B&B Electronics 3PCISD4B, 3PCISD4A User Manual

Four Port, PCI Bus

RS-232/422/485 Serial Card CE

with Send Data Control

3PCISD4A 3PCISD4B

Documentation Number 3PCISD4x-3903 (pn4324-r006)

This manual applies to models 3PCISD4A and 3PCISD4B. The “A” models are
equipped with 16550A UARTs which have 16 byte transmit and receive buffers. The
“B” models are equipped with 16850 UARTs with 128 byte transmit and receive
buffers. The model number of each card is printed on a sticker on the board.

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]

Home Page: www.bb-elec.com

Orders e-mail: [e-mail]

Technical Support e-mail: [e-mail]

European Headquarters

B&B Electronics Ltd.

Westlink Commercial Park, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland

Phone [phone] -- Fax [phone]

Home Page: www.bb-europe.com

Orders e-mail: [e-mail]

Technical Support e-mail: [e-mail]

 2000 B&B Electronics -- Revised October 2003

-- 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 to 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.

Documentation Number 3PCISD4x-3903 Manual Cover Page

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

B&B Electronics Ltd – Westlink Comm. Pk. – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – Ph [phone] – Fax [phone]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1: GENERAL INFORMATION......................................1

NTRODUCTION .......................................................................................1

I

EATURES ...............................................................................................1

F

PECIFICATIONS ......................................................................................2

S

CHAPTER 2: SETUP .........................................................................5

I

NSPECTION.............................................................................................5

MODE.........................................................................................7

RS-232

Table 7: RS-232 Pinouts ...................................................................7

RS-422

MODE.........................................................................................7

RS-422/RS-485 Pinouts......................................................................8

MODE.........................................................................................8

RS-485

RS-485 Pinouts...................................................................................9

Explanation of RS-485 Operation ......................................................9

AND RS-485 TERMINATION......................................................10

RS-422

X BAUD RATE OPTION .......................................................................10

4

NSTALLING THE CARD..........................................................................11

I

CHAPTER 3: WINDOWS INSTALLATION ..................................13

WINDOWS

INDOWS 2000 ....................................................................................21

W
WINDOWS

CHAPTER 4: TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................33

95/98 ............................................................................... 12

NT 4.0 ..............................................................................27

APPENDIX A: DB9 SIGNAL CONNECTIONS .......................... A-1

APPENDIX B: JUMPER MODE TABLE .....................................B-1

APPENDIX C: 3PCISD4 I/O PINOUT ........................................ C-1

APPENDIX D: 3PCISD4 I/O SCHEMATIC ............................... D-1

APPENDIX E: RENAMING COM PORTS - WIN 95/98/ME ......E-1

APPENDIX F: DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY ..................F-1

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ii Table of Contents Documentation Number 3PCISD4x-3903 Manual

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Chapter 1: GENERAL INFORMATION
Introduction

• RS-485 Signal Lines: TD(A), TD(B), RD(A), RD(B) and Signal

Ground. (Data A & Data B lines when wired for 2-wire
operation.)

The B&B Electronics 3PCISD4x serial interface card is designed
for IBM compatibles with a PCI Bus. The PCI design is Plug and
Play compatible which allows the driver and Operating System to
select the IRQ and hardware addresses used by the card.

The 3PCISD4x card offers exceptional setup flexibility with a mix
of selectable operating modes. If you are writing your own
applications, be sure the communications routine used supports
Windows communication drivers and a wide range of COM ports.

Description

Each of the four ports can be independently configured for RS­232, RS-422, or RS-485 data protocols. The 485-mode Send Data
Control feature transparently handles the enable and disable
functions of the RS-485 transceiver. Buffered, high speed UARTs
(16550A or 16850) make it ideal for high speed (modem) and
multitasking applications.

Features

• IBM compatible, PCI Version 2.1 bus

• Supports baud rates to 460.4 Kbaud with 4X clock option

enabled

• High speed 16 byte FIFO 16550A UARTs (Model 3PCISD4A),
128 byte FIFO 16850 UARTs (Model 3PCISD4B)

• RS-232/422/485 Mode Independently Configurable Fo r Each
Port

• RS-485 Automatic Send Data Control or RTS Control

• 2-wire or 4-wire RS-485 Operation (Half or Full Duplex)

• 120ΩTermination Select Jumpers for RS-422/RS-485 Networks

• RS-232 Mode Signal Lines: TD, RD, RTS, CTS, DSR, DTR,

DCD, RI and Signal Ground.

• 2 Channel RS-422 Signal Lines: TD(A), TD(B), RD(A), RD(B)
and Signal Ground

Specifications

Bus: PCI bus version 2.1
Slot: Requires 1 PCI slot
Dimensions: 11.2 x 4.2 in (28.4 x 10.7 cm)
I/O connection: One DB-37 female (DB-37F)
Cable: One DB-37 male to f our DB-9 male (included )
Replacement cable available, order model 37M9M
OS Supported: Windows 95, 98, 2000 and NT 4.0
Baud rates: 460,800 Baud Max - RS-232/422/485
UARTs: 16550A 16 byte TX and RX buffers (A model), or

16850 128 byte TX and RX buffers (B model)
Character length: 5, 6, 7, or 8 bits
Parity: Even, odd or none
Stop bits: 1, 1.5, or 2
RS-232 Control Lines Drivers/Receivers:

Device: 75185 Transceiver
High level output voltage: 6.0 V minimum
Low level output voltage: −6.0 V minimum
Output current limited to: ±10 mA
Input high threshold voltage: 1.5V
Input low threshold voltage: 0.75V
Device will withstand: ±30V

RS-232 Data Lines Drivers/Receivers:
Device: SP211H Transceiver
High level output voltage: 5.0 V minimum
Low level output voltage: −5.0 V minimum
Output current limited to: ±25 mA
Input high threshold voltage: 1.7V
Input low threshold voltage: 0.8V
Device will withstand: ±15V

Documentation Number 3PCISD4x-3903 Manual Chapter 1 1

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B&B Electronics Ltd – Westlink Comm. Pk. – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – Ph [phone] – Fax [phone]

2 Chapter 1 Documentation Number 3PCISD4x-3903 Manual

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B&B Electronics Ltd – Westlink Comm. Pk. – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – Ph [phone] – Fax [phone]

RS-422/485 Driver/Receiver:
Device: 75ALS180 or MAX491
Differential driver output voltage: 1.5 - 6 V
Differential input high-threshold voltage: 0.2 V
Differential input low-threshold voltage: −0.2 V

Automatic RS-485 Driver Control Timing:
Driver is enabled when data is a logic “0” (start bit). Driver
remains enabled for one character transmission time (10 bits
of data at current baud rate). Each additional logic “0” resets
the timeout.

Termination: A 120Ω termination resistor is jumper selectable on
each 422/485 receiver.

Max Power Consumption: All ports loaded
+5V, 437 mA, 2.18W
+12V, 124 mA, 1.49W

-12V, 124 mA, 1.491W

Accessories:

Cable: One DB-37 Male to four DB-9 Male (included)
Replacement cable model number: 37M9M
Software: Driver Disk (3.5) for Windows 95/98/2000/NT 4.0

PCI/USB COM Port Utility Disk (3.5)
Manual: Instruction Manual (this booklet)

Documentation Number 3PCISD4x-3903 Manual Chapter 1 3

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4 Chapter 1 Documentation Number 3PCISD4x-3903 Manual

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Chapter 2: SETUP
Inspection

Your 3PCISD4x serial card was tested for proper operation before
shipment. It should be in perfect mechanical and electrical condition
upon receipt.

The card is normally pre-configured for RS-232 operation on all
ports.

The data clock speed for all 4 ports is set by one jumper to x1
(normal) operation or to x4 operation.

The operating mode of each port on the card is set using 9 jumpers:
5 jumpers select RS-232 operation or RS-422/485 operation, 2
select RS-422 or RS-485 operating modes for Receive and
Transmit, one sets the RS-485 mode driver control for Send Data or
RTS control, and the last selects 120 ohm termination for the RS­422 or RS-485 Receive. Each of the 4 ports is configured in a
similar fashion.

Refer to Jumper Mode Tables, Appendix B.

CAUTION: ELECTROSTATIC SE NSITIVE DEVICE

Use ESD precautions for safe handling.

Before removing the card from the anti-static protective packaging:

• Discharge any static electricity buildup on your body by touching
a large grounded metal surface or the metal chassis on
equipment connected to earth ground by a 3-wire power cord.

• Avoid touching the gold connectors or other parts on the card
except as necessary to set the configuration jumpers for each
port. After setting the jumpers, ground yourself to the computer
chassis before and while inserting the card.

• Remove AC power from the computer and unplug the power
cord before inserting the card.

• Retain the ESD bag for handling the card. Save the packaging
for storage or shipping.

Documentation Number 3PCISD4x-3903 Manual Chapter 2 5

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Figure 1. Silk Screen Plot of 3PCISD4 PCB

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RS-232 Mode

To configure Port 1 for RS-232 mode, 5 jumpers must be checked.
The following settings will configure Port 1 as RS-232.

1. Set the four jumpers of JP1 to the "232" (left) position.

2. Set the first jumper of JP3 (A) to the "232" (left) position.

The remaining jumpers of JP3 are unused in the RS-232 mode and
may be in either position.

Table 7: RS-232 Pinouts

RS-232 Signal Description Direction DB9M Pin

DCD Data Carrier Detect input 1

RD Receive Data input 2
TD Transmit Data output 3

DTR Data Terminal Ready output 4

GND Signal Ground ---- 5

DSR Data Set Ready input 6
RTS Request to Send output 7
CTS Clear to Send input 8

RI Ring Indicator Input 9

RS-422 Mode

Nine jumpers must be set/checked to configure each Port to the
RS-422 mode. To set Port 1 for RS-422, set as follows below:

1. Set the four jumpers on JP1 to the "422" (right) position.

2. Set the top jumper of JP3 (A) to the "422/485" (right) position.

3. Set the second and third jumpers of JP3 (B) & (C) to the "422"
(right) position. (These constantly enable receive & transmit.)

4. The fourth jumper JP3 (C) is unused in the RS-422 mode.
(Selects RTS/SD for 485 mode)

5. The bottom jumper of JP3 (E) switches the 120Ω receiver
termination resistor IN or OUT. Typically this resistor is not used.
In some cases using high baud rates and very long cables,
termination is needed. See our RS-422/485 Application Note .

6. Configure each port as above using the table in Appendix B.

Documentation Number 3PCISD4x-3903 Manual Chapter 2 7

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RS-422/RS-485 Pinouts

The RS-422 mode supports 2 channels (transmit and receive).

Table 8: RS-422/RS-485 Pinouts

RS-422

Signal

Description Direction DB9M

Pinout

-- -- 1

RD(A) −
TD(A) −

Receive Data A input 2

Transmit Data A output 3

-- -- 4

GND Signal Ground ---- 5

-- -- 6
TD(B) + Transmit Data B output 7
RD(B) + Receive Data B input 8

-- NA 9

With 2-wire RS-485 mode operation, your connection cable
must jumper RD(A) to TD(A) and RD(B) to TD(B). Connect from
TD(A) & TD(B) to the Data A(−) and Data B(+) wires of your RS-485
network.

The EIA RS-422 Specification labels data lines with an "A" and
"B" designator. Some RS-422 equipment uses a "−" and "+"
designator. In almost all cases, the "A" line is the equivalent of the
"−" line and the "B" line is the equivalent of the "+" line. More

information on RS-422 communications can be found in our free RS­422/485 Application Note (available on our websites).

RS-485 Mode

For a 4-wire RS-485 single master system, the card can be set as in
the RS-422 mode (full duplex, transmit & receive enabled).

Nine jumpers must be set/checked to configure each Port to the RS­485 mode. To set Port 1 for RS-485, set as follows below:

1. Set the four jumpers on JP1 to the "422" (right) position.

2. Set the top jumper of JP3 (A) to the "422/485" (right) position.

3. For 2-wire mode, set the second jumper, JP3(B) to the "485"
(left) position (half duplex). For 4-wire mode, set it to the "422"
(right) position (full duplex, receive enabled).

4. Set the third jumper, JP3 (C) to the "485" (left) position.

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5. Set the fourth jumper of JP3 (D) to select the type of RS-485
transmit driver control, RTS or Send Data. Select SD control
unless you are sure your software requires RTS control.

6. The bottom jumper of JP3 (E) switches the 120Ω receiver
termination resistor in or out. Typically this resistor is not used.
In some cases using high baud rates and very long cables,
termination is needed. See our RS-422/485 Application Note
(available on our websites).

7. Configure each port as above using the table in Appendix B.

RS-485 Pinouts

The pinouts in RS-485 mode are the same as those listed in Table 8
for RS-422 mode.

Explanation of RS-485 Operation

In RS-485 mode, the transmit driver must be enabled to transmit,
and set to a high impedance (tri-state) mode at the end of
transmission. In two wire (half duplex) mode, the receiver is
disabled during transmit, and enabled when not transmitting.

The 3PCISD4 card provides two methods of enabling/disabling the
transmit driver: automatic Send Data (SD) control and Request To
Send (RTS) control. With automatic SD control, the transmit driver
is enabled when data is sent. The driver remains enabled for the
transmission time and ten data bits after data transfer is complete.
The SD circuit automatically adjusts its timing to the baud rate of the
data. With RTS control, software must assert the RTS line to enable
the driver and disassert to disable the driver. To select SD control
for Port 1, place the fourth jumper of JP3 (D) in the SD (right)
position. Place this jumper in the RTS (left) position for RTS control.

The receiver can also be enabled and disabled, a useful feature in
two-wire communications to prevent the transmitted data from
"echoing back" on its own receiver. The second jumper on JP3 (B)
determines the receiver mode. If the jumpers are placed in the 485
position, the "echo" is turned off. This is achieved by disabling the
receiver when the transmit driver is enabled. Placing this jumper in
the 422 position will hold the receiver enabled at all times.

Refer to the Jumper Mode Table in Appendix B for all ports. More

information on RS-485 communications can be found in our RS­422/485 Application Note (available on our websites).

Documentation Number 3PCISD4x-3903 Manual Chapter 2 9

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RS-422 and RS-485 Termination

An 120Ω termination resistor has been provided for the RS-422/485
receivers. Note that termination should only be used in systems
with both high baud rates (>19200) and over several thousand feet
of cable. If a value other than 120Ω is desired, space for a through
hole resistor has been provided on the board adjacent to the surface
mount termination resistor. The termination resistors are labeled
RTAB, RTBB, RTCB and RTDB for ports 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively.
See our RS-422/485 Application Note for more discussion on
termination (available on our websites).

4X Baud Rate Option

Baud rates higher than 115,200 are possible with the 3PCISD4x
card in RS-232, 422, or 485 mode. Jumper JP5 controls the clock
frequency supplied to the UARTs. By moving this jumper to the *4
(left) position, the clock frequency is increased from 1.8432 to

7.3728 MHz. This multiplies all UART baud rates by 4 times. For
example, if the software is set for 57.6 Kbaud, the actual baud rate
will be increased by a factor of four to 230.4 Kbaud. In many
systems, these higher baud rates can improve throughput
significantly. However, remember that baud rates and actual
throughput are only proportional if the system can keep up with the
communications, otherwise increasing the baud rate effectively only
increases the idle time between characters.

continued next page

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Installing the Card

1. Ground yourself by touching the metal chassis of the computer
to discharge any static electricity.

2. Turn the power to your computer off and unplug the power cord.

3. Remove the cover of the computer.

4. Locate a free PCI expansion slot.

5. Remove the expansion slot cover. Save the screw for
installation of the 3PCISD4x card.

6. Install the card into the unused slot. Be certain that the card is
inserted completely (fully seated) in the slot.

7. Secure the card with the mounting screw from step 5.

8. Replace the cover, plug in the power cord, and power up the
system.

Documentation Number 3PCISD4x-3903 Manual Chapter 2 11

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Chapter 3: WINDOWS INSTALLATION
Windows 95 and Windows 98

Any prior installation using previous B&B Serial drivers must be
removed before installing the new drivers (refer to page 20).

Windows 98 screens are shown for this section. Windows 95 is a bit
different, fewer steps and the screen names and text shown differs.
Windows 95 differences are noted (W95:…).

1. Configure each port on the PCI card to the desired RS­232/422/485 mode using the jumpers for Port 1, 2, 3 & 4.

2. Install the card in the slot, start the computer.

3. Windows will detect the PCI card, start the Add New Hardware
Wizard, and begin driver installation. When installation is
complete, Windows will set the hardware addressing & interrupt
using the drivers and the Plug and Play function of the
Operating System.

4. The driver installation proceeds in two parts: the first part
installs the driver for the PCI Serial card, the second part installs
the serial driver for each Com port on the card. After Port A
installation is finished, installation of Ports B, C, & D will proceed
without additional user input. (Port A=Port 1, Port D=Port 4)

continued next page

5. After new hardware is detected, this screen will appear. (W95:
This screen is named Update Device Driver Wizard.)

6. Click Next to continue. (W95: Insert the Driver Disk in Drive,

then click Next - skip to step 9.)

7. Click Next.

Documentation Number 3PCISD4x-3903 Manual Chapter 3 13

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