Introduction, Overview, PCI Solution | Moxa Technologies CP-104UL

Introduction

Overview

Smartio—The Smart Multiport Async Solution

The term Smartio stands for smart multiport serial I/O solution. The Smartio CP-104UL Board is designed for the 32-bit PCI bus with Plug and Play feature. These boards offer 4 RS-232 serial ports for connecting terminals, modems, printers, scanners, cash registers, bar code readers, keypads, numeric displays, electrical scales, data acquisition equipment, and many other serial devices for the PC and compatible systems. With its well-designed and fine-tuned device driver, the Smartio boards make full use of the 128 byte Tx/Rx FIFO and on-chip H/W and S/W flow control, which makes possible transferring data without loss at transmission speeds up to 921.6Kbps. These boards offer a reliable and high performance solution for serial multiport communications.

Board Applications

The CP-104UL Board can be used with many applications, including:

!Internet/Intranet Connections

!Remote Access Applications

!Multi-user Applications

!Industrial Automation

!Office Automation

!Telecommunications

!PC-based Vending Machines or Kiosk Systems

!POS (Point-of-Sale) Systems

PCI Solution

The CP-104UL board complies with PCI Spec. 2.1, and does not use either switches or jumpers. The hardware configuration for the IRQ and Memory addresses is automatically assigned by the PCI BIOS. Hence, the board MUST be plugged in before installing the driver software. For more PCI information, refer to the Technical Reference Appendix.

Surge Protection

To prevent the board from being damaged by lightning or high potential voltage, TVSS (Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor) technologies with 15KV ESD protection are used in the CP-104UL board. This is required for harsh environments, such as in factory settings, under severe weather

1-2 Smartio CP-104UL User’s Manual

CP-104UL specifications

The Moxa Technologies CP-104UL is a versatile and reliable serial-to-USB adapter designed for a wide range of industrial applications. This device aims to simplify the process of connecting serial devices to a USB port, making it an invaluable tool for engineers and technicians who need fast and effective communication with their legacy serial devices.

One of the main features of the CP-104UL is its ability to support four isolated RS-232 serial ports. This high level of isolation helps protect sensitive equipment from electrical noise and transients, which is critical in many industrial environments. The device supports a data rate of up to 921.6 kbps, allowing for high-speed communication and efficient data transfer. This feature is particularly useful in situations where quick data retrieval is essential, such as in real-time monitoring and control systems.

The Moxa CP-104UL utilizes advanced technologies, such as the use of Virtual COM Port drivers. These drivers provide a seamless interface between the USB adapter and the operating system, making it appear as if the serial ports are native to the system. This ensures compatibility with various applications without the need for significant configuration adjustments.

Another noteworthy characteristic of the CP-104UL is its robust construction and environmental ratings. The device is designed to withstand harsh industrial conditions, making it suitable for use in factories, process plants, and other challenging environments. Its wide operating temperature range of -40 to 75 degrees Celsius ensures reliable performance even in extreme temperatures.

Additionally, the CP-104UL supports various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS. This cross-platform compatibility provides users with flexibility, allowing them to integrate the adapter into their systems without worrying about compatibility issues.

The device is also equipped with features such as built-in surge protection, ensuring that the connected equipment remains safe from electrical interference. Furthermore, its compact design and lightweight form factor make it easy to deploy in various installation scenarios, including wall mounting or direct attachment to devices.

In summary, the Moxa Technologies CP-104UL is an essential tool for anyone working with serial devices in industrial settings. Its multiple features, advanced technologies, and robust characteristics make it an ideal solution for converting serial connections to USB, ensuring reliable communication in a variety of applications.