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CP-104UL

UPCI 4*port RS232, low profile
  • Manufacturer Moxa
  • Category: RS232 4-Ports
  • UPCI 4-port RS-232, low-profile expansion board designed for industrial and commercial PC systems requiring multiple serial communication interfaces. The MOXA CP-104UL is part of MOXA’s CP-104 Universal PCI series, engineered to meet the latest PCI slot standards for modern PC servers and industrial computers. It provides four independent RS-232 serial ports through a single low-profile PCI card, enabling reliable connectivity for data acquisition systems, serial instruments, and legacy communication devices.
- Universal PCI Compatibility: Supports both 3.3V and 5V PCI slots, ensuring compatibility with virtually all modern PC servers and industrial computers.
- Four Independent RS-232 Ports: Provides four fully independent serial communication channels for simultaneous data transmission and reception.
- High-Speed Data Transfer: Supports baud rates from 50 bps up to 230.4 Kbps, suitable for a wide range of serial communication applications.
- Low-Profile Design: Compact 65 × 120 mm form factor with an 80 mm low-profile bracket, ideal for space-constrained systems and rack-mounted servers.
- Embedded Surge Protection: Integrated 16 kV ESD protection on all signal lines ensures robust operation in electrically noisy environments.
- Advanced UART Controller: Equipped with MOXA’s proprietary UART (16C550C compatible) featuring a 64-byte FIFO for efficient data buffering and reduced CPU load.
- Flexible Connector Options: Standard DB-44 female connector on the board, with included breakout cable to four DB9 male connectors (DB25 optional).
- Plug-and-Play Configuration: BIOS automatically assigns I/O addresses and IRQs, simplifying installation and system integration.
- Comprehensive Software Support: Includes MOXA Software CD with drivers and utilities for major operating systems.
- Regulatory Compliance: Certified to CE and FCC standards for electromagnetic compatibility and safety.

Country of origin: Taiwan R.O.C.

Customs tariff number: 8473 3020 000

Comprehensive Product Summary – MOXA CP-104UL Universal PCI 4-Port RS-232 Board




### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: CP-104UL
Model: CP-104UL
Series: CP-104U Series (Universal PCI Serial Communication Boards)
Article Number: CP-104UL
Manufacturer: MOXA Inc.
Product Type: 4-Port RS-232 Universal PCI Communication Board (Low Profile)
Product Description: UPCI 4-port RS-232, low-profile expansion board designed for industrial and commercial PC systems requiring multiple serial communication interfaces.

The MOXA CP-104UL is part of MOXA’s CP-104 Universal PCI series, engineered to meet the latest PCI slot standards for modern PC servers and industrial computers. It provides four independent RS-232 serial ports through a single low-profile PCI card, enabling reliable connectivity for data acquisition systems, serial instruments, and legacy communication devices. The CP-104UL supports both 3.3V and 5V PCI bus architectures, ensuring broad compatibility with a wide range of server and workstation motherboards.




### 2. Key Features

- Universal PCI Compatibility: Supports both 3.3V and 5V PCI slots, ensuring compatibility with virtually all modern PC servers and industrial computers.
- Four Independent RS-232 Ports: Provides four fully independent serial communication channels for simultaneous data transmission and reception.
- High-Speed Data Transfer: Supports baud rates from 50 bps up to 230.4 Kbps, suitable for a wide range of serial communication applications.
- Low-Profile Design: Compact 65 × 120 mm form factor with an 80 mm low-profile bracket, ideal for space-constrained systems and rack-mounted servers.
- Embedded Surge Protection: Integrated 16 kV ESD protection on all signal lines ensures robust operation in electrically noisy environments.
- Advanced UART Controller: Equipped with MOXA’s proprietary UART (16C550C compatible) featuring a 64-byte FIFO for efficient data buffering and reduced CPU load.
- Flexible Connector Options: Standard DB-44 female connector on the board, with included breakout cable to four DB9 male connectors (DB25 optional).
- Plug-and-Play Configuration: BIOS automatically assigns I/O addresses and IRQs, simplifying installation and system integration.
- Comprehensive Software Support: Includes MOXA Software CD with drivers and utilities for major operating systems.
- Regulatory Compliance: Certified to CE and FCC standards for electromagnetic compatibility and safety.




### 3. Technical Specifications

Bus Interface:
- 32-bit Universal PCI (3.3V/5V compatible)
- Low-profile PCI form factor

Number of Ports: 4 independent RS-232 serial ports

Maximum Number of Boards per System: 4

Communication Controller:
- MOXA proprietary UART (16C550C compatible)
- 64-byte FIFO per port

Baud Rate Range: 50 bps to 230.4 Kbps

Data Bits: 5, 6, 7, or 8 bits

Stop Bits: 1, 1.5, or 2 bits

Parity Options: None, Even, Odd, Space, Mark

Signal Lines: TxD, RxD, RTS, CTS, DCD, DTR, DSR, GND

Connector Type:
- On-board: DB-44 female
- Cable: 0.3 m male DB-44 to 4 × male DB9 (standard)
- Optional Cable: 0.3 m male DB-44 to 4 × male DB25

Surge Protection: Embedded 16 kV ESD protection on all signal lines

Dimensions (W × D): 65 × 120 mm
Low-Profile Bracket Length: 80 mm

Weight: Approximately 100–120 g (board only, without cable)

Environmental Conditions:
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C
- Storage Temperature: -20°C to 85°C
- Relative Humidity: 5% to 95% RH (non-condensing)

Regulatory Approvals: CE, FCC




### 4. Functionality

The MOXA CP-104UL functions as a multi-port serial communication interface card, enabling PCs and servers to connect to multiple RS-232 devices simultaneously. Each of the four ports operates independently, allowing concurrent communication with different serial instruments or terminals.

How It Works:
Once installed in a PCI slot, the CP-104UL is recognized by the system BIOS, which automatically assigns I/O addresses and IRQs. The MOXA UART controller manages data flow between the host system and connected serial devices, using a 64-byte FIFO buffer to optimize throughput and minimize CPU overhead. The board’s embedded surge protection safeguards against electrostatic discharge and transient voltage spikes, ensuring stable operation in industrial environments.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation and control systems
- Data acquisition and monitoring equipment
- Laboratory instrumentation and test systems
- Point-of-sale (POS) terminals and kiosks
- Serial-based communication with modems, barcode scanners, and sensors
- Legacy system integration where RS-232 connectivity is required

Compatibility:
- Compatible with both 3.3V and 5V PCI slots
- Works with standard PC servers, industrial PCs, and embedded systems
- Supported by MOXA’s driver suite for major operating systems (Windows, Linux, and others)




### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- CP-104UL 4-port RS-232 Universal PCI board (low-profile)
- 0.3 m breakout cable: male DB-44 to 4 × male DB9 connectors
- MOXA Software CD (drivers, utilities, documentation)

Optional Accessories:
- CBL-M44M25x4: 4-port male DB-44 to 4 × male DB25 connectors, 30 cm cable (for CP-104UL, CP-134U, CP-134U-I)
- CBL-M44M9x4: 4-port male DB-44 to 4 × male DB9 connectors, 30 cm cable (standard for CP-104UL)

Connectors and Interfaces:
- On-board DB-44 female connector for breakout cable connection
- Each port provides standard RS-232 pinout via DB9 or DB25 connectors




### 6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- Available PCI slot (Universal PCI, 3.3V or 5V)
- Compatible operating system with MOXA driver support
- Standard PC or industrial computer chassis (low-profile compatible)

Installation Steps:
1. Power off the host system and remove the chassis cover.
2. Insert the CP-104UL card into an available PCI slot, ensuring a secure fit.
3. Attach the low-profile bracket if required for compact enclosures.
4. Connect the included DB-44 to DB9 breakout cable to the board’s DB-44 connector.
5. Connect serial devices to the DB9 connectors.
6. Power on the system; the BIOS will automatically assign I/O and IRQ resources.
7. Install MOXA-provided drivers from the included software CD or download from MOXA’s website.
8. Verify installation using MOXA’s diagnostic utilities or the operating system’s device manager.

Mounting Options:
- Standard PCI slot installation
- Low-profile bracket for compact or rack-mounted systems

Configuration:
- Plug-and-play configuration with BIOS-assigned resources
- Software-configurable communication parameters (baud rate, parity, stop bits, etc.)




### 7. Performance & Capabilities

Data Throughput:
- Supports baud rates from 50 bps to 230.4 Kbps per port
- 64-byte FIFO buffers per port ensure smooth data flow and reduced CPU utilization

Capacity:
- Up to four independent RS-232 ports per board
- Up to four boards can be installed in a single system, providing a total of 16 serial ports

Efficiency:
- Hardware-based flow control (RTS/CTS) for reliable data transmission
- Optimized UART design minimizes latency and maximizes throughput

Limitations:
- RS-232 only (no RS-422/485 support)
- Maximum baud rate limited to 230.4 Kbps
- Operating temperature limited to 55°C (not suitable for extreme industrial environments without additional cooling)

Reliability:
- Embedded 16 kV ESD protection ensures long-term stability and protection against electrical surges
- MOXA’s industrial-grade design ensures consistent performance under continuous operation




### 8. Standards & Compliance

Electrical and Mechanical Standards:
- Universal PCI Specification (32-bit, 33 MHz, 3.3V/5V signaling)
- RS-232 serial communication standard

Safety and EMC Compliance:
- CE Mark: Conforms to European safety and electromagnetic compatibility directives
- FCC Class A: Meets U.S. Federal Communications Commission requirements for industrial and commercial environments

Environmental Compliance:
- Designed for operation in standard industrial temperature and humidity ranges
- RoHS-compliant materials (lead-free manufacturing)

Industry Standards Supported:
- EIA/TIA RS-232 standard for serial communication
- PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.2 and later




### 9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Standard MOXA warranty (typically 5 years, depending on region and distributor policy)

Technical Support:
- Comprehensive technical support available via MOXA’s global support network
- Online resources include driver downloads, FAQs, and troubleshooting guides

Maintenance:
- No regular maintenance required beyond standard system care
- Periodic inspection of connectors and cables recommended for optimal performance

Firmware and Software Updates:
- Driver and firmware updates available from MOXA’s official website
- MOXA provides long-term driver support for major operating systems, ensuring compatibility with future OS versions

Product Lifecycle and Availability:
- CP-104UL is part of MOXA’s long-term availability product line, ensuring extended production and support for industrial customers

Documentation and Resources:
- User manual and installation guide included on the MOXA Software CD
- Additional documentation, datasheets, and certifications available online




### Summary

The MOXA CP-104UL is a robust, low-profile, 4-port RS-232 Universal PCI communication board designed for industrial and commercial applications requiring reliable multi-port serial connectivity. Its universal PCI interface supports both 3.3V and 5V systems, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of modern and legacy PCs. With embedded 16 kV ESD protection, a 64-byte FIFO UART, and flexible connector options, the CP-104UL delivers stable, high-performance serial communication in compact form factors.

Ideal for data acquisition, automation, and instrumentation systems, the CP-104UL combines industrial reliability with ease of installation and long-term support, making it a trusted solution for engineers and system integrators seeking dependable serial connectivity in demanding environments.




Keywords for Technical Search:
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