Key Features, All slave connections | Black Box RS-530 instruction

Black Box Corporation • 1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • Tech Support: 724-746-5500 • www.blackbox.com • e-mail: info@blackbox.com

PRO SWITCHING SYSTEM II

Control hundreds or thousands of devices from a single ASCII terminal or PC!

Key Features

Chassis-mounted switching and patch- ing system for RS-232, RS-530, X.21, and V.35 data communications.

Cards for A/B switching and patching or for switch- only capabilities.

Daisychain up to 9901 fully populated chassis to control and manage up to 158,416 A/B interface cards.

Management Control Software makes on- screen control a snap.

Multiple programmable alarms alert you to network conditions.

Dual-power options.

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Managing switchable circuits is easy with the Pro Switching

System II (PSSII) from Black Box. This innovative system consists

of rackmount modular components that provide an economical and reliable means to manage RS-232/V.24, V.35, X.21, and RS-530 data interfaces. With this chassis- mounted switching and patching system, you can switch individual circuits, all 16 circuits in a chassis, or a group of circuits via remote console commands or upon an alarm automatically.

You can also switch manually. Use front-panel buttons to switch individual circuits or to gang- switch. Or you can disable manual switching capabilities in the system with a simple command from an attached console. We even offer a Contact Closure Card that lets you use a programmable logic controller (PLC) to direct your circuit switching.

Daisychain up to 9901 chassis together to control and manage 158,416 A/B interface cards from

a single console. This means of control is an alternative

to connecting multiple multiport KVM switches when you want to manage hundreds of CPUs.

One PSSII console can support 32,000 switchable circuits in 2000 racks (if you install 100 racks at each of 20 sites). In this setup, each site would contain one master rack which, in turn, would support up to 99 slave chassis. And you’re not limited by a type of cabling that can be used to connect the console to the master chassis; it can be local hard-wired cabling, a dedicated link, or even a dialup link (although you must use hard-wired local cabling for

all slave connections).

The PSSII chassis

At the heart of the system is the chassis. Choose the SM900A for RS-232, RS-530, X.21, or V.35 communications. For V.35 only, use the SM901A.

Each chassis has 18 mounting slots with card guides and a backplane PC board that provides

the card-edge interface for the cards you plan to add. The rear plate of the chassis has three rows of DB25 EIA connectors. Use them to attach the A, B, and Common (modem) sides of your data cables.

Cards seat in the chassis from the front, and their data connectors plug easily into the cable connectors without disturbing any cable bundles attached at the chassis’ rear. The first slot holds the unit’s Power Supply Modules (order separately), and the slot adjacent to it is for installing an optional Management Control Card or Terminal Display Card.

The chassis’ other 16 slots can accommodate up to 16 circuit cards, which we offer as Front Interface Cards or Universal Serial Cards. Each module passes one switchable data circuit.

The PSSII chassis also has a control-communications interface and two test-equipment interfaces. The latter two connections enable you to perform interactive test-

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RS-530, RS-232 specifications

Black Box RS-232 is a versatile device designed for serial communication using the well-established RS-232 standard. The RS-232 standard has been a cornerstone for serial communication since its introduction in the 1960s and is widely used in various applications today.

One of the main features of Black Box RS-232 devices is their ability to communicate over relatively long distances, up to 50 feet or more, while maintaining clear and reliable signal quality. This capability makes it ideal for connecting devices like computers, modems, and other serial peripherals in environments where distance could pose a problem.

Another key characteristic of Black Box RS-232 products is their support for both hardware and software flow control. This flexibility allows users to choose the best method for managing data transmission, preventing data loss and ensuring efficient communication. Additionally, many Black Box RS-232 devices are configured to support multiple baud rates, which allows them to communicate at varying speeds, accommodating different devices and requirements.

Black Box RS-232 devices often come equipped with multiple ports, which can support simultaneous connections to various devices. This multitasking ability is particularly beneficial in industrial and commercial settings where numerous devices need to communicate with a central control system.

The technology behind Black Box RS-232 incorporates robust signal processing capabilities to reduce noise and ensure data integrity. This is particularly important in settings where electromagnetic interference (EMI) could compromise communication reliability. Furthermore, some Black Box RS-232 products feature built-in diagnostics tools that help users troubleshoot potential issues quickly, enhancing overall productivity.

In terms of physical characteristics, Black Box RS-232 devices are typically compact and durable, making them suitable for both desktop and rack-mounted installations. Their design often includes user-friendly interfaces that simplify setup and configuration, making them accessible even to those with limited technical expertise.

In summary, Black Box RS-232 offers a reliable, flexible, and robust solution for serial communication needs. Its key features, including long-distance communication capabilities, support for diverse flow control methods, multiple port configurations, and noise-reduction technologies, make it an invaluable asset in a range of applications from industrial automation to data acquisition in scientific settings. This combination of reliability and versatility solidifies Black Box RS-232 as a preferred choice for businesses and industries relying on effective serial communication.