Moxa TCF-142 User Manual

P/N: 1802001420627

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TCF-142

Quick Installation Guide

Edition 16.0, March 2019

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*1802001420627*

Overview

Users should ensure that the
total fiber ring length is less
than 100 km
s
S
142

Introduction

TCF-142 series converters are equipped with a multiple interface circuit
that can handle RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 serial interfaces, as well
as multi-mode or single-mode fiber. TCF-142 converters are used to
extend serial transmission distance up to 5 km (TCF-142-M, with multi­mode fiber) or up to 40 km (TCF-142-S, with single-mode fiber). The
TCF-142 must be configured to transmit a particular serial interface.
You cannot transmit both RS-232 and RS-485 signals at the same time.

Why Convert Serial to Fiber?

Fiber communication not only extends the communication distance, but
also provides many advantageous features.

IMMUNITY FROM ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE: Fiber is not
affected by electromagnetic interference or radio frequency
interference. It provides a clean communication path and is immune to
cross-talk.

INSULATION: Optical fiber is an insulator; the glass fiber eliminates
the need for using electric currents as the communication medium.

SECURITY: Fiber cannot be tapped by conventional electric means and
is very difficult to tap into optically.

RELIABILITY & MAINTENANCE: Fiber is immune to adverse
temperature and moisture conditions, does not corrode or lose its
signal, and is not affected by short circuits, power surges, or static
electricity.

Reverse Power Protection

The Reverse Power Protection feature provides extra protection against
accidentally connecting the power cables to the wrong terminal. The
converter automatically detects which power wire is positive and which
is negative.

Ring Mode

To allow one half-duplex serial device to communicate with multiple
half-duplex devices connected to a fiber ring, you should configure the
TCF-142 for “ring mode” by setting DIP switch “SW4” to the “On”
position. The Tx port of a particular TCF-142 unit connects to the
neighboring converter’s Rx port on the ring. Note that when one node
transmits a signal, the signal travels around the ring until it returns
back to the transmitting unit, which then blocks the signal.

ingle-mode models (TCF-142-

) or multi-mode models (TCF-

-M).

when using either

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ATTENTION

For Fiber Ring Users:

To avoid problems when setting up a fiber ring, each TCF
unit making up the ring must be powered down and set to
“Ring mode.”
properly, and then power up all devices connected to the ring.

NOTE

“Ring Mode” can only be used with half-duplex applications
(i.e., RS-485 multi-drop communication).

Next, make sure all cables are connected

DIP Switch Selectable Terminator

The TCF-142’s termination resistor is set with a DIP switch located on
the outside of the converter’s casing.

No Configuration Required for Baudrate Settings

The TCF-142 is compatible with any baudrate from 50 bps to 921.6
kbps. The TCF-142 automatically converts the signal back and forth
between serial (RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485) and fiber, and does not
need to interpret the signal or the baudrate of the transmitting device.
For this reason, the TCF-142 does not have any DIP switches or
jumpers for setting the baudrate.

-142

Features

• “Ring” or “Point to Point” transmission

• Extend RS-232/422/485 transmission distance:

 up to 40 km with single-mode—TCF-142-S Series

 up to 5 km with multi-mode—TCF-142-M Series

• Compact size

• Decrease signal interference

• Protect against electronic degradation and chemical corrosion

• Supports baudrates up to 921.6 kbps

• Extended operating temperature from -40 to 75°C (for “T” models)

Package Checklist

Before installing the TCF-142, verify that the package contains the
following items:

• 1 TCF-142 media converter

• Power jack to 3-pin terminal block adaptor

• Stick-on pads

• Quick installation guide (printed)

• Warranty card

NOTE: Please notify your sales representative if any of the above items
are missing or damaged.

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