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- Eight-Port Intelligent Serial Controller: Provides eight independent serial communication ports—four RS232 and four RS422/RS485—on a single PCI expansion card.
- Universal PCI Interface: Supports both 3.3V and 5V 33MHz PCI slots, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of PC/AT systems.
- High-Speed Communication: Each port supports baud rates from 50 bps up to 115,200 bps (1.8432 MHz crystal) or up to 921,600 bps (14.7456 MHz crystal).
- ADDC (Auto Data Direction Control): Enables automatic control of data direction in RS485 mode, eliminating the need for manual RTS signal management.
- 16550A UART Compatibility: Each port is fully compatible with the industry-standard 16550A UART, providing 16-byte transmit and receive FIFOs for efficient data buffering.
- Plug & Play Configuration: Fully compliant with PCI Plug & Play specifications; I/O addresses and IRQs are automatically assigned by the PCI BIOS.
- IRQ Sharing Capability: Supports shared interrupt (IRQ) mapping, allowing multiple PCI cards to share a single IRQ line.
- Flexible Interface Configuration: DIP switch selectable RS422 or RS485 modes for ports E–H; RS232 fixed on ports A–D.
- Comprehensive OS Support: Compatible with DOS, Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP, Linux, and SCO OpenServer.
- Compact Design: PCB dimensions of 140 mm × 107 mm for easy integration into standard PC enclosures.
- High Reliability: Designed for industrial and commercial communication applications requiring stable multi-port serial connectivity.
- Universal PCI Interface: Supports both 3.3V and 5V 33MHz PCI slots, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of PC/AT systems.
- High-Speed Communication: Each port supports baud rates from 50 bps up to 115,200 bps (1.8432 MHz crystal) or up to 921,600 bps (14.7456 MHz crystal).
- ADDC (Auto Data Direction Control): Enables automatic control of data direction in RS485 mode, eliminating the need for manual RTS signal management.
- 16550A UART Compatibility: Each port is fully compatible with the industry-standard 16550A UART, providing 16-byte transmit and receive FIFOs for efficient data buffering.
- Plug & Play Configuration: Fully compliant with PCI Plug & Play specifications; I/O addresses and IRQs are automatically assigned by the PCI BIOS.
- IRQ Sharing Capability: Supports shared interrupt (IRQ) mapping, allowing multiple PCI cards to share a single IRQ line.
- Flexible Interface Configuration: DIP switch selectable RS422 or RS485 modes for ports E–H; RS232 fixed on ports A–D.
- Comprehensive OS Support: Compatible with DOS, Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP, Linux, and SCO OpenServer.
- Compact Design: PCB dimensions of 140 mm × 107 mm for easy integration into standard PC enclosures.
- High Reliability: Designed for industrial and commercial communication applications requiring stable multi-port serial connectivity.
Comprehensive Product Summary – Rayon Technology P588U4 UPCI 8-Port 4×RS232 and 4×RS422/RS485 Card
### 1. Product Overview
Product Name: UPCI 8-Port 4×RS232 and 4×RS422/RS485 Card
Model: P588U4
Series: RAYON PCIPORT Series
Article Number: P588U4
Manufacturer: Rayon Technology Inc.
Manufacturer Locations:
- Headquarters: 2F, No. 177, Chung-Shan 2 Road, Lu-Chou City, Taipei Hsien, Taiwan, R.O.C.
- European Support: Acceed GmbH, Arnoldstraße 19, 40479 Düsseldorf, Germany
Product Type: Intelligent multi-port serial communication controller card for PCI bus systems.
Revision: Manual Rev. 1.00 (October 19, 2003)
### 2. Key Features
- Eight-Port Intelligent Serial Controller: Provides eight independent serial communication ports—four RS232 and four RS422/RS485—on a single PCI expansion card.
- Universal PCI Interface: Supports both 3.3V and 5V 33MHz PCI slots, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of PC/AT systems.
- High-Speed Communication: Each port supports baud rates from 50 bps up to 115,200 bps (1.8432 MHz crystal) or up to 921,600 bps (14.7456 MHz crystal).
- ADDC (Auto Data Direction Control): Enables automatic control of data direction in RS485 mode, eliminating the need for manual RTS signal management.
- 16550A UART Compatibility: Each port is fully compatible with the industry-standard 16550A UART, providing 16-byte transmit and receive FIFOs for efficient data buffering.
- Plug & Play Configuration: Fully compliant with PCI Plug & Play specifications; I/O addresses and IRQs are automatically assigned by the PCI BIOS.
- IRQ Sharing Capability: Supports shared interrupt (IRQ) mapping, allowing multiple PCI cards to share a single IRQ line.
- Flexible Interface Configuration: DIP switch selectable RS422 or RS485 modes for ports E–H; RS232 fixed on ports A–D.
- Comprehensive OS Support: Compatible with DOS, Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP, Linux, and SCO OpenServer.
- Compact Design: PCB dimensions of 140 mm × 107 mm for easy integration into standard PC enclosures.
- High Reliability: Designed for industrial and commercial communication applications requiring stable multi-port serial connectivity.
### 3. Technical Specifications
Electrical & Interface Characteristics:
- Bus Interface: PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.1 compliant
- Bus Voltage: 3.3V / 5V (Universal PCI)
- Bus Frequency: 33 MHz
- Controller: 16C550A compatible UART with 16-byte FIFO
- Clock Source: 1.8432 MHz crystal (standard), optional 14.7456 MHz
- Baud Rate Range: 50 bps to 115.2 Kbps (standard), up to 921.6 Kbps (optional)
- Flow Control: Hardware (RTS/CTS) and software (XON/XOFF)
Port Configuration:
- Total Ports: 8
- Ports A–D: RS232 interface
- Ports E–H: RS422/RS485 interface (selectable via DIP switch)
- Connector Type: DB62 female on card
- Expansion Cable: DB62 male to 8×DB9 male (R804) or 8×DB25 male (R801)
- Optional Cable: DB62 male to DB62 male (R803) for RS4232-8 isolation box connection
Physical Characteristics:
- Dimensions: 140 mm (L) × 107 mm (W)
- Weight: Approx. 150 g (card only)
- Material: Multi-layer PCB with gold-plated edge connector
Environmental Requirements:
- Operating Environment: PC/AT compatible systems with PCI slots
- Operating Voltage: 3.3V or 5V PCI bus power
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C (typical)
- Storage Temperature: -20°C to 85°C
- Humidity: 5%–95% non-condensing
### 4. Functionality
Operational Overview:
The P588U4 is an intelligent serial communication controller designed to offload serial I/O processing from the host CPU. By using buffered UARTs and efficient interrupt handling, it minimizes CPU overhead and improves system throughput in multi-port serial applications.
How It Works:
- The card interfaces directly with the PCI bus, using an ASIC controller that automatically negotiates memory and I/O mapping through the system BIOS.
- Each port operates independently, supporting asynchronous serial communication with configurable baud rates, parity, stop bits, and data bits.
- In RS485 mode, the ADDC feature automatically manages data direction, ensuring reliable half-duplex communication without manual control signals.
- The card supports both full-duplex (RS422) and half-duplex (RS485) modes, selectable via DIP switches.
Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation and control systems
- Data acquisition and instrumentation
- Point-of-sale (POS) and kiosk systems
- Networking and communication gateways
- Multi-terminal serial device management
- SCADA and telemetry systems
Compatibility:
- Operating Systems: DOS, Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP, Linux, SCO OpenServer
- Hardware: PC/AT compatible systems with available PCI slots
- Software Drivers: Provided for all supported OS platforms; plug-and-play installation for Windows and Linux
### 5. Components & Accessories
Included Components:
- One P588U4 PCI interface card
- One 62-pin expansion cable supporting eight DB9 or DB25 connectors
- R801: DB62 to 8×DB25 male cable
- R804: DB62 to 8×DB9 male cable
- User manual and driver diskette
Optional Accessories:
- R803 Cable: DB62 male-to-male cable for connecting to RS4232-8 isolation box
- RS4232-8 Box: External isolation and signal conversion unit supporting RS232/RS422/RS485 interfaces with galvanic isolation
- TB485 Converter: DB9 to 3-pin terminal block adapter for RS485 wiring
- R802 Cable: DB62 to 8×DB25 female cable (optional variant)
Connectors and Pinouts:
- DB62 female connector on card (see Appendix A, Table 1 for pin assignments)
- DB9/DB25 connectors on expansion cable (see Appendix A, Tables 3–4)
### 6. Installation & Setup
System Requirements:
- PC/AT compatible computer with one available PCI slot (3.3V or 5V)
- Supported operating system (Windows, DOS, Linux, or SCO)
- Administrative privileges for driver installation
Installation Procedure:
1. Power off the computer and disconnect the power cord.
2. Set the JP1 jumper to define card number:
- ON: First card
- OFF: Second card
3. Insert the P588U4 card into an available PCI slot.
4. Connect the 62-pin expansion cable to the card’s DB62 connector.
5. Reassemble and power on the system.
6. Install the appropriate driver for your operating system.
Driver Installation:
- Windows 2000/XP: Plug & Play detection; specify driver path `A:\WIN2000`.
- Windows NT4: Manual installation via *Control Panel → Network → Add Adapter → Other*; specify `A:\P588\NT4`.
- Windows 95/98/ME: Plug & Play detection; specify `A:\WIN95`.
- DOS: Copy driver files from diskette and run `PCIPORT.EXE`.
- Linux: Extract driver package (`tar xvf /dev/fd0`), run `./Install`, and rebuild kernel modules.
- SCO OpenServer: Use `/etc/custom` or manual installation via `/etc/pciport/build`.
Mounting Options:
- Internal PCI slot installation only; external RS4232-8 box optional for isolation.
Configuration:
- DIP switch SW2 configures RS422/RS485 mode for ports E–H.
- JP1 jumper selects card number for multi-card systems.
- IRQ and I/O addresses automatically assigned by PCI BIOS.
### 7. Performance & Capabilities
Communication Performance:
- Baud Rate: 50–115,200 bps (standard), up to 921,600 bps (optional)
- FIFO Buffer: 16 bytes transmit and receive per port
- Interrupt Handling: Shared IRQ support; single IRQ mapping for all ports
- Data Integrity: Hardware and software flow control prevent data loss
- Latency Reduction: Buffered UARTs minimize CPU interrupts, improving throughput
Capacity:
- Supports up to 8 serial ports per card
- Maximum of 2 cards per system (16 total ports)
Efficiency:
- Intelligent buffering reduces CPU load by handling serial data locally
- Automatic configuration eliminates manual resource conflicts
Limitations:
- Maximum of two P588U4 cards per system
- RS485 mode supports half-duplex communication only
- Requires available IRQ for proper operation (cannot share with non-IRQ-shareable ISA devices)
### 8. Standards & Compliance
Bus and Interface Standards:
- PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.1
- RS232C, RS422, and RS485 electrical interface standards
- 16550A UART compatibility
Software and OS Compliance:
- Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility (Windows 95 through XP)
- Linux kernel module support (source-based installation)
- SCO OpenServer driver integration
Regulatory and Safety:
- Designed for CE and FCC Class A compliance (industrial/commercial environments)
- Meets standard ESD protection for PCI cards
Environmental and Reliability Standards:
- Operating temperature and humidity within industrial-grade limits
- Conforms to standard PC/AT mechanical and electrical specifications
### 9. Additional Information
Warranty:
- Duration: 1-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
- Exclusions: Damage due to misuse, unauthorized servicing, or electrical faults.
- Repair Policy:
- Warranty repairs performed at no cost.
- Out-of-warranty repairs available at a flat-rate service charge.
- Handling and testing fees apply for non-defective returns.
Support & Service Contacts:
- Rayon Technology Co., Ltd. (Taiwan):
- Tel: +886 2 82858362
- Fax: +886 2 82857065
- Email: rayon@ms1.hinet.net
- Acceed GmbH (Europe):
- Tel: +49 211 938898 0
- Fax: +49 211 938898 0
- Email: rayon@acceed.com
- Web: [www.acceed.com/rayon](http://www.acceed.com/rayon)
Maintenance:
- Handle card using anti-static precautions.
- Avoid inserting/removing card while system power is on.
- Periodically inspect connectors and cables for wear or oxidation.
Firmware & Driver Updates:
- Updated drivers and documentation available via Rayon or Acceed support websites.
- Linux driver source code provided for kernel integration and customization.
Return Material Authorization (RMA):
- Contact Rayon or Acceed support for RMA number before returning products.
- Provide model number, serial number, purchase order, and problem description.
### Summary
The Rayon Technology P588U4 UPCI 8-Port Serial Communication Card is a robust, high-performance solution for expanding serial connectivity in industrial and commercial PC systems. Combining four RS232 and four RS422/RS485 ports on a single PCI card, it offers exceptional flexibility for mixed-interface environments. Its intelligent design, featuring 16550A-compatible UARTs, ADDC for RS485, and full Plug & Play PCI compliance, ensures reliable, high-speed communication with minimal CPU overhead.
With comprehensive driver support across major operating systems, universal PCI voltage compatibility, and optional isolation accessories, the P588U4 is ideally suited for automation, data acquisition, and multi-terminal communication applications requiring stable, scalable serial connectivity.
### 1. Product Overview
Product Name: UPCI 8-Port 4×RS232 and 4×RS422/RS485 Card
Model: P588U4
Series: RAYON PCIPORT Series
Article Number: P588U4
Manufacturer: Rayon Technology Inc.
Manufacturer Locations:
- Headquarters: 2F, No. 177, Chung-Shan 2 Road, Lu-Chou City, Taipei Hsien, Taiwan, R.O.C.
- European Support: Acceed GmbH, Arnoldstraße 19, 40479 Düsseldorf, Germany
Product Type: Intelligent multi-port serial communication controller card for PCI bus systems.
Revision: Manual Rev. 1.00 (October 19, 2003)
### 2. Key Features
- Eight-Port Intelligent Serial Controller: Provides eight independent serial communication ports—four RS232 and four RS422/RS485—on a single PCI expansion card.
- Universal PCI Interface: Supports both 3.3V and 5V 33MHz PCI slots, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of PC/AT systems.
- High-Speed Communication: Each port supports baud rates from 50 bps up to 115,200 bps (1.8432 MHz crystal) or up to 921,600 bps (14.7456 MHz crystal).
- ADDC (Auto Data Direction Control): Enables automatic control of data direction in RS485 mode, eliminating the need for manual RTS signal management.
- 16550A UART Compatibility: Each port is fully compatible with the industry-standard 16550A UART, providing 16-byte transmit and receive FIFOs for efficient data buffering.
- Plug & Play Configuration: Fully compliant with PCI Plug & Play specifications; I/O addresses and IRQs are automatically assigned by the PCI BIOS.
- IRQ Sharing Capability: Supports shared interrupt (IRQ) mapping, allowing multiple PCI cards to share a single IRQ line.
- Flexible Interface Configuration: DIP switch selectable RS422 or RS485 modes for ports E–H; RS232 fixed on ports A–D.
- Comprehensive OS Support: Compatible with DOS, Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP, Linux, and SCO OpenServer.
- Compact Design: PCB dimensions of 140 mm × 107 mm for easy integration into standard PC enclosures.
- High Reliability: Designed for industrial and commercial communication applications requiring stable multi-port serial connectivity.
### 3. Technical Specifications
Electrical & Interface Characteristics:
- Bus Interface: PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.1 compliant
- Bus Voltage: 3.3V / 5V (Universal PCI)
- Bus Frequency: 33 MHz
- Controller: 16C550A compatible UART with 16-byte FIFO
- Clock Source: 1.8432 MHz crystal (standard), optional 14.7456 MHz
- Baud Rate Range: 50 bps to 115.2 Kbps (standard), up to 921.6 Kbps (optional)
- Flow Control: Hardware (RTS/CTS) and software (XON/XOFF)
Port Configuration:
- Total Ports: 8
- Ports A–D: RS232 interface
- Ports E–H: RS422/RS485 interface (selectable via DIP switch)
- Connector Type: DB62 female on card
- Expansion Cable: DB62 male to 8×DB9 male (R804) or 8×DB25 male (R801)
- Optional Cable: DB62 male to DB62 male (R803) for RS4232-8 isolation box connection
Physical Characteristics:
- Dimensions: 140 mm (L) × 107 mm (W)
- Weight: Approx. 150 g (card only)
- Material: Multi-layer PCB with gold-plated edge connector
Environmental Requirements:
- Operating Environment: PC/AT compatible systems with PCI slots
- Operating Voltage: 3.3V or 5V PCI bus power
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C (typical)
- Storage Temperature: -20°C to 85°C
- Humidity: 5%–95% non-condensing
### 4. Functionality
Operational Overview:
The P588U4 is an intelligent serial communication controller designed to offload serial I/O processing from the host CPU. By using buffered UARTs and efficient interrupt handling, it minimizes CPU overhead and improves system throughput in multi-port serial applications.
How It Works:
- The card interfaces directly with the PCI bus, using an ASIC controller that automatically negotiates memory and I/O mapping through the system BIOS.
- Each port operates independently, supporting asynchronous serial communication with configurable baud rates, parity, stop bits, and data bits.
- In RS485 mode, the ADDC feature automatically manages data direction, ensuring reliable half-duplex communication without manual control signals.
- The card supports both full-duplex (RS422) and half-duplex (RS485) modes, selectable via DIP switches.
Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation and control systems
- Data acquisition and instrumentation
- Point-of-sale (POS) and kiosk systems
- Networking and communication gateways
- Multi-terminal serial device management
- SCADA and telemetry systems
Compatibility:
- Operating Systems: DOS, Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP, Linux, SCO OpenServer
- Hardware: PC/AT compatible systems with available PCI slots
- Software Drivers: Provided for all supported OS platforms; plug-and-play installation for Windows and Linux
### 5. Components & Accessories
Included Components:
- One P588U4 PCI interface card
- One 62-pin expansion cable supporting eight DB9 or DB25 connectors
- R801: DB62 to 8×DB25 male cable
- R804: DB62 to 8×DB9 male cable
- User manual and driver diskette
Optional Accessories:
- R803 Cable: DB62 male-to-male cable for connecting to RS4232-8 isolation box
- RS4232-8 Box: External isolation and signal conversion unit supporting RS232/RS422/RS485 interfaces with galvanic isolation
- TB485 Converter: DB9 to 3-pin terminal block adapter for RS485 wiring
- R802 Cable: DB62 to 8×DB25 female cable (optional variant)
Connectors and Pinouts:
- DB62 female connector on card (see Appendix A, Table 1 for pin assignments)
- DB9/DB25 connectors on expansion cable (see Appendix A, Tables 3–4)
### 6. Installation & Setup
System Requirements:
- PC/AT compatible computer with one available PCI slot (3.3V or 5V)
- Supported operating system (Windows, DOS, Linux, or SCO)
- Administrative privileges for driver installation
Installation Procedure:
1. Power off the computer and disconnect the power cord.
2. Set the JP1 jumper to define card number:
- ON: First card
- OFF: Second card
3. Insert the P588U4 card into an available PCI slot.
4. Connect the 62-pin expansion cable to the card’s DB62 connector.
5. Reassemble and power on the system.
6. Install the appropriate driver for your operating system.
Driver Installation:
- Windows 2000/XP: Plug & Play detection; specify driver path `A:\WIN2000`.
- Windows NT4: Manual installation via *Control Panel → Network → Add Adapter → Other*; specify `A:\P588\NT4`.
- Windows 95/98/ME: Plug & Play detection; specify `A:\WIN95`.
- DOS: Copy driver files from diskette and run `PCIPORT.EXE`.
- Linux: Extract driver package (`tar xvf /dev/fd0`), run `./Install`, and rebuild kernel modules.
- SCO OpenServer: Use `/etc/custom` or manual installation via `/etc/pciport/build`.
Mounting Options:
- Internal PCI slot installation only; external RS4232-8 box optional for isolation.
Configuration:
- DIP switch SW2 configures RS422/RS485 mode for ports E–H.
- JP1 jumper selects card number for multi-card systems.
- IRQ and I/O addresses automatically assigned by PCI BIOS.
### 7. Performance & Capabilities
Communication Performance:
- Baud Rate: 50–115,200 bps (standard), up to 921,600 bps (optional)
- FIFO Buffer: 16 bytes transmit and receive per port
- Interrupt Handling: Shared IRQ support; single IRQ mapping for all ports
- Data Integrity: Hardware and software flow control prevent data loss
- Latency Reduction: Buffered UARTs minimize CPU interrupts, improving throughput
Capacity:
- Supports up to 8 serial ports per card
- Maximum of 2 cards per system (16 total ports)
Efficiency:
- Intelligent buffering reduces CPU load by handling serial data locally
- Automatic configuration eliminates manual resource conflicts
Limitations:
- Maximum of two P588U4 cards per system
- RS485 mode supports half-duplex communication only
- Requires available IRQ for proper operation (cannot share with non-IRQ-shareable ISA devices)
### 8. Standards & Compliance
Bus and Interface Standards:
- PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.1
- RS232C, RS422, and RS485 electrical interface standards
- 16550A UART compatibility
Software and OS Compliance:
- Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility (Windows 95 through XP)
- Linux kernel module support (source-based installation)
- SCO OpenServer driver integration
Regulatory and Safety:
- Designed for CE and FCC Class A compliance (industrial/commercial environments)
- Meets standard ESD protection for PCI cards
Environmental and Reliability Standards:
- Operating temperature and humidity within industrial-grade limits
- Conforms to standard PC/AT mechanical and electrical specifications
### 9. Additional Information
Warranty:
- Duration: 1-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
- Exclusions: Damage due to misuse, unauthorized servicing, or electrical faults.
- Repair Policy:
- Warranty repairs performed at no cost.
- Out-of-warranty repairs available at a flat-rate service charge.
- Handling and testing fees apply for non-defective returns.
Support & Service Contacts:
- Rayon Technology Co., Ltd. (Taiwan):
- Tel: +886 2 82858362
- Fax: +886 2 82857065
- Email: rayon@ms1.hinet.net
- Acceed GmbH (Europe):
- Tel: +49 211 938898 0
- Fax: +49 211 938898 0
- Email: rayon@acceed.com
- Web: [www.acceed.com/rayon](http://www.acceed.com/rayon)
Maintenance:
- Handle card using anti-static precautions.
- Avoid inserting/removing card while system power is on.
- Periodically inspect connectors and cables for wear or oxidation.
Firmware & Driver Updates:
- Updated drivers and documentation available via Rayon or Acceed support websites.
- Linux driver source code provided for kernel integration and customization.
Return Material Authorization (RMA):
- Contact Rayon or Acceed support for RMA number before returning products.
- Provide model number, serial number, purchase order, and problem description.
### Summary
The Rayon Technology P588U4 UPCI 8-Port Serial Communication Card is a robust, high-performance solution for expanding serial connectivity in industrial and commercial PC systems. Combining four RS232 and four RS422/RS485 ports on a single PCI card, it offers exceptional flexibility for mixed-interface environments. Its intelligent design, featuring 16550A-compatible UARTs, ADDC for RS485, and full Plug & Play PCI compliance, ensures reliable, high-speed communication with minimal CPU overhead.
With comprehensive driver support across major operating systems, universal PCI voltage compatibility, and optional isolation accessories, the P588U4 is ideally suited for automation, data acquisition, and multi-terminal communication applications requiring stable, scalable serial connectivity.
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PCI-Port-015.pdf
Manual
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