B&B Electronics ESP902 manual Communication Modes, Direct IP Mode, Virtual COM Mode, Paired Mode

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Introduction

Communication Modes

The ESP901 and ESP902 Serial Servers enable 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 Serial Server. In this type of application the Serial Server is configured as a TCP or UDP server. The socket program running on the PC establishes a communication connection with the Serial Server. The data is sent directly to and from the serial port on the server. When using UDP protocol the server can be configured to broadcast data to and receive data from multiple IP addresses.

Virtual COM Mode

Install Virtual COM Mode allows the user 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 Serial Server.

After connection, the LAN is transparent to the program and serial device. Applications are able to work just as if the serial device is connected directly to a physical COM port on the computer. The virtual COM port software converts the application’s data into IP packets, sends it across the network to the Serial Server, which converts the IP packet back to serial data and sends the data out a serial port located on the Serial Server.

To use this mode, the Serial Server must be set to either TCP/server or UDP/server with a designated communication port number. The virtual COM driver is the TCP or UDP client.

Introduction

Paired Mode

Paired Mode is also called serial tunneling. In this mode any two serial devices that can communicate with a serial link will be able to communicate using two Serial Servers and the LAN.

Two Serial Servers are connected to a network, one configured as a TCP or UDP client and the other as a TCP/UDP server. When setting up the server the remote IP address section must contain the address of the client. This will allow the client’s IP address to pass the IP address- filtering feature of the server. Conversely, the Remote IP address of the client must contain the server’s IP address. Both communication port numbers must be the same.

Heart Beat

The Heart Beat protocol connection provides a reliable communications connection in Virtual COM Port Mode or with Paired Connection Mode. This feature restores the connection if communications are temporarily lost at either end due to loss of power or Ethernet connection.

Without this feature a device that loses a connection and stops communicating would not be able to reconnect without human intervention. A TCP data connection can be lost when there is a power failure or temporary loss of an Ethernet connection on either the client or server. If a loss occurs the Heart Beat feature will try to reconnect the TCP data connection every five seconds until communications is established again. The Heart Beat feature is available for use in Virtual COM Port Mode and Paired Connection Mode. This is not available when using a UDP application.

Manual Documentation Number: ESP901-902-3704

Chapter 1

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Chapter 1

Manual Documentation Number: ESP901-902-3704

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 Pk – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – Ph +353 91-792444 – Fax +353 91-792445

– www.bb-europe.com

B&B Electronics Ltd – Westlink Commercial Pk – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – Ph +353 91-792444 – Fax +353 91-792445

– www.bb-europe.com

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Contents Multi-Interface Ethernet Serial Servers International Headquarters Manual Documentation Number ESP901-902-3704m Table of Contents Using Console Mode Introduction FeaturesCommunication Modes Direct IP ModeVirtual COM Mode Paired ModeSerial Server Quick Start Guide Hardware SetupSoftware Installation Serial Server ConfigurationCheck Communications Install Virtual COM Ports on PCESP901/ESP902 Connections, Indicators and Reset Switch Package ChecklistMaking the Hardware Connections Serial Server/Port Operational Modes DIP SwitchesSerial Ports RS-422 Mode Console ModeUpgrade Mode RS-232 ModeDTE Serial Server Serial Port Connector Pin-outsManual Installation Installing the Vlinx ESP SoftwareSoftware Installation Automatic InstallationOpening the ESP Manager Updating an Existing InstallationHardware Setup Using ESP ManagerSoftware Setup Menus Software OverviewStatus Bar Search for ServersServer Icons Pane Serial Server / Virtual COM ListsSearch Vlinx ESP Dialogue Box Configure Server PropertiesRestarting Dialogue Box Server Name Configuring the Serial Server PropertiesPassword Description of the Server PropertiesMAC Address IP AddressNetmask GatewayFlow Control Serial TimeoutTCP Alive Timeout Connection ModeTCP/UDP Port Serial Port ModeUpdate/Save Port StatusFollowing dialogue box will appear Web Server Virtual COM Port Installation Installing Virtual COM PortsWindows Logo Testing Window Matching the Serial Server and Virtual COM Port SettingsVlinx ESP COM3 Properties Window Removing Virtual COM Ports Removing the Virtual COM Port using Device ManagerRemoving the Virtual COM port with ESP Manager Control Panel Window Preparing the Software Upgrading the Serial Server FirmwareDownloading the Firmware Upgrading Via ESP ManagerConsole Mode Setup Using Console ModeNavigating the Configuration Menus Saving and Restarting the Configuration Using a PasswordSetting Server Properties Using the WEB ServerWeb Server Operation Configuration Using Telnet Using TelnetNavigating the Configuration Menu Telnet Configuration Screens ESP901 and ESP902 Technical DataDhcp RS-232 Straight-through Cable Connections Serial Server DB-9 Pin-outs in RS-232 ModeRS-232 Crossover null modem Cable Connections RS-232 DTE Loopback Connections RS-232 Crossover DB-9 to DB-25 Conversion ConnectionsAppendix B RS-422 Connections Serial Server DB-9 Pin-outs in RS-422 ModeLoopback Connections for RS-422 Appendix C RS-485 Connections Serial Server DB-9 Pin-out in RS-485 ModeCrossover Ethernet Cable RJ-45 Pin-out Standard Ethernet Cable RJ-45 Pin-outElectronics September

ESP902E, ESP902, ESP901E specifications

B&B Electronics offers a series of industrial-grade Ethernet serial servers known as the ESP901E, ESP902, and ESP902E. These devices are specifically designed to connect serial devices to an Ethernet network seamlessly, enabling effective communication and data transfer across various applications.

The ESP901E is engineered for single serial port applications, providing an easy and effective way to connect a serial device to a network. It supports various serial communication protocols, including RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485, making it versatile for a range of devices. One of its standout features is the ability to support 10/100 Mbps Ethernet connectivity, ensuring a reliable and high-speed network connection. Additionally, the ESP901E supports various network protocols, including TCP/IP and UDP, allowing users to integrate the device easily into their existing network infrastructure.

Moving to the ESP902, this model provides dual serial port capabilities, making it ideal for applications requiring the connection of multiple devices. Like the ESP901E, it supports common serial interfaces and offers the same 10/100 Mbps Ethernet connectivity. This flexibility enables it to cater to more complex systems where multiple serial devices need to be integrated into a single network environment. Furthermore, the ESP902 is equipped with features such as automatic baud rate detection, making configuration straightforward and reducing installation time.

The ESP902E enhances the capabilities of the ESP902 with additional features such as enhanced security protocols. It includes support for SSL and SSH, ensuring secure data transmission across the network. This added security layer is crucial for applications that handle sensitive information or require secure communication channels. The ESP902E maintains the user-friendly nature of its predecessors while integrating more advanced features suitable for modern industrial applications.

All three models boast rugged designs suitable for harsh environments, making them perfect for industrial applications without compromising performance. With an extensive operating temperature range and robust housing, these devices can withstand the rigors of factory floors and outdoor installations.

Overall, the ESP901E, ESP902, and ESP902E from B&B Electronics collectively serve to bridge the gap between serial communications and Ethernet networks, supporting various industrial applications while ensuring seamless integration, versatility, and security. Whether for simple single-port connections or more complex multi-port setups, these devices are designed to meet diverse connectivity needs with efficiency and reliability.
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