Serial Port Connectors

Adding an Expansion Card Containing Serial or Parallel Ports

The computer system has an autoconfiguration capability for the serial ports. This feature lets you add an expansion card containing a serial port that has the same designation as one of the built-in ports, without having to reconfigure the card. When the computer detects the duplicate serial port on the expansion card, it remaps (reassigns) the built-in port to the next available port designation.

Both the new and the remapped COM ports share the same interrupt request (IRQ) setting, as follows:

COM1, COM3: IRQ4 (shared setting)

COM2, COM4: IRQ3 (shared setting)

These COM ports have the following I/O address settings:

COM1: 3F8h

COM2: 2F8h

COM3: 3E8h

COM4: 2E8h

For example, if you add an internal modem card with a port configured as COM1, the computer then sees logical COM1 as the address on the modem card. It automati- cally remaps the built-in serial port that was designated as COM1 to COM3, which shares the COM1 IRQ setting. (Note that when you have two COM ports sharing an IRQ setting, you can use either port as necessary but you may not be able to use them both at the same time.) If you install one or more expansion cards with serial ports designated as COM1 and COM3, the corresponding built-in serial port is disabled, as described in “Serial Port 1” and “Serial Port 2” in Chapter 4.

Before adding a card that remaps the COM ports, check the documentation that accompanied your software to make sure that the software can be mapped to the new COM port designation.

To avoid autoconfiguration, you may be able to reset jumpers on the expansion card so that its port designation changes to the next available COM number, leaving the desig- nation for the built-in port as is. Alternatively, you can disable the built-in ports through the System Setup program. The doc- umentation for your expansion card should provide the card’s

default I/O address and allowable IRQ settings. It should also provide instructions for readdressing the port and changing the IRQ setting if necessary.

The built-in parallel port has autoconfiguration capability through the System Setup program. That is, if you set the parallel port to its automatic configuration and add an expansion card containing a port configured as LPT1 (IRQ7, I/O address 378h), the system automatically remaps the built-in parallel port to its secondary address (IRQ5, I/O address 278h). If the secondary port address is already being used, the built-in parallel port is turned off. For more information, see “Parallel Port” in Chapter 4.

For general information on how your operating system handles serial and parallel ports as well as for more detailed command procedures, see your operating system documentation.

If you reconfigure your hardware, you may need pin number and signal information for the serial port connec- tors. Figure B-3 illustrates the pin numbers for the serial port connectors, and Table B-3 lists and defines the pin assignments and interface signals for the serial port connectors.

9	5
6 —	1 —

Figure B-3. Pin Numbers for the Serial Port Connectors

B-126 Dell PowerEdge 2100/180 and 2100/200 Systems User’s Guide

2100/180, 2100/200 specifications

The Dell 2100/200 and Dell 2100/180 are innovative offerings from Dell that cater to the demands of a variety of users, ranging from small businesses to larger enterprises. Both models are designed to deliver high performance and reliability, making them indispensable tools in the modern computing environment.

The Dell 2100/200 features an impressive Intel processor that ensures fast and efficient performance, making it suitable for multitasking and handling complex applications. Coupled with a generous RAM configuration, this model can easily manage demanding workloads, resulting in smoother performance and faster processing times. In contrast, the Dell 2100/180, while slightly less powerful, still maintains robust performance levels that are well-suited for general productivity tasks and everyday use.

Both models come equipped with ample storage options, featuring hard disk drives that provide significant space for data and application storage. Users can choose between traditional HDDs and solid-state drives (SSDs), allowing them to prioritize speed and performance based on their specific needs. The flexibility in storage options ensures that users can customize their systems according to their requirements, enhancing the overall user experience.

Connectivity is another area where the Dell 2100 series excels. Both models come with a range of ports including USB, HDMI, and Ethernet, allowing for seamless connectivity with various peripherals and networks. This versatility makes the machines ideal for environments where multiple devices need to be connected simultaneously, whether for presentations, data transfer, or internet access.

In terms of energy efficiency, both the Dell 2100/200 and Dell 2100/180 incorporate advanced cooling technologies that minimize energy consumption while maximizing performance. This not only helps reduce operational costs but also contributes to a more sustainable computing environment.

The design of these models is another distinguishing feature. With a compact form factor, they fit easily into office spaces while maintaining a professional appearance. Their durable build quality ensures longevity, making them a worthwhile investment for businesses.

Overall, the Dell 2100/200 and Dell 2100/180 serve as powerful and reliable machines that combine advanced technologies and user-centric designs. Whether for business or personal use, these models provide a solid foundation for effective computing, ensuring that users can achieve their goals efficiently and effectively.