These cards were designed for asynchronous transmission/reception over long data lines and can be used in either RS-422 or RS-485 mode. The only difference between the two models is that the communication lines on the “ICOM” model are isolated. The card’s I/O bus address is selected by DIP switch and is not limited to AT-bus COM port addresses. Utility software included with these cards helps you select an address without fear of conflict with other installed resources.
A crystal oscillator located on the cards permits precise baud rate selection from 50 to 115,200 baud. Moreover, jumper selection provides capability for baud rates up to 460,800 baud.
Type 16550 buffered UART’s are used as the communication element. These include a 16-byte transmit/receive FIFO buffer to protect against lost data in multitasking operating systems while maintaining 100% compatibility with the original IBM serial port.
The transceivers used, type 75ALS180, are capable of driving extremely long communication lines at high baud rates. They can drive up to ±60 mA on balanced lines and receive inputs as low as 200 mV differential signal superimposed on common mode noise of 12V to -7V. In case of communication conflict, the transceivers feature thermal shutdown. Opto-isolators on the “ICOM” model provide 500-volt isolation.
AUTO-RTS TRANSCEIVER CONTROL
In RS-485 communications, the driver must be enabled when needed and then, when done transmitting, disabled to permit all cards on the network to share a two-wire or four-wire cable. The COM422/485A has two methods to control the drivers: automatic (AUTO) and request-to-send (RTS) control. Under automatic control, the driver is enabled (and the receiver disabled) when data are ready to be transmitted. When transmission is complete, the driver remains enabled for the transmission time of one additional character and then is disabled. The card automatically adjusts its timing to the baud rate of the data. The receiver is normally enabled but is disabled during transmissions and then re-enabled after transmission is completed. (Note: For operation in half-duplex under Windows, the card must be operated in the AUTO mode.)
If you wish to operate in the conventional request-to-send (RTS) mode, your application program must set a bit to enable the driver and reset that bit to disable the driver.
Model ICOM 422 / 485 also includes opto-isolators between the UART and the Transceivers and a DC-DC converter to provide isolated 5VDC power.
Communications Interface
- Multimode: May be used in either RS-422 or RS-485 serial communications. Up to 32 drivers and receivers allowed on line. Serial communications UART used is type 16550 with 16-byte FIFO buffer. Transceiver used is type LS75176.
- I/O Connections: 25-pin, shielded, male sub-D connector
- Character Length: 5,6,7,or 8 bits
- Parity: Odd,even,or none
- Stop Interval: 1,1.5,or 2 bits
- Serial Data Rates: Up to 115,200 baud, asynchronous. A faster range of rates, up to 460,800 baud is achieved by jumper selection on the card.
- Common Mode Voltage Rejection: -7V to 12V
- Receiver Input Sensitivity: ±200 mV differential input minimum
- Transmitter Output Drive Capability: 60 mA, with thermal shutdown
- Isolation: ICOM422/485A includes isolation to 60V
- I/O Bus Address: Continuously mappable within 100 to 3 FF (hex) ranges of I/O channels.
Environmental
- Operating Temperature Range: 0° to 60°C.
- Storage Temperature Range: -50° to 120°C.
- Humidity: 5% to 90%, non-condensing
- Power Required: 5 VDC at 400 mA typical
Size
- COM422/485: 5.025" (128 mm) long.
- ICOM 422 /485: 7.25" (184mm) long.
Regulatory Compliance
- This product is in full compliance with CE requirements.
