ATEN SXP-320A, SXP-325A User Manual

CONVERTER

USER'S MANUAL

Read this guide thoroughly and follow the installation and operation procedures carefully to prevent any damage to the hub and/or any of the devices it connects to.

This package contains:

•1 Bidirectional Serial/Parallel Converter (SXP-320A or SXP-325A) •1 AC 9V 200mA Power Adapter

•1 User Manual

Printed in Taiwan 06/1999

All brand names and trademarks are the registered property of their respective owners.

Setting the Switches

Baud Rate:

The baud rate is set with DIP Switch segments 1 - 3, as shown in the table, below

DIP Switch Segment			Baud Rate
DIP Switch Segment			Baud Rate
1	2	3	(bits per second)
1	2	3
ON	ON	ON	1200
ON	ON	OFF	2400
ON	OFF	ON	9600
ON	OFF	OFF	14400
OFF	ON	ON	19200
OFF	ON	OFF	38400
OFF	OFF	ON	57600
OFF	OFF	OFF	115200

Handshake:

DIP Switch Segment	Handshake
4
ON	XON/XOFF
OFF	Hardware

Data and Stop Bits:

DIP Switch Segment	Data Bits	Stop Bits
5
ON	7	2
OFF	8	1

Parity:

DIP Switch Segment		Parity
6	7
ON	Either	Parity Inhibit
OFF	ON	Even Parity
OFF	OFF	Odd Parity

Table of Contents

Overview

Features

Installation

Default Configuration

DIP Switch Settings

Cabling

Operation

Appendix

Troubleshooting

Specifications

RS-232C Interface Specification

Centronics Interface Specification

Centronics Interface Timing Chart

Preventing Radio & TV Interference

Conversion Direction:

DIP Switch Segment	Conversion Direction
8
ON	Parallel to Serial
OFF	Serial to Parallel

Cabling

Serial to Parallel:

When performing a Serial to Parallel interface conversion:

1.Plug the female end of a 25/9-pin to 25/9-pin male/female serial cable into the PC's serial port

2.Plug the male end of the 25-pin to 25-pin male/female serial cable into the SXP-320A/SXP-325A's serial connector

3.Plug the female end of a C-36 to C-36 male/female printer cable into the SXP-320A/SXP-325A's printer connector

4.Plug the male end of the C-36 to C-36 male/female printer cable into the printer.

Note: If your serial cable is long enough, you can plug

the SXP-320A/SXP-325A directly into the printer, without the need for a printer cable.

5.Plug the Power Adapter into an AC source; plug the Power Adapter cable into the SXP-320A/SXP-325A's power jack.

36 Pin Female to 36 Pin Male Cable

SXP-320A / SXP-325A

9 or 25 Pin Female to 25 Pin Male Cable

Overview

The SXP-320A / SXP-325A are interface converters that allow Centronics and RS-232 devices to communicate with each other (a computer with an RS-232 output to a Centronics printer, for example).

Both units are bidirectional enabling you to convert from serial to parallel or parallel to serial. The primary difference between them is that the SXP-325A is configured with 512 KB of memory allowing it to serve as a printer buffer,

whereas the SXP-320A has no memory.

These two way converters provide a DB-25 RS-232C (DCE) compatible connector, and a C-36 Centronics connector. The serial baud rate is from 1200 to 115200 bps. (selectable by DIP Switch). The parallel interface speed for the (nonbuffered) SXP-320A is 11.52 KB/sec; for the (buffered) SXP325A, it is 1.5 MB/sec.

The units support both hardware and software (XON/XOFF) handshaking. Setup is extremely easy. All that is involved is setting the DIP Switch and connecting the cables.

Front View

PARALLEL PORT

POWER ON LED

	AC 9V JACK
SERIAL PORT	RESET KEY

Parallel to Serial:

When performing a Parallel to Serial interface conversion:

1.Plug the male end of a 25-pin (male) to C-36 (female) printer cable into the PC's parallel port

2.Plug the female end of the 25-pin to C-36 male/female printer cable into the SXP-320A/SXP-325A's Centronics connector

3.Plug the male end of a 25-pin to 25-pin male/female serial cable into the SXP-320A/SXP-325A's serial connector

4.Plug the female end of the 25-pin to 25-pin male/female serial cable into the printer's serial port

5.Plug the Power Adapter into an AC source; plug the Power Adapter cable into the SXP-320A/SXP-325A's power jack.

25 Pin Male to 25 Pin Male Cable

25 Pin Male to 36 Pin Female

SXP-320A / SXP-325A

Rear View

DIP-SW

Features

•DIP Switch Sets Data Direction

•Built In Buffer for Efficient Operation (SXP-325A)

•Both Hardware and XON/XOFF Handshaking

•Easy Installation

•Compact Size

Installation

Switch Configuration Overview:

The SXP-320A/325A is configured by setting an eight segment DIP Switch as follows:

Switch	Purpose
1
2	Baud rate setting
3
4	Handshake setting
5	Data and Stop Bits setting
6	Parity setting
7
8	Conversion Direction setting

An explanation of each DIP Switch setting is given below.

Note: 1. When the segment is set in the direction of the arrow, it is ON.

2. In each table, the default setting is highlighted

Serial Port Cabling

Device Connector's Pin #				Cables	SXP-320A / SXP-325A
DCE	DTE	DCE	DTE	a 25-pin/25-pin cable		DCE
DB-9	DB-9	DB-25	DB-25	or a 9-pin/25-pin cable		DB-25
2	3	3	2	Tx	Rx	2
3	2	2	3	Rx	Tx	3
8	7	5	4	RTS	CTS	4
7	8	4	5	CTS	RTS	5
4	6	20	6	DSR	DTR	6
6	4	6	20	DTR	DSR	20
5	5	7	7	GND	GND	7

Parallel Port Cabling

Device's Pin #		a 25-pin/36-pinCables						SXP-320A / SXP-325A
DB-25	C-36	or a 36-pin/36-pin cable							C-36
1	1								1
1	1				STROBE				1
2-9	2-9					D0-D7			2-9
10	10								10
10	10						ACK		10
11	11					BUSY			11
12	12						PE		12
13	13					SLCT			13
14	14								14
14	14		AUTOFEED-XT						14
15	32								32
15	32					ERROR			32
16	31					INIT			31
17	36								36
17	36			SLCT-IN					36
18-25	19-30					GND			19-30

Operation

When operating the SXP-320A/SXP-325A, please take note of the following:

1.Since the SXP-320A/SXP-325A is a DCE device, the serial device it connects to must be configured as a DTE device.

2.In DCE mode, the unit uses RTS/DTR (pins 5 and 6) handshaking. When RTS/DTR is at +9V, the computer is allowed to transmit data. When the unit is busy, it sets the RTS/DTR line to -9V, and the computer stops transmitting data. Consequently, if the computer can not identify the RTS/DTR signal, it may result in data loss.

3.The unit is powered by the host RS-232C interface. In addition to the TxD line, it is recommended that the host RS-232C interface (MC 1488, SN 75188, or equivalent IC's), also support RTS and DTR lines, which provide a power source above 9V, to ensure normal operation of the unit.

4.The unit's baud rate, data length, stop bits and parity settings must be configured to match those of the computer.

5.You must reset the parallel printer before printing.

Appendix

Troubleshooting

Problem	Cause	Solution
Power LED	Unit is not receiving	Make sure that there is no problem
does not light	power.	with the AC source, and that the AC
		adapter is fully operational.

		Make sure that the adapter is
		correctly plugged into the AC source
		and that the cable is fully plugged
		into the unit's power jack.
No Data	Cables are not properly	Make sure that all cables are
Transmission	plugged in.	properly plugged in and fully seated
		in their connectors.
	Cables are not properly	Rewire the cables making sure they
	wired.	are correctly wired
	Transmitting or Terminal	If powered Off, turn the device On.
	device has not been set	Otherwise, reset the Transmitting or
	Ready for data transfer.	Terminal device.
	Transmitting or Terminal	Change the Transmitting or Terminal
	device is in incorrect DTE	device to the correct DTE mode, or
	mode.	user's cross line.

Incorrect Data	Lines are not properly	Rewire the cable lines to be sure they
Received	connected.	are properly connected.

	Incorrect serial	Set the DIP Switch segments to their
	transmission DIP Switch	proper settings.
	settings

If the above solutions fail to alleviate the problem, contact your dealer for help.

RS-232C Interface Specification

The RS-232C Interface DCE mode (default) specification is given in the table, below:

Pin	Name	Function
1	Ground	Ground
2	RxD	Receive Data
3	TxD	Transmit Data
4	CTS	Clear to Send
5	RTS	Request to Send
6	DTR	Data Terminal Ready
7	Ground	Ground
8	CD	Pull Up (+9V)
20	DSR	Data Set Ready

Centronics Interface Specification

The Centronics Interface Specification is given in the table, below:

Pin		Name	Function
1		STB	DATA STROBE
2	DATA BIT 1		DATA BUS
3	DATA BIT 2
4	DATA BIT 3
5	DATA BIT 4
6	DATA BIT 5
7	DATA BIT 6
8	DATA BIT 7
9	DATA BIT 8
10	ACK		DATA RECEIVED ACKNOWLEDGE
11	BUSY		DEVICE BUSY OR NOT
12	PAPER EMPTY		PULL UP
13	SLCT		PULL UP
14	A-F		PULL UP
15	N.C.
16-17	GROUND		GROUND
18	N.C.
19-30	GROUND		GROUND
31	INIT		PULL UP
32	ERR		PULL UP
33	GROUND		GROUND
34-35	N.C.
36	SL-1		PULL DOWN

Centronics Interface Timing Chart

DATA 1

0.5 US

(min)

STB

0.25

0.5 US

1 US

0.5

US (min)

BUSY

(min)

0.5 US

(min)

0.25 US(min)

ACK

1 US

(min)

1 US

(min)

Specifications

Power Consumption

AC 9V 150m A (max.)

Cable Distance

Up to 9 m (30')

Connectors

RS-232C

DB-25 female DCE

Centronics

C-36 male

Memory Size

512 KB(SXP-325A Only)

Interface Exchange

Serial or Parallel

Out

Parallel or Serial

Serial Communications Mode

DCE Only

LEDs

Power (Green)

Microcontroller

ASIC

Function Key

Reset

Buffer Speed

Serial

1200 - 115200 bps

Parallel

1.5 MB/sec. (max.)

Data Compression

8.5 : 1 (max.)

Temperature

Operating

5˚ - 40˚ C

Storage

-20˚ - 60˚ C

Humidity

0 - 80%

Housing

Plastic

Weight

120 g

Dimensions (L x W x H)

101 x 62 x 25.5 mm

Radio & TV Interference

Warning. This equipment generates, uses and radiates radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual may cause interference to radio and television reception. It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of the FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user at his own expense will be required to take whatever measures may be required to correct the interference.

If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

1.Reorient the receiving antenna.

2.Relocate the computer with respect to the receiver.

3.Move the computer away from the receiver.

4.Plug the computer into a different outlet so that the computer and receiver are on different branch circuits.

5.Ensure that the mounting screws, attachment connector screws and ground wires are tightly secured.

6.Ensure that good quality shielded and grounded cables are used for data communications.

If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for additional suggestions.

Limited Warranty

IN NO EVENT SHALL THE DIRECT VENDOR'S LIABILITY FOR DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THE PRODUCT, DISK, OR ITS DOCUMENTATION EXCEED THE PRICE PAID FOR THE PRODUCT.

The direct vendor makes no warranty or representation, expressed, implied, or statutory with respect to the contents or use of this documentation, and especially disclaims its quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose.

The direct vendor also reserves the right to revise or update the device or documentation without obligation to notify any individual or entity of such revisions, or update. For further inquiries, please contact your direct vendor.

Radio & TV Interference

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.