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- Eight RS232 Ports: Provides eight independent serial communication channels via a single PCI slot.
- 16550A-Compatible UARTs: Each port includes a 16C550A-compatible controller with 16-byte transmit and receive FIFOs for efficient data handling.
- High-Speed Communication: Supports baud rates from 50 bps up to 115,200 bps (1.8432 MHz crystal) or up to 921,600 bps with optional 14.7456 MHz crystal.
- Plug-and-Play PCI Interface: Fully compliant with PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.1; automatic resource allocation (I/O address, IRQ) by PCI BIOS.
- IRQ Sharing: Supports sharable interrupt mapping for multiple PCI cards in one system.
- Single 5V Power Operation: Designed for 5V, 33 MHz PCI slots; universal card versions support 3.3V operation.
- Compact Design: 141 mm × 106 mm PCB footprint.
- Comprehensive OS Support: Compatible with DOS, Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP, Linux, and SCO OpenServer.
- Included Cable Assembly: DB62 female connector on the card; includes R804 cable (DB62 male to 8×DB9 male). Optional R801 cable (DB62 to 8×DB25 male) available.
- Expandable System: Supports up to two cards per system (16 ports total).
- Optional Isolation: Can be connected to the RS4232-8 isolation box via R803 cable for isolated RS232/RS422/RS485 operation.
- Industrial Reliability: Designed for continuous operation in PC/AT industrial environments.
- 16550A-Compatible UARTs: Each port includes a 16C550A-compatible controller with 16-byte transmit and receive FIFOs for efficient data handling.
- High-Speed Communication: Supports baud rates from 50 bps up to 115,200 bps (1.8432 MHz crystal) or up to 921,600 bps with optional 14.7456 MHz crystal.
- Plug-and-Play PCI Interface: Fully compliant with PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.1; automatic resource allocation (I/O address, IRQ) by PCI BIOS.
- IRQ Sharing: Supports sharable interrupt mapping for multiple PCI cards in one system.
- Single 5V Power Operation: Designed for 5V, 33 MHz PCI slots; universal card versions support 3.3V operation.
- Compact Design: 141 mm × 106 mm PCB footprint.
- Comprehensive OS Support: Compatible with DOS, Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP, Linux, and SCO OpenServer.
- Included Cable Assembly: DB62 female connector on the card; includes R804 cable (DB62 male to 8×DB9 male). Optional R801 cable (DB62 to 8×DB25 male) available.
- Expandable System: Supports up to two cards per system (16 ports total).
- Optional Isolation: Can be connected to the RS4232-8 isolation box via R803 cable for isolated RS232/RS422/RS485 operation.
- Industrial Reliability: Designed for continuous operation in PC/AT industrial environments.
Comprehensive Product Summary – RAYON P5168U UPCI 8-Port RS232 Card
### 1. Product Overview
Product Name: UPCI 8-Port RS232 Card (5V Single Power, includes R804 cable)
Model Number: P5168U
Series: RAYON PCIPORT Series
Article Number: P5168U
Manufacturer: Rayon Technology Inc.
Origin: Taiwan R.O.C.
Manual Revision: 1.00 (October 19, 2003)
Distributor (Europe): Acceed GmbH, Düsseldorf, Germany
The RAYON P5168U is an intelligent, high-performance 8-port serial communication controller card designed for PCI-based PC systems. It provides eight independent RS232 serial ports through a single 5V PCI slot, offering plug-and-play configuration and broad operating system compatibility. The card is part of Rayon’s PCIPORT family, engineered for industrial, automation, and communication applications requiring multiple serial interfaces.
### 2. Key Features
- Eight RS232 Ports: Provides eight independent serial communication channels via a single PCI slot.
- 16550A-Compatible UARTs: Each port includes a 16C550A-compatible controller with 16-byte transmit and receive FIFOs for efficient data handling.
- High-Speed Communication: Supports baud rates from 50 bps up to 115,200 bps (1.8432 MHz crystal) or up to 921,600 bps with optional 14.7456 MHz crystal.
- Plug-and-Play PCI Interface: Fully compliant with PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.1; automatic resource allocation (I/O address, IRQ) by PCI BIOS.
- IRQ Sharing: Supports sharable interrupt mapping for multiple PCI cards in one system.
- Single 5V Power Operation: Designed for 5V, 33 MHz PCI slots; universal card versions support 3.3V operation.
- Compact Design: 141 mm × 106 mm PCB footprint.
- Comprehensive OS Support: Compatible with DOS, Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP, Linux, and SCO OpenServer.
- Included Cable Assembly: DB62 female connector on the card; includes R804 cable (DB62 male to 8×DB9 male). Optional R801 cable (DB62 to 8×DB25 male) available.
- Expandable System: Supports up to two cards per system (16 ports total).
- Optional Isolation: Can be connected to the RS4232-8 isolation box via R803 cable for isolated RS232/RS422/RS485 operation.
- Industrial Reliability: Designed for continuous operation in PC/AT industrial environments.
### 3. Technical Specifications
Electrical & Interface:
- Bus Interface: PCI Local Bus Rev. 2.1 compliant, 33 MHz, 5V signaling.
- Power Requirement: Single 5V supply.
- Maximum Cards per System: 2 (16 ports total).
- Interrupt Control: Plug-and-play IRQ assignment; IRQ shareable.
- I/O Mapping: Automatically assigned by PCI BIOS.
Serial Communication:
- Controller: 16C550A-compatible UART per port.
- FIFO Buffer: 16-byte transmit and receive buffers per port.
- Baud Rate: 50–115,200 bps (standard), up to 921,600 bps (optional crystal).
- Flow Control: Hardware (RTS/CTS) and software (XON/XOFF).
- Signal Levels: RS232C standard.
- Connector Type: DB62 female on card; expansion via R804 (DB62M to 8×DB9M) or R801 (DB62M to 8×DB25M).
- Pin Assignments: Defined in Appendix A, Table 1 and Table 4 of the manual.
Physical:
- Dimensions: 141 mm (L) × 106 mm (W)
- Weight: Approx. 150 g (card only)
- Material: Multi-layer PCB with gold-plated edge connector
- Mounting: Standard PCI slot installation
Environmental:
- Operating Environment: PC/AT compatible systems with 5V PCI bus
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C (typical)
- Storage Temperature: -20°C to 85°C
- Humidity: 5–95% non-condensing
### 4. Functionality
The P5168U functions as an intelligent multi-port serial controller card, enabling simultaneous communication across eight RS232 channels. Each port operates independently, managed by a 16C550A-compatible UART with FIFO buffering to minimize CPU interrupts and improve throughput.
Operation Principle:
- The card interfaces with the host system via the PCI bus.
- The onboard ASIC controller handles PCI communication and resource allocation.
- Each serial port transmits and receives data through standard RS232 signaling.
- The card’s plug-and-play design allows automatic configuration by the system BIOS.
Use Cases & Applications:
- Industrial automation and control systems
- Data acquisition and instrumentation
- POS (Point of Sale) and kiosk systems
- Serial device networking (modems, sensors, barcode scanners)
- Multi-terminal communication servers
- Embedded PC-based control systems
Compatibility:
- Fully compatible with standard RS232 devices.
- Supports connection to isolated RS4232-8 box for RS422/RS485 conversion.
- Works with both 5V and (in universal versions) 3.3V PCI slots.
### 5. Components & Accessories
Included in Package:
1. P5168U PCI interface card (DB62 female connector)
2. R804 expansion cable (DB62 male to 8×DB9 male connectors)
3. User manual and driver diskette
Optional Accessories:
- R801 Cable: DB62 male to 8×DB25 male connectors
- R802 Cable: DB62 male to 8×DB25 female connectors
- R803 Cable: DB62 male to DB62 male cable for RS4232-8 box connection
- RS4232-8 Box: External isolation and signal conversion unit (RS232/RS422/RS485)
- TB485 Converter: DB9 to 3-pin terminal block for RS485 wiring
Connector Details:
- DB62 pinout supports eight independent RS232 channels.
- Each DB9 port provides standard RS232 signals: TXD, RXD, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, GND.
### 6. Installation & Setup
System Requirements:
- PC/AT compatible system with available 5V PCI slot (33 MHz)
- Supported operating system (DOS, Windows, Linux, SCO)
- Administrative privileges for driver installation
Installation Procedure:
1. Power off the system and disconnect AC power.
2. Insert the P5168U card into an available PCI slot.
3. Connect the R804 expansion cable to the DB62 connector on the card.
4. Secure the cable and card in place.
5. Power on the system; the BIOS will automatically detect the card.
6. Install the appropriate driver for your operating system.
Jumper Configuration (JP1):
- ON (shorted): First card in system
- OFF (open): Second card in system
Mounting Options:
- Standard PCI bracket for internal installation
- Optional external RS4232-8 box connection via R803 cable for isolated operation
Driver Installation:
- Windows 2000/XP: Plug-and-play detection; specify driver path (A:\WIN2000)
- Windows NT4: Manual installation via Control Panel → Network → Add Adapter → “Other”
- Windows 95/98/ME: Automatic detection; specify driver path (A:\WIN95)
- DOS: Run `PCIPORT.EXE` from driver diskette
- Linux: Install via `/etc/rayon/Install` script; rebuild kernel module
- SCO OpenServer: Install using `/etc/custom` or manual `tar` and `build` commands
### 7. Performance & Capabilities
Data Throughput:
- Up to 115.2 Kbps per port (standard)
- Up to 921.6 Kbps with optional high-speed crystal
Buffering:
- 16-byte transmit and receive FIFO per port reduces CPU load and prevents data loss.
Interrupt Handling:
- Shared IRQ support allows multiple cards to coexist efficiently.
- PCI BIOS automatically assigns IRQ and I/O addresses.
Capacity:
- 8 ports per card, 2 cards per system (16 ports total)
- Each port independently configurable
Efficiency:
- Intelligent buffering minimizes CPU interrupts.
- Plug-and-play configuration eliminates manual resource setup.
Limitations:
- RS232 interface only (no native RS422/RS485 without external converter)
- Requires 5V PCI slot (non-universal version)
- Maximum of two cards per system
### 8. Standards & Compliance
Bus Standard: PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.1
Interface Standards: RS232C (EIA/TIA-232)
Electrical Compliance: 5V PCI signaling
Software Compatibility:
- Microsoft Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP
- DOS
- Linux (kernel 2.4.x and later, source-based driver)
- SCO OpenServer
Certifications:
- CE and FCC compliance (typical for RAYON PCIPORT series)
- RoHS compliance (depending on production batch)
Industry Standards Supported:
- UART 16550A compatibility
- Plug-and-Play PCI configuration
- RTS/CTS and XON/XOFF flow control protocols
### 9. Additional Information
Warranty:
- 1-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
- Excludes damage from misuse, electrical surges, or unauthorized servicing.
- Out-of-warranty repairs available at flat-rate service charge.
Support & Service Contacts:
Rayon Technology Co., Ltd. (Taiwan)
2F, No. 177, Chung-Shan 2 Road, Lu-Chou City, Taipei Hsien, Taiwan R.O.C.
Phone: +886 2 8285 8362
Fax: +886 2 8285 7065
Email: rayon@ms1.hinet.net
Acceed GmbH (Europe)
Arnoldstraße 19, 40479 Düsseldorf, Germany
Phone: +49 211 938898 0
Fax: +49 211 938898 0
Email: rayon@acceed.com
Website: [www.acceed.com/rayon](http://www.acceed.com/rayon)
Maintenance & Troubleshooting:
- Use anti-static precautions during installation.
- Verify PCI BIOS detection (Vendor ID 10B5 or 144A, Device ID 9050).
- Ensure unique IRQ assignment if multiple cards are installed.
- For communication issues, test with loopback connector and RAYONTTY.EXE utility.
- For Linux, ensure kernel source is available in `/usr/src/linux` before driver compilation.
Repair Procedure (RMA):
- Obtain RMA number from RAYON service representative.
- Provide model number, serial number, and fault description.
- Products under warranty repaired free of charge; non-warranty repairs subject to flat-rate fee.
Software Updates:
- Updated drivers and documentation available via RAYON or Acceed support channels.
- Linux driver source provided for kernel integration.
### Summary
The RAYON P5168U UPCI 8-Port RS232 Card is a robust, industrial-grade PCI expansion card designed to provide eight high-speed RS232 serial ports in a single 5V PCI slot. With full 16550A UART compatibility, plug-and-play PCI configuration, and support for multiple operating systems, it delivers reliable multi-port serial communication for industrial automation, data acquisition, and embedded control systems. The included R804 cable simplifies connection to standard DB9 devices, while optional accessories extend functionality to isolated RS422/RS485 environments. Its intelligent buffering, IRQ sharing, and comprehensive driver support make it a versatile and efficient solution for multi-serial communication applications.
### 1. Product Overview
Product Name: UPCI 8-Port RS232 Card (5V Single Power, includes R804 cable)
Model Number: P5168U
Series: RAYON PCIPORT Series
Article Number: P5168U
Manufacturer: Rayon Technology Inc.
Origin: Taiwan R.O.C.
Manual Revision: 1.00 (October 19, 2003)
Distributor (Europe): Acceed GmbH, Düsseldorf, Germany
The RAYON P5168U is an intelligent, high-performance 8-port serial communication controller card designed for PCI-based PC systems. It provides eight independent RS232 serial ports through a single 5V PCI slot, offering plug-and-play configuration and broad operating system compatibility. The card is part of Rayon’s PCIPORT family, engineered for industrial, automation, and communication applications requiring multiple serial interfaces.
### 2. Key Features
- Eight RS232 Ports: Provides eight independent serial communication channels via a single PCI slot.
- 16550A-Compatible UARTs: Each port includes a 16C550A-compatible controller with 16-byte transmit and receive FIFOs for efficient data handling.
- High-Speed Communication: Supports baud rates from 50 bps up to 115,200 bps (1.8432 MHz crystal) or up to 921,600 bps with optional 14.7456 MHz crystal.
- Plug-and-Play PCI Interface: Fully compliant with PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.1; automatic resource allocation (I/O address, IRQ) by PCI BIOS.
- IRQ Sharing: Supports sharable interrupt mapping for multiple PCI cards in one system.
- Single 5V Power Operation: Designed for 5V, 33 MHz PCI slots; universal card versions support 3.3V operation.
- Compact Design: 141 mm × 106 mm PCB footprint.
- Comprehensive OS Support: Compatible with DOS, Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP, Linux, and SCO OpenServer.
- Included Cable Assembly: DB62 female connector on the card; includes R804 cable (DB62 male to 8×DB9 male). Optional R801 cable (DB62 to 8×DB25 male) available.
- Expandable System: Supports up to two cards per system (16 ports total).
- Optional Isolation: Can be connected to the RS4232-8 isolation box via R803 cable for isolated RS232/RS422/RS485 operation.
- Industrial Reliability: Designed for continuous operation in PC/AT industrial environments.
### 3. Technical Specifications
Electrical & Interface:
- Bus Interface: PCI Local Bus Rev. 2.1 compliant, 33 MHz, 5V signaling.
- Power Requirement: Single 5V supply.
- Maximum Cards per System: 2 (16 ports total).
- Interrupt Control: Plug-and-play IRQ assignment; IRQ shareable.
- I/O Mapping: Automatically assigned by PCI BIOS.
Serial Communication:
- Controller: 16C550A-compatible UART per port.
- FIFO Buffer: 16-byte transmit and receive buffers per port.
- Baud Rate: 50–115,200 bps (standard), up to 921,600 bps (optional crystal).
- Flow Control: Hardware (RTS/CTS) and software (XON/XOFF).
- Signal Levels: RS232C standard.
- Connector Type: DB62 female on card; expansion via R804 (DB62M to 8×DB9M) or R801 (DB62M to 8×DB25M).
- Pin Assignments: Defined in Appendix A, Table 1 and Table 4 of the manual.
Physical:
- Dimensions: 141 mm (L) × 106 mm (W)
- Weight: Approx. 150 g (card only)
- Material: Multi-layer PCB with gold-plated edge connector
- Mounting: Standard PCI slot installation
Environmental:
- Operating Environment: PC/AT compatible systems with 5V PCI bus
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C (typical)
- Storage Temperature: -20°C to 85°C
- Humidity: 5–95% non-condensing
### 4. Functionality
The P5168U functions as an intelligent multi-port serial controller card, enabling simultaneous communication across eight RS232 channels. Each port operates independently, managed by a 16C550A-compatible UART with FIFO buffering to minimize CPU interrupts and improve throughput.
Operation Principle:
- The card interfaces with the host system via the PCI bus.
- The onboard ASIC controller handles PCI communication and resource allocation.
- Each serial port transmits and receives data through standard RS232 signaling.
- The card’s plug-and-play design allows automatic configuration by the system BIOS.
Use Cases & Applications:
- Industrial automation and control systems
- Data acquisition and instrumentation
- POS (Point of Sale) and kiosk systems
- Serial device networking (modems, sensors, barcode scanners)
- Multi-terminal communication servers
- Embedded PC-based control systems
Compatibility:
- Fully compatible with standard RS232 devices.
- Supports connection to isolated RS4232-8 box for RS422/RS485 conversion.
- Works with both 5V and (in universal versions) 3.3V PCI slots.
### 5. Components & Accessories
Included in Package:
1. P5168U PCI interface card (DB62 female connector)
2. R804 expansion cable (DB62 male to 8×DB9 male connectors)
3. User manual and driver diskette
Optional Accessories:
- R801 Cable: DB62 male to 8×DB25 male connectors
- R802 Cable: DB62 male to 8×DB25 female connectors
- R803 Cable: DB62 male to DB62 male cable for RS4232-8 box connection
- RS4232-8 Box: External isolation and signal conversion unit (RS232/RS422/RS485)
- TB485 Converter: DB9 to 3-pin terminal block for RS485 wiring
Connector Details:
- DB62 pinout supports eight independent RS232 channels.
- Each DB9 port provides standard RS232 signals: TXD, RXD, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, GND.
### 6. Installation & Setup
System Requirements:
- PC/AT compatible system with available 5V PCI slot (33 MHz)
- Supported operating system (DOS, Windows, Linux, SCO)
- Administrative privileges for driver installation
Installation Procedure:
1. Power off the system and disconnect AC power.
2. Insert the P5168U card into an available PCI slot.
3. Connect the R804 expansion cable to the DB62 connector on the card.
4. Secure the cable and card in place.
5. Power on the system; the BIOS will automatically detect the card.
6. Install the appropriate driver for your operating system.
Jumper Configuration (JP1):
- ON (shorted): First card in system
- OFF (open): Second card in system
Mounting Options:
- Standard PCI bracket for internal installation
- Optional external RS4232-8 box connection via R803 cable for isolated operation
Driver Installation:
- Windows 2000/XP: Plug-and-play detection; specify driver path (A:\WIN2000)
- Windows NT4: Manual installation via Control Panel → Network → Add Adapter → “Other”
- Windows 95/98/ME: Automatic detection; specify driver path (A:\WIN95)
- DOS: Run `PCIPORT.EXE` from driver diskette
- Linux: Install via `/etc/rayon/Install` script; rebuild kernel module
- SCO OpenServer: Install using `/etc/custom` or manual `tar` and `build` commands
### 7. Performance & Capabilities
Data Throughput:
- Up to 115.2 Kbps per port (standard)
- Up to 921.6 Kbps with optional high-speed crystal
Buffering:
- 16-byte transmit and receive FIFO per port reduces CPU load and prevents data loss.
Interrupt Handling:
- Shared IRQ support allows multiple cards to coexist efficiently.
- PCI BIOS automatically assigns IRQ and I/O addresses.
Capacity:
- 8 ports per card, 2 cards per system (16 ports total)
- Each port independently configurable
Efficiency:
- Intelligent buffering minimizes CPU interrupts.
- Plug-and-play configuration eliminates manual resource setup.
Limitations:
- RS232 interface only (no native RS422/RS485 without external converter)
- Requires 5V PCI slot (non-universal version)
- Maximum of two cards per system
### 8. Standards & Compliance
Bus Standard: PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.1
Interface Standards: RS232C (EIA/TIA-232)
Electrical Compliance: 5V PCI signaling
Software Compatibility:
- Microsoft Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP
- DOS
- Linux (kernel 2.4.x and later, source-based driver)
- SCO OpenServer
Certifications:
- CE and FCC compliance (typical for RAYON PCIPORT series)
- RoHS compliance (depending on production batch)
Industry Standards Supported:
- UART 16550A compatibility
- Plug-and-Play PCI configuration
- RTS/CTS and XON/XOFF flow control protocols
### 9. Additional Information
Warranty:
- 1-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
- Excludes damage from misuse, electrical surges, or unauthorized servicing.
- Out-of-warranty repairs available at flat-rate service charge.
Support & Service Contacts:
Rayon Technology Co., Ltd. (Taiwan)
2F, No. 177, Chung-Shan 2 Road, Lu-Chou City, Taipei Hsien, Taiwan R.O.C.
Phone: +886 2 8285 8362
Fax: +886 2 8285 7065
Email: rayon@ms1.hinet.net
Acceed GmbH (Europe)
Arnoldstraße 19, 40479 Düsseldorf, Germany
Phone: +49 211 938898 0
Fax: +49 211 938898 0
Email: rayon@acceed.com
Website: [www.acceed.com/rayon](http://www.acceed.com/rayon)
Maintenance & Troubleshooting:
- Use anti-static precautions during installation.
- Verify PCI BIOS detection (Vendor ID 10B5 or 144A, Device ID 9050).
- Ensure unique IRQ assignment if multiple cards are installed.
- For communication issues, test with loopback connector and RAYONTTY.EXE utility.
- For Linux, ensure kernel source is available in `/usr/src/linux` before driver compilation.
Repair Procedure (RMA):
- Obtain RMA number from RAYON service representative.
- Provide model number, serial number, and fault description.
- Products under warranty repaired free of charge; non-warranty repairs subject to flat-rate fee.
Software Updates:
- Updated drivers and documentation available via RAYON or Acceed support channels.
- Linux driver source provided for kernel integration.
### Summary
The RAYON P5168U UPCI 8-Port RS232 Card is a robust, industrial-grade PCI expansion card designed to provide eight high-speed RS232 serial ports in a single 5V PCI slot. With full 16550A UART compatibility, plug-and-play PCI configuration, and support for multiple operating systems, it delivers reliable multi-port serial communication for industrial automation, data acquisition, and embedded control systems. The included R804 cable simplifies connection to standard DB9 devices, while optional accessories extend functionality to isolated RS422/RS485 environments. Its intelligent buffering, IRQ sharing, and comprehensive driver support make it a versatile and efficient solution for multi-serial communication applications.
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PCI-Port-015.pdf
Manual
