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- Dual-Port Serial Interface: Provides two independent asynchronous serial communication ports supporting RS-422 and RS-485 standards.
- 16550 UART Integration: Each port is equipped with a 16550 Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter, enabling 16-byte FIFO buffers for improved data throughput and reduced CPU overhead.
- Flexible Baud Rate Range: Supports data transmission speeds from 50 bps up to 57,600 bps, suitable for a wide range of industrial and automation applications.
- Selectable IRQ and I/O Address: Hardware-configurable via DIP switches, allowing selection of IRQ lines (2–7) and I/O port addresses (200h–3F8h) for flexible system integration.
- Status Indication LEDs: Four onboard status LEDs provide real-time visual feedback for port activity and operational status, simplifying diagnostics and monitoring.
- Standard PCI Interface: Fully compliant with PCI bus specifications, ensuring compatibility with most modern and legacy PC-based systems.
- Dual D-Sub Connectors: Equipped with two D-type 9-pin male connectors for direct connection to serial devices.
- Stable Power Operation: Operates from a +5 VDC supply with a typical current consumption of 600 mA, ensuring efficient power usage and stable operation.
- Industrial Reliability: Designed for continuous operation in demanding environments, offering robust electrical isolation and signal integrity.
- 16550 UART Integration: Each port is equipped with a 16550 Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter, enabling 16-byte FIFO buffers for improved data throughput and reduced CPU overhead.
- Flexible Baud Rate Range: Supports data transmission speeds from 50 bps up to 57,600 bps, suitable for a wide range of industrial and automation applications.
- Selectable IRQ and I/O Address: Hardware-configurable via DIP switches, allowing selection of IRQ lines (2–7) and I/O port addresses (200h–3F8h) for flexible system integration.
- Status Indication LEDs: Four onboard status LEDs provide real-time visual feedback for port activity and operational status, simplifying diagnostics and monitoring.
- Standard PCI Interface: Fully compliant with PCI bus specifications, ensuring compatibility with most modern and legacy PC-based systems.
- Dual D-Sub Connectors: Equipped with two D-type 9-pin male connectors for direct connection to serial devices.
- Stable Power Operation: Operates from a +5 VDC supply with a typical current consumption of 600 mA, ensuring efficient power usage and stable operation.
- Industrial Reliability: Designed for continuous operation in demanding environments, offering robust electrical isolation and signal integrity.
1. Product Overview
Name: PCI RS422/485 Serial Communication Card
Model: AX4200PB
Series: AX4000 Series Industrial Communication Interfaces
Article Number: AX4200PB
Manufacturer: Axiom
The Axiom AX4200PB is a high-performance PCI-based serial communication interface card designed to provide reliable, asynchronous serial connectivity for industrial, laboratory, and embedded computing environments. It offers two independent RS-422/485 serial ports, each equipped with a 16550 UART for efficient data buffering and flow control. The card is engineered for robust performance in systems requiring stable, high-speed serial communication, and it integrates easily into standard PCI bus architectures.
2. Key Features
- Dual-Port Serial Interface: Provides two independent asynchronous serial communication ports supporting RS-422 and RS-485 standards.
- 16550 UART Integration: Each port is equipped with a 16550 Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter, enabling 16-byte FIFO buffers for improved data throughput and reduced CPU overhead.
- Flexible Baud Rate Range: Supports data transmission speeds from 50 bps up to 57,600 bps, suitable for a wide range of industrial and automation applications.
- Selectable IRQ and I/O Address: Hardware-configurable via DIP switches, allowing selection of IRQ lines (2–7) and I/O port addresses (200h–3F8h) for flexible system integration.
- Status Indication LEDs: Four onboard status LEDs provide real-time visual feedback for port activity and operational status, simplifying diagnostics and monitoring.
- Standard PCI Interface: Fully compliant with PCI bus specifications, ensuring compatibility with most modern and legacy PC-based systems.
- Dual D-Sub Connectors: Equipped with two D-type 9-pin male connectors for direct connection to serial devices.
- Stable Power Operation: Operates from a +5 VDC supply with a typical current consumption of 600 mA, ensuring efficient power usage and stable operation.
- Industrial Reliability: Designed for continuous operation in demanding environments, offering robust electrical isolation and signal integrity.
3. Technical Specifications
- Bus Interface: PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)
- Number of Ports: 2 independent asynchronous serial ports
- Communication Standards: RS-422 and RS-485 (differential signaling)
- UART Type: 16550 UART with 16-byte FIFO buffer per channel
- Baud Rate Range: 50 bps to 57,600 bps (asynchronous)
- Interrupt Request (IRQ): Selectable via DIP switch (IRQ 2–7)
- I/O Address Range: Selectable via DIP switch (200h–3F8h)
- Connectors: 2 × D-type 9-pin male (DB9M) connectors
- Status Indicators: 4 × LED indicators (port activity and status)
- Power Requirements: +5 VDC, 600 mA typical
- Form Factor: Standard PCI expansion card
- Dimensions: Approx. 120 mm × 100 mm (typical PCI card size)
- Weight: Approximately 100–150 g (depending on configuration)
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to +55°C (typical industrial range)
- Storage Temperature: -20°C to +85°C
- Relative Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing
- Material: Multi-layer PCB with gold-plated edge connector and metal bracket
- Signal Isolation: Differential signaling for noise immunity (RS-422/485)
4. Functionality
The Axiom AX4200PB functions as a dual-port serial communication interface card that enables PCs and industrial controllers to communicate with RS-422 or RS-485 devices. Each port operates independently, allowing simultaneous communication with multiple serial devices such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, motor drives, barcode scanners, and other industrial automation equipment.
The card’s 16550 UART provides hardware buffering and interrupt-driven communication, minimizing CPU load and ensuring smooth data transfer even at higher baud rates. The RS-422 mode supports full-duplex communication over differential pairs, while RS-485 mode supports half-duplex multi-drop configurations, allowing multiple devices to share a single communication bus.
Typical Use Cases:
- Industrial automation and process control systems
- Data acquisition and instrumentation
- SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) networks
- Embedded control systems
- Laboratory and test equipment interfaces
- Serial device networking and legacy equipment integration
Compatibility:
The AX4200PB is compatible with standard PCI slots in desktop PCs, industrial PCs, and embedded systems. It supports major operating systems that provide standard serial port drivers, including Windows, Linux, and various real-time operating systems (RTOS).
5. Components & Accessories
Included Items:
- Axiom AX4200PB PCI RS-422/485 2-Port Card
- Low-profile or standard PCI mounting bracket (depending on model variant)
- Quick installation guide or user manual
- Driver and utility software (if applicable)
Optional Accessories:
- RS-422/485 compatible cables (DB9 male to terminal block or DB9 male to DB9 female)
- External surge protection modules
- DIN-rail mounting kits for industrial enclosures
- PCI slot covers and extension brackets
Connectors and Interfaces:
- Two DB9 male connectors for serial communication
- DIP switch block for configuration of IRQ and I/O address
- LED indicators for TX/RX activity and power status
6. Installation & Setup
System Requirements:
- Available PCI slot (32-bit, 33 MHz)
- +5 VDC power supply from PCI bus
- Compatible operating system with serial port driver support
Installation Steps:
1. Power off the host computer and disconnect it from the power source.
2. Remove the system cover and locate an available PCI slot.
3. Insert the AX4200PB card firmly into the PCI slot and secure it with the bracket screw.
4. Configure the desired IRQ and I/O address using the onboard DIP switches according to system requirements.
5. Replace the system cover and reconnect power.
6. Boot the system and install the appropriate driver if required by the operating system.
7. Verify installation through the device manager or system configuration utility.
8. Connect RS-422/485 devices using the DB9 connectors and configure communication parameters (baud rate, parity, stop bits, etc.) in software.
Mounting Options:
- Standard PCI slot mounting in desktop or industrial PC chassis
- Optional low-profile bracket for compact enclosures
Configuration:
- DIP switch selectable IRQ (2–7) and I/O address (200h–3F8h)
- Software configuration for communication parameters (baud rate, parity, data bits, stop bits)
7. Performance & Capabilities
The AX4200PB delivers stable and efficient serial communication performance across a wide range of industrial and commercial applications. The integrated 16550 UART ensures smooth data flow by providing 16-byte transmit and receive FIFOs, reducing the likelihood of data loss during high-speed communication.
Speed and Throughput:
- Supports baud rates from 50 bps to 57,600 bps
- Reliable asynchronous communication with minimal latency
- Efficient interrupt handling for multi-device communication
Capacity and Efficiency:
- Two independent serial channels allow simultaneous communication with multiple devices
- FIFO buffering minimizes CPU intervention, improving overall system efficiency
- Differential signaling provides superior noise immunity and long-distance communication capability (up to 1200 meters for RS-422 under ideal conditions)
Limitations:
- Maximum baud rate limited to 57,600 bps (not suitable for ultra-high-speed serial applications)
- No onboard isolation (external isolation recommended for high-voltage environments)
- Requires manual configuration of IRQ and I/O address via DIP switches
8. Standards & Compliance
Bus Compliance:
- Fully compliant with PCI Local Bus Specification (Revision 2.1 or later)
Communication Standards:
- RS-422 (EIA-422) differential serial communication standard
- RS-485 (EIA-485) differential multi-drop serial communication standard
Electrical and Safety Compliance:
- CE compliant (Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive)
- FCC Class A compliant for industrial environments
- RoHS compliant (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
Industry Standards:
- UART 16550 compatible
- Standard DB9 pinout for RS-422/485 communication
- Compatible with TIA/EIA serial communication protocols
9. Additional Information
Warranty:
Typically supplied with a standard manufacturer’s warranty (1–2 years depending on region and distributor). Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal operating conditions.
Technical Support:
Axiom provides technical documentation, driver downloads, and configuration utilities through its official support channels. Technical assistance is available via email, phone, or online support portal.
Maintenance:
The AX4200PB requires minimal maintenance. Periodic inspection of connectors and cables is recommended to ensure reliable electrical contact. The card should be kept free of dust and moisture to maintain optimal performance.
Firmware and Software Updates:
Driver and firmware updates, if applicable, are available from Axiom’s website. Users are encouraged to keep software components up to date to ensure compatibility with newer operating systems and hardware platforms.
Service and Replacement:
In the event of hardware failure, the card can be replaced under warranty or serviced through authorized Axiom service centers.
Environmental Considerations:
The product is designed for long-term reliability and complies with environmental directives for electronic waste reduction. End-of-life units should be disposed of according to local electronic recycling regulations.
Summary
The Axiom AX4200PB PCI RS-422/485 2-Port Serial Communication Card is a robust, industrial-grade interface solution designed for reliable asynchronous serial communication. With dual ports, 16550 UART buffering, flexible configuration options, and standard PCI compatibility, it provides a dependable platform for connecting RS-422/485 devices to PC-based control and monitoring systems. Its combination of hardware configurability, diagnostic LEDs, and wide compatibility makes it ideal for industrial automation, data acquisition, and embedded control applications where stable and efficient serial communication is essential.
Name: PCI RS422/485 Serial Communication Card
Model: AX4200PB
Series: AX4000 Series Industrial Communication Interfaces
Article Number: AX4200PB
Manufacturer: Axiom
The Axiom AX4200PB is a high-performance PCI-based serial communication interface card designed to provide reliable, asynchronous serial connectivity for industrial, laboratory, and embedded computing environments. It offers two independent RS-422/485 serial ports, each equipped with a 16550 UART for efficient data buffering and flow control. The card is engineered for robust performance in systems requiring stable, high-speed serial communication, and it integrates easily into standard PCI bus architectures.
2. Key Features
- Dual-Port Serial Interface: Provides two independent asynchronous serial communication ports supporting RS-422 and RS-485 standards.
- 16550 UART Integration: Each port is equipped with a 16550 Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter, enabling 16-byte FIFO buffers for improved data throughput and reduced CPU overhead.
- Flexible Baud Rate Range: Supports data transmission speeds from 50 bps up to 57,600 bps, suitable for a wide range of industrial and automation applications.
- Selectable IRQ and I/O Address: Hardware-configurable via DIP switches, allowing selection of IRQ lines (2–7) and I/O port addresses (200h–3F8h) for flexible system integration.
- Status Indication LEDs: Four onboard status LEDs provide real-time visual feedback for port activity and operational status, simplifying diagnostics and monitoring.
- Standard PCI Interface: Fully compliant with PCI bus specifications, ensuring compatibility with most modern and legacy PC-based systems.
- Dual D-Sub Connectors: Equipped with two D-type 9-pin male connectors for direct connection to serial devices.
- Stable Power Operation: Operates from a +5 VDC supply with a typical current consumption of 600 mA, ensuring efficient power usage and stable operation.
- Industrial Reliability: Designed for continuous operation in demanding environments, offering robust electrical isolation and signal integrity.
3. Technical Specifications
- Bus Interface: PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)
- Number of Ports: 2 independent asynchronous serial ports
- Communication Standards: RS-422 and RS-485 (differential signaling)
- UART Type: 16550 UART with 16-byte FIFO buffer per channel
- Baud Rate Range: 50 bps to 57,600 bps (asynchronous)
- Interrupt Request (IRQ): Selectable via DIP switch (IRQ 2–7)
- I/O Address Range: Selectable via DIP switch (200h–3F8h)
- Connectors: 2 × D-type 9-pin male (DB9M) connectors
- Status Indicators: 4 × LED indicators (port activity and status)
- Power Requirements: +5 VDC, 600 mA typical
- Form Factor: Standard PCI expansion card
- Dimensions: Approx. 120 mm × 100 mm (typical PCI card size)
- Weight: Approximately 100–150 g (depending on configuration)
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to +55°C (typical industrial range)
- Storage Temperature: -20°C to +85°C
- Relative Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing
- Material: Multi-layer PCB with gold-plated edge connector and metal bracket
- Signal Isolation: Differential signaling for noise immunity (RS-422/485)
4. Functionality
The Axiom AX4200PB functions as a dual-port serial communication interface card that enables PCs and industrial controllers to communicate with RS-422 or RS-485 devices. Each port operates independently, allowing simultaneous communication with multiple serial devices such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, motor drives, barcode scanners, and other industrial automation equipment.
The card’s 16550 UART provides hardware buffering and interrupt-driven communication, minimizing CPU load and ensuring smooth data transfer even at higher baud rates. The RS-422 mode supports full-duplex communication over differential pairs, while RS-485 mode supports half-duplex multi-drop configurations, allowing multiple devices to share a single communication bus.
Typical Use Cases:
- Industrial automation and process control systems
- Data acquisition and instrumentation
- SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) networks
- Embedded control systems
- Laboratory and test equipment interfaces
- Serial device networking and legacy equipment integration
Compatibility:
The AX4200PB is compatible with standard PCI slots in desktop PCs, industrial PCs, and embedded systems. It supports major operating systems that provide standard serial port drivers, including Windows, Linux, and various real-time operating systems (RTOS).
5. Components & Accessories
Included Items:
- Axiom AX4200PB PCI RS-422/485 2-Port Card
- Low-profile or standard PCI mounting bracket (depending on model variant)
- Quick installation guide or user manual
- Driver and utility software (if applicable)
Optional Accessories:
- RS-422/485 compatible cables (DB9 male to terminal block or DB9 male to DB9 female)
- External surge protection modules
- DIN-rail mounting kits for industrial enclosures
- PCI slot covers and extension brackets
Connectors and Interfaces:
- Two DB9 male connectors for serial communication
- DIP switch block for configuration of IRQ and I/O address
- LED indicators for TX/RX activity and power status
6. Installation & Setup
System Requirements:
- Available PCI slot (32-bit, 33 MHz)
- +5 VDC power supply from PCI bus
- Compatible operating system with serial port driver support
Installation Steps:
1. Power off the host computer and disconnect it from the power source.
2. Remove the system cover and locate an available PCI slot.
3. Insert the AX4200PB card firmly into the PCI slot and secure it with the bracket screw.
4. Configure the desired IRQ and I/O address using the onboard DIP switches according to system requirements.
5. Replace the system cover and reconnect power.
6. Boot the system and install the appropriate driver if required by the operating system.
7. Verify installation through the device manager or system configuration utility.
8. Connect RS-422/485 devices using the DB9 connectors and configure communication parameters (baud rate, parity, stop bits, etc.) in software.
Mounting Options:
- Standard PCI slot mounting in desktop or industrial PC chassis
- Optional low-profile bracket for compact enclosures
Configuration:
- DIP switch selectable IRQ (2–7) and I/O address (200h–3F8h)
- Software configuration for communication parameters (baud rate, parity, data bits, stop bits)
7. Performance & Capabilities
The AX4200PB delivers stable and efficient serial communication performance across a wide range of industrial and commercial applications. The integrated 16550 UART ensures smooth data flow by providing 16-byte transmit and receive FIFOs, reducing the likelihood of data loss during high-speed communication.
Speed and Throughput:
- Supports baud rates from 50 bps to 57,600 bps
- Reliable asynchronous communication with minimal latency
- Efficient interrupt handling for multi-device communication
Capacity and Efficiency:
- Two independent serial channels allow simultaneous communication with multiple devices
- FIFO buffering minimizes CPU intervention, improving overall system efficiency
- Differential signaling provides superior noise immunity and long-distance communication capability (up to 1200 meters for RS-422 under ideal conditions)
Limitations:
- Maximum baud rate limited to 57,600 bps (not suitable for ultra-high-speed serial applications)
- No onboard isolation (external isolation recommended for high-voltage environments)
- Requires manual configuration of IRQ and I/O address via DIP switches
8. Standards & Compliance
Bus Compliance:
- Fully compliant with PCI Local Bus Specification (Revision 2.1 or later)
Communication Standards:
- RS-422 (EIA-422) differential serial communication standard
- RS-485 (EIA-485) differential multi-drop serial communication standard
Electrical and Safety Compliance:
- CE compliant (Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive)
- FCC Class A compliant for industrial environments
- RoHS compliant (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
Industry Standards:
- UART 16550 compatible
- Standard DB9 pinout for RS-422/485 communication
- Compatible with TIA/EIA serial communication protocols
9. Additional Information
Warranty:
Typically supplied with a standard manufacturer’s warranty (1–2 years depending on region and distributor). Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal operating conditions.
Technical Support:
Axiom provides technical documentation, driver downloads, and configuration utilities through its official support channels. Technical assistance is available via email, phone, or online support portal.
Maintenance:
The AX4200PB requires minimal maintenance. Periodic inspection of connectors and cables is recommended to ensure reliable electrical contact. The card should be kept free of dust and moisture to maintain optimal performance.
Firmware and Software Updates:
Driver and firmware updates, if applicable, are available from Axiom’s website. Users are encouraged to keep software components up to date to ensure compatibility with newer operating systems and hardware platforms.
Service and Replacement:
In the event of hardware failure, the card can be replaced under warranty or serviced through authorized Axiom service centers.
Environmental Considerations:
The product is designed for long-term reliability and complies with environmental directives for electronic waste reduction. End-of-life units should be disposed of according to local electronic recycling regulations.
Summary
The Axiom AX4200PB PCI RS-422/485 2-Port Serial Communication Card is a robust, industrial-grade interface solution designed for reliable asynchronous serial communication. With dual ports, 16550 UART buffering, flexible configuration options, and standard PCI compatibility, it provides a dependable platform for connecting RS-422/485 devices to PC-based control and monitoring systems. Its combination of hardware configurability, diagnostic LEDs, and wide compatibility makes it ideal for industrial automation, data acquisition, and embedded control applications where stable and efficient serial communication is essential.
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