Comprehensive Product Summary – SUNIX IPC‑P3004 Universal PCI 4‑Port RS‑232/422/485 Serial Communication Card

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: Universal PCI 4‑Port RS‑232/422/485 (3‑in‑1) Serial Communication Card
Model Number: IPC‑P3004
Series: Industrial Multi‑Port Serial Communication Boards
Article Number: IPC‑P3004
Manufacturer: SUNIX Co., Ltd.
Product Type: Professional Universal PCI Serial Communication Card
Bus Interface: Universal PCI (PCI Ver. 3.0 / 2.3 / 2.2, 64/32‑bit, 3.3V/5V, PCI‑X 33/66 MHz compatible)
Country of Origin: Taiwan

The SUNIX IPC‑P3004 is a high‑performance, industrial‑grade 4‑port serial communication card designed for universal PCI systems. It supports RS‑232, RS‑422, and RS‑485 interfaces in a single 3‑in‑1 configuration, providing flexible connectivity for a wide range of industrial, automation, and data communication applications. The card integrates SUNIX’s proprietary Matrix UART controller and AHDC/CS™ (Auto Hardware Direction Control/Carrier Sense) technology, ensuring reliable, high‑speed, and intelligent serial communication across multiple ports.

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### 2. Key Features

- 3‑in‑1 Serial Interface Support: Each of the four ports can independently operate as RS‑232, RS‑422, or RS‑485, selectable automatically without jumpers.
- High‑Speed Communication: Supports baud rates from 75 bps up to 921.6 Kbps per port.
- Matrix UART Controller: Single‑chip ASIC design with integrated 16C750‑compatible UARTs and 64‑byte hardware FIFO for each port, ensuring low latency and high throughput.
- Auto Detect & Switching Technology: Automatically detects and switches between RS‑422 full‑duplex and RS‑485 half‑duplex modes without manual configuration.
- AHDC/CS™ Direction Control: SUNIX’s proprietary Auto Hardware Direction Control/Carrier Sense technology automatically manages RS‑485 signal direction, preventing data collisions and ensuring precise timing.
- Universal PCI Compatibility: Works with both 3.3V and 5V PCI slots, including PCI‑X 33/66 MHz systems.
- Embedded ESD Protection: 15 kV electrostatic discharge protection on all signal lines for enhanced reliability in industrial environments.
- Unlimited Scalability: Supports installation of multiple cards in a single system (limited only by available PCI slots).
- Software Flow Control: XON/XOFF supported for reliable data transmission.
- Plug‑and‑Play Configuration: IRQ and I/O addresses automatically assigned by the system BIOS or operating system.
- Cross‑Platform Driver Support: Compatible with Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista (32/64‑bit), DOS, Linux 2.4/2.6, and SCO OpenServer 5.06/5.07.
- Industrial‑Grade Design: Operating temperature range of 0°C to 70°C and storage range of ‑40°C to 85°C.
- Long‑Term Reliability: Backed by a 5‑year manufacturer warranty.

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### 3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|-------------------|
| Interface Type | Universal PCI (PCI Ver. 3.0 / 2.3 / 2.2) |
| Bus Width / Voltage | 64/32‑bit, 3.3V / 5V |
| PCI‑X Compatibility | 33 MHz / 66 MHz |
| Number of Ports | 4 independent serial ports |
| Connector Type | DB44 Female on card |
| Cable Interface | DB44 Male to 4×DB9 or DB25 Male (40 cm / 100 cm) |
| UART Controller | Matrix ASIC, 16C750 compatible |
| FIFO Buffer | 64‑byte hardware FIFO per port |
| Baud Rate Range | 75 bps to 921.6 Kbps |
| Data Bits | 5, 6, 7, 8 |
| Stop Bits | 1, 1.5, 2 |
| Parity Options | None, Even, Odd, Space, Mark |
| Flow Control | XON/XOFF (software) |
| Signal Lines (RS‑232) | TxD, RxD, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, GND |
| Signal Lines (RS‑422) | TxD+, TxD‑, RxD+, RxD‑, GND |
| Signal Lines (RS‑485 4‑Wire) | TxD+, TxD‑, RxD+, RxD‑, GND |
| Signal Lines (RS‑485 2‑Wire) | Data+, Data‑, GND |
| ESD Protection | 15 kV embedded protection |
| RS‑485 Direction Control | SUNIX AHDC/CS™ automatic hardware control |
| Auto Detection | RS‑422/RS‑485 auto detect and switch |
| IRQ / I/O Address | Assigned automatically by system |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 70°C |
| Storage Temperature | ‑40°C to 85°C |
| Operating Humidity | 5% to 95% RH (non‑condensing) |
| Dimensions (W × D) | 63.5 × 120 mm (Low Profile & Standard Bracket) |
| Regulatory Approvals | CE, FCC Class B |
| Warranty | 5 years |

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### 4. Functionality

The IPC‑P3004 functions as a multi‑port serial communication interface card that expands a system’s serial connectivity through a single PCI slot. Each of its four ports can independently operate in RS‑232, RS‑422, or RS‑485 mode, providing maximum flexibility for connecting diverse serial devices.

Operation Principle:
- The card’s Matrix UART controller manages data transmission and reception for each port with hardware FIFO buffering, minimizing CPU load.
- The AHDC/CS™ technology automatically controls RS‑485 driver enable/disable timing, ensuring accurate half‑duplex communication without software intervention.
- The Auto Detect & Switching mechanism identifies whether a connected device requires RS‑422 or RS‑485 signaling and adjusts the port configuration dynamically.

Typical Use Cases:
- Industrial automation and process control systems
- POS (Point‑of‑Sale) terminals and kiosks
- Data acquisition and instrumentation
- Building management and environmental monitoring systems
- Communication with PLCs, sensors, and controllers
- Medical equipment data logging and patient monitoring
- Transportation and logistics systems requiring multi‑node serial networks

Compatibility:
- Fully compatible with Intel® and AMD® 32/64‑bit architectures.
- Supports major operating systems: Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista (32/64‑bit), DOS, Linux 2.4/2.6, SCO OpenServer 5.06/5.07, and UNIX variants.
- Supports unlimited card installations per system (limited only by available PCI slots).

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
1. IPC‑P3004 Universal PCI Serial Communication Card
2. DB44 Male to 4×DB9 or DB25 Male Connection Cable (40 cm or 100 cm)
3. Standard and Low‑Profile Brackets
4. Driver CD (Windows, Linux, DOS)
5. Quick Installation Guide
6. User Manual

Optional Accessories:
- Extended‑length connection cables (custom lengths available)
- DB9/DB25 gender changers or null‑modem adapters
- Surge and isolation protection modules (for SI versions in related models)

Connectors:
- On‑board DB44 female connector for external breakout cable
- Cable terminates in four DB9 or DB25 male connectors for device connection

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### 6. Installation & Setup

Hardware Installation Steps:
1. Power off the computer and disconnect all power sources.
2. Remove the system cover and locate an available PCI slot.
3. Remove the slot’s metal cover plate.
4. Insert the IPC‑P3004 card firmly into the PCI slot and secure it with a screw.
5. Replace the system cover and reconnect power.
6. Attach the DB44 breakout cable to the card’s connector and connect serial devices to the DB9/DB25 ends.

Software Installation:
- Upon system boot, the operating system automatically detects the new PCI device.
- Insert the provided driver CD and follow the installation wizard for your OS.
- Supported OS installation paths:
- Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista (32‑bit): `\Windows\2K&XP&2003&Vista_32bit`
- Windows XP/2003 (64‑bit): `\Windows\XP&2003_64bit`
- Linux: `matrix_2.4_Vx.xx.tgz` or `matrix_2.6_Vx.xx.tgz` packages

Configuration:
- COM port numbers and IRQs are automatically assigned by the BIOS/OS.
- Advanced settings (FIFO enable, COM port remapping) can be adjusted via Device Manager (Windows) or system configuration tools (Linux).
- No DIP switches or jumpers are required for mode selection; RS‑422/485 modes are auto‑detected.

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

Speed and Throughput:
- Each port supports up to 921.6 Kbps, suitable for high‑speed industrial communication.
- 64‑byte FIFO buffers per port reduce CPU overhead and prevent data loss at high baud rates.

Capacity:
- Four independent serial channels per card.
- Unlimited number of cards can be installed in a single system (limited by PCI slots).

Efficiency:
- Single‑chip Matrix UART design minimizes latency and power consumption.
- AHDC/CS™ ensures efficient RS‑485 bus utilization by detecting idle bus states before transmission.

Limitations:
- No built‑in surge or isolation protection (available in SI versions such as IPC‑P2004SI).
- Hardware flow control (RTS/CTS) not supported in this model; software flow control only.

Reliability:
- 15 kV ESD protection ensures long‑term stability in harsh environments.
- Wide operating temperature range supports industrial deployment.

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

Electrical and Safety Standards:
- ESD Protection: 15 kV (IEC 61000‑4‑2 compliant)
- Surge Protection (optional in SI models): 600 W peak per IEC 61000‑4‑5
- Isolation (optional in SI models): 2.5 kV for signal and power lines

Regulatory Certifications:
- CE (Conformité Européenne): Meets European EMC and safety requirements
- FCC Class B: Complies with U.S. Federal Communications Commission standards for electromagnetic emissions

Industry Standards:
- PCI Local Bus Specification v3.0 / 2.3 / 2.2
- RS‑232 (EIA/TIA‑232‑E), RS‑422 (EIA/TIA‑422‑B), RS‑485 (EIA/TIA‑485‑A) compliant
- Compatible with Intel® and AMD® 32/64‑bit architectures

Environmental Compliance:
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 70°C
- Storage Temperature: ‑40°C to 85°C
- Humidity: 5% to 95% RH (non‑condensing)

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### 9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- 5‑year limited hardware warranty covering manufacturing defects and component failures under normal use.

Technical Support & Updates:
- Email: info@sunix‑ncci.com.tw
- Website: [www.sunix‑ncci.com.tw](http://www.sunix-ncci.com.tw)
- Provides driver updates, product documentation, and technical assistance.

Maintenance:
- No periodic maintenance required beyond standard system care.
- Ensure proper grounding and avoid exposure to excessive humidity or magnetic interference.
- Clean PCI contacts periodically if used in dusty environments.

Firmware & Driver Updates:
- SUNIX periodically releases updated drivers for new OS versions and kernel revisions.
- Linux drivers available for kernel 2.4.x and 2.6.x; Windows drivers WHQL‑certified for XP/2003.

Troubleshooting Highlights:
- If the card is not detected, verify PCI slot integrity and BIOS IRQ availability.
- For communication errors, check cable connections and ensure correct COM port configuration.
- FIFO overruns can be mitigated by reducing buffer size or enabling flow control.

Safety Precautions:
- Always power off the system before installation or removal.
- Avoid static discharge by grounding yourself before handling the card.
- Do not disassemble or modify the card; doing so voids the warranty.

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### Summary

The SUNIX IPC‑P3004 Universal PCI 4‑Port RS‑232/422/485 Serial Card is a robust, high‑performance communication interface designed for industrial and commercial applications requiring multiple serial connections. Its universal PCI compatibility, automatic RS‑422/485 detection, and advanced AHDC/CS™ technology make it a versatile solution for system integrators and OEMs. With 15 kV ESD protection, wide environmental tolerance, and comprehensive OS driver support, the IPC‑P3004 delivers reliable, scalable, and efficient serial communication for demanding environments such as automation, POS, data acquisition, and control systems.

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Key Technical Summary:
- Model: IPC‑P3004
- Ports: 4 independent RS‑232/422/485 (3‑in‑1)
- Interface: Universal PCI 64/32‑bit, 3.3V/5V
- Speed: 75 bps – 921.6 Kbps
- Protection: 15 kV ESD
- Technology: AHDC/CS™, Auto Detect & Switch
- Dimensions: 63.5 × 120 mm
- Certifications: CE, FCC Class B
- Warranty: 5 years

This card exemplifies SUNIX’s commitment to industrial‑grade reliability, intelligent design, and long‑term support for mission‑critical serial communication systems.