Black Box PI045A, PI046A User Manual

FEBRUARY 1998

PI045A
PI046A

Serial↔Parallel Converter V

Serial↔Parallel Converter V-DB25

CUSTOMER SUPPORT INFORMATION

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FREE technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone]
Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [e-mail]

Serial

↔

Parallel

Converter V

Serial

↔

Parallel

Converter V

SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTER V AND V-DB25

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION AND

CANADIAN DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

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 interference 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 J 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 emission
from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation of the
Canadian Department of Communications.

Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les
limites applicables aux appareils numériques de classe A prescrites dans le
Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique publié par le ministère des
Communications du Canada.

TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL

Centronics is a registered trademark of Centronics Corporation.

Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are ackowledged to be the property
of the trademark owners.

SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTER V AND V-DB25

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.

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 a 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.

SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTER V AND V-DB25

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.

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.

SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTER V AND V-DB25

Contents

Chapter Page

1. Specifications.......................................................1

2. Introduction ........................................................3

2.1 Description ...................................................3

2.2 Features.........................................................4

3. Configuration ......................................................5

3.1 Configuration Switches................................5

3.2 Detailed Switch Settings ..............................7

4. Installation ...........................................................9

5. Operation ..........................................................10

Appendix A. Interface Connections ....................12

Appendix B. Block Diagram.................................14

1

SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTER V AND V-DB25

Interface Async, RS-232C compatible

Connectors PI045A—Serial: DB9 female;

Parallel: Centronics 36-pin
male; PI046A—Serial: DB9
female; Parallel: DB25 male

Cables 6-foot (1.8-m) integral cable

Data Rates Up to 38,400 bps, selected by

external DIP switch

Indicators LED displays status and

operating condition

Power Supply None required; Uses power

from RS-232C interface

MTBF 322,310 hours

MTTR 1 hour

Data Format 7 or 8 bits; 1 or 2 stop bits;

even, odd, or no parity

1. Specifications

2

SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTER V AND V-DB25

Temperature 32° to 140°F (0° to 60°C)

Humidity Up to 95%, noncondensing

Altitude Up to 10,100 feet (3078 m)

Size 2.7"H x 11⁄4"W x 3⁄4"D

(6.9 x 3.2 x 1.9 cm)

Weight 2 oz. (56.7 g)

3

SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTER V AND V-DB25

2.1 Description

The Serial↔Parallel Converter V and V-DB25
automatically convert RS-232C serial data to
parallel-data format and vice versa. Incorporating
advanced microprocessor technology, the
Converters are able to automatically sense and
select parallel and serial modes. Requiring no AC
power or batteries, the Serial↔Parallel Converters
support serial data rates up to 38.4 Kbps.

For easy configuration, the Converter features a
convenient set of external configuration switches.
These accessible configuration switches allow the
user to control baud rate, parity, word length, and
flow control. An easy-to-read LED indicator
displays status and operating condition.

The Converter is housed in an ultra-miniature ABS
plastic case. The Serial↔Parallel Converter V
comes equipped with a DB9 female connector on
the serial side and a Centronics®36-pin male
connector on the parallel side. The
Serial↔Parallel Converter V-DB25 comes equipped
with a DB9 female connector on the serial side and

2. Introduction

4

SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTER V AND V-DB25

a DB25 male connector on the parallel side. A six­foot (1.8-meter) integral cable is also included.

2.2 Features

•Converts parallel data to serial data and vice
versa

•Automatically selects parallel-to-serial and
serial-to-parallel operation

•Serial data rates to 38,400 bps

•No AC power or batteries required

•Supports both software and hardware flow
control

•A five-state LED monitors status and
diagnostics

•External configuration switches

•Serial DB9 female with built-in 6-foot (1.8-m)
cable with a parallel Centronics male or
parallel DB25 male connector

5

SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTER V AND V-DB25

The Converter is simple to install and designed for
excellent reliability: just set it and forget it.

3.1 Configuration Switches

The Serial↔Parallel Converter V or V-DB25 uses a
set of eight external DIP switches (see Figure 3-1)
that allow configuration for a wide range of
applications. Because all eight switches are in one
externally accessible DIP-switch package, there is
no need to open the case for configuration. The
configuration switches allow you to select data
rates, parity, word length, and flow-control
selection. Section 3.2 describes all switch locations,
positions, and functions.

3. Configuration

6

SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTER V AND V-DB25

Figure 3-1. The location of the configuration switches.

The Serial↔Parallel Converter V uses a miniature
configuration-switch package. To configure your
unit, use a small screwdriver and gently push each
switch to its proper setting. The ON and OFF
positions are shown below.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8ON

OFF

Configuration Switches

7

SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTER V AND V-DB25

3.2 Detailed Switch Settings

This section describes the function of each DIP
switch and lists all possible settings.

Switch 1: Hardware/Software Control

The setting for Switch 1 determines whether these
interface converters will control either hardware or
software flow control.

Flow Control SW1

Hardware OFF
Software ON

Switch 2: Enable/Disable the LED Indicator

The setting for Switch 2 determines whether the
LED indicator is enabled or disabled.

LED SW2

ON ON
OFF OFF

Switches 3 through 5: Data, Parity, and Stop Bit

Switches 3 through 5 are used to specify the data,
parity, and stop bits. The table at the top of the
next page shows the settings that may be used.

8

SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTER V AND V-DB25

Data Parity Stop Bit SW3 SW4 SW5

7B EP 1S ON ON ON
7B OP 1S OFF ON ON
7B NP 2S ON OFF ON
7B EP 2S OFF OFF ON
7B OP 2S ON ON OFF
8B EP 1S OFF ON OFF
8B OP 1S ON OFF OFF
8B NP 1S OFF OFF OFF

Switches 6 through 8: Frequency and Data Rate

Switches 6 through 8 determine the frequency and
data rate. The chart below shows the settings that
may be used.

Data Rate SW6 SW7 SW8

300 OFF OFF ON

600 ON OFF ON
1200 ON ON OFF
2400 OFF ON ON
4800 ON ON ON
9600 OFF OFF OFF

19,200 ON OFF OFF
38,400 OFF ON OFF

9

SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTER V AND V-DB25

The Converter is very simple to install. Once you
have configured the DIP switches, just plug it in
like a normal cable and you’re ready to go. The
figure below illustrates the proper connections for
the standard cables.

4. Installation

PC with a DB9

Serial Port

Serial↔Parallel

Converter V

Parallel Printer

10

SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTER V AND V-DB25

Once your Converter is properly configured and
installed, it should operate transparently—as if it
were a standard cable connection. Operating
power is derived from the RS-232 data and control
signals; there is no “ON/OFF” switch.

The Serial↔Parallel Converter features an easy-to­read status LED that glows red to indicate the
condition of the transmission line. Figure 3-1
(page 6) shows the location of the LED.

The red LED indicator blinks to show data activity.
However, since there is only one indicator, it uses
different LED codes to demonstrate various
messages. The following chart describes these
codes:

Key

• Blink

- Short pause
— Long pause

5. Operation

11

SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTER V AND V-DB25

LED Codes

••-•—••-•— Computer is sending data.

•—•—•— Serial device is connected;
computer is not sending data.

••—••— Both serial and parallel
devices are connected;
Computer not sending data.

•-•—•-•— Printer not ready, data held in
buffer.

••••—•••• Computer ignoring flow
control, data lost.

12

SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTER V AND V-DB25

Ground -19
Ground -20
Ground -21
Ground -22
Ground -23
Ground -24
Ground -25
Ground -26
Ground -27
Ground -28
Ground -29
Ground -30

-31

Error -32

Ground -33

-34

-35

Ground -36

1- Strobe (Output)
2- Data bit 0 (I/O)
3- Data bit 1 (I/O)
4- Data bit 2 (I/O)
5- Data bit 3 (I/O)
6- Data bit 4 (I/O)
7- Data bit 5 (I/O)
8- Data bit 6 (I/O)
9- Data bit 7 (I/O)
10- Acknowledge (Input - active low)
11- Busy (Input - active high)
12- Paper End
13- Select
14­15- No Connect
16­17­18- +5 volts

Appendix A. Interface

Connections

Centronics Interface (PI045A)

13

SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTER V AND V-DB25

Select -13

-14

-15

-16

-17
Ground -18
Ground -19
Ground -20
Ground -21
Ground -22
Ground -23
Ground -24
Ground -25

1- Strobe
2- Data bit 0
3- Data bit 1
4- Data bit 2
5- Data bit 3
6- Data bit 4
7- Data bit 5
8- Data bit 6
9- Data bit 7
10- Acknowledge
11- Busy
12- Paper End

1- Carrier Detect (CD)
2- Receive Data (RD)
3- Transmit Data (TD)
4- Data Terminal Ready (DTR)
5- Signal Ground/Frame Ground
(SG/FG)

Data Set Ready (DSR) -6

Ready To Send (RTS) -7

Clear To Send (CTS) -8

External Power -9

DB9 Interface (PI045A and

PI046A)

DB25 Interface (PI046A)

14

SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTER V AND V-DB25

TD

3

DTR

4

RTS

7

RI

9

REGULATOR

WITH

RESET

MONITOR

DSR

6

RTS

7

DCD

1

DTR

4

CTS

8

RD

2

TD

3

GND

5

PARALLEL

AND

SERIAL

PROCESSOR

STATUS

LED

100K PULL UP

NETWORK

RESET

POWER
SUPPLY

DIP SWITCH

SETTINGS FOR

RATE/LENGTH/PARITY

+V

-V

+5V

DATA B IT 1

2

DATA B IT 2

3

DATA B IT 3

4

DATA B IT 4

5

DATA B IT 5

6

DATA B IT 6

7

DATA B IT 7

8

DATA B IT 8

9

STROBE

1

ACKNOWLEDGE

10

BUSY

11

PAPER END

12

SELECT

13

ERROR

16

GROUND

Appendix B. Block Diagram

DCE Port

DB9

Parallel

Interface

Centronics

or DB25

Connector

1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax [phone]

© Copyright 2002. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.