1. Product Overview

Product Name: CardBus Serial 1-Port RS-422A/485 Interface Card
Model: COM‑1PD(CB)H
Series: COM‑CBH Series (CardBus Communication Interface Cards)
Article Number: COM‑1PD(CB)H
Manufacturer: CONTEC CO., LTD. (Osaka, Japan)
Product Type: Industrial-grade CardBus serial communication interface card
Bus Standard: PC Card Standard (CardBus, Type II)
Interface Standard: RS‑422A / RS‑485 (asynchronous serial communication)
Intended Use: Expansion of serial communication capability for notebook or embedded PCs equipped with CardBus slots, supporting industrial automation, measurement, and control applications.

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2. Key Features

- High-Speed Serial Communication: Supports asynchronous RS‑422A/RS‑485 communication at baud rates from 2 bps up to 921,600 bps (software selectable).
- Electrical Isolation: Incorporates an internal isolation circuit between the PC bus and communication lines, providing 300 V DC dielectric strength to protect against ground potential differences and electrical noise.
- Surge Protection: All communication lines are equipped with surge protection circuits to prevent damage from transient voltage spikes.
- Long-Distance Communication: Supports communication distances up to 1,200 m (depending on baud rate and cable quality).
- Flexible Duplex Modes: Switch-selectable full‑duplex or half‑duplex operation; supports RTS/CTS control and automatic RTS switching for half‑duplex mode.
- Configurable Termination: Built‑in 100 Ω terminating resistors can be enabled or disabled via DIP switch for proper line termination in multi‑drop (party‑line) networks.
- FIFO Buffers: 128‑byte transmit and 128‑byte receive FIFO buffers per channel reduce CPU load and ensure stable high‑speed data transfer.
- Standard COM Port Emulation: Appears as a standard COM port under Windows or Linux, allowing use with existing serial communication software.
- Multi‑OS Support: Compatible with Windows XP/2000/Server 2003/Me/98SE/98 and Linux.
- Compact and Portable: Type II CardBus form factor suitable for notebook PCs and portable test systems.
- Diagnostic and Development Tools: Includes self‑diagnostic utilities (CommChk, CTstCom) and sample programs for Visual Basic and Visual C++.
- Software Development Kit: Supports CONTEC’s API‑PAC(W32) library for high‑speed, low‑level control via Win32 API functions.
- Dual‑Card Operation: Up to two COM‑1PD(CB)H cards can be used simultaneously under Windows XP/2000/Server 2003.
- Industrial Reliability: Designed for stable operation in environments with electrical noise, vibration, and extended temperature ranges.

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3. Technical Specifications

| Item | Specification |
|-----------|-------------------|
| Number of Channels | 1 channel |
| Interface Standard | RS‑422A / RS‑485 (asynchronous) |
| Transfer Method | Asynchronous serial transfer (full‑ or half‑duplex) |
| Baud Rate Range | 2 – 921,600 bps (software selectable) |
| Data Length | 5, 6, 7, 8 bits |
| Stop Bits | 1, 1.5, 2 bits |
| Parity | Even, Odd, or None |
| Controller | 162850 UART or equivalent (128‑byte FIFO for TX/RX) |
| Interrupts | One interrupt request signal (INTA) |
| I/O Address | Allocated on any 32‑byte boundary |
| Isolation | Bus isolation, dielectric strength 300 V DC |
| Communication Distance | Up to 1,200 m (max.) @ 9,600 bps; 300 m @ 115,200 bps |
| Power Supply | 3.3 V DC (PC Card bus) |
| Power Consumption | 300 mA (max., terminator OFF) / 500 mA (max., terminator ON) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 – 50 °C |
| Operating Humidity | 10 – 90 % RH (non‑condensing) |
| Card Type | PC Card Standard CardBus (Type II) |
| Dimensions | Standard CardBus Type II form factor |
| Weight | 30 g (card only); 80 g including cable |
| Cable Length | 250 mm (supplied) |
| Connector Type | 9‑pin D‑SUB male (DELC‑J9PAF‑20L9 [JAE] or equivalent) |
| Isolation Voltage | 300 V DC (minimum) |
| Bus Interface | 32‑bit CardBus (PC Card Standard Type II) |
| Environmental Resistance | No corrosive gases; minimal dust; vibration‑resistant |
| Compliance | PC Card Standard (CardBus compliant) |

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4. Functionality

The COM‑1PD(CB)H provides one isolated RS‑422A/RS‑485 serial communication port through a CardBus interface. It enables reliable, high‑speed data exchange between a host PC and external industrial devices such as PLCs, sensors, motor controllers, or measurement instruments.

Operating Principle:
- The card’s UART (162850 compatible) manages asynchronous serial communication with configurable baud rate, parity, and stop bits.
- The onboard isolation circuit separates the PC’s internal bus from the communication lines, preventing ground loops and protecting against electrical noise.
- Surge protection components absorb transient voltages on signal lines.
- The card supports both full‑duplex (four‑wire) and half‑duplex (two‑wire) RS‑485 communication. DIP switches on the connection cable allow selection of mode and termination.
- Automatic RTS switching hardware simplifies half‑duplex control by toggling transmit/receive direction without CPU intervention.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation and process control systems requiring long‑distance serial links.
- Data acquisition and measurement systems using RS‑485 sensors or instruments.
- Communication with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), motor drives, or distributed I/O modules.
- Integration into portable diagnostic or configuration tools for field maintenance.
- Laboratory or production test setups requiring isolated serial communication.

Compatibility:
- Fully compatible with Windows and Linux serial communication APIs.
- Appears as a standard COM port (COM1–COM256) after driver installation.
- Supports commercial applications that communicate via standard serial ports.

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
1. PC Card: COM‑1PD(CB)H main unit.
2. Connection Cable: PCE32/9P1PDS (250 mm, 9‑pin D‑SUB male connector).
3. PC Card Attachment: CARD‑AT1 set (for mechanical support and grounding).
4. First Step Guide: Quick start manual.
5. COM Setup Disk (CD‑ROM): Contains Windows/Linux drivers, user’s guide, diagnostic utilities, and sample programs.

Optional Accessories:
- CN5‑D9F: D‑SUB 9‑pin female connector set (5 pieces).
- CN5‑D9M: D‑SUB 9‑pin male connector set (5 pieces).
- Custom Cables: User‑fabricated cables using optional connector sets.
- API‑PAC(W32): Downloadable driver library for Windows application development.

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6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- PC with CardBus (Type II) slot compliant with PC Card Standard.
- Supported OS: Windows XP/2000/Server 2003/Me/98SE/98 or Linux.
- Administrator privileges for driver installation.

Hardware Setup Steps:
1. Connect Cable: Attach the supplied connection cable to the PC Card before insertion.
2. Attach Card Bracket: Fit the CARD‑AT1 attachment to secure the cable and provide grounding.
3. Configure Switches:
- Set full/half‑duplex mode and RTS/CTS control via DIP switch SW1.
- Enable/disable 100 Ω terminating resistors as required for network topology.
4. Insert Card: Insert the card into the CardBus slot with the PC powered off.
5. Power On PC: The OS detects the new hardware and launches the Found New Hardware Wizard.
6. Install Driver: Specify the driver path on the CD‑ROM (\PCCARD\Com(cb)\ComDrv).
7. Verify Installation: Confirm device registration under [Device Manager → Ports (COM & LPT)].
8. Assign COM Port Number: Adjust port numbers if necessary via Device Manager (Windows XP/2000).
9. Run Diagnostics: Use CommChk.exe or CTstCom.exe to verify communication operation.

Linux Setup:
- Install the Linux driver from the CD‑ROM (\Linux\Readmee.htm).
- Configure the device as a standard tty port (/dev/ttyS*).

Safety Precautions:
- Do not insert or remove the card while the PC is powered.
- Avoid excessive force on the connector or cable.
- Operate within specified temperature and humidity ranges.
- Ensure proper grounding in noisy environments.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Speed: 2 – 921,600 bps (software selectable).
- Transmission Modes: Full‑duplex (4‑wire) or half‑duplex (2‑wire).
- Communication Distance: Up to 1,200 m at 9,600 bps (28 AWG double‑shielded twisted pair).
- FIFO Buffers: 128 bytes each for TX and RX per channel.
- Automatic RTS Switching: Hardware‑based direction control for half‑duplex operation.
- CPU Load Reduction: Adjustable FIFO trigger levels minimize interrupt frequency.
- Reliability: Surge protection and isolation ensure stable operation in industrial environments.
- Limitations:
- Maximum two CardBus cards per PC (Windows XP/2000/Server 2003).
- High‑speed operation depends on cable quality and environmental noise.
- Power saving modes (standby/hibernate) not supported.

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Standard: PC Card Standard (CardBus, Type II).
- Communication Standard: RS‑422A / RS‑485 (EIA compliant).
- Electrical Isolation: 300 V DC bus isolation between PC and communication lines.
- Surge Protection: Integrated on all signal lines.
- Software Standards:
- Windows Standard COM Driver (WDM).
- Linux tty driver compatibility.
- API‑PAC(W32) Win32 API library support.
- Environmental Compliance: Designed for industrial use (0 – 50 °C, 10 – 90 % RH).
- Regulatory Compliance: Conforms to PC Card and RS‑422A/485 industry standards.
- Quality Assurance: Manufactured under CONTEC’s ISO‑certified quality system.

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9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Limited three‑year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
- Covers electronic circuitry only; excludes physical damage or misuse.
- Service requires Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) and proof of purchase.

Support & Maintenance:
- Technical support available via CONTEC regional offices and authorized distributors.
- Online resources include manuals, driver updates, and sample code.
- Website: [https://www.contec.com](https://www.contec.com)
- Japanese: [https://www.contec.co.jp](https://www.contec.co.jp)
- Chinese: [https://www.contec.com.cn](https://www.contec.com.cn)

Software Updates:
- Updated drivers and API‑PAC(W32) libraries available for download.
- Sample programs provided for Visual Basic and Visual C++ demonstrate basic transmit/receive operations.

Maintenance Guidelines:
- Periodically inspect connectors for corrosion or contamination.
- Store in original packaging when not in use.
- Dispose of electronic components according to local regulations.

Environmental Conditions:
- Operating Temperature: 0 – 50 °C
- Storage Temperature: Room temperature, dry environment
- Humidity: 10 – 90 % RH (non‑condensing)
- Avoid exposure to corrosive gases or excessive dust.

Safety Information:
- Do not use in flammable or corrosive atmospheres.
- Ensure adequate power supply capacity for all installed cards.
- Do not modify the product; unauthorized modifications void warranty.

Manufacturer Contact:
CONTEC CO., LTD.
3‑9‑31 Himesato, Nishiyodogawa‑ku, Osaka 555‑0025, Japan
Tel: +81‑6‑6472‑7141
Website: [https://www.contec.com](https://www.contec.com)

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### Summary

The CONTEC COM‑1PD(CB)H is a robust, high‑performance CardBus serial interface card designed for industrial and laboratory environments requiring reliable RS‑422A/RS‑485 communication. It combines high‑speed data transfer (up to 921.6 kbps), electrical isolation, surge protection, and flexible duplex operation in a compact Type II PC Card form factor. With comprehensive driver support for Windows and Linux, standard COM port emulation, and included diagnostic and development tools, the COM‑1PD(CB)H provides a versatile solution for extending serial communication capabilities in portable or embedded systems. Its long‑distance communication capability (up to 1.2 km), configurable termination, and hardware‑based RTS control make it ideal for industrial automation, measurement, and control applications where reliability and electrical safety are paramount.