1. Product Overview

Product Name: APort301
Model: APort301
Series: APORT400 Series – IP to Serial Port Converter
Article Number: APort301
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 APort301 is a compact, high-performance IP device server designed to convert Ethernet-based TCP/IP or UDP/IP communication into multiple serial interfaces. It provides three RS232 ports and one isolated RS422/RS485 port, enabling seamless integration of legacy serial devices into modern IP networks. Built on a 32-bit 100 MHz MIPS RISC CPU with 16 MB Flash ROM and 16 MB SDRAM, the APort301 offers reliable, low-latency serial-to-Ethernet communication for industrial automation, SCADA, and remote device management applications.

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2. Key Features

- Multi-Port Serial Connectivity:
Provides 3 × RS232 and 1 × isolated RS422/RS485 serial ports via DB9 male connectors, supporting up to 230.4 kbps per port.

- Ethernet Interface:
Auto-detecting 10/100 Mbps Ethernet interface (RJ45, 100Base-T) for flexible LAN integration.

- High-Performance Embedded System:
Powered by a 32-bit 100 MHz MIPS RISC CPU, offering superior performance over 16-bit architectures.

- Ground Isolation:
Built-in ground isolation for RS232 and RS422/485 interfaces to prevent ground loops and electrical interference.

- Flexible Communication Modes:
Supports TCP Server, TCP Client, UDP Send/Receive, and UDP Multi-Serial modes for diverse networking topologies.

- Cross-Platform Driver Support:
- Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista/7 Virtual COM driver (APORT or TPORT mode)
- Linux raw TTY and GVMODEM driver
- SCO UNIX real TTY (RTTY) driver

- Web, Telnet, and Console Configuration:
Device configuration accessible via web browser, Telnet session, or RS232 console terminal.

- Firmware Upgradeable:
Supports TFTP-based firmware upgrades via console and DIP switch control.

- Compact Industrial Design:
Rugged metal enclosure (205 × 135 × 29 mm) suitable for control cabinets and industrial environments.

- Low Power Consumption:
Operates on 5 VDC at 1200 mA, compatible with Rayon UP110/UP220 power adapters.

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3. Technical Specifications

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

Network Interface:
- Type: 10/100 Mbps Ethernet (100Base-T)
- Connector: RJ45
- Auto-negotiation: 10/100 Mbps detection
- Protocols: TCP/IP, UDP/IP

Serial Interfaces:
- Total Ports: 4
- RS232: 3 ports (DB9 male, ground isolated)
- RS422/RS485: 1 port (DB9 male, ground isolated, selectable via DIP switch)
- Baud Rate: Up to 230,400 bps
- Console Port: Shared with Serial Port 1
- Signal Isolation: Yes (for RS232 and RS422/485)
- Supported Modes: RS232, RS422 full-duplex, RS485 half-duplex

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

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

Physical Characteristics:
- Dimensions: 205 × 135 × 29 mm
- Enclosure: Metal housing
- Weight: Approx. 0.8 kg (typical)

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4. Functionality

The APort301 functions as an IP-to-serial converter, bridging Ethernet networks with serial-based equipment. Each serial port can be independently configured for different communication modes:

- TCP Server Mode:
The APort301 listens for incoming TCP connections, allowing remote clients to access serial devices as if they were directly connected.

- TCP Client Mode:
The device initiates a connection to a designated server, suitable for centralized data collection or SCADA systems.

- UDP Mode:
Enables broadcast or point-to-multipoint communication, sending serial data to up to four remote hosts simultaneously.

- UDP Multi-Serial Mode:
Allows multiple serial ports to share the same UDP port number, enabling synchronized data distribution.

- Real TTY Modes:
- *COM Real TTY Mode:* Uses UDP packets for Windows or SCO UNIX systems, mapping serial ports as standard COM/TTY devices.
- *GVMODEM Real TTY Mode:* Uses TCP packets for Linux/UNIX systems, providing fixed virtual terminal ports.

Use Cases & Applications:
- Industrial automation and control systems
- SCADA and telemetry networks
- Remote monitoring of PLCs, sensors, and meters
- POS and kiosk systems
- Serial device networking and data acquisition
- Integration of legacy RS232/RS485 devices into IP-based infrastructures

Compatibility:
- Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista/7 (APORT/TPORT drivers)
- Linux (raw TTY and GVMODEM drivers)
- SCO UNIX (RTTY driver)

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- APort301 IP Device Server
- UP110 or UP220 5VDC Power Adapter
- User Manual and Software CD (includes drivers and utilities)

Optional Accessories:
- Console cable (RS232)
- Ethernet cable (RJ45)
- Mounting brackets or DIN-rail kit (optional)

Connectors:
- Ethernet: RJ45 (10/100Base-T)
- Serial: 4 × DB9 male connectors
- Power: DC barrel jack (5V input)

Pin Assignments (DB9 Male):
| Pin | RS232 Signal | RS422/485 Signal |
|-----|---------------|------------------|
| 1 | DCD (input) | Pull |
| 2 | RXD (input) | RXD+ |
| 3 | TXD (output) | TXD+ |
| 4 | DTR (output) | TXD– |
| 5 | GND | Isolated GND |
| 6 | DSR (input) | RXD– |
| 7 | RTS (output) | Pull+ |
| 8 | CTS (input) | — |
| 9 | RI (input) | — |

*Note:* In RS485 mode, short pins 2 & 3 for DATA+ and pins 4 & 6 for DATA–.

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6. Installation & Setup

Hardware Installation Steps:
1. Connect the APort301 to the LAN using a standard RJ45 Ethernet cable.
2. Attach the power adapter (5VDC). The LAN LED will indicate link speed (10/100 Mbps).
3. Connect serial devices to the DB9 ports.
4. Configure DIP switches:
- Bit 1: Console port enable (ON = console, OFF = normal serial port 1)
- Bit 2: Firmware upgrade mode (ON = upgrade, OFF = normal)
- Bit 3: RS422/RS485 selection for port 3 (ON = RS422, OFF = RS485)
- Bit 4: RS422/RS485 selection for port 4 (ON = RS422, OFF = RS485)
5. Power on the device and verify LED indicators.

Software Configuration:
- Access via Web Browser (default IP: 192.168.1.254, password: 11111)
- Configure IP settings (Static or DHCP), serial port parameters, and operation modes.
- Alternatively, use Telnet or Console setup for command-line configuration.

Driver Installation (Windows):
- Use aport_ap.exe for APORT mode or tport_ap.exe for TPORT mode.
- Map serial ports to virtual COM ports (up to 64 supported).
- Install drivers via ainstall.exe or tinstall.exe utilities.
- Verify COM port assignments in Device Manager.

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

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Serial Data Rate: Up to 230.4 kbps per port
- Network Throughput: 10/100 Mbps auto-negotiation
- Latency: Optimized for low-latency serial-to-IP conversion
- Concurrent Connections: Multiple TCP/UDP sessions supported
- Buffering: Internal FIFO buffers for stable data flow
- Reliability: Heartbeat mechanism in TPORT driver ensures connection integrity
- Failover Behavior: Automatic reconnection upon network disconnection
- Limitations:
- TPORT driver supports one dedicated Windows host per serial port
- RPORT driver recommended for multi-host environments

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Networking Standards: IEEE 802.3 (10Base-T), IEEE 802.3u (100Base-TX)
- Serial Communication Standards: EIA/TIA RS232, RS422, RS485
- Protocol Support: TCP/IP, UDP/IP, RFC2217 (Telnet COM Port Control)
- Operating System Compatibility: Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista/7, Linux, SCO UNIX
- Safety & Isolation: Ground-isolated serial interfaces
- Firmware Upgrade Protocol: TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol)
- Environmental Compliance: Designed for industrial temperature and humidity ranges

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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 (rayon@ms1.hinet.net).
- Firmware updates available through Rayon’s website or authorized distributors.
- RMA (Return Material Authorization) required for repairs.

Maintenance Recommendations:
- Use only approved 5VDC power adapters (UP110/UP220).
- Maintain proper ventilation and avoid exposure to moisture.
- Periodically check firmware version and update as needed.

Repair Procedure:
- Contact Rayon for RMA number before returning units.
- Provide model, serial number, and fault description.
- Out-of-warranty repairs available at flat-rate service charge.

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Summary

The Rayon APort301 is a robust, Linux-based IP-to-serial device server engineered for industrial and commercial applications requiring reliable serial communication over Ethernet. With three RS232 ports and one isolated RS422/RS485 port, it bridges traditional serial equipment with modern IP networks. Its 32-bit RISC CPU, multi-protocol support, and cross-platform drivers make it ideal for SCADA, automation, and remote monitoring systems. The APort301 combines performance, flexibility, and ease of integration, backed by Rayon's proven reliability and comprehensive technical support.