SeaPORT+4/485
TM
Sealevel Systems, Inc
P.O. Box 830
Liberty, SC 29657 USA
Part # 2402
Phone: (864) 843-4343
FAX: (864) 843-3067
www.sealevel.com
Contents
INTRODUCTION........................................................................ 1
OVERVIEW......................................................................................1
WHAT’S INCLUDED ........................................................................1
INSTALLATION......................................................................... 2
OPERATING SYSTEM INSTALLATION...............................................2
SYSTEM INSTALLATION ..................................................................2
ONFIGURATION ..................................................................... 4
C
ORIGINAL CONFIGURATION ............................................................4
ELECTRICAL INTERFACE SELECTION ..............................................4
SWITCH EXAMPLES.........................................................................6
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION....................................................... 7
FEATURES....................................................................................... 7
CONNECTOR PIN ASSIGNMENTS .....................................................7
RS-422/485 (DB 9 Male)........................................................7
SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................... 8
ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS.................................................8
MANUFACTURING...........................................................................8
POWER CONSUMPTION ...................................................................8
MEAN TIME BETWEEN FAILURES (MTBF).....................................8
PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS ..................................................................8
APPENDIX A - TROUBLESHOOTING.........................................9
PPENDIX B - HOW TO GET ASSISTANCE ............................10
A
APPENDIX C - ELECTRICAL INTERFACE...............................11
RS-422.........................................................................................11
RS-485.........................................................................................11
APPENDIX D - ASYNCHRONOUS COMMUNICATIONS ............12
APPENDIX E - COMPLIANCE NOTICES.................................. 13
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION STATEMENT ..............13
CANADIAN RADIO INTERFERENCE REGULATIONS ........................13
EMC DIRECTIVE STATEMENT ......................................................14
ARRANTY............................................................................15
W
Figures:
Figure 1: Switches SW2 and SW4............................................................5
Figure 2: RS422/485 Interface Configuration.........................................6
Figure 3: Asynchronous Bit Diagram ....................................................12
© Sealevel Systems, Inc.
SL9101 Revision 7/2006
Sealevel Systems, Incorporated. All rights reserved.
Introduction
Introduction
Overview
The Sealevel Systems SeaPORT+4/485 equips the PC with 4 USB to
RS-422/485 Asynchronous serial ports providing a versatile interface for
common serial needs. The advantage of this product over more traditional
approaches is that it does not require opening the computer case, nor does it
require resources such as I/O ports or IRQ’s. It does require a system that
supports USB both in terms of hardware and operating system.
What’s Included
The SeaPORT+4/485 is sh ipped with the follo wing items. If any of these items
is missing or damaged, contact the supplier.
• SeaPORT+4/485 USB to RS-422/485 Serial I/O Adapter
• USB Cable Part Number CA179 for Connecting to Upstream
Host/Hub
• Sealevel Software
Sealevel Systems SeaPORT+4/485 Page 1
Installation
Installation
Operating System Installation
Choose Install Software at the beginning of the CD and install SeaCOM.
System Installation
The screen captures below are taken from a Windows 98 installation. Your
particular operating system may differ slightly from what is shown based on
your version of Windows.
The SeaPORT+4/485 can be connected to any upstream type “A” port either at
the PC host or an upstream hub. The SeaPORT+4/485 is hot pluggable,
meaning there is no need to power down your computer prior to installation.
Connect the SeaPORT+4/485 to an upstream host or hub.
The New Hardware Found wizard will now proceed to locate the appropriate
drivers. These drivers were installed during the SeaCOM software setup
procedure. Once the drivers are found a new window will pop up indicating the
installation of each of the four new ports.
If you view the system’s Device Manager, you should have new “COM” ports
in the Ports (COM & LPT) Device Class. This is shown on the following page.
Sealevel Systems SeaPORT+4/485 Page 2
Installation
You can access your new COM: ports by using the assigned COM: identifiers as
shown above. In this case, it is COM3, 4, 5 and 6. However, this assignment
will vary from system to system. At this point, the hardware is recognized and
ready to use.
Sealevel Systems SeaPORT+4/485 Page 3
Configuration
Configuration
Original configuration
This device ships from Sealevel Systems with the following configuration.
422 mode,
120 ohm termination,
1K ohm pull up on RX+
1K ohm pull down on RX-
In order to change this configuration the box must be opened. Do this by
removing the four screws located on the bottom. When reassembling please note
that the top and bottom are keyed to fit in only one direction.
Electrical Interface Selection
Each of the four ports on the SeaPORT+4/485 can be individually configured
as an RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 interface. This is selectable via the DIP
switches and DIP shunts. Each of the switch positions is described on the
following page.
Sealevel Systems SeaPORT+4/485 Page 4
Switch Descriptions
Configuration
SW2
ON
OFF
Port 3
L
L
T
PU
PD
Port 4
L
L
T
PU
PD
12345678
910
Figure 1: Switches SW2 and SW4
L 485 option, OFF for 422.
OFF: No effect
ON : Connects TX+ to RX+ for two-wire operation
L 485 option, OFF for 422.
OFF: No effect
ON : Connects TX- to RX- for two-wire operation
PU 485 option, OFF for 422.
OFF: No effect
ON : Adds a 1 K ohm pull-up resistor to RX+
PD 485 option, OFF for 422.
OFF: No effect
ON : Adds a 1 K ohm pull-down resistor to RX-
T 422 and 485 option.
OFF: No effect
ON : Adds a 120 ohm termination resistor between RX+ and RX-
Port 2
L
L
T
PU
PD
SW4
OFF
12345678
910
ON
Port 1
L
L
T
PU
PD
Sealevel Systems SeaPORT+4/485 Page 5
Switch Examples
Configuration
SW1 SW3
ON
OFF
1234
485 3
NE 3
485 4
NE 4
Figure 2: RS422/485 Interface Configuration
485 Mode Selection
OFF : 422 Mode
The transmitter lines TX+ and TX- are always driven
ON : 485 Mode
The transmitter lines TX+ and TX- are switched to high
impedance when the device is not actively transmitting data
NE 485 option, OFF for 422
OFF : The receiver is always enabled. In a two-wire setup the
receiver will echo back all transmitted data.
ON : The receiver is disabled when the transmitter is enabled. In a
two-wire setup the receiver will not echo back transmitted
data.
Note: Switch positions 1 and 2 are for port 1 and switch positions 3 and
4 for port 2 on SW3. Switch positions 1 and 2 are for port 3 and switch
positions 3 and 4 for port 4 on SW1.
485 1
NE 1
485 2
NE 2
1234
ON
OFF
Sealevel Systems SeaPORT+4/485 Page 6
Specifications
Technical Description
The SeaPORT+4/485 utilizes four USB UARTs. These chips feature
programmable baud rate, data format, 128 byte Dual Port TX Buffer, and 384
byte Dual Port RX Buffer. The RS-232/422/485 transceiver supports data rates
up to 921.6K baud.
Features
• Hot pluggable device that does not require opening the case
• No system resources are required (i.e. I/O ports or IRQ’s)
• LED status indicators for USB Enabled and port activity
Connector Pin Assignments
RS-422/485 (DB 9 Male)
Signal Name Pin # Mode
GND Ground 5
TX + Transmit Data Positive 4 Output
TX- Transmit Data Negative 3 Output
RTS+ Request To Send Positive 6 Output
RTS- Request To Send Negative 7 Output
RX+ Receive Data Positive 1 Input
RX- Receive Data Negative 2 Input
CTS+ Clear To Send Positive 9 Input
CTS- Clear To Send Negative 8 Input
Sealevel Systems SeaPORT+4/485 Page 7
Specifications
Specifications
Environmental Specifications
Specification Operating Storage
Temperature
Range
Humidity Range
0º to 50º C
(32º to 122º F)
10 to 90% R.H.
Non-Condensing
Manufacturing
• All Sealevel Systems Printed Circuit boards are built to UL 94V0 rating and
are 100% electrically tested. These printed circuit boards are solder mask
over bare copper or solder mask over tin nickel.
Power Consumption
This device is a high power USB device. It must be plugged into the USB root
hub or a self powered hub capable of supplying 500 mA per port.
-20º to 70º C
(-4º to 158º F)
10 to 90% R.H.
Non-Condensing
Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF)
Greater than 150,000 hours. (Calculated)
Physical Dimensions
Package Length 7.06 inches (17.93 cm)
Package Width 5.32 inches (13.51 cm)
Package Height 1.50 inches (3.81 cm)
Sealevel Systems SeaPORT+4/485 Page 8
Appendix A – Troubleshooting
Appendix A - T roubleshooting
Serial Utility test software is supplied with the Sealevel Systems adapter and
will be used in the troubleshooting procedures. Using this software and
following these simple steps, most common problems can be eliminated without
the need to call Technical Support.
1. If your adapter isn’t working, first check to make sure that USB support is
enabled in the System BIOS and it is functioning properly in the operating
system. This can be done by using either the Windows 98/ME or Windows
2000 Device Manager.
2. Ensure that the Sealevel Systems software has been installed on the
machine so that the necessary files are in place to complete the installation.
3. When the SeaPORT+4/485 is configured properly, the USB Enabled LED
(E) will be lit. This should allow you to use Sealevel’s WinSSD utility and
the supplied loopback plug to check communications. The supplied
loopback plug connects TD to RD. If you decide to test the Modem
Control Signals, a full pin loopback plug will be required. Details on
loopback plugs are included on WinSSD. Contact Sealevel Systems if you
need further assistance
4. When testing the SeaPORT+4/485 in loopback mode, you should see the
port LED’s flashing as well as seeing echoed data on the screen. The
loopback test first transmits a HEX pattern, 55AA, and then a ASCII string
of data. If this test passes, then the SeaPORT+4/485 is ready for use in
your application.
5. Please note that if the adapter is configured for 2 wire RS-485 with no echo
a loopback test is not possible. The receiver in this case will be turned off
and the test will fail. If you plan on using this device in two wire mode test
the adapter in RS-422 mode first. Then configure the adapter for your
application.
Sealevel Systems SeaPORT+4/485 Page 9
Appendix B – How To Get Assistance
Appendix B - How To Get Assistance
Please refer to
Appendix A - Troubleshooting prior to calling Technical Support.
1. Read this manual thoroughly before attempting to install the
adapter in your system.
2. When calling for technical assistance, please have your user
manual and current adapter settings. If possible, please have the
adapter connected in a computer ready to run diagnostics.
3. Sealevel Systems maintains a home page on the Internet. Our
home page address is www.sealevel.com
updates, and newest manuals are available via our FTP site that
can be accessed from our home page.
4. Technical support is available Monday thru Friday from 8:00 a.m.
to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time. Technical support can be reached at
(864) 843-4343.
RETURN AUTHORIZATION MUST BE OBTAINED FROM
SEALEVEL SYSTEMS BEFORE RETURNED MERCHANDISE WILL
BE ACCEPTED. AUTHORIZATION CAN BE OBTAINED BY
CALLING SEALEVEL SYSTEMS AND REQUESTING A RETURN
MERCHANDISE AUTHORIZATION (RMA) NUMBER.
. The latest software
Sealevel Systems SeaPORT+4/485 Page 10
Appendix C - Electrical Interface
Appendix C - Electrical Interface
RS-422
The RS-422 specification defines the electrical characteristics of balanced
voltage digital interface circuits. RS-422 is a differential interface that defines
voltage levels and driver/receiver electrical specifications. On a differential
interface, logic levels are defined by the difference in voltage between a pair of
outputs or inputs. In contrast, a single ended interface, for example RS-232,
defines the logic levels as the difference in voltage between a single signal and a
common ground connection. Differential interfaces are typically more immune
to noise or voltage spikes that may occur on the communication lines.
Differential interfaces also have greater drive capabilities that allow for longer
cable lengths. RS-422 is rated up to 10 Megabits per second and can have
cabling 4000 feet long. RS-422 also defines driver and receiver electrical
characteristics that will allow 1 driver and up to 32 receivers on the line at once.
RS-422 signal levels range from 0 to +5 volts. RS-422 does not define a
physical connector.
RS-485
RS-485 is backwardly compatible with RS-422; however, it is optimized for
partyline or multi-drop applications. The output of the RS-422/485 driver is
capable of being Active (enabled) or Tri-State (disabled). This capability
allows multiple ports to be connected in a multi-drop bus and selectively polled.
RS-485 allows cable lengths up to 4000 feet and data rates up to 10 Megabits
per second. The signal levels for RS-485 are the same as those defined by
RS-422. RS-485 has electrical characteristics that allow for 32 drivers and 32
receivers to be connected to one line. This interface is ideal for multi-drop or
network environments. RS-485 tri-state driver (not dual-state) will allow the
electrical presence of the driver to be removed from the line. Only one driver
may be active at a time and the other driver(s) must be tri-stated. RS-485 can be
cabled in two ways, two wire and four wire mode. Two wire mode does not
allow for full duplex communication and requires that data be transferred in
only one direction at a time. For half-duplex operation, the two transmit pins
should be connected to the two receive pins (Tx+ to Rx+ and Tx- to Rx-). Four
wire mode allows full duplex data transfers. RS-485 does not define a connector
pin-out or a set of modem control signals. RS-485 does not define a physical
connector.
Sealevel Systems SeaPORT+4/485 Page 11
Appendix D - Asynchronous Communications
r
Appendix D - Asynchronous Communications
Serial data communications implies that individual bits of a character are
transmitted consecutively to a receiver that assembles the bits back into a
character. Data rate, error checking, handshaking, and character framing
(start/stop bits) are pre-defined and must correspond at both the transmitting and
receiving ends.
Asynchronous communications is the standard means of serial data
communication for PC compatibles and PS/2 computers. The original PC was
equipped with a communication or COM: port that was designed around an
8250 Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (UART). This device
allows asynchronous serial data to be transferred through a simple and
straightforward programming interface. Character boundaries for asynchronous
communications are defined by a starting bit followed by a pre-defined number
of data bits (5, 6, 7, or 8). The end of the character is defined by the
transmission of a pre-defined number of stop bits (usually 1, 1.5 or 2). An extra
bit used for error detection is often appended before the stop bits.
Idle state of
line
1
0
5 to 8 Data Bits
Figure 3: Asynchronous Bit Diagram
Odd, Even
or
Unused
P
BIT
STOP
Remain Idle o
next start bit
1
1.5
2
This special bit is called the parity bit. Parity is a simple method of determining
if a data bit has been lost or corrupted during transmission. There are several
methods for implementing a parity check to guard against data corruption.
Common methods are called (E)ven Parity or (O)dd Parity. Sometimes parity is
not used to detect errors on the data stream. This is refereed to as (N)o parity.
Because each bit in asynchronous communications is sent consecutively, it is
easy to generalize asynchronous communications by stating that each character
is wrapped (framed) by pre-defined bits to mark the beginning and end of the
serial transmission of the character. The data rate and communication
parameters for asynchronous communications have to be the same at both the
transmitting and receiving ends. The communication parameters are baud rate,
parity, number of data bits per character, and stop bits (i.e. 9600,N,8,1).
Sealevel Systems SeaPORT+4/485 Page 12
Appendix E - Compliance Notices
Appendix E - Compliance Notices
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a residential installation. 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 to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit differen t from that to
which the receiver is connected
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
Caution
Sealevel Systems, Inc. is not responsible for any radio or television interference
caused by unauthorized modifications of this equ ipment or the substitution of
attachment of connecting cables and equipment other than those specified by
Sealevel Systems. Such unauthorized modifications, substitutions, or
attachments may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. The
correction of interference caused by such unauthorized modifications,
substitutions, or attachments will be the responsibility of the user.
Always use cabling provided with this product if possible. If no cable is
provided or if an alternate cable is required, use high quality shielded cabling to
maintain compliance with FCC directives.
Canadian Radio Interference Regulations
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet Appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences de
Règlement sur le matériel du Canada
Sealevel Systems SeaPORT+4/485 Page 13
Appendix E - Compliance Notices
EMC Directive Statement
Products bearing the CE Label fulfill the requirements of
the EMC directive (89/336/EEC) and of the low-voltage
directive (73/23/EEC) issued by the European
Commission.
To obey these directives, the following European standards must be met:
EN55022 Class B - ‘Limits and methods of measurement of radio
EN60950 (IEC950) - ‘Safety of information technology
equipment, including electrical business equipment’
Always use cabling provided with this product if possible. If no cable is
provided or if an alternate cable is required, use high quality shielded cabling to
maintain compliance with EMC directives.
interference characteristics of information technology equipment’
EN55024-‘Information technology equipment Immunity
characteristics Limits and methods of measurement.
Sealevel Systems SeaPORT+4/485 Page 14
Warranty
Warranty
Sealevel Systems, Inc. provides a lifetime warranty for this product. Should this
product fail to be in good working order at any time during this period, Sealevel
Systems will, at it's option, replace or repair it at no additional charge except as
set forth in the following terms. This warranty does not apply to products
damaged by misuse, modifications, accident or disaster.
Sealevel Systems assumes no liability for any damages, lost profits, lost savings
or any other incidental or consequential damage resulting from the use, misuse
of, or inability to use this product. Sealevel Systems will not be liable for any
claim made by any other related party.
RETURN AUTHORIZATION MUST BE OBTAINED FROM
SEALEVEL SYSTEMS BEFORE RETURNED MERCHANDISE WILL
BE ACCEPTED. AUTHORIZATION CAN BE OBTAINED BY
CALLING SEALEVEL SYSTEMS AND REQUESTING A RETURN
MERCHANDISE AUTHORIZATION (RMA) NUMBER.
Sealevel Systems, Incorporated
2779 Greenville Highway
P.O. Box 830
Liberty, SC 29657 USA
(864) 843-4343 FAX: (864) 843-3067
www.sealevel.com
email: support@sealevel.com
Technical Support is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time.
Monday - Friday
Trademarks
Sealevel Systems, Incorporated acknowledges that all trademarks referenced in
this manual are the service mark, trademark, or registered trademark of the
respective company.
SeaPORT+4/485 is a trademark of Sealevel Systems, Incorporated.
Sealevel Systems SeaPORT+4/485 Page 15
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