Black Box Computer Hardware IC181C User Manual

JUNE 2000  
IC111C  
IC181C  
Four Port RS-232 Serial Interface  
CUSTOMER Order toll-free in the U.S. 24 hours, 7 A.M. Monday to midnight Friday: 877-877-BBOX  
FREE technical support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax 724-746-0746  
SUPPORT  
Mail order: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018  
INFORMATION  
FOUR PORT RS-232 SERIAL INTERFACE  
Contents  
Chapter  
Page  
1. Specifications...................................................................................................1  
2. Introduction....................................................................................................2  
2.1 Overview..................................................................................................2  
2.2 What’s Included......................................................................................2  
2.3 Features...................................................................................................3  
2.4 Technical Description............................................................................4  
3. Address Selection............................................................................................5  
4. Option Selection.............................................................................................6  
4.1 Port Enable/Disable...............................................................................6  
4.2 Interrupt-Mode Options ........................................................................8  
5. Installation.....................................................................................................10  
5.1 Software Installation .............................................................................10  
5.1.1 Windows 3.1x...............................................................................10  
5.1.2 Windows 95/98 ...........................................................................10  
5.1.3 Windows NT ................................................................................10  
5.2 Hardware Installation ...........................................................................10  
Appendix A: Circuit-Board Design ...................................................................11  
Appendix B: Troubleshooting ..........................................................................12  
CHAPTER 1: Specifications  
1. Specifications  
Protocol — Asynchronous  
Number of Ports — 4  
Speed — IC111C: Up to 115.2 Kbps; IC181C: 460.8 kbps and higher  
Operation — RS-232  
Connectors — DB37M on card; (1) 3-ft. (0.9-m) DB37F-to-4x DB25M octopus  
cable, included  
Maximum Distance 50 ft. (15.2 m) @ 19.2 Kbps with 2500 pF max. cable  
capacitance (lower capacitance will allow greater distances)  
Communications Chip — IC111C: 16550 UART; IC181C: 16850 UART  
MTBF — >150,000 hours  
MTTR — <0.25 hours  
®
Materials — Boards are built to U.L. 94V0 rating and are 100% electrically  
tested. Boards are solder mask over bare copper or tin nickel  
Manufacturing — IPC 610-A Class-III standards are adhered to with a 0.1  
visual A.Q.L. and 100% functional testing  
Operating Temperature — 32° to 122°F (0° to 50°C)  
Storage Temperature — -4° to 158°F (-20° to 70°C)  
Humidity — 10 to 90% relative humidity, noncondensing  
Power — +5 VDC @ 200 mA 12 V @ 50 mA  
Size — 4.2"W x 8.6"D (10.7 x 21.9 cm)  
Weight — 0.4 lb. (0.2 kg)  
1
FOUR PORT RS-232 SERIAL INTERFACE  
2. Introduction  
2.1 Overview  
The Four Port RS-232 Serial Interface provides your PC system with four RS-  
232 asynchronous ports. Connect to any device that uses the RS-232 protocol,  
such as modems, data-entry terminals, and plotters.  
The Serial Interface also includes a serial utility diskette with Seacom, a DOS  
interrupt and driver package. Seacom allows data to be buffered, eliminating  
data loss in high-speed data transfers. It also allows more than  
4 ports (256 max.) to be configured and utilized under DOS.  
The README file on the serial utility diskette contains information about the  
latest changes and revisions. To view this file, insert the diskette into drive A  
or B and type A:TYPE READ.ME|MORE [ENTER]or B:TYPE  
READ.ME|MORE [ENTER].  
2.2 What’s Included  
Your Serial Interface should come with the following items. If any of these  
items are missing or damaged, contact your supplier.  
(1) Four Port RS-232 Serial Interface with 1x DB37F,  
(1) Octopus cable, (1) 3-ft. (0.9-m) to 4x DB25M,  
(2) 3.5" serial utility diskettes,  
This manual  
2
CHAPTER 2: Introduction  
2.3 Features  
Listed below are the special features your Serial Interface offers.  
• Each port is independently addressable.  
• Eleven interrupt options, including AT interrupts, for simple integration  
into existing systems.  
• IRQs can be shared or individually set for each port.  
• Supports Interrupt Sharing—only one interrupt line required for multiple  
ports.  
• Supports any character set defined by binary notation.  
• 16550 UARTs (IC111C) or 16850 UARTs (IC181C) help ensure against  
data loss.  
• Faster baud rates—up to 115.2 Kbps.  
• Provides COM1: through COM4: Turnkey Solution.  
• Individually selectable address and interrupts (IRQs 2[9]–7 and 10, 11, 12,  
and 15).  
• Four DB25 male connectors provided using the octopus cable.  
3
FOUR PORT RS-232 SERIAL INTERFACE  
2.4 Technical Description  
The Four Port RS-232 Serial Interface provides four additional serial ports for  
terminals, modems, printers, etc. The Serial Interface can be configured as  
COM1: through COM4:, or as any other I/O address (up to 3FF Hex),  
providing total compatibility with most communications software and  
languages. The Four Port RS-232 Serial Interface (IC111C) uses the 16550  
UART chip, which features programmable baud rate, data format, interrupt  
control, and a 16-byte FIFO. The IC181C uses the 16850 UART.  
Modem Control Signal Considerations  
Some software packages require the use of the modem handshake signals  
such as CTS or DCD. Consult your software manual to determine the  
requirements of your modem control signals. If no requirements are  
mentioned, or if you are not sure, a safe configuration is to tie DTR to DSR  
and DCD (6-8-20), and tie RTS to CTS (4-5). This will typically satisfy the  
modem control-signal requirements for most communications software.  
Pin Number  
Signal Name  
Mode  
2
Transmit Data (TD)  
Request To Send (RTS)  
Data Term Ready (DTR)  
Ground (GND)  
Output RS-232  
Output RS-232  
Output RS-232  
––––––––––––  
Input RS-232  
Input RS-232  
Input RS-232  
Input RS-232  
Input RS-232  
4
20  
7
3
Receive Data (RD)  
Data Carrier Detect (DCD)  
Data Set Ready (DSR)  
Clear To Send (CTS)  
Ring Indicator (RI)  
8
6
5
22  
Table 2-1. P1 through P4 pinouts as found on the  
octopus cable (standard RS-232C DTE)  
4
CHAPTER 3: Address Selection  
3. Address Selection  
NOTE  
Be sure to set the address selections and jumper options before  
installation.  
Each serial port on the Four Port RS-232 Serial Interface occupies 8 con-  
secutive I/O locations. DIP switch SW4 sets the base address for Port 1, SW3  
for Port 2, SW2 for Port 3, and SW1 for Port 4. Be careful when selecting the  
base address as some selections conflict with existing PC ports. The following  
table shows several examples that usually do not cause a conflict.  
Address  
Hex  
Binary  
Switch Position Setting  
A9  
A0  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
280-287 1010000XXX OFF  
2A0-2A7 1010100XXX OFF  
2E8-2EF 1011101XXX OFF  
2F8-2FF 1011111XXX OFF  
3E8-3EF 1111101XXX OFF  
300-307 1100000XXX OFF  
328-32F 1100101XXX OFF  
3F8-3FF 1111111XXX OFF  
ON  
OFF  
OFF  
OFF  
OFF  
OFF  
ON  
ON  
ON  
ON  
ON  
ON  
OFF  
ON  
ON  
ON  
OFF  
ON  
ON  
ON  
OFF  
OFF  
OFF  
OFF  
ON  
ON  
ON  
OFF  
OFF  
OFF  
ON  
OFF  
OFF  
OFF  
ON  
ON  
OFF  
OFF  
OFF  
OFF  
ON  
ON  
OFF  
OFF  
OFF  
OFF  
OFF  
OFF  
Typically COM1:=3F8h; COM2:=2F8h; COM3:=3E8h; COM4:=2E8h  
The following illustration shows the correlation between the DIP-switch  
setting and the address bits used to determine the base address. In the figure  
below, the address 300 hex through 307 hex is selected (300 hex =11 0000  
0XXX in binary representation, where X is a non-selectable address bit). Note  
that setting the switch ON (or closed) corresponds to a “0” in the address,  
while leaving it OFF (or open) corresponds to a “1.”  
A9  
A3 EN  
0
1
ON  
OFF  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
5
FOUR PORT RS-232 SERIAL INTERFACE  
4. Option Selection  
NOTE  
Be sure to set the address selections and jumper options before  
installation.  
The board contains several jumper straps for each port which must be set for  
proper operation.  
4.1 Port Enable/Disable  
Each port on the Four Port RS-232 can be enabled or disabled with switch  
position 8 on the DIP switch. The port is enabled with the switch ON (or  
closed) and disabled when OFF (or open). If any port is disabled, be sure to  
also disable the interrupt request for that port by removing the IRQ jumper.  
Headers E1–E4 select the IRQ for each serial port. If COM1: is selected, this  
jumper must be on the IRQ4 setting. If COM2: is selected, this jumper must  
be on IRQ3.  
NOTE  
Most communications software applications default COM3: to IRQ4 and  
COM4: to IRQ3. This requires the sharing of interrupts between COM1:  
and COM3:, and between COM2: and COM4:. While this is the default, it  
is not always the best setting. Check your software configuration  
instructions to determine the most appropriate IRQ setting.  
6
CHAPTER 4: Option Selection  
Any two or more ports can share a common IRQ by placing the jumpers on  
the same IRQ setting, and setting the appropriate selections at E1. Consult  
your particular software for IRQ selection. If no interrupt is desired, remove  
the jumper.  
NOTE  
IRQ 2 on AT class machines is not available. IRQ 9 is substituted in place  
of IRQ 2. To select IRQ 9, place jumper in the IRQ 2 position.  
PORT 1 (COM1)  
E4  
1 2  
PORT 2 (COM2)  
PORT 3 (COM3)  
E3  
E2  
M
S
N
M
S
N
3 4  
E5  
PORT 4 (COM4)  
E1  
Figure 4-1. IRQ Selection.  
Figure 4-1 shows the correlation between jumper block E5 and the interrupt  
jumpers (E1–E4). This example shows the Four Port RS-232 Serial Interface  
shipping configuration with COM1: and COM3: sharing interrupt 4 and  
COM2: and COM4: sharing interrupt 3. See Section 4.2 for more information  
on the different configuration options available with Jumper E5.  
7
FOUR PORT RS-232 SERIAL INTERFACE  
4.2 Interrupt-Mode Options  
Jumper E5 selects the interrupt mode for each port. Each port must be set  
in the correct mode to ensure proper installation.  
“N” indicates the normal, single interrupt per port mode (Figure 4-2). “S”  
indicates the shared interrupt mode, which allows more than one port to  
access a single IRQ (Figure 4-4). “M” indicates the inclusion of a 1K ohm  
pull-down resistor required on one port when sharing interrupts  
(Figure 4-3).  
1
2
M
S
N
M
S
N
3
4
Figure 4-2. E5 in normal mode.  
Set jumpers to “S” for shared interrupt mode on all blocks sharing an IRQ  
except one. Set that port block for “M.” This provides the pull-down resistor  
circuit that makes sharing of IRQs possible. If you are using more than one  
Four Port RS-232 Serial Interface or a compatible card in a bus, you should  
have only one port set to “M.” Figure 4-3 shows all four ports sharing a single  
IRQ.  
1
2
M
S
N
M
S
N
3
4
Figure 4-3. E5, sharing a single IRQ.  
8
CHAPTER 4: Option Selection  
Set jumper to “S” if you are using more than one Four Port RS-232 Serial  
Interface in a bus or you wish to remove the pull-down resistor completely  
for hardware compatibility.  
NOTE  
Setting the board in this configuration when it is not accompanied by a  
pull-down resistor will prevent the ports from triggering an interrupt. The  
factory default for this board is COM1: and COM3: sharing IRQ4, and  
COM2: and COM4: sharing IRQ3.  
1
2
M
S
N
M
S
N
3
4
Figure 4- 4. E5, sharing multiple serial interface cards.  
9
FOUR PORT RS-232 SERIAL INTERFACE  
5. Installation  
IMPORTANT  
You MUST set up the operating system BEFORE you physically install  
the Card.  
5.1 Software Installation  
®
If you are installing an ISA adapter in DOS, OS/2 , or QNX, please refer to the  
appropriate directory on one of the Serial Utilities Disks for instructions.  
5.1.1 WINDOWS 3.1X  
Please refer to the /WINDOWS sub-directory on the Serial Utilities Diskette for  
help files and current information on the installation of the Card in this operating  
environment.  
5.1.2 WINDOWS 95/98 USERS  
For the ISA card, run setup on disk two of the Serial Utilities Diskettes before  
installing the card. Make note of the resources that Windows assigns the adapter,  
and set the adapter to match those resources. Power down the computer and  
install the adapter as described in Section 5.2. If you wish to change any resources  
assigned to the adapter, refer to the help file installed in the Black Box folder in  
the Start, Programs menu.  
5.1.3 WINDOWS NT  
For the ISA card, run setup on disk two of the Serial Utilities Diskettes before  
installing the card. After installing the software, refer to the help file that  
automatically comes up for installation instructions.  
10  
CHAPTER 5: Installation  
5.2 Hardware Installation  
The ISA Card can be installed in any of the PC expansion slots. The Card contains  
several jumper straps for each port that you must set for proper operation.  
1. Turn off PC power. Disconnect the power cord.  
2. Remove the PC case cover.  
3. Locate an available slot and remove the blank metal slot cover.  
4. Gently insert the Card into the slot. Make sure that the Card is seated  
properly.  
5. Replace the screw.  
6. Replace the cover.  
7. Connect the power cord.  
Installation is complete.  
11  
FOUR PORT RS-232 SERIAL INTERFACE  
Appendix A: Circuit-Board Design  
3.9"  
C1  
U1  
C2  
U3  
U4  
U2  
SW1  
SW2  
SW3  
SW4  
R2  
R3  
R4  
D4  
R1  
R5  
R6  
D1  
R7  
R8  
D2  
E5  
R9  
E1  
E2  
E3  
E4  
D3  
U6  
C3  
2
3
4
2
3
4
2
3
4
2
3
4
5
5
6
5
5
6
6
6
7
7
7
7
10  
11  
12  
15  
10  
11  
12  
15  
10  
11  
12  
15  
10  
11  
12  
15  
U5  
U8  
C4  
C5  
C6  
C7  
U7  
U9  
U10  
P2  
8.66"  
C9  
C10  
C8  
U12  
Y1  
U13  
U14  
P1  
C12  
C13  
C19  
U11  
C11  
U18  
C14  
U17  
= User  
Configurable  
U16  
U15  
P3  
C15  
1
20  
19  
37  
4.2"  
12  
APPENDIX B: Troubleshooting  
Appendix B. Troubleshooting  
By using the supplied serial utility diskette and following these simple steps,  
most common problems can be eliminated.  
1) Identify all I/O adapters currently installed in your system. This includes  
your onboard serial ports, controller cards, and sound cards. The I/O  
address used by these adapters, as well as the IRQ (if any) should be  
identified.  
2) Configure your serial interface so that there is no conflict with currently  
installed adapters. No two adapters can occupy the same I/O address.  
3) Make sure the Serial Interface is using a unique IRQ. While the Interface  
does allow the sharing of IRQs, many other adapters (such as SCSI  
adapters and onboard serial ports) do not. The IRQ is typically selected  
via an onboard header block. Refer to Chapters 3 and 4 for help in  
choosing an I/O address and IRQ.  
4) Make sure the Four Port RS-232 Serial Interface is securely installed in a  
motherboard slot.  
5) Use the supplied diskette and this manual to verify that the Serial  
Interface is configured correctly. The supplied diskette contains a  
diagnostic program (SSD) that will verify if an adapter is configured  
properly. This diagnostic program is written with the user in mind and is  
easy to use. Refer to the README file on the diskette for detailed  
instructions on how to use the SSD program.  
6) These are know I/O conflicts:  
• The 278 and 378 settings may conflict with your printer I/O adapter.  
• 3B0 cannot be used if a monochrome adapter is installed.  
• 3F8-3FF is typically reserved for COM1:.  
• 2F8-2FF is typically reserved for COM2:.  
• 3E8-3EF is typically reserved for COM3:.  
• 2E8-2EF is typically reserved for COM4:.  
7) Refer to the diskette for any post-production manual updates and  
application-specific information.  
13  
© Copyright 2000. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.  
1000 Park Drive  
Lawrence, PA 15055-1018  
724-746-5500  
Fax 724-746-0746  

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