1. Product Overview

Product Name: EX9188A5D-512
Model: EX9188A5D-512
Series: EX9188XD Series
Article Number: EX9188A5D-512
Manufacturer: TOPSCCC (Taiwan)

The EX9188A5D-512 is an industrial-grade embedded controller designed for automation, data acquisition, and control applications. It integrates an AMD Am188™ ES 40 MHz CPU, multiple serial communication interfaces (RS‑232 and RS‑485), and onboard memory resources including Flash, SRAM, EEPROM, and NVRAM. The system operates under ROM‑DOS with a built‑in miniBIOS, providing a PC‑like environment for embedded control without the need for a full operating system. The compact, fanless design and wide operating temperature range make it suitable for harsh industrial environments.

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2. Key Features

- High‑Performance Embedded CPU: AMD Am188™ ES processor running at 40 MHz, optimized for industrial control and embedded applications.
- Integrated ROM‑DOS Operating System: Provides a DOS‑compatible environment for running standard DOS executables, simplifying software development and deployment.
- Multiple Serial Interfaces:
- 2 × RS‑232 ports (COM3, COM4)
- 1 × RS‑485 port (COM2)
- 1 × RS‑232/RS‑485 selectable port (COM1)
Each port supports baud rates up to 115,200 bps.
- Onboard Memory Resources:
- 512 KB Flash ROM (Am29F010‑70EC) for ROM‑DISK and firmware storage
- 256 KB SRAM (A617308V‑12 × 2) for program execution and RAM‑DISK
- 2 KB EEPROM for parameter storage
- 32 bytes NVSRAM (DS1302) with 10‑year battery backup
- Real‑Time Clock (RTC): DS1302 Y2K‑compliant RTC with date range from 1980 – 2079.
- Display and Indicators:
- 5‑digit 7‑segment LED display for numeric or alphanumeric output
- 1 user‑controllable LED indicator
- Watchdog Timer: Hardware watchdog with 1.6 s timeout for system reliability.
- Wide Power Input Range: 10 – 30 V DC unregulated input.
- Low Power Consumption: 2.0 W static, 3.0 W dynamic.
- Industrial Durability: Fanless, vibration‑resistant, and capable of operating from −40 °C to +80 °C.
- Compact Form Factor: 117 mm × 71 mm × 26 mm, suitable for DIN‑rail or panel mounting.
- Software Development Support: Comprehensive C‑language library (9188 Library) for communication, LED control, memory access, timers, and watchdog management.

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3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|-------------------|
| CPU | AMD Am188™ ES, 40 MHz |
| Memory | 512 KB Flash ROM (Am29F010‑70EC); 256 KB SRAM (A617308V‑12 × 2); 2 KB EEPROM; 32 B NVSRAM |
| RTC | DS1302, Y2K‑compliant, 1980–2079 |
| I/O Ports | 4 × COM ports (2 × RS‑232, 1 × RS‑485, 1 × RS‑232/RS‑485 selectable) |
| Baud Rate | Up to 115,200 bps per port |
| GPIOs | 32 general‑purpose I/O lines |
| Timers | 2 hardware timers |
| Interrupts | 6 hardware interrupts |
| LED Display | 5 × 7‑segment digits, 1 × status LED |
| Power Supply | 10 – 30 V DC (unregulated) |
| Power Consumption | 2.0 W (static), 3.0 W (dynamic) |
| Dimensions | 117 mm × 71 mm × 26 mm |
| Operating Temperature | −40 °C to +80 °C |
| Storage Temperature | −40 °C to +85 °C |
| Humidity | 0 – 90 % RH (non‑condensing) |
| Weight | Approx. 150 g (typical) |
| Mounting | DIN‑rail or panel mount |
| Enclosure | Fanless, ruggedized industrial casing |

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4. Functionality

The EX9188A5D‑512 functions as a standalone embedded controller capable of executing control logic, data acquisition, and communication tasks. It replaces traditional PCs or PLCs in distributed control systems. The onboard ROM‑DOS allows execution of standard DOS programs, while the miniBIOS initializes hardware and provides essential system services.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation and process control
- Data acquisition and serial device networking
- Machine monitoring and diagnostics
- Remote terminal units (RTUs)
- Embedded data loggers
- Communication gateways between RS‑232 and RS‑485 devices

Compatibility:
- Compatible with standard DOS executables and C‑compiled applications.
- Interfaces seamlessly with PCs via RS‑232 for debugging, file transfer, and firmware updates.
- Supports HyperTerminal and COMM.EXE for serial communication and file management.

Operation Principle:
- COM4 is used for debugging and program download via XMODEM protocol.
- COM1–COM3 handle device communication (RS‑232/RS‑485).
- The INIT* pin enables ROM‑DISK updates when grounded during boot.
- The 7‑segment LED and single LED are software‑controlled for status display.
- EEPROM and NVRAM store configuration and runtime data.
- Watchdog timer ensures system recovery from software faults.

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Components:
- EX9188A5D‑512 main module
- 10‑pin screw terminal block for power and COM2–COM4 connections
- DB‑9 male connector for COM1 (RS‑232/RS‑485 selectable)
- Internal jumpers (JP5, JP6, JP7) for COM1 mode selection
- Built‑in lithium battery for RTC/NVRAM backup

Optional Accessories:
- DIN‑rail mounting kit
- RS‑232/RS‑485 communication cables
- External power supply (10–30 V DC)
- PC software utilities (COMM.EXE, TRANSFER.EXE, XM.EXE, TOROM.EXE, ROMDISK.EXE)

Connectors and Pinouts:
- 10‑pin Terminal Block:
- Pins 1–2: RXD4/TXD4 (COM4 RS‑232)
- Pins 3–5: GND, TXD3, RXD3 (COM3 RS‑232)
- Pin 6: INIT* (ROM‑DISK update trigger)
- Pins 7–8: D2+/D2− (COM2 RS‑485)
- Pins 9–10: +VS (10–30 V DC), GND
- COM1 (DB‑9 Male): Standard RS‑232 pinout with RS‑485 option via jumpers.

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6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- DC power supply (10–30 V DC)
- PC with RS‑232 port for configuration and debugging
- HyperTerminal or equivalent serial communication software

Mounting Options:
- DIN‑rail or panel mounting using standard brackets.
- Ensure adequate ventilation and protection from moisture and dust.

Configuration Steps:
1. Connect power and communication lines per pin assignments.
2. Set COM1 mode (RS‑232 or RS‑485) using jumpers JP5–JP7.
3. Connect COM4 to PC for initial setup.
4. Use HyperTerminal (57600 bps, 8N1) to access the ROM‑DOS prompt.
5. Transfer files or firmware using XMODEM protocol via TOROM.EXE or XM.EXE.
6. Configure communication parameters and test ports using COMM.EXE.

Software Setup:
- ROM‑DISK image creation via ROMDISK.EXE.
- Flash update via TOROM.EXE.
- Virtual RAM‑DISK configuration using VDISK.SYS in CONFIG.SYS.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Processing Speed: 40 MHz Am188 CPU provides deterministic real‑time performance for control tasks.
- Communication Throughput: Up to 115.2 kbps per serial port; simultaneous multi‑port operation supported.
- Memory Utilization:
- ROM‑DISK (Flash): Stores OS and user programs.
- RAM‑DISK (SRAM): Temporary data storage.
- EEPROM/NVRAM: Persistent configuration storage.
- Power Efficiency: 2–3 W total consumption enables low‑heat, fanless operation.
- Reliability: Watchdog timer resets system after 1.6 s inactivity; 10‑year RTC battery backup ensures data retention.
- Environmental Tolerance: Operates reliably from −40 °C to +80 °C and up to 90 % RH.
- Limitations:
- No built‑in display, keyboard, or storage beyond Flash/SRAM.
- Limited to DOS‑based applications (no multitasking OS).
- RS‑485 direction control must be managed by software.

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Electrical Safety: Designed for low‑voltage DC operation (10–30 V DC).
- Environmental Compliance: Industrial‑grade temperature and humidity specifications.
- Software Compatibility: Fully compatible with Datalight ROM‑DOS and standard DOS executables.
- Y2K Compliance: RTC supports full date range 1980–2079.
- Industry Standards:
- RS‑232 (EIA/TIA‑232‑F)
- RS‑485 (EIA/TIA‑485‑A)
- DOS API compatibility for embedded systems
- Quality Assurance: Manufactured under industrial quality control standards for embedded controllers.

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9. Additional Information

Warranty:
Typically supplied with a 1‑year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects.

Technical Support:
TOPSCCC provides hardware manuals, software utilities, and C‑library documentation for developers. Support includes firmware updates, example code, and troubleshooting guides.

Maintenance:
- Periodically verify power supply stability and connector integrity.
- Replace RTC battery every 8–10 years to maintain timekeeping and NVRAM data.
- Use watchdog timer and EEPROM protection functions to prevent data corruption.

Software Updates:
- ROM‑DISK and firmware can be updated via COM4 using TOROM.EXE and XMODEM protocol.
- User applications can be transferred through COMM.EXE or XM.EXE utilities.

Developer Resources:
- 9188 Library: Provides C‑language APIs for COM port control, LED management, EEPROM/NVRAM access, timers, and watchdog functions.
- Supported Compilers: Borland C++ 3.1 or Turbo C in small model (80186 target).
- Example Functions:
- `InstallCom1()`, `ToCom()`, `ReadCom()` for serial communication
- `Init5DigitLed()`, `Show5DigitLed()` for display control
- `EnableWDT()`, `RefreshWDT()` for watchdog management
- `ReadEEP()`, `WriteEEP()` for EEPROM operations

System Boot Sequence:
1. MiniBIOS initializes hardware and interrupts.
2. ROM‑DOS loads from Flash and mounts ROM‑DISK (A:).
3. CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT execute user startup routines.
4. DOS prompt (A:\>) appears for command execution.

Summary:
The EX9188A5D‑512 is a robust, low‑power embedded controller integrating a 40 MHz Am188 CPU, multiple serial interfaces, and a ROM‑DOS environment. Its combination of Flash, SRAM, EEPROM, and RTC/NVRAM provides flexible data storage and reliable operation in industrial automation systems. With comprehensive software support and a wide operating range, it serves as a compact, cost‑effective alternative to traditional PLCs or PC‑based controllers in demanding industrial applications.