Specifications

Protocol — Async or sync

Operation — Full- or half-duplex

Data Rates — Transparent to all data rates up to 64 kbps

Contention Type — RTS/CTS

User Channels — TL601A(E)-R2: 2; TL553A(E)-R3: 4; TL554A(E)-R3: 8

Clock Source — External (provided by DCE)

User Controls — Front-panel switches: RTS enabled/disabled; Jumpers: RTS Delay (0 or 25 ms), RXD Broadcast or Gated Mode; RTS Timeout Period (10 or

30 seconds or none); RTS Timeout Signal (RXD only or RXD and TXD)

Pins Supported — DB25 pins 1–10, 15, 17, 20, 22

MTBF — TL601A-R2: 180,000 hours; TL553A-R3: 95,000 hours; TL554A-R3: 65,000 hours

Enclosure — Steel

Interface — Serial EIA RS-232C/

CCITT V.24; Master Port: DTE;

Slave Ports: DCE

Connectors —

TL601A(E)-R2: (3) DB25 female;

TL553A(E)-R3: (5) DB25 female;

TL554A(E)-R3: (9) DB25 female

Indicators — TL601A(E)-R2: (6) LEDs (Power, RTS A, RTS B, Master Port CD, CTS, and RXD);

TL553A(E)-R3: (8) LEDs (Power, RTS A through RTS D), Master Port CD, CTS, and RXD);

TL554A(E)-R3: (12) LEDs (Power, RTS A through RTS H, Master Port CD, CTS, and RXD)

Operating Temperature —

32 to 140°F (0 to 60°C)

Storage Temperature —

-4 to +158°F (-20 to +70°C)

Humidity — Up to 95%, noncondensing

Power — TL553A-R3, TL554A-R3, TL601A-R2: From wallmount power supply PS154: Input:

115 VAC, 60 Hz @ 100 mA; Output: 17 VAC CT @ 700 mA; TL553AE-R3, TL554AE-R3, TL601AE-R2: From in-line power supply PS154E: Input: 230 VAC, 50 Hz @ 50 mA; Output: 17 VAC CT @ 750 mA

Size — TL601A(E)-R2: 2.5"H x 8.1"W x 11.3"D (6.4 x 20.6 x 28.7 cm);

TL553A(E)-R3, TL554A(E)-R3: 2.9"H x 12.5"W x 11.1"D (7.4 x 31.8 x 28.2 cm)

Weight —

TL601A(E)-R2: 2.4 lb. (1.1 kg);

TL553A(E)-R3: 5 lb. (2.3 kg);

TL554A(E)-R3: 5.5 lb. (2.5 kg)

Technically Speaking

The RS-232 Data Sharer has LEDs, RTS toggle switches, and jumpers for easy configuration and diagnostics.

LEDs include PWR, “slave port” RTS, and “master port” CD, CTS, and RXD.

There is one RTS toggle switch for each “slave port.” Use these switches to enable or disable the Sharer’s detecting an RTS signal on any of the slave ports. Disabling a port’s RTS detection will prevent that port’s device from accessing the modem or CPU. This is useful if you want to isolate a slave device, especially if the device is malfunctioning.

Using jumper W1, you can tie signal ground to frame ground.

With jumper W2, you can set the amount of time you want the RTS signal to delay as it passes through the Data Sharer from a slave port to the master port.

How you set jumper W3 determines whether the Sharer will broadcast data out of all slave ports, or out of only the active ports.

Jumper W4 determines whether the slave ports will be (a) polled for RTS sequentially, or (b) prioritized with Port A given the highest priority and Port D or H the lowest.

A set of “timeout” jumpers keeps a slave from monopolizing the master.

Ordering Information

ITEM

CODE

2-Port RS-232 Data Sharer (115 VAC)

...............TL601A-R2

2-Port RS-232 Data Sharer (230 VAC)

.............TL601AE-R2

4-Port RS-232 Data Sharer (115 VAC)

...............TL553A-R3

4-Port RS-232 Data Sharer (230 VAC)

.............TL553AE-R3

8-Port RS-232 Data Sharer (115 VAC)

...............TL554A-R3

8-Port RS-232 Data Sharer (230 VAC)

.............TL554AE-R3

NOTE: 115-VAC models include wallmount power supply PS154; 230-VAC models include in-line power supply PS154E

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Black Box RS-232 manual Technically Speaking

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.