Product Overview
PCI Hardware Installation
Guide
The RocketPort® PCI series multiport serial card fits into the PCI slot of a
personal computer, and uses a 36 MHz processor that is specifically designed to
process asynchronous serial communications.
The RocketPort PCI series uses Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs)
technology to replace most hardware components, including:
• The processor
• A serial controller
• Bus interface logic and other miscellaneous logic
You can install up to four RocketPort PCI cards in one PC, with up to 128
additional serial ports, and you can install any combination of PCI-bus and ISAbus RocketPort cards.
1
Product List and Pictures
Product List and
Pictures
This Hardware Installation document discusses the following serial controllers.
Type Ports Interface Type
This model has four female RJ45 jacks on the mounting
RJ45 4
bracket for RS-232 serial port connections. Cables are not
included.
Includes a fanout cable with four standard DB25 or DB9
DB9/DB25
Quadcable
connectors for RS-232 serial port connections. Quadcables
4
have the capability to be 8-port cards with an 8-port interface
cable. Some drivers view the 4-port as an 8-port card.
8 8 Requires one 8-port interface module.
This model has eight female RJ11 jacks on the mounting
RJ11 8
bracket for RS-232 serial port connections. The RJ11 does not
support NT RAS (Remote Access Server), as it lacks the full
set of modem control lines. Cables are not included.
DB9/DB25/
RJ45
Octacable
DB25/
RM16-RJ45
DB25/
RM16-
RJ45/
RM32-RJ45
Includes a fanout cable with eight standard DB25, DB9, or
8
RJ45 connectors for RS-232 serial port connections.
Requires one 16-port DB25 connector interface module, or
16
one RM16-RJ45 Rack Mount interface module for RS-232
serial port connections.
Requires two 16-port DB25 interface modules, or two 16-port
RM16-RJ45 Rack Mount interface modules, or one RM32-
32
RJ45 Rack Mount interface module for RS-232 serial port
connections.
Note: The cables and interface modules shipped with this product are described
and illustrated in RocketPort Interfaces
on Page 6.
Locating Drivers and Software Documentation
32 Port DB25
Connector
Interface Module
16 Port DB25
Connector Interface
Box
Octacable DB25
Interface Cables
RocketPort PCI 4 RJ45 ports
(Cables not included)
You can download the latest drivers and software installation documents from the
web site at http://support.comtrol.com/Download.asp
.
2
RocketPort Terminology
RocketPort
Terminology
For the purposes of the following discussions, “RocketPort ISA” cards means any
interface type including 4-port RJ45, 8-port RJ11, Quadcable, and Octacable, or 8/
16/32-port model.
These products are referred to as “RocketPort PCI” cards:
• RocketPort PCI-bus boards (any interface type including 4-port RJ45, 8-port
RJ11, Quadcable, Octacable, and 8/16/32-port models)
• RocketPort Plus models
• RocketPort PCI 422 models
• RocketPort Universal PCI-bus boards (any interface type including Quadcable,
Octacable, 8-port low profile, 16/32-port models)
Before Installing the Hardware
Read this subsection:
• If you already have one or more RocketPort ISA cards installed in your
system.
• If you plan to install a combination of RocketPort ISA and RocketPort PCI
cards at this time.
Existing RocketPort ISA Cards Installed
You must deconfigure and remove any existing RocketPort ISA cards before
installing RocketPort PCI cards. After you have successfully installed the
RocketPort PCI cards, reinstall the RocketPort ISA cards.
Explanation The BIOS on your computer automatically handles I/O addressing for RocketPort
Additional Considerations
PCI cards when you first power up the computer after installing the cards.
I/O addresses for RocketPort ISA cards are set manually using DIP switches on
the card. If you install an ISA card before installing a RocketPort PCI card, the
ISA card addressing may interfere with the computer’s ability to recognize the
RocketPort PCI card which may prevent the PCI card from functioning properly.
If you are mixing RocketPort ISA and PCI cards, set the DIP switches on the ISA
cards so that the first ISA card that you install is the “first” card for I/O
addressing purposes, even if it is physically the second, third, or fourth card that
you install.
Installing the RocketPort Hardware
Hardware installation consists of installing the card in the system and connecting
the interface.
Card Installation Use the following procedure to install the card.
Note: If you are installing PCI and ISA RocketPort cards, install the PCI cards
and driver before installing and configuring the ISA cards.
1. Turn off your computer.
2. Remove the system cover.
3. Select a PCI expansion slot.
4. Remove the slot cover.
Note: You may want to write down the model number and serial number of
the card before installation.
3
Installing a Quad/Octacable Interface
5. Insert the card into the slot and seat it securely.
6. Reinstall the expansion slot retaining screw.
7. If this is not a 4-port RJ45 or 8-port RJ11 (4 RJ45 or 8 RJ11 ports integrated
in the card bracket), attach the interface that came with your card using the
appropriate procedure:
• Installing a Quad/Octacable Interface
• Installing a Standard or Surge Interface Module for an 8 Port Card
on Page 4
on Page
4
• Installing a Rack Mount Interface Module
on Page 5
a. If this is a 4-port RJ45 or 8-port RJ45, use the software installation and
configuration document for your operating system, with the driver to
complete your installation.
For the latest software and documentation, go to
http://support.comtrol.com/download.asp
.
Note: After installing the hardware, you must install the device driver for
your operating system.
b. Verify that the ports are functioning properly and connect your peripheral
devices.
Installing a Quad/
Octacable Interface
Installing a Standard or Surge Interface Module for an 8 Port Card
Caution
Use this procedure to complete the Quadcable or Octacable hardware installation.
Note: Quad and Octacable models support RS-232 exclusively.
1. Attach the male end of the Quadcable or Octacable to the card.
2. Tighten the retaining screws.
See RocketPort Interfaces
on Page 6, if you need information about the
connectors.
3. Use the software installation and configuration document for your operating
system, with the driver to complete your installation.
For the latest software and documentation, go to http://support.comtrol.com/
download.asp.
Note: After installing the hardware, you must install the device driver for your
operating system.
4. Verify that the ports are functioning properly and connect your peripheral
devices.
Use this procedure to complete the installation with a standard interface module.
Do not connect the RocketPort cable to the card or the interface module
when the PC is powered on. This prevents possible damage to the interface
module electronics.
1. Attach the male end of the RocketPort cable to the card and the female end to
the connector labeled Host on the interface module.
Note: The male DB25 port labeled Host is reserved for Comtrol use and no
user accessible signals are present at this port.
2. Tighten the retaining screws.
Note: If you have a 32-port adapter, the connector labeled J1 corresponds to
Ports 0 through 15 and the connector labeled J2 (closest to the bus)
corresponds to Ports 16 through 31.
3. If applicable, use the slide switches on the interface module to set each port to
either RS-232 or RS-422.
4
Installing a Rack Mount Interface Module
4. Use the software installation and configuration document for your operating
system, with the driver to complete your installation.
For the latest software and documentation, go to http://support.comtrol.com/
download.asp.
Note: After installing the hardware, you must install the device driver for your
operating system.
5. Verify that the ports are functioning properly and connect your peripheral
devices.
Installing a Rack
Mount Interface
Module
Caution
The RM16-RJ45 and RM32-RJ45 are sturdy enough to allow you to stack several
units on a shelf, or you can mount it directly into a rack.
1. Place the unit on a stable
surface or attach the L
brackets to the interface
using the screws supplied
with the unit and attach the L bracket into your rack.
Note: You can mount the unit
facing in either direction.
2. Attach the 3-foot cable or the 3foot and the 10-foot cables
together between the interface
and the board.
Note: The cables are interchangeable. You may connect either or both cables
depending upon the distance between the card and the rack. The
maximum distance permitted between the interface module and card is
15 feet.
3. Optionally, for the RM32-RJ45, attach the two cables to the card and the
interface. The connector labeled J1 corresponds to Host A (Ports 0 through 15),
and the connector labeled J2 (closest to the bus) corresponds to Host B (Ports
16 through 32).
Do not connect 16-port cards located in different machines to the
RM32-RJ45. It is possible to damage the interface and card if the
interface is connected to two PCs using separate line power sources.
4. Use the software installation and configuration document for your operating
system, with the driver to complete your installation.
For the latest software and documentation, go to http://support.comtrol.com/
download.asp.
Note: After installing the hardware, you must install the device driver for your
operating system.
5. Verify that the ports are functioning properly and connect your peripheral
devices.
5
RocketPort Interfaces
A cable or interface module may be shipped with RocketPort PCI series. The type
of cable or interface module shipped with RocketPort PCI series depends on the
product part number. The cables and interface modules are described below:
• Quadcable and Octacable
• Standard interface modules
fanout cables with the
Octacable
following configurations:
- Quadcable DB25 and
DB9 male
- Octacable DB25, DB9
male, and RJ45
Note: The RJ45 Octacable is not displayed.
with the following configurations:
- RS-232 mode-only or switch-
selectable RS-232/422; both
models have female DB25
connectors.
- Surge interface module that is
switch-selectable RS-232/422
with male DB25 connectors.
Note: RS-422 supports up to 10
multidrop devices.
RocketPort Interfaces
DB9
Quadcable
DB25
32-Port
16-Port
8-Port
• Rack Mount Models are available
with RJ45 connectors (back panels
shown).
- 16-Port RS-232 (with red LEDs)
- 16-Port RS-422 (with red LEDs)
- 16-Port RS-232 with integrated status LEDs. The yellow LEDs show
receiving activity. The green LEDs show transmitting activity.
- 32-Port RS-232 with integrated status LEDs. The yellow LEDs show
receiving activity. The green LEDs show transmitting activity.
4-Port
6
Cabling Requirements
• RocketPort PCI 4-port RJ45 and RocketPort PCI 8-port RJ11.
Cabling Requirements
Use the appropriate pinout specification provided below for your hardware.
DB9 Interface Connectors
DB9 Pinouts The following information and table provide
There are Quadcable and Octacable models available with DB9 connectors on a
fanout cable.
information on the DB9 connectors that are used on
the Quadcable and Octacable.
8-port RJ11
Port
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
DB9 Male
4-port RJ45
Port
0
1
2
3
Pin 1
Pin 5
Building DB9 Female Loopback Plugs
Pin RS-232 Signal
1CD
2RxD
3TxD
4DTR
5Signal GND
6DSR
7RTS
8CTS
9Not used
Loopback connectors are plugs, with pins wired together as
shown, that are used in conjunction with the RocketPort
diagnostic software to test serial ports. This loopback is
used with the Quadcable and Octacable. To build a
loopback plug for the Quadcable and Octacable, wire the
following pins together:
• Pins 1 to 4 to 6
•Pins 2 to 3
• Pins 7 to 8 to 9
Pin 6
Pin 1
Pin 6
RS-232 (Back View)
Pin 9
Pin 5
Pin 9
7
DB25 Interfaces
DB25 Interfaces This section describes the DB25
interface connectors. Standard
interface modules use female DB25
connectors, while the Surge interface
module, Quadcable, and Octacable
fanouts use male connectors.
This table shows connector information for DB25 connectors.
Interface Modules Quad/Octacable
Pin
RS-232 Signal RS-422 Signal RS-232 Signal
1 Not used Not used Not used
2TxDNot used* TxD
3RxDNot used* RxD
4 RTS Not used* RTS
5 CTS Not used* CTS
6 DSR Not used* DSR
7 Signal ground Signal ground* Signal ground
8DCDNot used* DCD
9 to 14 Not used Not used Not used
15 Not used RxD+ Not used
16 Not used Not used Not used
17 Not used RxD- Not used
18 Not used Not used Not used
19 Not used TxD+ Not used
20 DTR Not used* DTR
21 to 24 Not used Not used Not used
25 Not used TxD- Not used
DB25 Female
Pin 13 Pin 1
Pin 25 Pin 14
DB25 Male
Pin 1 Pin 13
Pin 14 Pin 25
Building DB25 Female Loopback Plugs
* All RS-232 signals are present in RS-422 mode. The quad/
octacables do not support RS-422 mode.
Loopback connectors are plugs, with pins wired
together as shown, that are used in conjunction with
the RocketPort diagnostic software to test serial ports.
This loopback is used with the Quadcable and
Octacable. To build a DB25 loopback plug for an
Quadcable or Octacable, wire the following pins
together:
•Pins 2 to 3
• Pins 4 to 5 to 22
• Pins 6 to 8 to 20
To build a DB25 loopback plug (surge interface
model) for an RS-422 serial connection, wire the
following pins together:
• Pins 15 to 19
• Pins 17 to 25
Pin 13Pin 1
Pin 14
RS-232 Only (Back View)
RS-422 Only (Back View)
Pin 25
Pin 13Pin 1
Pin 25Pin 14
8
Building DB25 Male Loopback Plugs
Building DB25 Male
Loopback Plugs
Loopback connectors are plugs, with pins wired
together as shown, that are used in conjunction with
Pin 13 Pin 1
the RocketPort diagnostic software to test serial
ports.
This loopback plug is used with the standard 8- and
16-port DB25 interface modules. To build a DB25
RS-232 Only (Back View)
loopback plug for an RS-232 serial connection, wire
the following pins together:
•Pins 2 to 3
• Pins 4 to 5 to 22
• Pins 6 to 8 to 20
To build a DB25 loopback plug for an RS-422 serial
connection, wire the following pins together.
• Pins 15 to 19
• Pins 17 to 25
Pin 25 Pin 14
RS-422 Only (Back View)
RJ45 Interfaces The RocketPort PCI/4-port RJ45, an Octacable model, and the Rack Mount
interface module are available with RJ45 connectors.
RJ45 Pinouts for the Octacable and Rack Mount Interface Module
The following figures provide pinout information for the RJ45 connectors used on
the Octacable and Rack Mount interface module.
Note: Ring indicator is not supported on the RJ45 connector.
Pin 14Pin 25
Pin 1Pin 13
9
Pinouts for the RJ45 Interface Module
Pinouts for the RJ45
Interface Module
Building RJ45 Loopback Plugs
The following figures provide pinout information for the RJ45 plug and receptacle
for the RJ45 interface module.
Loopback connectors are plugs, with pins wired together as
shown, that are used in conjunction with the RocketPort
diagnostic software to test serial ports.
This RJ45 loopback is used with the Octacable and Rack
Mount interfaces. To build an RJ45 loopback plug, wire the
following pins together:
•Pins 4 to 5
•Pins 1 to 8
• Pins 2 to 6 to 7
10
RJ11 Interface
RJ11 Interface The RocketPort PCI/8-port RJ11 features eight standard RJ11 modular
connectors, located on the controller board mounting bracket. The ports are
numbered 0 through 7, with Port 7 being the connector closest to the bus.
RJ11 Pinouts The following figures provide pinout information for the RJ11 jack plug and
receptacle.
Building RJ11 Loopback Connectors
Loopback connectors are plugs, with pins wired together as shown, that are used
in conjunction with the RocketPort diagnostic software to test serial ports.
To build an RJ11 loopback plug, wire these pins
together:
•Pins 3 to 4
• Pins 1 to 5 to 6
11
Specifications
Specifications
The following tables illustrate RocketPort PCI conditions and specifications.
Environmental Condition Value
Air temperature:
System on
System off
Humidity (non-condensing):
System on
System off
Altitude:
Electromagnetic Compliance
Emission:
Canadian EMC requirements
CISPR-22/EN55022 Class A*
FCC PART 15: Class A*
Immunity:
EN50082: 801-2 ESD, 801-3 RF, 801-4 FT
Safety:
UL recognized.
Class A*4-port RJ45 model meets FCC Part 15 Class B.
0 to 40
-20 to 85°c
8% to 80%
20% to 80%
0 to 10,000 feet
(0 to 3048 meters)
°c
RocketPort PCI Card Specification
Baud rate:
RS-232 DTE (4-port RJ45, 8-port RJ11,
Quad/Octacable models)
RS-232/422 (models with interface
module)
Note: Baud rate is dependent upon hardware and operating system
configuration.
Bus interface PCI
Control by device driver:
Data bits
Parity
Stop bits
Current consumption:
4-port RJ45
8-port RJ11
Quadcable
Octacable
RocketPort 8
RocketPort 16
RocketPort 32
50 to 460.8K baud
(without interface module)
50 to 230.4K baud
(with interface module)
7 or 8
Odd, Even, None
1 or 2
+5V
200 mA 50 mA 10 mA
440 mA 100 mA 160 mA
410 mA 100 mA 160 mA
440 mA 100 mA 160 mA
600 mA 110 mA 160 mA
940 mA 220 mA 320 mA
2.9 A 440 mA 0
+12V -12V
12
RocketPort PCI Card Specification
Specifications
Power consumption:
4-port RJ45
8-port RJ11
Quadcable
Octacable
RocketPort 8
RocketPort 16
RocketPort 32
1.72 W
5.32 W
5.17 W
5.32 W
6.24 W
11.18 W
18.78 W
Dimensions:
4-port RJ45
8-port RJ11
Quad/Octacable
8/16-Port
32-Port
5.1” by 4.2”
6” by 5”
5.6” by 4.2”
6.875” by 4.21”
7.2” by 4.2”
Heat output:
4-port RJ45
8-port RJ11
Quadcable
Octacable
8-Port
16-Port
32-Port
5.87 BTU/Hr.
18.1 BTU/Hr.
17.6 BTU/Hr.
18.2 BTU/Hr.
27.1 BTU/Hr.
49.4 BTU/Hr.
67.4 BTU/Hr.
I/O ports/expansion slot From 4 to 32
Interfaces:
All models except 422
With optional switch-selectable
interface module
RS-232
RS-422
Mean time between failures (MTBF):
4-port RJ45
8-port RJ11
Quad/Octacable
8-Port
16-Port
32-Port
103.4 Years
31.8 Years
23.5 Years
60.7 Years
45.6 Years
17.4 Years
RocketPort cards/system 4
Surge protection:
4-port RJ45 and 8-port RJ11 interface,
Quadcable and Octacable models
Provides ESD surge protection
minimum of 15KV @ 200A for a
duration of 1 ns.
Standard and rack mount interface
modules
Provides ESD surge protection
minimum of 10KV @ 200A for a
duration of 1 ns.
Surge interface module
Provides ESD surge protection
minimum of 25KV @ 200A for a
duration of 1 ns.
13
Specifications
Surge Interface Operating Specifications Limit
Maximum surge current (8x20uS) 100 amps (total)
Capacitance <350pf
Clamping voltage 30 volts
Clamping response time <5 nanoseconds
Transient energy (10/1000 MS) 300 mJ
Inductance <1.5 nh
ESD withstand (surge-protection) 25KV
Interface Module Type
Mounting
Dimensions
Overall Dimensions
RS-232 only, 8-port 3.2” x 6.48” 5.8” x 5.35” x 0.65”
RS-232 only, 16-port 3.0” x 6.17” 5.8” x 8.5” x 0.65”
RS-422 with 16-ports
(Rack Mount with red LEDs)
RS-232 with 16-ports
(Rack Mount with integrated
yellow and green LEDs)
RS-232 with 32-ports
(Rack Mount with integrated
yellow and green LEDs)
19” x 8.0” x 1.74”
(with brackets)
19” x 8.0” x 1.74”
(with brackets)
19” x 8.0” x 1.74”
(with brackets)
17.25” x 8.0” x 1.74”
(without brackets)
17.25” x 8.0” x 1.74”
(without brackets)
17.25” x 8.0” x 1.74”
(without brackets)
RS-232/422 with 4-ports 3.2” x 6.48” 5.8” x 5.35” x 0.65”
RS-232/422 with 8-ports
(All models)
RS-232/422 with 16-ports
(All Models)
3.2” x 6.48” 5.8” x 5.35” x 0.65”
3.0” x 6.48” 5.8” x 8.5” x 0.65”
14
FCC Notices
FCC Notices
Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) (FCC 15.105)
Labeling
Requirements (FCC
15.19)
Modifications (FCC
15.21)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class A or
B (depending on the model) digital devices pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not
installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try and
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the distance between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This equipment complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference, and
• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by Comtrol
Corporation may void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
Serial Cables (FCC
15.27)
This equipment is certified for Class A operation when used with shielded cables.
15
Troubleshooting and Running Diagnostics
This section describes how to diagnose and troubleshoot problems. When a
problem occurs, first determine that your RocketPort is functioning properly. Start
by creating a bootable diagnostics diskette.
Troubleshooting and Running Diagnostics
Creating a Diagnostics Diskette
Diagnostics Overview
Running the Diagnostics
You need two files to create a bootable floppy diagnostic diskette:
•The Rawrite utility that creates a bootable diagnostics diskette.
• The diskette image file (*.i).
You can find both files on the Comtrol Software and Documentation CD or at ftp://
ftp.comtrol.com/RPort.
This discussion outlines how to create a bootable diagnostics diskette. You can use
our Web site http://support.comtrol.com/bootdiag.asp
to:
• Download the necessary files.
• Easily find specific procedures for your operating system to create the bootable
diskette.
After you create a bootable diagnostic diskette, you can use the diagnostic
program to:
• Confirm that the hardware is functioning.
• Determine resolutions to conflicts during installation.
• Perform stress test on the cards.
For example, you may want to run the diagnostics overnight to evaluate a possible
problem. You will need loopback plugs for each port that you want to stress test. If
you need additional loopback plugs, you can use the appropriate Building
Loopback Plugs discussion in this document to build additional loopback plugs.
Use the following procedure to run the diagnostics:
1. Insert the diagnostics diskette you created and restart your machine. The
diagnostic starts automatically.
2. Verify that the system locates the RocketPort card.
3. Follow the remainder of the online instructions.
If the diagnostics did not pass you may want to use the following discussion to
diagnose your problem.
Resolving Failures If the diagnostics could not find the card:
• Turn off the power and reseat the card into the slot.
• Check for proper cable connections.
• Check for proper installation of the loopback plug.
Try running the diagnostics again. If they fail again, you may have a bad port,
contact Technical Support.
16
Technical Support
Technical Support
Comtrol has a staff of support technicians available to help you. You should review
Troubleshooting and Running Diagnostics
Support. In addition, the Web site has Online Technical Support
on Page 16 before calling Technical
available. If you
call for Technical Support, please have the following information available:
Item Your System Information
Model number
Serial number
Interface type
Operating system type, release,
and service package
Device driver version
PC make, model, speed, and single
or dual processor
List other devices in the PC and
their addresses
Comtrol Headquarters Europe
Phone (763) 494-4100 +44 (0)1869 323220
FAX (763) 494-4199 +44 (0)1869 323211
E-mail support@comtrol.com
support@comtrol.co.uk
Web support http://support.comtrol.com/
Downloads http://.support.comtrol.com/download.asp
Web site www.comtrol.com www.comtrol.co.uk
FTP site ftp.comtrol.com
Trademark Notices
Comtrol and RocketPort are registered trademarks of Comtrol Corporation.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the
United States and/or other countries.
Other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered
trademarks of their respective owners.
Eighth Edition, October 13, 2004
Copyright © 2002 - 2004. Comtrol Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
Comtrol Corporation makes no representations or warranties with regard to the
contents of this document or to the suitability of the Comtrol product for any
particular purpose. Specifications subject to change without notice. Some software
or features may not be available at the time of publication. Contact your reseller
for current product information.
Document Number: 2000090 Rev. H
17
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