Ethernet Connectivity: Auto-detecting 10/100 Mbps Ethernet interface via RJ45 connector.
- High-Performance Processor: 32-bit 100 MHz MIPS RISC CPU for efficient data handling and low latency.
- Memory Resources: 16 MB Flash ROM and 16 MB SDRAM for firmware, buffering, and protocol management.
- Flexible Network Protocols: Supports TCP/IP and UDP/IP communication modes.
- Operating Modes: TCP Server, TCP Client, UDP Send/Receive, UDP Multi-Serial, and Real TTY modes.
- Cross-Platform Drivers:
- Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista/7 Virtual COM driver (APORT and TPORT modes)
- Linux raw TTY and GVMODEM driver
- SCO UNIX real TTY (RTTY) driver
- Web, Telnet, and Console Configuration: Multiple setup interfaces for flexible deployment.
- Ground Isolation: RS422/485 port features galvanic isolation to prevent ground loops and protect connected equipment.
- Compact Design: Small form factor suitable for embedded or industrial environments.
- Firmware Upgradeable: Supports TFTP-based firmware updates via console or network.
- Diagnostic LEDs: Indicators for power, LAN link/activity, and serial port transmission/reception.
- Low Power Consumption: Operates on 5 VDC at 1200 mA.

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3. Technical Specifications

Processor & Memory:
- CPU: 32-bit MIPS RISC, 100 MHz
- Flash ROM: 16 MB
- SDRAM: 16 MB

Network Interface:
- Type: 10/100 Mbps Ethernet (IEEE 802.3 compliant)
- Connector: RJ45
- Auto-negotiation: 10/100 Mbps detection

Serial Interfaces:
- Port 1: RS232 (DB9 male)
- Port 2: Ground-isolated RS422/RS485 (DB9 male)
- Port Count: 2 total
- Baud Rate: Up to 230,400 bps
- Console Port: Shared with Serial Port 1
- Isolation: Electrical isolation on RS422/485 port

Power Requirements:
- Input Voltage: 5 VDC
- Current Consumption: 1200 mA
- Power Adapter: UP110/UP220 (regulated 5 VDC output)

Physical Dimensions:
- Size: 92 × 118 × 27 mm
- Weight: Approx. 0.3 kg (typical)
- Material: Industrial-grade enclosure (Rayon standard housing)

Environmental Conditions:
- Operating Temperature: 5°C to 40°C
- Storage Temperature: 0°C to 65°C
- Operating Humidity: 10–90% RH (non-condensing)
- Storage Humidity: 5–90% RH

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4. Functionality

The APort101 functions as an IP-to-serial converter, bridging Ethernet networks and serial devices. It allows legacy serial equipment to communicate over LAN or WAN environments using TCP/IP or UDP/IP protocols.

Operating Modes:
- TCP Server Mode: The APort101 listens for incoming TCP connections from remote clients. Ideal for applications where the device acts as a server endpoint.
- TCP Client Mode: The device initiates a connection to a predefined server IP and port, suitable for centralized data collection systems.
- UDP Mode: Enables broadcast or point-to-multipoint communication, supporting up to four destination hosts.
- UDP Multi-Serial Mode: Allows multiple serial ports to share the same UDP port number for simultaneous data distribution.
- Real TTY Mode: Provides direct serial port mapping for UNIX/Linux systems using GVMODEM or RTTY drivers.

Use Cases:
- Industrial automation and SCADA systems
- Remote monitoring of sensors, PLCs, and controllers
- POS systems and barcode scanners
- Serial-based instrumentation and data acquisition
- Modbus RTU to Modbus TCP/IP bridging

Compatibility:
- Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista/7 (Virtual COM via APORT or TPORT driver)
- Linux (raw TTY or GVMODEM driver)
- SCO UNIX (RTTY driver)
- Compatible with third-party COM redirectors supporting RFC2217

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- APort101 device server unit
- UP110/UP220 5VDC power adapter
- User manual and software CD (drivers, utilities, and documentation)

Optional Accessories:
- Console cable (RS232)
- Ethernet patch cable (RJ45)
- DIN-rail or wall-mounting brackets
- Replacement power adapter

Connectors:
- RJ45 for Ethernet
- DB9 male for RS232 and RS422/485
- Power jack for 5VDC input

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6. Installation & Setup

Hardware Installation:
1. Connect the APort101 to a network hub or switch using a standard Ethernet cable.
2. Attach the serial cables to the RS232 and RS422/485 ports as required.
3. Configure DIP switches:
- Bit 1: Console port enable (ON = console, OFF = normal RS232)
- Bit 2: Firmware upgrade mode (ON = upgrade, OFF = normal)
4. Connect the 5VDC power adapter (UP110/UP220).
5. Observe LED indicators for power and link status.

Software Configuration:
- Access via Web Browser (default IP: 192.168.1.254, password: 11111).
- Alternatively, configure via Telnet or Console terminal (115200 bps, 8N1).
- Assign static IP, subnet mask, and gateway.
- Select operating mode (TCP/UDP/Real TTY).
- Configure serial parameters (baud rate, data bits, parity, stop bits, flow control).

Driver Installation (Windows):
- Use aport_ap.exe for APORT mode or tport_ap.exe for TPORT mode.
- Supports up to 64 virtual COM ports.
- Drivers: APORTB.SYS, APORTP.SYS, TPORTB.SYS, TPORTP.SYS.
- Installation utilities: ainstall.exe (APORT mode), tinstall.exe (TPORT mode).
- Administrator privileges required on Windows Vista/7.

Driver Installation (Linux/UNIX):
- Extract and install gvmodem_linux.tar or rtty100.tar packages.
- Configure `/etc/gtstcpd/gtstcpd.cf` for IP and port mapping.
- Start daemon using `./gtstcpd.rc start`.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Data Rate: Up to 230.4 kbps per serial port.
- Network Throughput: 10/100 Mbps auto-negotiation.
- Latency: Optimized for low-latency serial-to-IP conversion; dependent on network conditions.
- Buffering: Internal memory buffers managed by 16 MB SDRAM.
- Reliability: Continuous operation supported by Linux-based firmware.
- Isolation: RS422/485 port provides galvanic isolation for noise immunity.
- Heartbeat Mechanism: TPORT driver sends periodic heartbeat packets to maintain TCP connection integrity.
- Connection Recovery: Automatic reconnection upon network failure or disconnection.
- Multi-Host Support: UDP mode supports up to four simultaneous destination hosts.
- Limitations:
- Console port shares RS232 port 1.
- TPORT driver supports single dedicated Windows host per serial port.
- Latency may vary with network congestion.

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Ethernet Standards: IEEE 802.3 (10Base-T/100Base-TX)
- Serial Standards: RS232, RS422, RS485 (EIA/TIA compliant)
- Protocol Support: TCP/IP, UDP/IP, RFC2217 (Telnet COM port control)
- Operating System Compatibility: Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista/7, Linux, SCO UNIX
- Safety & EMC: Designed for industrial environments with isolation and surge protection
- Firmware Upgrade Protocol: TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol)
- Environmental Compliance: RoHS-compliant materials and construction

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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.
- Out-of-warranty repairs available at a flat-rate service charge.

Support & Maintenance:
- Technical support via email (rayon@ms1.hinet.net).
- Firmware updates available through Rayon’s website or authorized distributors.
- RMA (Return Material Authorization) required for repairs.
- Troubleshooting tools include console diagnostics, LED indicators, and ping tests.

Firmware Upgrade Procedure:
- Enable firmware upgrade mode via DIP switch (bit 2 ON).
- Connect console terminal (115200 bps, 8N1).
- Use TFTP client to upload new firmware (default IP: 192.168.1.254).
- Verify version via web interface or console output.

Maintenance Recommendations:
- Use only the supplied 5VDC adapter.
- Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures or humidity.
- Periodically check firmware version and update as needed.
- Ensure proper grounding for RS422/485 connections.

Related Models in APORT Series:
- APORT200: Ethernet to 2×RS232 ports
- APORT020: Ethernet to 2×Ground-Isolated RS232 ports
- APORT400: Ethernet to 4×RS232 ports
- APORT040: Ethernet to 4×Ground-Isolated RS232 ports
- APORT202: Ethernet to 2×RS232 + 2×RS422/485 ports
- APORT800: Ethernet to 8×RS232 ports

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Summary

The Rayon APort101 is a robust, industrial-grade IP device server that bridges Ethernet networks with serial communication interfaces. Its combination of one RS232 and one isolated RS422/RS485 port makes it ideal for mixed serial environments requiring both standard and differential signaling. With a 32-bit RISC processor, Linux-based firmware, and comprehensive driver support across Windows, Linux, and UNIX platforms, the APort101 delivers reliable, flexible, and high-performance serial networking.

Its compact design, web-based configuration, and support for multiple communication modes (TCP, UDP, Real TTY) make it a versatile solution for industrial automation, remote monitoring, and legacy system integration. The inclusion of isolation, firmware upgradeability, and cross-platform compatibility ensures long-term adaptability and dependable operation in demanding networked serial applications.