Comprehensive Product Summary – Rayon Technology S232 Serial Port Sharer (S400 Series)

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: S232 Serial Port Sharer
Model: S232
Series: S400 Series
Article Number: S232
Manufacturer: Rayon Technology Co., Ltd.
Manufacturer Address: 2F, No. 177, Chung Shan 2 Rd., Lu Chou City, Taipei Hsien, Taiwan
Contact:
- Tel: +886-2-82858362
- Fax: +886-2-82857065
- Email: rayon@ms1.hinet.net
- Web: [www.rayontech.com](http://www.rayontech.com) / [www.computex.com.tw/rayon](http://www.computex.com.tw/rayon)

Product Description:
The Rayon S232 is a serial port sharing device designed to connect one RS232 master port to three RS232 slave ports. It enables a single host system to communicate with multiple RS232 devices in a controlled, synchronized manner. The S232 belongs to Rayon’s S400 Series of Serial Port Sharers, which includes various configurations supporting RS232, RS422, and RS485 interfaces, with optional electrical isolation.

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### 2. Key Features

- One-to-Three Serial Port Sharing:
Allows one master RS232 port to communicate with up to three RS232 slave devices.

- Simultaneous Data Distribution:
Data received from the master port is retransmitted to all slave ports (B, C, D) simultaneously.

- Controlled Slave Communication:
Only one slave device can transmit data to the master at any given time, ensuring data integrity and preventing collisions.

- Flexible Interface Options:
Supports RS232, isolated RS232, and isolated RS422/485 interfaces. Interface type can be configured via DIP switch.

- Auto Data Direction Control (RS485):
Automatically manages data direction in RS485 mode by shorting TX+/RX+ as DATA+ and TX-/RX- as DATA-.

- LED Indicators:
Provides visual feedback for power and data transmission activity on all ports (A, B, C, D).

- Compact and Durable Design:
Housed in a robust enclosure measuring 90 mm (W) × 150 mm (L) × 27 mm (H).

- Low Power Consumption:
Operates at 5 VDC with a current draw of 400 mA.

- Wide Environmental Tolerance:
Designed for industrial and office environments with operating temperatures from 0°C to 55°C and humidity up to 95% RH.

- Poll & Acknowledge Communication Support:
Ideal for applications where a master host polls multiple slave devices sequentially.

- Data Monitoring and Recording Applications:
Enables simultaneous data transmission to multiple monitoring systems for auditing or redundancy.

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### 3. Technical Specifications

Electrical & Interface Specifications:
- Master Port: 1 × RS232 (DB9 male connector)
- Slave Ports: 3 × RS232 (DB9 male connectors)
- Total Ports: 4 (A = Master, B/C/D = Slaves)
- Connector Type: DB9 male
- Interface Type: RS232 (standard), isolated RS232, isolated RS422/485 (depending on model variant)
- Signal Pins (RS422/485): TX+, TX−, RX+, RX−, isolated GND
- RS485 Mode: Auto Data Direction Control supported

Power Requirements:
- Input Voltage: 5 VDC
- Current Consumption: 400 mA @ 5 VDC
- Power Adapter: UP110/UP220 (US/EU type)
- Input: 100–240 VAC
- Output: 5 VDC, 1000 mA

Physical Characteristics:
- Dimensions: 90 mm (W) × 150 mm (L) × 27 mm (H)
- Weight: Not specified (lightweight aluminum or composite enclosure typical for this class)
- Material: Industrial-grade enclosure (Rayon standard housing)

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

Indicators:
- PWR: Power ON indicator
- ATRX: Port A TXD/RXD activity
- BTRX: Port B TXD/RXD activity
- CTRX: Port C TXD/RXD activity
- DTRX: Port D TXD/RXD activity

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### 4. Functionality

Operational Concept:
The S232 Serial Port Sharer acts as a communication hub between one master RS232 device (e.g., a PC or controller) and up to three RS232 slave devices (e.g., meters, printers, or monitoring systems).

- Master-to-Slave Transmission:
Data received from the master port (A) is broadcast simultaneously to all slave ports (B, C, D).

- Slave-to-Master Transmission:
Only one slave device can transmit data to the master at a time. The S232 hardware ensures that simultaneous transmissions from multiple slaves are prevented, maintaining data integrity.

Use Cases:
- Industrial Automation: Connecting a central controller to multiple measurement or control devices.
- Data Monitoring: Duplicating serial data streams for logging or auditing purposes.
- Printer Monitoring: Capturing and verifying print data from a host computer to ensure data integrity and prevent unauthorized printing.
- Instrumentation: Sharing a single RS232 interface among multiple diagnostic or monitoring systems.

Compatibility:
- Compatible with standard RS232 devices and communication protocols.
- Can be integrated with RS422/485 systems using other models in the S400 series.
- Works with PCs, PLCs, embedded controllers, printers, meters, and other serial devices.

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- S232 Serial Port Sharer unit
- UP110 or UP220 power adapter (region-specific)
- User documentation or quick start guide

Optional Accessories:
- RS232/RS422/RS485 cables (DB9 male-to-female or custom configurations)
- Mounting brackets or DIN-rail adapters (depending on installation environment)
- Isolated versions (S232o, S232io) for enhanced electrical protection

Connectors:
- 4 × DB9 male connectors (Ports A–D)
- Power input jack (5 VDC)

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### 6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Power supply: 5 VDC, 400 mA minimum
- Compatible RS232 cables
- Proper grounding for isolated models

Mounting Options:
- Desktop placement
- Optional wall or DIN-rail mounting (depending on enclosure type)

Configuration:
- Interface type (RS232/RS422/RS485) selectable via DIP switch (for S400 series variants)
- RS485 mode automatically manages data direction
- LED indicators assist in verifying communication and power status

Setup Procedure:
1. Connect the master device (e.g., PC or controller) to Port A.
2. Connect up to three slave devices to Ports B, C, and D.
3. Apply 5 VDC power using the supplied adapter.
4. Verify LED indicators for power and port activity.
5. Begin communication; data from the master will be distributed to all slaves.

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

Data Transmission:
- Transparent data forwarding between master and slaves.
- Simultaneous broadcast from master to all slaves.
- Controlled single-slave response to master to prevent data collision.

Speed & Throughput:
- Supports standard RS232 baud rates (typically up to 115.2 kbps, depending on connected devices).
- Minimal latency in data retransmission.

Capacity:
- One master port, three slave ports (total four serial channels).

Efficiency:
- Low power consumption (400 mA @ 5 VDC).
- Efficient signal routing with minimal interference.

Limitations:
- Only one slave device can transmit to the master at a time.
- Not suitable for simultaneous bidirectional communication from multiple slaves.
- Cable length and signal quality depend on RS232 standards (typically up to 15 meters).

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

Electrical Standards:
- Complies with RS232, RS422, and RS485 serial communication standards.
- Supports isolated signal configurations for enhanced safety and noise immunity.

Safety & Environmental Compliance:
- Designed for industrial and office environments.
- Operates within standard temperature and humidity ranges.
- Meets general CE and FCC requirements for electronic communication devices (typical for Rayon products).

Industry Standards:
- DB9 connector pinout conforms to EIA/TIA-232 specifications.
- RS422/485 configurations follow EIA-422 and EIA-485 standards.

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### 9. Additional Information

Model Variants in the S400 Series:
- S232: RS232 master port, 3 × RS232 slave ports
- S232o: RS232 master port, 3 × isolated RS232 slave ports
- S232io: Isolated RS232 master port, 3 × isolated RS232 slave ports
- S432i: Isolated RS422/485 master port, 3 × RS232 slave ports
- S432io: Isolated RS422/485 master port, 3 × isolated RS232 slave ports
- S434io: Isolated RS422/485 master port, 3 × isolated RS422/485 slave ports
- S234o: RS232 master port, 3 × isolated RS422/485 slave ports
- S234io: Isolated RS232 master port, 3 × isolated RS422/485 slave ports

Warranty & Support:
- Standard manufacturer warranty (typically 1 year; confirm with Rayon Technology).
- Technical support available via email and phone.
- Firmware and configuration support provided by Rayon Technology.

Maintenance:
- No moving parts; minimal maintenance required.
- Periodic inspection of connectors and cables recommended.
- Ensure proper ventilation and avoid exposure to excessive humidity or heat.

Software & Updates:
- Operates transparently at the hardware level; no driver installation required.
- Firmware updates (if applicable) available from Rayon Technology.

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### Application Example: Printer Data Monitoring

Scenario:
A company uses a printer to produce sensitive documents such as payroll checks. To ensure data integrity and prevent unauthorized printing, they deploy the S232 box to monitor and record all print data.

Configuration:
- Master host computer connected to Port A (master).
- Printer connected to Port B (slave).
- Two monitoring PCs connected to Ports C and D (slaves).

Operation:
- Data sent from the host to the printer is simultaneously transmitted to both monitoring PCs.
- Each monitoring PC records the data for verification and auditing.
- Periodic “heartbeat” data from the monitoring PCs confirms their active connection to the S232 box.

Outcome:
- Ensures that all printed data is logged and verified.
- Enables detection of discrepancies between transmitted and printed data.
- Provides a reliable audit trail for sensitive or critical print operations.

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### Conclusion

The Rayon S232 Serial Port Sharer is a robust, efficient, and flexible solution for applications requiring one-to-many RS232 communication. Its hardware-based design ensures reliable data distribution, controlled communication flow, and compatibility with a wide range of serial devices. With its compact form factor, low power consumption, and versatile configuration options, the S232 is ideal for industrial automation, data monitoring, and secure communication environments.

Manufacturer: Rayon Technology Co., Ltd.
Product Line: S400 Series Serial Port Sharers
Model: S232
Function: RS232 Master-to-Three RS232 Slaves Communication Hub
Power: 5 VDC, 400 mA
Dimensions: 90 × 150 × 27 mm
Interface: 4 × DB9 male connectors (1 master, 3 slaves)
Operating Range: 0–55°C, 10–95% RH

For further technical assistance or application consultation, contact Rayon Technology at rayon@ms1.hinet.net.