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- Eight Independent RS232 Ports: Each port supports standard RS232C signaling with full modem control lines (TXD, RXD, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, GND).
- 16550A-Compatible UARTs: Each channel includes a 16-byte FIFO buffer for efficient data handling and reduced CPU load.
- Universal PCI Interface: Compatible with both 5V and 3.3V PCI bus slots (33 MHz), ensuring broad motherboard compatibility.
- Plug & Play Configuration: Automatic IRQ and I/O address assignment by PCI BIOS; no manual configuration required.
- Single 5V Power Operation: The card draws power directly from the PCI slot, simplifying installation and ensuring stable operation.
- High-Speed Communication: Supports baud rates from 50 to 115,200 bps per port.
- Surge Protection: Built-in surge protection on TXD and RXD lines enhances reliability in industrial environments.
- Flexible Connectivity: Includes a DB62 female connector with an external breakout cable (DB62M to 8×DB9M or optional 8×DB25M).
- Multi-OS Support: Compatible with DOS, Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP/2003/Vista, Linux, and SCO OpenServer.
- IRQ Sharing: Supports shared interrupt operation for multi-card systems.
- Scalable System Integration: Up to two P5588U cards can be installed per system, providing up to 16 serial ports.
- Compact Design: Optimized PCB layout for efficient airflow and minimal footprint in standard PC enclosures.
- 16550A-Compatible UARTs: Each channel includes a 16-byte FIFO buffer for efficient data handling and reduced CPU load.
- Universal PCI Interface: Compatible with both 5V and 3.3V PCI bus slots (33 MHz), ensuring broad motherboard compatibility.
- Plug & Play Configuration: Automatic IRQ and I/O address assignment by PCI BIOS; no manual configuration required.
- Single 5V Power Operation: The card draws power directly from the PCI slot, simplifying installation and ensuring stable operation.
- High-Speed Communication: Supports baud rates from 50 to 115,200 bps per port.
- Surge Protection: Built-in surge protection on TXD and RXD lines enhances reliability in industrial environments.
- Flexible Connectivity: Includes a DB62 female connector with an external breakout cable (DB62M to 8×DB9M or optional 8×DB25M).
- Multi-OS Support: Compatible with DOS, Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP/2003/Vista, Linux, and SCO OpenServer.
- IRQ Sharing: Supports shared interrupt operation for multi-card systems.
- Scalable System Integration: Up to two P5588U cards can be installed per system, providing up to 16 serial ports.
- Compact Design: Optimized PCB layout for efficient airflow and minimal footprint in standard PC enclosures.
Comprehensive Product Summary – Rayon Technology P5588U Universal PCI 8-Port RS232 Serial Card
### 1. Product Overview
Product Name: UPCI 8-Port RS232 Serial Card
Model Number: P5588U
Series: PCIPORT Universal PCI Serial Communication Cards
Article Number: P5588U
Manufacturer: Rayon Technology Co., Ltd.
Manufacturer Address: 2F, No. 177, Chung-Shan 2 Road, Lu-Chou City, Taipei Hsien, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Contact:
- Tel: +886-2-82858362
- Fax: +886-2-82857065
- Email: rayon@ms1.hinet.net
- Web: [www.rayontech.com](http://www.rayontech.com)
Product Description:
The Rayon P5588U is an intelligent, universal PCI-based 8-port serial communication card designed for industrial, commercial, and embedded computing environments requiring multiple RS232 interfaces. It supports 5V-only PCI slots and provides eight independent RS232C ports, each fully compatible with the 16550A UART standard. The card is plug-and-play compliant, automatically configured by the PCI BIOS, and supports a wide range of operating systems including DOS, Windows (95 through Vista), Linux, and UNIX variants.
### 2. Key Features
- Eight Independent RS232 Ports: Each port supports standard RS232C signaling with full modem control lines (TXD, RXD, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, GND).
- 16550A-Compatible UARTs: Each channel includes a 16-byte FIFO buffer for efficient data handling and reduced CPU load.
- Universal PCI Interface: Compatible with both 5V and 3.3V PCI bus slots (33 MHz), ensuring broad motherboard compatibility.
- Plug & Play Configuration: Automatic IRQ and I/O address assignment by PCI BIOS; no manual configuration required.
- Single 5V Power Operation: The card draws power directly from the PCI slot, simplifying installation and ensuring stable operation.
- High-Speed Communication: Supports baud rates from 50 to 115,200 bps per port.
- Surge Protection: Built-in surge protection on TXD and RXD lines enhances reliability in industrial environments.
- Flexible Connectivity: Includes a DB62 female connector with an external breakout cable (DB62M to 8×DB9M or optional 8×DB25M).
- Multi-OS Support: Compatible with DOS, Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP/2003/Vista, Linux, and SCO OpenServer.
- IRQ Sharing: Supports shared interrupt operation for multi-card systems.
- Scalable System Integration: Up to two P5588U cards can be installed per system, providing up to 16 serial ports.
- Compact Design: Optimized PCB layout for efficient airflow and minimal footprint in standard PC enclosures.
### 3. Technical Specifications
Physical Characteristics:
- Dimensions: 141 mm × 106 mm (6.0 × 4.2 inches)
- Weight: Approx. 120 g (card only)
- Form Factor: Full-height PCI card
Electrical Characteristics:
- Bus Interface: PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.1 compliant
- Bus Frequency: 33 MHz
- Bus Voltage: 5V signaling (supports 3.3V slots on universal PCI motherboards)
- Power Requirement: 5V DC from PCI slot only
Serial Communication Controller:
- Type: 16550A-compatible UART
- Clock Frequency: 1.8432 MHz (supports up to 14.7456 MHz for higher baud rates)
- FIFO Buffer: 16-byte transmit and receive buffers per port
Port Configuration:
- Number of Ports: 8
- Interface Type: RS232C
- Connector Type: DB62 female on card; breakout cable to 8×DB9M or 8×DB25M
- Signal Lines: TXD, RXD, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, GND
- Baud Rate Range: 50–115,200 bps (software programmable)
- Flow Control: Hardware (RTS/CTS) and software (XON/XOFF)
Environmental Conditions:
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C
- Storage Temperature: 0°C to 65°C
- Operating Humidity: 10%–95% RH (non-condensing)
- Storage Humidity: 5%–95% RH (non-condensing)
Materials:
- Multi-layer PCB with gold-plated edge connector
- High-quality electronic components rated for industrial temperature ranges
### 4. Functionality
Operational Overview:
The P5588U functions as an intelligent multi-port serial controller, offloading serial communication tasks from the host CPU. Each port operates independently, allowing simultaneous data transmission and reception across all eight channels. The card’s plug-and-play architecture ensures automatic resource allocation by the PCI BIOS, eliminating manual configuration of IRQs or I/O addresses.
Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation and control systems
- Data acquisition and instrumentation
- POS (Point-of-Sale) and retail systems
- Telecommunications and networking equipment
- Serial device servers and console management
- Embedded systems requiring multiple serial interfaces
Compatibility:
- Hardware: Compatible with any PC/AT or industrial PC supporting 5V or 3.3V PCI slots.
- Software: Supports DOS, Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP/2003/Vista, Linux, SCO OpenServer, and UNIX.
- Driver Integration: Plug-and-play drivers available for all supported operating systems; Linux drivers provided as source for kernel integration.
### 5. Components & Accessories
Included Components:
- One P5588U PCI interface card
- One DB62M-to-8×DB9M breakout cable (R804)
- Optional DB62M-to-8×DB25M cable (R801)
- User manual and driver diskette
Optional Accessories:
- R803 Cable: DB62M-to-DB62M cable for connection to RS4232-8 isolation box
- RS4232-8 Box: External isolation module converting RS232 to isolated RS232/RS422/RS485 interfaces
- R802 Cable: DB62-to-8×DB25F cable for female connector applications
Connector Pin Assignments:
- DB62 female connector on card (see Appendix A, Table 1 in manual)
- DB9 and DB25 pinouts conform to standard RS232 definitions
### 6. Installation & Setup
System Requirements:
- Available PCI slot (5V or 3.3V, 33 MHz)
- Supported operating system (DOS, Windows, Linux, or SCO)
- Administrative privileges for driver installation
Installation Procedure:
1. Power off the host system.
2. Insert the P5588U card into an available PCI slot.
3. Connect the DB62 breakout cable to the card.
4. Power on the system.
5. The PCI BIOS automatically assigns I/O and IRQ resources.
6. Install the appropriate driver for your operating system.
Driver Installation:
- Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7: Plug-and-play detection; specify driver path (A:\WIN2000 or CD:\UPCI_card\P588U\WIN7_2000_XP_2003_Vista).
- Windows NT4: Manual installation via Control Panel → Network → Add Adapter → “Other” → specify A:\P588\NT4.
- Windows 95/98/ME: Automatic detection; specify A:\WIN95 driver directory.
- DOS: Run `PCIPORT.EXE` from the driver diskette.
- Linux: Copy driver source to `/etc/rayon`, run `./Install`, rebuild kernel modules, and reboot.
- SCO OpenServer: Use `/etc/custom` or manual `tar` and `build` commands to install.
Multi-Card Configuration:
- Up to two P5588U cards per system.
- Jumper JP1 selects card number: ON = first card, OFF = second card.
- Cards can share IRQs if supported by the operating system.
Safety Notes:
- Do not insert or remove the card while the system is powered on.
- Use anti-static precautions during installation.
### 7. Performance & Capabilities
Data Throughput:
- Each port supports up to 115.2 Kbps (1.8432 MHz clock) or up to 921.6 Kbps with optional 14.7456 MHz crystal.
- 16-byte FIFO buffers minimize CPU interrupts and improve throughput.
System Efficiency:
- Intelligent buffering reduces CPU load by minimizing interrupt frequency.
- Shared IRQ capability allows multiple cards to coexist without resource conflicts.
Capacity:
- 8 ports per card; up to 16 ports per system with two cards installed.
Latency & Reliability:
- Hardware flow control ensures stable communication at high baud rates.
- Built-in surge protection on TXD/RXD lines enhances reliability in electrically noisy environments.
Limitations:
- RS232 interface only (no RS422/RS485 support on this model).
- Maximum of two cards per system due to IRQ and I/O mapping constraints.
### 8. Standards & Compliance
Bus Compliance:
- PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.1
- Universal PCI (3.3V/5V) signaling compatibility
Electrical & Safety Standards:
- Designed for compliance with CE and FCC Class A industrial standards (typical for Rayon PCIPORT series)
- Surge protection integrated on data lines
Software & Driver Standards:
- Fully compliant with Microsoft Windows driver model (WDM)
- Linux driver source provided for kernel 2.4.x and later
- SCO OpenServer and UNIX driver compatibility
Environmental Compliance:
- RoHS-compliant manufacturing (lead-free soldering process)
### 9. Additional Information
Warranty:
- One-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
- Warranty excludes damage from misuse, electrical surges, or unauthorized modifications.
Support & Service:
- Taiwan Service Center: rayon@ms1.hinet.net
- European Support (Acceed GmbH, Germany): rayon@acceed.com
- Website: [www.acceed.com/rayon](http://www.acceed.com/rayon)
Repair & RMA Procedure:
- Obtain Return Material Authorization (RMA) before returning products.
- Provide model number, serial number, reason for return, and purchase order reference.
- Products under warranty repaired at no cost; out-of-warranty repairs subject to flat-rate service charge.
Maintenance:
- No periodic maintenance required.
- Keep connectors clean and free from dust.
- Avoid exposure to excessive heat or humidity.
Software Updates:
- Updated drivers available from Rayon Technology’s website.
- Linux source code updates provided for new kernel versions.
Related Models in the 5V-Only 8-Port Series:
| Model | RS232 | RS422 | RS485 |
|--------|--------|--------|--------|
| P5188U | 8 | 8 | 0 |
| P5288U | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| P5388U | 0 | 8 | 8 |
| P5488U | 8 | 4 | 4 |
| P5588U | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| P5688U | 8 | 6 | 2 |
| P5788U | 8 | 7 | 1 |
| P5888U | 4 | 4 | 8 |
| P5988U | 4 | 8 | 4 |
Product Lifecycle:
- The P5588U replaces the earlier P5168U model, offering improved PCI BIOS mapping and enhanced surge protection.
### Summary
The Rayon P5588U Universal PCI 8-Port RS232 Serial Card is a robust, high-performance communication interface designed for industrial and commercial systems requiring multiple serial connections. With its 16550A-compatible UARTs, automatic PCI resource management, and broad OS compatibility, it provides a reliable and scalable solution for serial communication expansion. Its 5V-only power design, surge-protected signal lines, and plug-and-play installation make it ideal for demanding environments where stability and ease of integration are critical.
The P5588U exemplifies Rayon Technology’s engineering focus on connectivity, reliability, and cross-platform support, making it a preferred choice for system integrators and OEMs seeking dependable multi-port serial communication hardware.
### 1. Product Overview
Product Name: UPCI 8-Port RS232 Serial Card
Model Number: P5588U
Series: PCIPORT Universal PCI Serial Communication Cards
Article Number: P5588U
Manufacturer: Rayon Technology Co., Ltd.
Manufacturer Address: 2F, No. 177, Chung-Shan 2 Road, Lu-Chou City, Taipei Hsien, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Contact:
- Tel: +886-2-82858362
- Fax: +886-2-82857065
- Email: rayon@ms1.hinet.net
- Web: [www.rayontech.com](http://www.rayontech.com)
Product Description:
The Rayon P5588U is an intelligent, universal PCI-based 8-port serial communication card designed for industrial, commercial, and embedded computing environments requiring multiple RS232 interfaces. It supports 5V-only PCI slots and provides eight independent RS232C ports, each fully compatible with the 16550A UART standard. The card is plug-and-play compliant, automatically configured by the PCI BIOS, and supports a wide range of operating systems including DOS, Windows (95 through Vista), Linux, and UNIX variants.
### 2. Key Features
- Eight Independent RS232 Ports: Each port supports standard RS232C signaling with full modem control lines (TXD, RXD, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, GND).
- 16550A-Compatible UARTs: Each channel includes a 16-byte FIFO buffer for efficient data handling and reduced CPU load.
- Universal PCI Interface: Compatible with both 5V and 3.3V PCI bus slots (33 MHz), ensuring broad motherboard compatibility.
- Plug & Play Configuration: Automatic IRQ and I/O address assignment by PCI BIOS; no manual configuration required.
- Single 5V Power Operation: The card draws power directly from the PCI slot, simplifying installation and ensuring stable operation.
- High-Speed Communication: Supports baud rates from 50 to 115,200 bps per port.
- Surge Protection: Built-in surge protection on TXD and RXD lines enhances reliability in industrial environments.
- Flexible Connectivity: Includes a DB62 female connector with an external breakout cable (DB62M to 8×DB9M or optional 8×DB25M).
- Multi-OS Support: Compatible with DOS, Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP/2003/Vista, Linux, and SCO OpenServer.
- IRQ Sharing: Supports shared interrupt operation for multi-card systems.
- Scalable System Integration: Up to two P5588U cards can be installed per system, providing up to 16 serial ports.
- Compact Design: Optimized PCB layout for efficient airflow and minimal footprint in standard PC enclosures.
### 3. Technical Specifications
Physical Characteristics:
- Dimensions: 141 mm × 106 mm (6.0 × 4.2 inches)
- Weight: Approx. 120 g (card only)
- Form Factor: Full-height PCI card
Electrical Characteristics:
- Bus Interface: PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.1 compliant
- Bus Frequency: 33 MHz
- Bus Voltage: 5V signaling (supports 3.3V slots on universal PCI motherboards)
- Power Requirement: 5V DC from PCI slot only
Serial Communication Controller:
- Type: 16550A-compatible UART
- Clock Frequency: 1.8432 MHz (supports up to 14.7456 MHz for higher baud rates)
- FIFO Buffer: 16-byte transmit and receive buffers per port
Port Configuration:
- Number of Ports: 8
- Interface Type: RS232C
- Connector Type: DB62 female on card; breakout cable to 8×DB9M or 8×DB25M
- Signal Lines: TXD, RXD, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, GND
- Baud Rate Range: 50–115,200 bps (software programmable)
- Flow Control: Hardware (RTS/CTS) and software (XON/XOFF)
Environmental Conditions:
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C
- Storage Temperature: 0°C to 65°C
- Operating Humidity: 10%–95% RH (non-condensing)
- Storage Humidity: 5%–95% RH (non-condensing)
Materials:
- Multi-layer PCB with gold-plated edge connector
- High-quality electronic components rated for industrial temperature ranges
### 4. Functionality
Operational Overview:
The P5588U functions as an intelligent multi-port serial controller, offloading serial communication tasks from the host CPU. Each port operates independently, allowing simultaneous data transmission and reception across all eight channels. The card’s plug-and-play architecture ensures automatic resource allocation by the PCI BIOS, eliminating manual configuration of IRQs or I/O addresses.
Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation and control systems
- Data acquisition and instrumentation
- POS (Point-of-Sale) and retail systems
- Telecommunications and networking equipment
- Serial device servers and console management
- Embedded systems requiring multiple serial interfaces
Compatibility:
- Hardware: Compatible with any PC/AT or industrial PC supporting 5V or 3.3V PCI slots.
- Software: Supports DOS, Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP/2003/Vista, Linux, SCO OpenServer, and UNIX.
- Driver Integration: Plug-and-play drivers available for all supported operating systems; Linux drivers provided as source for kernel integration.
### 5. Components & Accessories
Included Components:
- One P5588U PCI interface card
- One DB62M-to-8×DB9M breakout cable (R804)
- Optional DB62M-to-8×DB25M cable (R801)
- User manual and driver diskette
Optional Accessories:
- R803 Cable: DB62M-to-DB62M cable for connection to RS4232-8 isolation box
- RS4232-8 Box: External isolation module converting RS232 to isolated RS232/RS422/RS485 interfaces
- R802 Cable: DB62-to-8×DB25F cable for female connector applications
Connector Pin Assignments:
- DB62 female connector on card (see Appendix A, Table 1 in manual)
- DB9 and DB25 pinouts conform to standard RS232 definitions
### 6. Installation & Setup
System Requirements:
- Available PCI slot (5V or 3.3V, 33 MHz)
- Supported operating system (DOS, Windows, Linux, or SCO)
- Administrative privileges for driver installation
Installation Procedure:
1. Power off the host system.
2. Insert the P5588U card into an available PCI slot.
3. Connect the DB62 breakout cable to the card.
4. Power on the system.
5. The PCI BIOS automatically assigns I/O and IRQ resources.
6. Install the appropriate driver for your operating system.
Driver Installation:
- Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7: Plug-and-play detection; specify driver path (A:\WIN2000 or CD:\UPCI_card\P588U\WIN7_2000_XP_2003_Vista).
- Windows NT4: Manual installation via Control Panel → Network → Add Adapter → “Other” → specify A:\P588\NT4.
- Windows 95/98/ME: Automatic detection; specify A:\WIN95 driver directory.
- DOS: Run `PCIPORT.EXE` from the driver diskette.
- Linux: Copy driver source to `/etc/rayon`, run `./Install`, rebuild kernel modules, and reboot.
- SCO OpenServer: Use `/etc/custom` or manual `tar` and `build` commands to install.
Multi-Card Configuration:
- Up to two P5588U cards per system.
- Jumper JP1 selects card number: ON = first card, OFF = second card.
- Cards can share IRQs if supported by the operating system.
Safety Notes:
- Do not insert or remove the card while the system is powered on.
- Use anti-static precautions during installation.
### 7. Performance & Capabilities
Data Throughput:
- Each port supports up to 115.2 Kbps (1.8432 MHz clock) or up to 921.6 Kbps with optional 14.7456 MHz crystal.
- 16-byte FIFO buffers minimize CPU interrupts and improve throughput.
System Efficiency:
- Intelligent buffering reduces CPU load by minimizing interrupt frequency.
- Shared IRQ capability allows multiple cards to coexist without resource conflicts.
Capacity:
- 8 ports per card; up to 16 ports per system with two cards installed.
Latency & Reliability:
- Hardware flow control ensures stable communication at high baud rates.
- Built-in surge protection on TXD/RXD lines enhances reliability in electrically noisy environments.
Limitations:
- RS232 interface only (no RS422/RS485 support on this model).
- Maximum of two cards per system due to IRQ and I/O mapping constraints.
### 8. Standards & Compliance
Bus Compliance:
- PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.1
- Universal PCI (3.3V/5V) signaling compatibility
Electrical & Safety Standards:
- Designed for compliance with CE and FCC Class A industrial standards (typical for Rayon PCIPORT series)
- Surge protection integrated on data lines
Software & Driver Standards:
- Fully compliant with Microsoft Windows driver model (WDM)
- Linux driver source provided for kernel 2.4.x and later
- SCO OpenServer and UNIX driver compatibility
Environmental Compliance:
- RoHS-compliant manufacturing (lead-free soldering process)
### 9. Additional Information
Warranty:
- One-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
- Warranty excludes damage from misuse, electrical surges, or unauthorized modifications.
Support & Service:
- Taiwan Service Center: rayon@ms1.hinet.net
- European Support (Acceed GmbH, Germany): rayon@acceed.com
- Website: [www.acceed.com/rayon](http://www.acceed.com/rayon)
Repair & RMA Procedure:
- Obtain Return Material Authorization (RMA) before returning products.
- Provide model number, serial number, reason for return, and purchase order reference.
- Products under warranty repaired at no cost; out-of-warranty repairs subject to flat-rate service charge.
Maintenance:
- No periodic maintenance required.
- Keep connectors clean and free from dust.
- Avoid exposure to excessive heat or humidity.
Software Updates:
- Updated drivers available from Rayon Technology’s website.
- Linux source code updates provided for new kernel versions.
Related Models in the 5V-Only 8-Port Series:
| Model | RS232 | RS422 | RS485 |
|--------|--------|--------|--------|
| P5188U | 8 | 8 | 0 |
| P5288U | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| P5388U | 0 | 8 | 8 |
| P5488U | 8 | 4 | 4 |
| P5588U | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| P5688U | 8 | 6 | 2 |
| P5788U | 8 | 7 | 1 |
| P5888U | 4 | 4 | 8 |
| P5988U | 4 | 8 | 4 |
Product Lifecycle:
- The P5588U replaces the earlier P5168U model, offering improved PCI BIOS mapping and enhanced surge protection.
### Summary
The Rayon P5588U Universal PCI 8-Port RS232 Serial Card is a robust, high-performance communication interface designed for industrial and commercial systems requiring multiple serial connections. With its 16550A-compatible UARTs, automatic PCI resource management, and broad OS compatibility, it provides a reliable and scalable solution for serial communication expansion. Its 5V-only power design, surge-protected signal lines, and plug-and-play installation make it ideal for demanding environments where stability and ease of integration are critical.
The P5588U exemplifies Rayon Technology’s engineering focus on connectivity, reliability, and cross-platform support, making it a preferred choice for system integrators and OEMs seeking dependable multi-port serial communication hardware.
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P5588U_Catalog.pdf
PDF Catalog
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PCI-Port-015.pdf
Manual
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QNX use of Rayon Cards.pdf
Manual