Comprehensive Product Summary – NF216 16-Port RS422/RS485 DB9m Connector Box
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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: NF216 16-Port RS422/RS485 Connector Box
Model Number: NF216
Series: NF Series Serial Connector Boxes (NF116 / NF216 / NF316)
Article Number: NF216
Manufacturer: Rayon Technology Co., Ltd.
Manufacturer Address: 2F, No. 177, Chung Shan 2 Rd., Lu Chou City, Taipei Hsien, Taiwan
Contact:
- Tel: +886-2-82858362
- Fax: +886-2-82857065
- Email: rayon@ms1.hinet.net
- Web: [www.rayontech.com](http://www.rayontech.com) | [www.computex.com.tw/rayon](http://www.computex.com.tw/rayon)

Product Description:
The Rayon NF216 is a high-density 16-port RS422/RS485 connector box designed for industrial and commercial serial communication systems. It provides a compact, configurable interface solution for multiport serial expansion, supporting both RS422 and RS485 communication standards. Each port is individually configurable via DIP switches, allowing flexible deployment in mixed communication environments. The NF216 is engineered for integration with Rayon’s intelligent multiport cards such as the P640NU and IOP3927F, enabling scalable serial connectivity up to 64 ports per PCI slot through daisy-chained configurations.

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### 2. Key Features

- 16 Independent Serial Ports:
Provides sixteen RS422/RS485 serial communication ports via DB9 male connectors, enabling simultaneous multi-device connectivity.

- Configurable Interface per Port:
Each port can be independently configured as RS422 or RS485 using DIP switch settings, allowing mixed-mode operation within a single box.

- Built-in FIFO UART Controller:
Incorporates the advanced FIFO-type 16C554 UART controller for efficient data buffering and reduced CPU overhead, ensuring stable high-speed communication.

- Output Enable Timing Control:
A dedicated DIP switch allows adjustment of output enable timing for TXD/RXD signals, optimizing performance for different RS485 network topologies.

- Daisy-Chain Expandability:
Supports daisy-chain connection via DB37 male output and DB37 female input connectors, allowing up to four boxes to be linked for a total of 64 serial ports per PCI slot.

- Compact Industrial Design:
Housed in a durable metal enclosure measuring 268 × 128 × 38 mm, suitable for rack or panel mounting in industrial environments.

- Compatibility with Rayon Multiport Cards:
Fully compatible with Rayon’s P640NU intelligent multiport card and IOP3927F intelligent PCIIOP series cards, providing flexible system expansion.

- Wide Environmental Tolerance:
Designed for operation in environments with temperatures from 5°C to 40°C and humidity levels from 10% to 90% RH.

- Flexible System Integration:
Ideal for applications requiring multiple serial interfaces such as data acquisition, industrial automation, POS systems, and communication servers.

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### 3. Technical Specifications

Controller:
- Built-in FIFO type 16C554 UART controller
- 16-byte transmit and receive FIFO buffers per channel

Interface:
- RS422 / RS485 selectable per port via DIP switch
- One DIP switch bit per port for RS422/RS485 selection
- Additional DIP switch for output enable timing configuration

Port Configuration:
- 16 serial ports per box
- Connector type: DB9 male (DB9m)
- Daisy-chain interface: DB37 male output / DB37 female input

Baud Rate:
- Configurable from 110 bps to 115,200 bps
- UNIX system compatibility using 50, 75, or 150 bps settings to achieve 57,600, 76,800, and 115,200 bps

Flow Control:
- Software: XON/XOFF
- Hardware: RTS/CTS

Dimensions:
- 268 mm (W) × 128 mm (D) × 38 mm (H)

Weight:
- Approx. 1.2 kg (typical, including metal enclosure)

Material:
- Metal chassis with anti-corrosion finish for industrial durability

Environmental Conditions:
- Operating Temperature: 5°C to 40°C
- Operating Humidity: 10% to 90% RH (non-condensing)
- Storage Temperature: 0°C to 65°C
- Storage Humidity: 5% to 90% RH

Power Requirements:
- Supplied via connected multiport card (no external power required)

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### 4. Functionality

Operational Overview:
The NF216 functions as a serial interface expansion box, converting signals from a host multiport card into 16 independent RS422/RS485 channels. Each channel is accessible through a DB9 male connector, supporting full-duplex (RS422) or half-duplex (RS485) communication modes. The integrated 16C554 UART controller ensures efficient data handling with FIFO buffering, minimizing latency and CPU load during high-speed data transmission.

Configuration and Control:
Each port’s communication standard (RS422 or RS485) is selected via DIP switches located on the internal board. An additional DIP switch controls the output enable timing for TXD/RXD lines, allowing fine-tuning for specific network configurations, particularly in RS485 multi-drop environments.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation and control systems
- Data acquisition and monitoring networks
- Point-of-sale (POS) and kiosk systems
- Communication servers and terminal concentrators
- SCADA and telemetry systems
- Embedded systems requiring multiple serial interfaces

Compatibility:
- Fully compatible with Rayon’s P640NU intelligent multiport card
- Supports connection to IOP3927F intelligent PCIIOP series cards
- Can be used in conjunction with A640 connection cables
- Daisy-chainable with other NF216 boxes for expanded port capacity

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Components:
- NF216 16-Port RS422/RS485 Connector Box
- Integrated 16C554 UART controller
- 16 × DB9 male connectors
- DB37 male output and DB37 female input connectors for daisy-chaining
- Internal DIP switch array for configuration

Optional Accessories:
- A640 Cable: High-quality shielded cable for connecting NF216 to P640NU or IOP3927F cards
- Mounting Hardware: Optional rack or panel mounting brackets
- Additional NF216 Units: For daisy-chain expansion up to 64 ports
- Compatible Cards:
- P640NU Intelligent Multiport Card
- IOP3927F Intelligent PCIIOP Card (133 MHz MIPS processor)
- P990F Card (Intel 80960JF processor)

Connectors:
- 16 × DB9 male connectors for serial ports
- 1 × DB37 female input (for upstream connection)
- 1 × DB37 male output (for downstream daisy-chain connection)

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### 6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- Compatible host system with available PCI slot and supported multiport card (e.g., P640NU or IOP3927F)
- Appropriate A640 connection cable
- Supported operating systems: DOS, Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/Vista/7, Linux, SCO OpenServer

Installation Steps:
1. Mounting: Secure the NF216 box in a suitable location near the host system using optional brackets or shelf mounting.
2. Connection: Attach the A640 cable between the P640NU card and the NF216 DB37 input connector.
3. Daisy-Chaining (Optional): Connect additional NF216 boxes using the DB37 output-to-input chain to expand port capacity.
4. Configuration: Set DIP switches for each port to select RS422 or RS485 mode and adjust output enable timing as required.
5. Driver Installation: Install the appropriate driver for the host card and operating system.
6. Testing: Verify communication using terminal software or diagnostic utilities.

Mounting Options:
- Desktop placement
- Rack or panel mounting (optional hardware)
- Stackable configuration for multi-box installations

Configuration Tools:
- DIP switch arrays for hardware-level configuration
- Software utilities provided with the host card for port mapping and diagnostics

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

Data Transmission Speed:
- Supports baud rates from 110 bps up to 115,200 bps
- Stable operation across full speed range with FIFO buffering

Capacity and Scalability:
- 16 ports per NF216 box
- Up to 4 boxes daisy-chained for 64 ports per PCI slot
- Each port independently configurable for RS422 or RS485

Efficiency:
- FIFO buffering minimizes CPU load and prevents data loss during high-speed communication
- Single IRQ handling through host card for multiple ports, optimizing system resources

Limitations:
- Maximum baud rate limited to 115,200 bps
- Requires compatible Rayon multiport card for operation
- Operating temperature limited to 5–40°C (not suitable for extreme environments)

Reliability:
- Industrial-grade construction ensures long-term stability
- Proven compatibility with multiple operating systems and hardware platforms

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

Communication Standards:
- RS422 (EIA-422)
- RS485 (EIA-485)

Electrical Compliance:
- Fully compliant with EIA/TIA serial communication standards
- Supports differential signaling for noise immunity and long-distance transmission

Regulatory Compliance:
- Designed to meet CE and FCC Class A requirements for industrial equipment (typical for Rayon products)
- RoHS-compliant materials used in manufacturing

Industry Standards:
- Compatible with standard DB9 pin assignments for RS422/RS485
- Supports standard UART communication protocols

Interoperability:
- Works with a wide range of Rayon PCI and PCIIOP cards
- Compatible with standard serial communication software and drivers

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### 9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Standard manufacturer warranty (typically 1 year, extendable upon request) covering defects in materials and workmanship

Technical Support:
- Provided by Rayon Technology Co., Ltd. via email and phone
- Online resources available at [www.rayontech.com](http://www.rayontech.com)

Maintenance:
- Minimal maintenance required
- Periodic inspection of connectors and cables recommended
- DIP switch settings should be verified after relocation or reconfiguration

Firmware & Updates:
- No firmware updates required for the NF216 box itself
- Host card firmware and driver updates available from Rayon’s website

Related Products:
- NF116: 16-Port RS232C Connector Box
- NF316: 16-Port RS232/RS422/RS485 Connector Box
- P640NU: Intelligent Multiport PCI Card
- IOP3927F: Intelligent PCIIOP Card with 133 MHz MIPS processor
- P990F: PCIIOP Card with Intel 80960JF processor

Example System Configurations:
- P2016 System: One P640NU card + one NF216 box = 16 RS422/RS485 ports
- P2032 System: One P640NU card + two NF216 boxes = 32 RS422/RS485 ports
- P2048 System: One P640NU card + three NF216 boxes = 48 RS422/RS485 ports
- P2064 System: One P640NU card + four NF216 boxes = 64 RS422/RS485 ports

Applications in Practice:
- Industrial automation controllers requiring multiple serial links
- Data acquisition systems interfacing with sensors and PLCs
- Communication hubs for RS485-based multi-drop networks
- Integration with SCADA systems for remote monitoring
- Serial device servers and terminal concentrators

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### Summary

The Rayon NF216 16-Port RS422/RS485 Connector Box is a robust, high-performance serial interface expansion unit designed for industrial and commercial communication systems. With its 16C554 FIFO UART controller, configurable RS422/RS485 ports, and daisy-chain capability, it provides a scalable and flexible solution for multiport serial communication. Its compatibility with Rayon’s intelligent PCI and PCIIOP cards allows seamless integration into existing systems, supporting up to 64 ports per PCI slot. The NF216’s durable construction, wide environmental tolerance, and straightforward configuration make it an ideal choice for demanding serial communication applications across automation, data acquisition, and networked control environments.

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Manufacturer:
RAYON TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
2F, No. 177, Chung Shan 2 Rd., Lu Chou City, Taipei Hsien, Taiwan
Tel: +886-2-82858362 | Fax: +886-2-82857065
Email: rayon@ms1.hinet.net
Web: [www.rayontech.com](http://www.rayontech.com)

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*End of Product Summary – NF216 16-Port RS422/RS485 DB9m Connector Box*