B&B Electronics ESP904E manual Introduction, Features, Communication Modes, Direct IP Mode

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Introduction

Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION

The VLINX Model ESP904 Quad-Port Ethernet Serial Server provides Ethernet to Serial connections for RS-232,RS-422 or RS-485 devices. The serial ports can be accessed over a LAN/WAN using Direct IP Mode, Virtual COM Port, or Paired Mode connections. The 10/100 Mbps Ethernet connection auto-selects 10BaseT or 100BaseTX and indicates the type of connection with a bi-color link light.

Figure 1. The VLINX ESP904 Quad-Port Ethernet Serial Server

Features

•4 multi-interface serial ports - RS-232,RS-422,RS-485; software selectable connections

•10/100 Mbps Ethernet with Auto Selection

•LAN and WAN Communications

•Web Server

•TCP or UDP Client or Server operation - configurable

•Software Support - Windows 98/ME/2000/XP or NT 4.0

•Firmware Upload for Future Revisions/Upgrades

•VLINX ESP Manager Software for Windows - allows easy configuration of Ethernet and serial port settings. For configuration, the

Manual Documentation Number: ESP904-0504

Chapter 1

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Introduction

ESP904 can be attached to a network or to the Ethernet port of a computer (using a crossover cable). Non-Windows users can configure it in the Console Mode using an RS-232 port, VT100 Terminal Emulation program and an RS-232 crossover cable. Telnet also can be used to access the setup configuration menu.

•Virtual COM Driver Software for Windows - installs a virtual COM port, viewable in the Windows Device Manager under Ports (COM & LPT). Virtual COM port provides access to any of the ports on the ESP904, like any other serial port (legacy, PCI, USB or PCMCIA) on the computer. Any program running on the computer and using Windows-based COM ports can access the serial devices attached to the ESP904. The LAN becomes transparent to the serial device and the software running on the PC.

•Heart Beat Connection - selectable protocol ensures reliable communications in Virtual COM Port or Paired Connection modes. This feature restores the connections if communications are temporarily lost at either end due to loss of power or the Ethernet connection.

Communication Modes

The ESP904 enables communication with serial devices over a LAN or WAN. Serial devices no longer are limited to a physical connection to the PC COM port. They can be installed anywhere on the LAN using TCP/IP or UDP/IP communications. This allows traditional Windows PC software access to serial devices anywhere on the LAN/WAN network.

Direct IP Mode

Direct IP connections allow applications using TCP/IP or UDP/IP socket programs to communicate with the asynchronous serial ports on the ESP904. In this type of application the ESP904 is configured as a TCP or UDP server. The socket program running on the PC establishes a communication connection with the ESP904. The data is sent directly to and from the serial port on the server.

Virtual COM Mode

Use Install Virtual COM to add a driver, to provide a virtual COM port on the computer. The new COM port shows up in the Device Manager. Windows programs using standard Windows API calls are able to interface to virtual COM ports. When a program on the PC opens the new COM port, it communicates with the remote serial device connected to one of the ports on the ESP904.

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Chapter 1

Manual Documentation Number: ESP904-0504

B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - Ph 815-433-5100 - Fax 815-433-5104 – www.bb-elec.com

B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - Ph 815-433-5100 - Fax 815-433-5104 – www.bb-elec.com

B&B Electronics Ltd – Westlink Commercial Park – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – Ph +353 91-792444 – Fax +353 91-792445 – www.bb-europe.com

B&B Electronics Ltd – Westlink Commercial Park – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – Ph +353 91-792444 – Fax +353 91-792445 – www.bb-europe.com

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Contents Quad-Port Multi-Interface Ethernet Serial Server RS-232/422/485International Headquarters Table of Contents Using Console Mode DB-9 Pin-out in RS-485 Mode Wire RS-485 Connection Table of FiguresVirtual COM Mode FeaturesDirect IP Mode IntroductionSoftware Installation Paired ModeHardware Setup ESP904 Quick Start GuideESP904 Configuration When the parameters have been set, click on UpdateESP904 Technical Data Install Virtual COM Ports on PCCheck Communications Default Server Server Name Configuration Console ModeOptions Telnet Mode Settings Serial NumberIndicator Lights Package ChecklistESP904 Connections, Indicators and Reset Switch Ethernet ConnectorSerial Port Operational Modes RS-232 Mode RS-422 ModeRS-485 Mode ESP904 Serial Port Connector Pin-outs DB-9M RS-232RS-422 RS-485 Automatic Installation Installing the Vlinx ESP SoftwareSoftware Installation Manual InstallationInstall Shield Wizard Complete Window Using ESP Manager Hardware SetupSoftware Setup Server Icons Section Serial Server ListSearching Server Virtual COM ListServer Properties Screen Vcomui Window Configuring the ESP904 Server PropertiesDescription of the Server Properties Server Serial Port Select 1 to Connection ModeTimeout Baud RateUpdate/Save Installing Virtual COM Ports Virtual COM Port InstallationMatching the ESP904 and Virtual COM Port Settings Windows Logo Testing WindowVlinx ESP COM3 Properties Window Removing the Virtual COM Port using Device Manager Removing Virtual COM PortsRemoving the Virtual COM port with ESP904 Manager Control Panel Window Downloading the Firmware Upgrading the ESP904Firmware Upgrading Via ESP904 ManagerUpgrading in Progress Using Console Mode Console Mode SetupNavigating the Configuration Menu Using a Password Saving and Restarting the ConfigurationUsing the WEB Server Setting Server PropertiesRS-232 Straight-through Cable Connections ESP904 DB-9 Pin-outs in RS-232 ModeAppendix a RS-232 Connections RS-232 Crossover null modem Cable ConnectionsRS-232 Crossover DB-9 to DB-25 Conversion Connections RS-232 DTE Loopback ConnectionsESP904 DB-9 Pin-outs in RS-422 Mode Appendix B RS-422 ConnectionsLoopback Connections for RS-422 RS-485 Direction ESP904 DB-9 Pin-out in RS-485 ModeAppendix C RS-485 Connections PinStandard Ethernet Cable RJ-45 Pin-out RJ-45 Pin Signal Wire ColorAppendix D Network Connections Crossover Ethernet Cable RJ-45 Pin-out

ESP904E, ESP904 specifications

B&B Electronics has established itself as a leader in developing innovative communication and networking solutions, and the ESP904 and ESP904E models are perfect examples of this commitment to excellence. These devices are designed specifically for Serial to Ethernet/IP communication, making them suitable for a wide range of applications in industrial environments.

One of the main features of the ESP904 is its ability to convert serial data from RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 interfaces into Ethernet data, facilitating communication with remote servers or other devices over an IP network. This serial-to-Ethernet conversion enables the integration of legacy serial devices into modern network infrastructures, ensuring that businesses can take advantage of new technologies while maximizing their existing investments.

The ESP904E model enhances the base ESP904 by adding even more advanced features, including increased processing power and enhanced security protocols. This robustness is crucial for applications where data integrity and security are paramount, such as in industrial automation, transportation, and telecommunications. The device supports a wide range of encryption methods for secure communications, protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access.

In terms of technologies, both models support full TCP/IP networking capabilities, allowing for seamless communication across various network environments. They are equipped with a built-in web server, enabling easy configuration and monitoring via a standard web browser. This eliminates the need for dedicated software and simplifies the deployment process.

Key characteristics of the ESP904 and ESP904E include robust construction designed for harsh industrial conditions, a compact design that allows for easy installation, and the ability to support multiple simultaneous connections. They also feature flexible power options, enabling connections through PoE (Power over Ethernet) or traditional power supplies, enhancing compatibility with different setups.

In addition, both models support various operating modes, including Server, Client, and Proxy modes, giving users flexibility in how they integrate their devices. The modular design of the ESP904 and ESP904E means that they can be easily updated and expanded as technology evolves.

Overall, the B&B Electronics ESP904 and ESP904E are powerful tools for organizations looking to modernize their communication architectures, providing reliability and performance that meet the demands of today’s networking environments. Whether for a small setup or a complex industrial network, these devices offer the versatility and capabilities needed to ensure success.
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