B&B Electronics 232XS5 User Manual

Five Port Expandable Smart Switch

Model 232XS5

Document ation Number 232XS5-1005

This product designed and manufactured in Ottawa, Illinois USA

of domestic and imported parts by

International Headquarters

B&B Electronics Mfg. Co. Inc.

707 Dayton Road -- P.O. Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350 USA

Phone [phone] -- General Fax [phone]

Orders e-mail: [e-mail]

Technical Support e-mail: [e-mail]

European Headquarters

Westlink Commercial Park, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland

Phone: [phone] -- Fax: [phone]

 1997 B&B Electronics -- Revised March 2005

pn#4087-r2

www.bb-elec.com

B&B Electronics

www.bb-europe.com

-- Fax [phone]

-- Fax [phone]

2000 B&B Electronics . No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any



means, electronic or mechanical, including photography, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system
without written consent. Information in this manual is subject t o change without notice, and does not represent a
commitment on the part of B&B Electronics.

B&B Electronics shall not be liable for incidental or consequential damages resulting from the furnishing,
performance, or use of this manual.

All brand names used in this manual are the registered trademarks of their respective owners. The use of
trademarks or other designations in this publication is for reference purposes only and does not constitute an
endorsement by the trademark holder.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION ..................................................1

Checklist.................................................................................... 2

Specifications ............................................................................2

Chapter 2: SETUP...................................................................3

Port Configuration .....................................................................4

Serial Data Configuration ..........................................................6

RS-485 Support......................................................................... 6

Chapter 3: Smart Switch Operation ....................................... 7

Programming the Second Character ......................................... 8

Binary File Transfer...................................................................8

Smart Switch/Port Combiner Mode ...........................................9

Enhanced Timer Mode -- Timer Features ...............................10

Expansion Mode...................................................................... 13

Chapter 4: SOFTWARE ......................................................... 15

Introduction ............................................................................. 15

Installation ...............................................................................15

Setup....................................................................................... 15

Default Values......................................................................... 16

Selecting Ports ........................................................................16

Parameters.............................................................................. 16

Appendix A: ASCII Character Codes ................................ A-1

Appendix B: Cable Charts ................................................. B-1

Chart 1. IBM PC DB25 Connector to Master Port ................ B-1

Chart 2. IBM PC DB9 Connector to Master Port .................. B-1

Chart 3. Modem DB25 Connector to Master Port................. B-2

Chart 4. IBM PC DB25 Connector to Ports A - E (DTE) ....... B-2

Chart 5. IBM PC DB25 Connector to Ports A - E (DCE)....... B-3

Chart 6. IBM PC DB9 Connector to Ports A - E (DTE) ......... B-3

Chart 7. IBM PC DB9 Connector to Ports A - E (DCE)......... B-4

Chart 8. IBM PC DB25 Connector to Ports A - E (DCE)....... B-4

Chart 9. IBM PC DB9 Connector to Ports A - E (DCE)......... B-5

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ii Table of Contents 232XS5-1005 Manual

B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - Ph 815-433-5100 - Fax [phone]

B&B Electronics Ltd – Westlink Commercial Park – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – Ph [phone] – Fax [phone]

Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION

The RS-232 Five Port Expandable Smart Switch, Model
232XS5, allows one RS-232 host device to connect to as many as
five RS-232 devices. The switch can be controlled in three different
ways. The first way is referred to as

smart switch mode

activated switch mode. In this mode, the switch is controlled by

sending a programmable preamble code to the "Master" port of the
232XS5. The second way the switch can be controlled is referred to
as

port combiner mode

. In port combiner mode, a slave port can
gain access to the master port by asserting a handshake line. If
none of the slave ports have their handshake line asserted, the
switch can be controlled using the preamble code. The third way
the switch can be controlled is the expander mode in which up to
four switches can be cascaded together to form up to 17 slave
The master port can be configured as a DTE or DCE port by an

ports.
internal switch setting. If the master port is configured as a DTE
port, the five slave ports will become DCE ports. The 232XS5
supports the following signals: TD, RD, RTS, CTS, DSR, DTR and
DCD.
The 232XS5 has an enhanced timer mode which offers special
timer features. The timer features can be used to prevent slave
devices from receiving preamble commands, inadvertently switching
from binary/graphic file transfers, and inactive slave devices from
holding control of the master port.
The 232XS5 will work with baud rates from 1200 to 115.2K bps;
7 or 8 data bits; even, odd or no parity; and 1 or 2 stop bits (7,N,1 is
not allowed).

NOTE:

The data format and rates mentioned are used to switch
the 232XS5. The communication between the devices can use
any format or data rate.

232XS5-1005 Manual 1

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or

code

There are five LED's on the 232XS5 to indicate which port is
connected to the master port. The master port has a DB-9S female
connector and the slave ports have DB-9P male connectors. The
232XS5 requires 12Vdc at 100ma. which is provided through a

2.5mm power jack.

Checklist

Examine the shipping carton and contents for physical damage.
If damage is found, file a claim with the shipper immediately.

The following equipment should be in the shipping carton:

1. RS-232 Smart Switch

2. Instruction Manual

3. Software

If any of the items above are not in the shipping carton contact
the shipper immediately.

Specifications

Model: 232XS5
Size: 3.0"w x 5.5"l x 1.0"h
Power: 12Vdc to 16Vdc @ 100ma

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Chapter 2: SETUP

The 232XS5 is set up using an eight-position dipswitch and a
three-position set of jumpers. This dipswitch is used to set the
communication format, port configuration and expansion switch
address. The jumpers are used to set the smart switch/port
combiner mode, to enable/disable the enhanced features and to
enable/disable Expander mode. To change the settings on the
switch, remove the power from the unit, and remove the screws (4)
from the bottom of the 232XS5. The dipswitch is located on the top
of the PC board (side with LED’s) and is labeled “SW1.” The other
dipswitch, labeled “SW2” is used to set the second character of the
preamble. After the switches and jumpers have been set to match
your requirements, you can put the unit back together. Table 1
shows the settings for dipswitch “SW1” and Table 2 shows the
mode settings for “JP6” jumpers.

Table 1. Communication & Port Setup

Dipswitch SW1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Setting

0 0 0 X X X X X 1200 Baud
1 0 0 X X X X X 2400 Baud
0 1 0 X X X X X 4800 Baud
1 1 0 X X X X X 9600 Baud *
0 0 1 X X X X X 19.2K Baud
1 0 1 X X X X X 38.4K Baud
0 1 1 X X X X X 57.6K Baud
1 1 1 X X X X X 115.2K Baud
X X X 0 X X X X 8 Data Bits *
X X X 1 X X X X 7 Data Bits
X X X X 0 X X X Parity Disabled *
X X X X 1 X X X Parity Enabled
X X X X X 0 0 X Expansion Address A *
X X X X X 1 0 X Expansion Address B
X X X X X 0 1 X Expansion Address C
X X X X X 1 1 X Expansion Address D
X X X X X X X 0 DCE master port *
X X X X X X X 1 DTE master port

0 = OFF 1 = ON X = DON'T CARE
* = FACTORY DEFAULT

Table 2. Mode Setup

Jumper JP6

A B C Setting

ON X X Enhanced Disabled *

OFF X X Enhanced Enabled

X ON X Smart Switch *
X OFF ON Expansion
X X ON Combiner Disabled *
X ON OFF Combiner Enabled

On = Jumper Installed Off = Jumper Removed X = DON'T CARE

* = FACTORY DEFAULT

Port Configuration

In order to determine the proper port configuration of the 232XS5, it
is necessary to have a basic understanding of the terms DCE and DTE.
RS-232 was designed, using DB-25 connectors, for connecting a DTE
(Data Terminal Equipment) device to a DCE (Data Communication

quipment) device. Each device will have inputs on pins that

E

correspond to outputs on the same pins of the other device. For
example, a DTE device will transmit data out on pin 2 (on a DB-25) and
a DCE device will receive data in on pin 2 (on a DB-25). IBM PCs and
serial printers are DTE devices, modems are DCE devices.
Originally the RS-232 standard specified only a 25 pin D-sub
connector. Since then, the use of a 9 pin D-Sub supporting only a
portion of the original RS-232 signals has been used extensively,
starting with the IBM PC and migrating into other peripherals. The
pinouts for this 9 pin connector have since become the EIA/TIA 574
standard. This standard specifies a DTE device that transmits on pin 3
and receives on pin 2, with the DCE having the opposite configuration.
If an IBM PC compatible (DTE device) is going to be connected to
the 232XS5 master port, the master port should be configured as a DCE
port. If a modem (DCE device) is going to be connected to the master
port, it should be configured as a DTE port.
The master port can be configured as a DCE port (data received on
pin 3) or a DTE port (data received on pin 2) by setting dipswitch “SW1”,
position 8. To configure the master port as a DCE port, move dipswitch
“SW1”, position 8, to the "OFF" position. When the master port is
configured as a DCE port, ports A, B, C, D & E will become DTE ports
(Refer to Table 3). To configure the master port as a DTE port move
dipswitch “SW1”, position 8, to the "ON" position. When the master port
is configured as a DTE port, ports A, B, C, D & E will become DCE ports
(Refer to Table 4). Always power down the smart switch when changing
switch settings.

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A

s

s

Table 3. DCE MASTER PORT CHART

Master Port

(DCE)

Signal

,B,C,D & E Port

(DTE)

Pin# Direction Description Pin# Direction

3 Input Transmit Data (TD) 3 Output
2 Output Receive Data (RD) 2 Input
7 Input Request to Send (RTS) 7 Output
8 Output Clear to Send (CTS) 8 Input
4 Input Data Terminal Ready (DTR) 4 Output
6 Output Data Set Ready (DSR) 6 Input
1 Output Data Carrier Detect (DCD) 1 Input
5 <-------> Signal Ground (SG) 5 <----->

Table 4. DTE MASTER PORT CHART

Master Port

(DTE)

Signal

,B,C,D & E Port

(DCE)

Pin# Direction Description Pin# Direction

3 Output Transmit Data (TD) 3 Input
2 Input Receive Data (RD) 2 Output
7 Output Request to Send (RTS) 7 Input
8 Input Clear to Send (CTS) 8 Output
4 Output Data Terminal Ready (DTR) 4 Input
6 Input Data Set Ready (DSR) 6 Output
1 Input Data Carrier Detect (DCD) 1 Output
5 <-------> Signal Ground (SG) 5 <----->

The 232XS5 supports the following RS-232 signals: TD, RD,
SG, RTS, CTS, DCD, DSR and DTR.

NOTE: All other lines are not connected.
The Smart Switch selects port A as the default port at power up.

Serial Data Configuration

In order for the host device that is connected to the master port
to select any of the five ports, the Smart Switch must be set to
match the host's communication format. Dipswitch “SW1” is used to
select the communication format of the Smart Switch. Switch
positions 1 through 3 select the baud rate. Switch position 4 selects
7 or 8 data bits. Switch position 5 determines if parity is enabled or
disabled.
NOTE: A data format of 7 data bits, no parity and one stop is
not allowed.
Switch position 8 selects the port configuration, see section
titled "Port Configuration". Refer to Table 1.

Always

power down

the smart switch when changing switch settings.

RS-485 Support

RS-485 support may be
provided by adding a Model
485SD9TB RS-232 to RS-485
converter or other recommended
device to the slave ports of the
232XS5.

Port power of about 30 mA may be applied through the DTR line
(Pin 4) of the slave ports with jumper JP1-JP5. Normally, the
jumpers are set to allow DTR to pass from the master port. To
enable port power on a slave port, move the jumper from the“OFF”
to “ON” position on the corresponding JP jumper. To allow DTR to
pass from the master port to the slave port, move jumper from “ON”
to “OFF” on the corresponding JP jumper. DTR can only pass
through when the port is selected and the jumper is set to the “OFF”
position on the corresponding slave port JP jumper.

Jumper

JP1-5

Setting

“OFF” DTR passed *

“ON” Port Power

Table 5. Port Power Jumpers

* = FACTORY DEFAULT

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6

B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - Ph 815-433-5100 - Fax [phone]

B&B Electronics Ltd – Westlink Commercial Park – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – Ph [phone] – Fax [phone]