Black Box IC292A User Manual
Connect up to four DB9 serial devices
to a USB port.
Configurable via software; no jumpers or switches to set.
USB to RS-232/422/485 Interface Converter, 4-Port
Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S. call 724-746-5500)
FREE technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax
724-746-0746 • Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence,
PA 15055-1018 • Web site: ww w.blackbox.com • E-mail: info @blackbox.com
Customer
Support
Information
IC292A
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FCC and IC RFI Statement/NOM Statement
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION AND
INDUSTRY CANADA RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy,
and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions, may cause inter ference to radio communication.
It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing
device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC rules,
which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference
when the equipment is 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
necessary to correct the interference.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise
emis sion from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation
of Industry Canada.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les
limites applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe A prescrites dans le
Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.
Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (NOM)
Electrical Safety Statement
INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD
1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes
de que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.
2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para
referencia futura.
3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de
operación deben ser respetadas.
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NOM Statement
4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.
5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo,
cerca de la tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca,
etc.
6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales
que sean recomendados por el fabricante.
7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como sea
recomendado por el fabricante.
8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más allá
lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro servicio deberá ser
referido a personal de servicio calificado.
9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no
interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama, sofá,
alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se debe
colocar en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por los orificios
de ventilación.
10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor
como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo
amplificadores) que producen calor.
11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del
tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el
aparato.
12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la
polarización del equipo no sea eliminada.
13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no
sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos,
poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen
del aparato.
14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las
recomendaciones del fabricante.
15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las
lineas de energia.
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NOM Statement
16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no sea
usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.
17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean
derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.
18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:
A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u
B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del aparato; o
C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o
D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en su
desempeño; o
E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.
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Trademarks Used in this Manual
Trademarks Used in this Manual
Black Box and the Double Diamond logo are registered trademarks of
BB Technologies, Inc.
Windows and Windows Vista are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be
the property of the trademark owners.
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1. Specifications ........................................................................................ 7
2. Overview ........................................................................................ 8
2.1 Introduction .................................................................................... 8
2.2 Features ........................................................................................ 8
2.3 What’s Included .............................................................................. 9
2.4 Optional Items You May Need ........................................................ 9
2.5 Hardware Description ................................................................... 10
3. Installation and Configuration ......................................................................11
3.1 Software Installation ..................................................................... 11
3.2 Hardware Installation .................................................................... 11
3.3 Verifying Installation ...................................................................... 12
3.4 Hardware Configuration ............................................................... 13
3.4.1 Electrical Interface Mode Selection ................................ 13
3.4.2 Interface Biasing ............................................................ 14
3.4.3 Line Termination ............................................................ 15
3.4.4 Echo .............................................................................. 16
3.4.5 Status LEDs .................................................................... 16
3.4.6 DB9M Serial Connectors ............................................... 17
Appendix A. Troubleshooting ......................................................................... 18
A.1 Troubleshooting Tips ..................................................................... 18
A.2 Contacting Black Box .................................................................... 21
A.3 Shipping and Packaging ................................................................ 22
Appendix B. Electrical Interfaces .....................................................................23
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Chapter 1: Specifications
1. Specifications
Interface — (4) RS-232/422/485 serial ports, (1) USB
Maximum Data Rate — Up to 921.6 kbps
UARTs — High-speed USB/UARTs with 128-byte TX FIFOs and 384-byte FIFOs
Connectors — (1) USB Type B, (4) DB9 serial
Temperature Tolerance — Operating: +32 to +158° F (0 to +70° C);
Storage: -50 to +105° F (-58 to +221° F)
Relative Humidity — Operating: 10 to 90%, noncondensing;
Storage: 10 to 90%, noncondensing
Power — Derives 500 mA power from your computer or a self-powered hub
NOTE: This device is a high power USB device. It must be plugged directly into a
USB port on your computer or a self-powered hub capable of supplying
500 mA per port. Some laptop computers running on battery power and
non-powered USB hubs do not provide the full 500mA necessary to power
this device.
Size — 1.7"H x 9.2"W x 5.3"D (4.3 x 23.4 x 13.5 cm)
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Chapter 2: Overview
2. Overview
2.1 Introduction
The USB to Multi RS-232/422/485 Interface Converter (IC292A) provides an easy
way to connect up to four DB9 serial devices to a single USB port. All
configuration and electrical interface selections are handled through the driver, so
you don’t have to open the enclosure to set jumpers or switches. The serial port is
software configurable for RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 (full- and half-duplex).
The IC293A software drivers and utilities make installation and operation easy for
Windows® 98SE, ME, 2000, XP, and Windows Vista® operating systems. Once the
software is installed, plug the interface converter into an available USB port. Each
serial port is recognized as a standard COM port by the host system enabling
compatibility with legacy software. Serial data rates to 921.6 kbps are supported.
To prevent accidental cable disconnection, the interface converter integrates a
patent-pending high-retention locking USB port that is fully compatible with
standard USB cables. When used with the included USB cable with a highretention USB type B connector, the metal thumbscrew provides a secure
connection to the device. Standard operating temperature range is 32 to 158° F
(0 to 70° C) and extended temperature range is -4 to +185° F (-40° C to +85°
C). Status LEDs display electrical interface selection and serial data activity for each
port.
2.2 Features
• Each port is individually software configurable for RS-232, RS-422, and two-wire
or four-wire RS-485.
• Maintains electrical interface settings across multiple computers.
• Includes high-speed UART with 128-byte Tx FIFO and 384-byte Rx FIFO.
• Automatically enables/disables hardware RS-485.
• DB9M connector serial port supports data rates to 921.6 kbps.
• Powered by USB host connection.
• Implements full modem control signals in RS-232 mode.
• Status LEDs indicate power, electrical interface, and serial data activity for each
port.
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Chapter 2: Overview
2.3 What’s Included
The interface converter ships with the following items. If any of these items is
missing or damaged, contact Black Box Technical Support at 724-746-5500 or
info@blackbox.com.
• USB to RS-232/422/485 Interface Converter, 4-Port
• (1) 6-ft. (1.8-m) USB Type A to high-retention USB Type B cable
• Software and this user’s manual on CD-ROM
2.4 Optional Items You May Need
Depending upon your application, you might also need the following items.
Contact Black Box Technical Support at 724-746-5500 or info@blackbox.com
for details.
Cables:
• DB9F to DB25M (RS-232) Extension Cable (BC03000-0006-MF)
The BC03000-0006-MF is a standard AT-style RS-232 modem cable with a DB9F
connector on one end and a DB25M connector on the other. This cable is 72
inches long.
• DB9F to DB9M Extension Cable (BC00200)
The BC00200 allows users to extend a DB9 cable up to six feet. The connectors
are pinned one-to-one so the cable is compatible with any device or cable that
has DB9 connectors.
Terminal blocks:
The IC981 terminal block breaks out a DB9 connector to nine screw terminals to
simplify field wiring of serial connections including RS-422 and RS-485 networks.
The IC981 is designed to connect directly to Sealevel DB9 serial cards or any cable
with a DB9M connector.
Adapters and Converters:
The FA756 is a DB9 female to RJ-45 adapter. It can be configured without tools,
and it is an excellent choice for using available infrastructure wiring.
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