4.4.2 Clock Rate Multiplier

A standard RS-232 serial port operates at a clock speed of 1.8432 MHz. In order to achieve higher data rates, Quatech Enhanced Serial Adapters can operate at two times, four times or even eight times this standard clock speed. This is controlled by the clock rate multiplier bits in the Options Register.

Software can determine the UART clock frequency by reading the clock rate multiplier bits RR1 and RR0 in the Options Register as shown in Figure 7. RR1 and RR0 can be set by writing to the Options Register. Reading the Options Register will always return the clock rate multiplier at which the board is operating.

RR1

RR0

Clock Rate

UART Clock

Maximum Data

Multiplier

Frequency

Rate

 

 

0

0

X1

1.8432 MHz

115.2 kbaud

(default)

 

 

 

 

0

1

X2

3.6864 MHz

230.4 kbaud

1

0

X4

7.3728 MHz

460.8 kbaud

1

1

X8

14.7456 MHz

921.6 kbaud

Figure 7 --- Rate Register bit definition

At powerup and reset, the Options Register is initialized to 0. The ESC(LP)-100 will thus powerup in the x1 mode with software control of the clock rate multiplier enabled as long as the X2, X4, and X8 jumpers are not installed.

Software can control high baud rates through a combination of changing the clock rate multiplier and the UART baud rate divisor. For example, a baud rate of 230.4 kbps could be achieved by setting the clock rate multiplier to X2 mode and setting a software application for 115.2 kbps.

ESC(LP)-100 User's Manual

7

Page 13
Image 13
Quatech RS-232 user manual Clock Rate Multiplier, RR1 RR0