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- Multi-Interface Support:
Provides two RS232 ports and two RS422/RS485 ports on a single PCI card, enabling flexible serial communication configurations.
- Universal PCI Compatibility:
Operates with both 3.3V and 5V PCI slots at 33 MHz, ensuring broad compatibility across desktop and industrial PC platforms.
- High-Speed Serial Communication:
Each port supports baud rates from 50 bps to 115,200 bps, suitable for a wide range of serial devices and applications.
- 16550A UART Compatibility:
Each port is equipped with a 16550A-compatible UART featuring a 32-byte FIFO buffer, ensuring efficient data handling and reduced CPU load.
- Auto Data Direction Control (ADDC):
RS485 ports feature automatic data direction control, simplifying half-duplex communication without requiring manual RTS signal management.
- Surge Protection:
Built-in surge protection on TXD and RXD signal lines enhances reliability and safeguards connected devices in electrically noisy environments.
- Plug & Play Configuration:
Fully PCI Plug & Play compliant, with IRQ and I/O address mapping automatically assigned by the system BIOS.
- Flexible Connector Options:
Includes a DB37 female to 4×DB9 male cable (A400 cable). Optional DB25 male connectors are available upon request.
- Cross-Platform Driver Support:
Compatible with DOS, Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP/Vista/Win7, Linux, UNIX, and SCO OpenServer operating systems.
- Compact Design:
Small form factor (122 × 86 mm) suitable for standard PCI slots in industrial PCs and workstations.
Provides two RS232 ports and two RS422/RS485 ports on a single PCI card, enabling flexible serial communication configurations.
- Universal PCI Compatibility:
Operates with both 3.3V and 5V PCI slots at 33 MHz, ensuring broad compatibility across desktop and industrial PC platforms.
- High-Speed Serial Communication:
Each port supports baud rates from 50 bps to 115,200 bps, suitable for a wide range of serial devices and applications.
- 16550A UART Compatibility:
Each port is equipped with a 16550A-compatible UART featuring a 32-byte FIFO buffer, ensuring efficient data handling and reduced CPU load.
- Auto Data Direction Control (ADDC):
RS485 ports feature automatic data direction control, simplifying half-duplex communication without requiring manual RTS signal management.
- Surge Protection:
Built-in surge protection on TXD and RXD signal lines enhances reliability and safeguards connected devices in electrically noisy environments.
- Plug & Play Configuration:
Fully PCI Plug & Play compliant, with IRQ and I/O address mapping automatically assigned by the system BIOS.
- Flexible Connector Options:
Includes a DB37 female to 4×DB9 male cable (A400 cable). Optional DB25 male connectors are available upon request.
- Cross-Platform Driver Support:
Compatible with DOS, Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP/Vista/Win7, Linux, UNIX, and SCO OpenServer operating systems.
- Compact Design:
Small form factor (122 × 86 mm) suitable for standard PCI slots in industrial PCs and workstations.
Comprehensive Product Summary – P524U Universal PCI Serial Communication Card
### 1. Product Overview
Product Name: P524U Universal PCIPORT Card
Model: P524U
Series: UPCI Serial Communication Interface Series
Article Number: P524U
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
- Websites: [www.computex.com.tw/rayon](http://www.computex.com.tw/rayon), [www.rayontech.com](http://www.rayontech.com)
The Rayon P524U is a Universal PCI serial communication card designed to provide four independent serial ports—two RS232 and two RS422/RS485—on a single PCI interface card. It is engineered for industrial, commercial, and embedded computing environments requiring reliable, high-speed serial communication. The card supports both 3.3V and 5V PCI bus slots, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of modern and legacy systems.
### 2. Key Features
- Multi-Interface Support:
Provides two RS232 ports and two RS422/RS485 ports on a single PCI card, enabling flexible serial communication configurations.
- Universal PCI Compatibility:
Operates with both 3.3V and 5V PCI slots at 33 MHz, ensuring broad compatibility across desktop and industrial PC platforms.
- High-Speed Serial Communication:
Each port supports baud rates from 50 bps to 115,200 bps, suitable for a wide range of serial devices and applications.
- 16550A UART Compatibility:
Each port is equipped with a 16550A-compatible UART featuring a 32-byte FIFO buffer, ensuring efficient data handling and reduced CPU load.
- Auto Data Direction Control (ADDC):
RS485 ports feature automatic data direction control, simplifying half-duplex communication without requiring manual RTS signal management.
- Surge Protection:
Built-in surge protection on TXD and RXD signal lines enhances reliability and safeguards connected devices in electrically noisy environments.
- Plug & Play Configuration:
Fully PCI Plug & Play compliant, with IRQ and I/O address mapping automatically assigned by the system BIOS.
- Flexible Connector Options:
Includes a DB37 female to 4×DB9 male cable (A400 cable). Optional DB25 male connectors are available upon request.
- Cross-Platform Driver Support:
Compatible with DOS, Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP/Vista/Win7, Linux, UNIX, and SCO OpenServer operating systems.
- Compact Design:
Small form factor (122 × 86 mm) suitable for standard PCI slots in industrial PCs and workstations.
### 3. Technical Specifications
System Structure:
- Intelligent PCI serial communication card
- External breakout cable with four standard DB9 or DB25 connectors (A400 or P485 cable)
Serial Communication Controller:
- Type: 16550A-compatible UART
- Clock Frequency: 1.8432 MHz (expandable up to 7.3728 MHz)
- FIFO Buffer: 32 bytes per port
Bus Interface:
- PCI Local Bus Revision 2.2 compliant
- Supports both 3.3V and 5V signaling environments
- 33 MHz PCI clock frequency
Port Configuration:
- Total Ports: 4
- 2 × RS232C (Ports A, B)
- 2 × RS422/RS485 (Ports C, D)
- RS422/RS485 ports selectable via DIP switch (independent configuration per port)
- Baud Rate Range: 50 bps to 115,200 bps
- Connector Type:
- DB9 male (via P485 cable)
- DB25 male (via A400 cable)
- DB37 female on card bracket
System I/O and IRQ Mapping:
- One 32-byte and one 8-byte I/O address range assigned by PCI BIOS
- One shared IRQ assigned by PCI BIOS
Physical Dimensions:
- Card Size: 122 mm (L) × 86 mm (W)
- Weight: Approx. 100 g (card only, excluding cable)
Environmental Conditions:
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C
- Storage Temperature: 0°C to 65°C
- Operating Humidity: 10% to 95% RH (non-condensing)
- Storage Humidity: 5% to 95% RH (non-condensing)
Material and Build:
- PCB: Multi-layer industrial-grade printed circuit board
- Connectors: Nickel-plated D-sub connectors with gold-plated contacts
- Housing: Standard PCI bracket with EMI shielding
### 4. Functionality
The P524U functions as a multi-port serial communication interface for PCs equipped with PCI slots. It allows simultaneous operation of multiple serial devices such as modems, barcode scanners, industrial controllers, and data acquisition systems.
Operational Principle:
Each port operates independently, managed by a 16550A-compatible UART. The RS232 ports provide standard asynchronous serial communication, while the RS422/RS485 ports can be configured for full-duplex (RS422) or half-duplex (RS485) operation using onboard DIP switches. The Auto Data Direction Control (ADDC) feature automatically manages data flow direction in RS485 mode, eliminating the need for software-based RTS control.
Typical Use Cases:
- Industrial automation and process control
- Point-of-sale (POS) systems
- Data acquisition and instrumentation
- Communication with PLCs, CNC machines, and embedded controllers
- Serial device networking and legacy equipment integration
Compatibility:
The card is compatible with a wide range of operating systems and supports both legacy and modern PCI-based systems. It can be integrated into standard PCs, industrial computers, and embedded systems requiring multiple serial interfaces.
### 5. Components & Accessories
Included Items:
- P524U PCI card
- DB37 female to 4×DB9 male connector cable (A400 cable)
- Driver and utility software (on CD or downloadable)
- Installation guide and documentation
Optional Accessories:
- DB37 to 4×DB25 male cable (available upon request)
- RS4232-4 isolation box for galvanic isolation of RS232/422/485 ports
- Compatible expansion cards for extended port configurations:
- IOP3927 X-PORT Card (up to 64 ports per card)
- P1688U RAS-PRO Card (8 RS232 ports)
- P232 PCIPORT Card (2 RS232 ports)
- P422I PCIPORT Card (2 isolated RS422/485 ports)
- P485 PCIPORT Card (4 isolated RS422/485 ports)
- P588U PCIPORT Card (8 RS232 ports)
- P8485U PCIPORT Card (8 RS422/485 ports)
Connectors:
- On-card: DB37 female
- Cable output: 4×DB9 male or 4×DB25 male (depending on cable type)
### 6. Installation & Setup
System Requirements:
- Available PCI slot (3.3V or 5V, 33 MHz)
- Compatible operating system (DOS, Windows, Linux, UNIX, SCO)
- Administrative privileges for driver installation
Installation Steps:
1. Power off the computer and remove the cover.
2. Insert the P524U card into an available PCI slot.
3. Secure the card with the bracket screw.
4. Connect the DB37-to-DB9/DB25 breakout cable to the card’s external connector.
5. Power on the system; the BIOS will automatically assign I/O addresses and IRQs.
6. Install the appropriate driver for your operating system.
7. Configure port parameters (baud rate, parity, stop bits) via software or DIP switches.
8. For RS422/RS485 ports, set the DIP switches to select the desired communication mode.
Mounting Options:
- Standard PCI slot mounting
- Compatible with full-height PCI brackets
- Optional low-profile bracket available for compact systems
Configuration:
- DIP switches for RS422/RS485 mode selection
- Software configuration for baud rate and communication parameters
- Plug & Play resource allocation via PCI BIOS
### 7. Performance & Capabilities
Data Transmission Speed:
- 50 bps to 115,200 bps per port (asynchronous serial communication)
Data Handling:
- 16550A UART with 32-byte FIFO buffer per port ensures smooth data flow and minimizes CPU overhead.
Bus Performance:
- PCI 33 MHz bus interface with automatic resource allocation
- Shared IRQ mapping for efficient interrupt handling
Electrical Characteristics:
- Supports both 3.3V and 5V signaling environments
- Surge protection on TXD/RXD lines for enhanced reliability
Efficiency and Reliability:
- ADDC feature ensures automatic control of data direction in RS485 mode, improving communication efficiency.
- Stable operation across wide temperature and humidity ranges.
Limitations:
- Maximum baud rate limited to 115,200 bps (standard UART limitation)
- No onboard isolation (external isolation box required for galvanic isolation)
### 8. Standards & Compliance
Bus and Interface Standards:
- PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.2 compliant
- RS232C, RS422, and RS485 electrical interface standards compliant
Operating System Support:
- DOS
- Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP/Vista/Win7
- Linux
- UNIX
- SCO OpenServer
Regulatory Compliance:
- CE and FCC Class B (typical for industrial communication cards)
- RoHS-compliant manufacturing process (lead-free soldering and materials)
Industry Standards:
- UART 16550A compatibility ensures interoperability with standard serial communication software and drivers.
- Plug & Play configuration compliant with PCI BIOS resource allocation standards.
### 9. Additional Information
Warranty:
- Standard manufacturer’s warranty (typically 1 year, extendable upon request)
- Covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal operating conditions
Technical Support:
- Provided by Rayon Technology Co., Ltd. via email and phone
- Driver updates and documentation available on the manufacturer’s website
Maintenance:
- No periodic maintenance required
- Recommended to keep connectors clean and free from dust
- Firmware and driver updates available for improved compatibility
Product Lifecycle and Upgrades:
- Designed for long-term industrial use
- Compatible with other Rayon PCI and PCIe serial communication products for scalable system expansion
Manufacturer’s Note:
All product names and trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. Rayon Technology Co., Ltd. reserves the right to modify specifications without prior notice to improve product performance or compatibility.
### Summary
The Rayon P524U Universal PCI Serial Communication Card is a robust, flexible, and high-performance solution for expanding serial communication capabilities in PC-based systems. With its combination of two RS232 and two RS422/RS485 ports, universal PCI compatibility, and broad OS driver support, it serves as an ideal interface for industrial automation, data acquisition, and embedded control applications. Its Auto Data Direction Control, surge protection, and Plug & Play configuration make it both reliable and easy to integrate. The P524U exemplifies Rayon Technology’s commitment to providing versatile, durable, and standards-compliant communication hardware for professional and industrial environments.
### 1. Product Overview
Product Name: P524U Universal PCIPORT Card
Model: P524U
Series: UPCI Serial Communication Interface Series
Article Number: P524U
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
- Websites: [www.computex.com.tw/rayon](http://www.computex.com.tw/rayon), [www.rayontech.com](http://www.rayontech.com)
The Rayon P524U is a Universal PCI serial communication card designed to provide four independent serial ports—two RS232 and two RS422/RS485—on a single PCI interface card. It is engineered for industrial, commercial, and embedded computing environments requiring reliable, high-speed serial communication. The card supports both 3.3V and 5V PCI bus slots, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of modern and legacy systems.
### 2. Key Features
- Multi-Interface Support:
Provides two RS232 ports and two RS422/RS485 ports on a single PCI card, enabling flexible serial communication configurations.
- Universal PCI Compatibility:
Operates with both 3.3V and 5V PCI slots at 33 MHz, ensuring broad compatibility across desktop and industrial PC platforms.
- High-Speed Serial Communication:
Each port supports baud rates from 50 bps to 115,200 bps, suitable for a wide range of serial devices and applications.
- 16550A UART Compatibility:
Each port is equipped with a 16550A-compatible UART featuring a 32-byte FIFO buffer, ensuring efficient data handling and reduced CPU load.
- Auto Data Direction Control (ADDC):
RS485 ports feature automatic data direction control, simplifying half-duplex communication without requiring manual RTS signal management.
- Surge Protection:
Built-in surge protection on TXD and RXD signal lines enhances reliability and safeguards connected devices in electrically noisy environments.
- Plug & Play Configuration:
Fully PCI Plug & Play compliant, with IRQ and I/O address mapping automatically assigned by the system BIOS.
- Flexible Connector Options:
Includes a DB37 female to 4×DB9 male cable (A400 cable). Optional DB25 male connectors are available upon request.
- Cross-Platform Driver Support:
Compatible with DOS, Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP/Vista/Win7, Linux, UNIX, and SCO OpenServer operating systems.
- Compact Design:
Small form factor (122 × 86 mm) suitable for standard PCI slots in industrial PCs and workstations.
### 3. Technical Specifications
System Structure:
- Intelligent PCI serial communication card
- External breakout cable with four standard DB9 or DB25 connectors (A400 or P485 cable)
Serial Communication Controller:
- Type: 16550A-compatible UART
- Clock Frequency: 1.8432 MHz (expandable up to 7.3728 MHz)
- FIFO Buffer: 32 bytes per port
Bus Interface:
- PCI Local Bus Revision 2.2 compliant
- Supports both 3.3V and 5V signaling environments
- 33 MHz PCI clock frequency
Port Configuration:
- Total Ports: 4
- 2 × RS232C (Ports A, B)
- 2 × RS422/RS485 (Ports C, D)
- RS422/RS485 ports selectable via DIP switch (independent configuration per port)
- Baud Rate Range: 50 bps to 115,200 bps
- Connector Type:
- DB9 male (via P485 cable)
- DB25 male (via A400 cable)
- DB37 female on card bracket
System I/O and IRQ Mapping:
- One 32-byte and one 8-byte I/O address range assigned by PCI BIOS
- One shared IRQ assigned by PCI BIOS
Physical Dimensions:
- Card Size: 122 mm (L) × 86 mm (W)
- Weight: Approx. 100 g (card only, excluding cable)
Environmental Conditions:
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C
- Storage Temperature: 0°C to 65°C
- Operating Humidity: 10% to 95% RH (non-condensing)
- Storage Humidity: 5% to 95% RH (non-condensing)
Material and Build:
- PCB: Multi-layer industrial-grade printed circuit board
- Connectors: Nickel-plated D-sub connectors with gold-plated contacts
- Housing: Standard PCI bracket with EMI shielding
### 4. Functionality
The P524U functions as a multi-port serial communication interface for PCs equipped with PCI slots. It allows simultaneous operation of multiple serial devices such as modems, barcode scanners, industrial controllers, and data acquisition systems.
Operational Principle:
Each port operates independently, managed by a 16550A-compatible UART. The RS232 ports provide standard asynchronous serial communication, while the RS422/RS485 ports can be configured for full-duplex (RS422) or half-duplex (RS485) operation using onboard DIP switches. The Auto Data Direction Control (ADDC) feature automatically manages data flow direction in RS485 mode, eliminating the need for software-based RTS control.
Typical Use Cases:
- Industrial automation and process control
- Point-of-sale (POS) systems
- Data acquisition and instrumentation
- Communication with PLCs, CNC machines, and embedded controllers
- Serial device networking and legacy equipment integration
Compatibility:
The card is compatible with a wide range of operating systems and supports both legacy and modern PCI-based systems. It can be integrated into standard PCs, industrial computers, and embedded systems requiring multiple serial interfaces.
### 5. Components & Accessories
Included Items:
- P524U PCI card
- DB37 female to 4×DB9 male connector cable (A400 cable)
- Driver and utility software (on CD or downloadable)
- Installation guide and documentation
Optional Accessories:
- DB37 to 4×DB25 male cable (available upon request)
- RS4232-4 isolation box for galvanic isolation of RS232/422/485 ports
- Compatible expansion cards for extended port configurations:
- IOP3927 X-PORT Card (up to 64 ports per card)
- P1688U RAS-PRO Card (8 RS232 ports)
- P232 PCIPORT Card (2 RS232 ports)
- P422I PCIPORT Card (2 isolated RS422/485 ports)
- P485 PCIPORT Card (4 isolated RS422/485 ports)
- P588U PCIPORT Card (8 RS232 ports)
- P8485U PCIPORT Card (8 RS422/485 ports)
Connectors:
- On-card: DB37 female
- Cable output: 4×DB9 male or 4×DB25 male (depending on cable type)
### 6. Installation & Setup
System Requirements:
- Available PCI slot (3.3V or 5V, 33 MHz)
- Compatible operating system (DOS, Windows, Linux, UNIX, SCO)
- Administrative privileges for driver installation
Installation Steps:
1. Power off the computer and remove the cover.
2. Insert the P524U card into an available PCI slot.
3. Secure the card with the bracket screw.
4. Connect the DB37-to-DB9/DB25 breakout cable to the card’s external connector.
5. Power on the system; the BIOS will automatically assign I/O addresses and IRQs.
6. Install the appropriate driver for your operating system.
7. Configure port parameters (baud rate, parity, stop bits) via software or DIP switches.
8. For RS422/RS485 ports, set the DIP switches to select the desired communication mode.
Mounting Options:
- Standard PCI slot mounting
- Compatible with full-height PCI brackets
- Optional low-profile bracket available for compact systems
Configuration:
- DIP switches for RS422/RS485 mode selection
- Software configuration for baud rate and communication parameters
- Plug & Play resource allocation via PCI BIOS
### 7. Performance & Capabilities
Data Transmission Speed:
- 50 bps to 115,200 bps per port (asynchronous serial communication)
Data Handling:
- 16550A UART with 32-byte FIFO buffer per port ensures smooth data flow and minimizes CPU overhead.
Bus Performance:
- PCI 33 MHz bus interface with automatic resource allocation
- Shared IRQ mapping for efficient interrupt handling
Electrical Characteristics:
- Supports both 3.3V and 5V signaling environments
- Surge protection on TXD/RXD lines for enhanced reliability
Efficiency and Reliability:
- ADDC feature ensures automatic control of data direction in RS485 mode, improving communication efficiency.
- Stable operation across wide temperature and humidity ranges.
Limitations:
- Maximum baud rate limited to 115,200 bps (standard UART limitation)
- No onboard isolation (external isolation box required for galvanic isolation)
### 8. Standards & Compliance
Bus and Interface Standards:
- PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.2 compliant
- RS232C, RS422, and RS485 electrical interface standards compliant
Operating System Support:
- DOS
- Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP/Vista/Win7
- Linux
- UNIX
- SCO OpenServer
Regulatory Compliance:
- CE and FCC Class B (typical for industrial communication cards)
- RoHS-compliant manufacturing process (lead-free soldering and materials)
Industry Standards:
- UART 16550A compatibility ensures interoperability with standard serial communication software and drivers.
- Plug & Play configuration compliant with PCI BIOS resource allocation standards.
### 9. Additional Information
Warranty:
- Standard manufacturer’s warranty (typically 1 year, extendable upon request)
- Covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal operating conditions
Technical Support:
- Provided by Rayon Technology Co., Ltd. via email and phone
- Driver updates and documentation available on the manufacturer’s website
Maintenance:
- No periodic maintenance required
- Recommended to keep connectors clean and free from dust
- Firmware and driver updates available for improved compatibility
Product Lifecycle and Upgrades:
- Designed for long-term industrial use
- Compatible with other Rayon PCI and PCIe serial communication products for scalable system expansion
Manufacturer’s Note:
All product names and trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. Rayon Technology Co., Ltd. reserves the right to modify specifications without prior notice to improve product performance or compatibility.
### Summary
The Rayon P524U Universal PCI Serial Communication Card is a robust, flexible, and high-performance solution for expanding serial communication capabilities in PC-based systems. With its combination of two RS232 and two RS422/RS485 ports, universal PCI compatibility, and broad OS driver support, it serves as an ideal interface for industrial automation, data acquisition, and embedded control applications. Its Auto Data Direction Control, surge protection, and Plug & Play configuration make it both reliable and easy to integrate. The P524U exemplifies Rayon Technology’s commitment to providing versatile, durable, and standards-compliant communication hardware for professional and industrial environments.
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P524U1_Catalog_en.pdf
PDF Catalog
