Multitech ISI552PC Owner's Manual

Intelligent Serial Interface (ISI)

Model ISI552PC Card

Owner's Manual

MultiTech



Systems

Owner's Manual

P/N 82033101, Rev. B

ISI552PC

This publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without
prior expressed written permission from Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.. All
rights reserved.

Copyright © 1994, by Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc., makes no representation or warranties with
respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any implied
warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose.
Furthermore, Multi-Tech Systems, Inc., reserves the right to revise
this publication and to make changes from time to time in the content
hereof without obligation of Multi-Tech Systems, Inc., to notify any
person or organization of such revisions or changes.

Record of Revision

Revision Description
B Manual revised with minor technical, editorial
(12/25/94) and format changes.

TRADEMARKS

Multi-Tech, MultiExpress, MultiModem

II

and the Multi-Tech logo:

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.
i386, i486: Intel Corporation

PC-DOS: International Business Machines Corporation

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.

2205 Woodale Drive

Mounds View, Minnesota 55112 U.S.A.

[phone] or [phone]

U. S. FAX [phone]

Technical Support [phone]
BBS [phone] or [phone]
Internet Address: http://www.multitech.com

Technical Writer: [e-mail]

i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION & DESCRIPTION

1.1 Introduction ........................................... 1-1

1.2 Product Description .............................. 1-2

1.3 How to Use This Manual ...................... 1-2

1.4 Technical Specifications ...................... 1-3

CHAPTER 2

HARDWARE INSTALLATION

2.1 ISI Card Installation .............................. 2-1

2.2 Determining Current System Settings . 2-1

2.3 Hardware Installation Procedure .......... 2-3

CHAPTER 3

SERVICE, WARRANTY, AND TECHNICAL

SUPPORT

3.1 Introduction ........................................... 3-1

3.2 Limited Warranty .................................. 3-1

3.3 Tech Support ........................................ 3-2

3.3.1 Recording ISI552PC Information 3-3

3.3.2 Service ........................................ 3-4

3.4 About the Multi-Tech BBS.................... 3-5

3.4.1 How to Use the Multi-Tech BBS . 3-5

3.5 About CompuServe/Internet ................ 3-6

3.6 About Multi-Tech's Fax-Back Service .. 3-7

3.7 Safety Warnings ................................... 3-8

Appendix A:
I/O Address Switch Settings A-1

INDEX

1-1

1 . 1 Introduction

The introduction of high speed, data compression
modems, such as Multi-Tech's MultiModem

II TM

Series, has shown that many PC serial ports are
unable to keep up, essentially becoming a bottleneck
for the entire system. The ISI552PC card is a dual
port serial expansion card and provides processing
power to reliably transmit data up to 115.2K bps per
port. Each port can be independently configured for
asynchronous full duplex communications. Using
an ISI enables your system's processor to perform
more efficiently. This is because the ISI handles all
of the byte-by-byte interrupts generated by the
asynchronous terminals and stores the data in
buffers. The ISI then generates one interrupt for an
entire block of information and transfers the block to
the system's microprocessor.

This manual provides the hardware installation
procedures for the ISI552PC card. The operation of
the card provides the basis for its name ISI (Intelligent
Serial Interface), 552 indicating the processing power
of a 16550A UART and dual port support, and PC
indicating that it is an ISA bus card (8 bit), which is
able to operate in any 286, 386, or 486 ISA or EISA
compatible bus personal computer. The ISI552PC
serial ports can be accessed by any software written
to the 16550A specification.

1-2

This manual contains product specification,
installation instructions, configuration and technical
support information which will assist you in the
operation process. It is assumed that you have basic
PC skills at the very least. Therefore, we have not
included step-by-step instructions for basic
operations such as logging in and file editing, etc.

1 . 2 Product Description

The ISI552PC card is a dual-port serial expansion
card which adds data buffering for enhanced serial
port performance. The ISI552PC features two 9-pin
connectors ( DB-9s), and is a "half-size" expansion
card that supports a high-speed interface (up to

115.2K bps per port via 32K bytes of RAM). The
ISI552PC features two banks of 8 DIP-Switches for
I/O address selection and two jumper blocks for IRQ
level selection.

1. 3 How to Use This Manual

This chapter begins with a short introduction, product
description, followed by a guide (which you are now
reading) to the use of this manual, as well as the
ISI552PCs technical specifications.

1-3

This manual includes hardware configuration and
installation procedures described in Chapter 2. Chapter
3 covers technical support, warranty and BBS
information. Appendix A describes complete

information on Base I/O addressing.

1 . 4 Technical Specifications

Computer Requirements

· 286-, 386- or 486- based PC or compatible

Operating Temperature

· 0° to 50°C (32° to 120°F)

Serial Interface

· RS232C, RS232D

Bus Type

· IBM PC standard (ISA bus) or EISA

Power Consumption

· 750 mAmps @ +5 VDC

· 100 mAmps @ +12 VDC

· 100 mAmps @ -12 VDC

1-4

Card Dimensions

ISI552PC

· 4.950" L x 4.2" W x .062" D

· 12.573 cm L x 10.668 cm W x .16 cm D

Baud Rates

· Up to 115.2K bps per port (two)

Connector Types

· Two DB-9s on ISI552PC

I/O Address

· Set by hardware DIP-Switch, valid range 100H to

3F8H (See Appendix A)

Interrupt Request

· Set by hardware Jumper, valid IRQs -- 2, 3, 4, 5,

7, 10, 11, 12, & 15

2-1

2.1 ISI Card Installation

This chapter explains procedures for installing your
ISI552PC card into your ISA or EISA bus personal
computer (PC/XT/AT/PS/2 Models 25 and 30 or
equivalents).

Hardware installation involves:

1) Opening your PC.

2) Setting card configuration (determining
I/O address DIP-Switch setting and IRQ
jumper setting).

3) Installing the card into the PC.

2.2 Determining Current System
Settings

When you install a serial device into your computer,
the processor must have a means of routing
information to and from the device and the device
must have a means of gaining the processor's
attention. These are called Input/Output (I/O)
addresses and Interrupt Requests (IRQs),
respectively. The ISI552PC card requires eight I/O
addresses and one IRQ value which are not used by
any other device in your system. When selecting a
unique base I/O address, be sure that the other

2-2

addresses are also unused. (For example, if you
use the base I/O address of 380h, addresses 380h­387h must be unused.)

To select an unused I/O address and an IRQ value,
it may be necessary to find out which values are
already in use. To determine your system's current
settings, refer to Appendix A. ISI552PC port #1 is
shipped with the IRQ set to level 3 and the base I/O
address at 2F8 hex; and ISI552PC port #2 is shipped
with the IRQ set to level 4 and the base I/O address
at 3E8. If you are certain that these settings are not
already in use, continue with the hardware
configuration and installation.

Note: If you choose IRQ 3 or 4, you may have to
remove the serial I/O device from your
configuration files. The ISI552PC cards do not
allow you to select IRQ 6 because it is almost
universally used for the floppy drive of a
computer. Also, most computers will not be able
to assign IRQ 2 to the ISI because IRQ 2 is used
for slave control.

2-3

2.3 Hardware Installation Procedure

Perform the procedures in Table 2-1 to configure
and install the ISI552PC card into your ISA or EISA
bus host computer.

1 Make sure your computer and

any peripheral equipment
connected to it, are turned off.
Failure to do so may damage
both your ISI card and your PC.
The card may be installed in any
286-, 386- or 486-based
computer with an ISA or EISA
bus architecture.

Table 2-1

Step Procedure

ISI Configuration and Installation Procedure

Figure 2-1. I/O Address Switch/IRQ Jumpers

Port #1 Port #2

2-4

Table 2-1 (cont'd)

Step Procedure

ISI Configuration and Installation Procedure

2 Remove the cover of your

computer as instructed in your
computers documentation.

3 Locate the unused slot(s) which

you will be using for your ISI
card, and remove the slot
cover(s) per the instructions in
your computers documentation.

4a The figures below show the

default settings for this card.
Record any changes made to
the Base I/O Address settings.
The default Base I/O Address is
2F8 COM2 for Port 1; and the
default Address for Port 2 is 3E8
COM3 . The valid range is 100H

- 3F8 H; refer to Appendix A for a
full table of address settings.

Figure 2-2. I/O Address Default

Port #1

Port #2

2-5

4b Select a unique I/O Address for

your ISI552PC card using the
block of 8-position DIP-Switches
on your ISI circuit board. Figure
2-3 (next page) shows various
I/O addressing and IRQ settings.

5 Record any changes you make

to these settings and keep
them handy for the driver
installation.

~Notes~

ISI Configuration and Installation Procedure

Step Procedure

Table 2-1 (cont'd)

2-6

Table 2-1 (cont'd)

ISI Configuration and Installation Procedure

Step Procedure

6 Install the ISI card into the

selected expansion slot(s) in the
same manner as any other add­on card, as instructed in your
computers documentation.

7 Fasten the retaining bracket to

the computer chassis and replace
the cover.

Com Port I/O Address Setting IRQ Level

COM1

COM2

COM3

COM4

Figure 2-3. I/O Address and IRQ Level Settings

2-7

Step Procedure

8 Connect the appropriate cable to

the ISI card. The ISI552PC has
one DB-9 connector. The DB-9
is a DTE-type serial port suited
for the connection of Data Circuit­terminating Equipment, or DCEs.

Note: Any cables connected to
the computer should be shielded
to reduce interference.

9 Turn power on to your computer.

If you are using MultiExpress communication
software, note during your communication set-up
that your ISI card is activated by choosing Serial and
then Com port selection. Do not use the MultiTech
ISI selection for this card. The MultiTech ISI selection
is used with ISI models ISI502 and ISI508.

Table 2-1 (cont'd)

ISI Configuration and Installation Procedure

3-1

3.1 Introduction

This chapter starts out with statements about your
ISI552PC's 10-year warranty. The next section,
Tech Support, should be read carefully if you have
questions or problems with your ISI552PC. It includes
the technical support telephone numbers, space for
recording pertinent information, and an explanation
of how to send in this product should you require
service. The final four sections explain how to use
our Bulletin Board Service (BBS), sections on
CompuServe and Internet forums, a description of
Multi-Tech's Fax-Back service and a brief section on
Safety Warnings.

3.2 Limited Warranty

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. (MTS) warrants that its
products will be free from defects in material or
workmanship for a period of ten years from the date
of purchase, or if proof of purchase is not provided,
ten years from date of shipment. MTS MAKES NO
OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND
ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY
AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE
HEREBY DISCLAIMED. This warranty does not apply
to any products which have been damaged by
lightning storms, water, or power surges or which
have been neglected, altered, abused, used for a
purpose other than the one for which they were
manufactured, repaired by the customer or any
party without MTSs written authorization, or used
in any manner inconsistent with MTSs instructions.

3-2

MTSs entire obligation under this warranty shall be
limited (at MTSs option) to repair or replacement of
any products which prove to be defective within the
warranty period, or, at MTSs option, issuance of a
refund of the purchase price. Defective products
must be returned by Customer to MTSs factory
transportation prepaid.
MTS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES AND UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL
ITS LIABILITY EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE FOR
DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS.

3.3 Tech Support

Multi-Tech has an excellent staff of technical support
personnel available to help you get the most out of
your Multi-Tech product. If you have any questions
about the operation of this unit(s), call 1-800-972-

2439. Please fill out the information (below), and
have it available when you call. If you require
service, the tech support specialist will advise you in
Multi-Tech's service procedure (Section 3.3.2).

3-3

3.3.1Recording ISI552PC Information

Please fill in the following information on your Multi­Tech product. This will help tech support in answering

your questions.
Serial No.:__________________________
Firmware Version:_______________________
DriverType/Version:______________________

COM Port
#:________________________________
IRQ Setting:_____________________________

Please note the status of your ISI552PC before
calling tech support (e.g., screen messages,
diagnostic test results, problems with a specific
application, etc). Use the space below to note
status:

3-4

3.3.2 Service

If your tech support specialist decides that service
is required, your unit may be sent (freight prepaid)
to our factory. Return shipping charges will be paid
by Multi-Tech Systems.
Include the following with this product:
 a description of the problem.
 return billing and return shipping addresses.
 contact name and phone number.
 check or purchase order number for payment if

the ISI552PC is out of warranty. (The standard
repair charge is $95. This price is valid at the time
of this publication but could change in the future.
Check with your technical support specialist.)

 if possible, note the name of the technical support

specialist with whom you spoke.

3-5

If you need to inquire about the status of the
returned product, be prepared to provide the serial
number of the product sent (see Section 3.3.1).
Send ISI552PC to this address:

MULTI-TECH SYSTEMS, INC.
2205 WOODALE DRIVE
MOUNDS VIEW, MINNESOTA 55112
ATTN: SERVICE OR REPAIRS

3.4 About the Multi-Tech BBS

Multi-Tech Systems maintains a Bulletin Board Service
(BBS) for its customers. The information available via
the BBS includes: new product information, product
upgrade data, problem solving tips, and a message
service for you to leave questions for which you
would like additional information. The phone number
for the Multi-Tech BBS is [phone] or (800)
392-2432 (U.S.A. and Canada).
The BBS can be accessed by any asynchronous
modem operating at speeds of 28,800-1200 bps
(V.34 and downward compatible) with a setting of
word length of 8 bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity.

3.4.1 How to Use the Multi-Tech BBS

To use Multi-Tech's BBS, perform the following steps.

1. Set your computer or communications program to
"8N1", and to emulate ANSI (e.g., with MultiExpress
software, press ALT-S and choose "ANSI").

2. Dial our BBS at 1-800 392-2432 (U.S.A. and

3-6

Canada) or 612-785-3702 (International).

3. At the prompt, type your first name, last name,
password, then hit RETURN. If you are a first time
caller, after you hit RETURN the BBS asks if your
name is spelled correctly. If you say yes, our
questionnaire is displayed. You can use our BBS on
your first call.

4. There are four BBS areas: the Main Menu, the Files
Menu, Bulletins (from the main Menu), and the
Message Menu. All Bulletins are Menu-driven. To
read the Bulletins, enter the number of the bulletin
you wish to read.

5. File Menu: from the Main Menu, type F: and the
Files are displayed. If you want a list of directories,
type L (list directory) and then type L again for a
list of all directories. If you do not type the second
L, you will list all of the files on the BBS. At the list
of the directories, select the number of directories
required. A list of files and a description for each
of the files is displayed. Select a file that you would
like to download; if you already know the file
name, type D at the Files Menu to download the
selected file(s). Press V to view a text file.

6. At the Message Menu, you can leave a message
to the Sysop (you can not read messages at this
point). The BBS will tell you if you have a personal
message (mail). At the prompt (would you like to
read it now?), type R for read now. You must read
your message(s) when you first access the BBS.

3-7

3.5 About CompuServe/Internet

In addition to the BBS, Multi-Tech provides support
through CompuServe's Modem Vendor Forum
(GOMODEMVEN) under GO MULTITECH. Refer to
your CompuServe documentation for special
operating procedures.
Multi-Tech is a commercial provider on the Internet,
and we retrieve e-mail messages from the following
mailboxes on a periodic basis:

[e-mail] Technical Support
[e-mail] Marketing Dept.
[e-mail] Sales Dept.
[e-mail] International

Marketing &
Sales

[e-mail] Publications Dept.

Multi-Tech's presence includes a Web site at:

http://www.multitech.com

and an ftp site at:

ftp://ftp.multitech.com

The ftp server mirrors the Multi-Tech BBS.

3-8

3.6 About the Multi-Tech Fax-

Back Service

Multi-Tech's fax-back system provides 24-hour access
to sales, marketing, and technical literature. Dial
612-717-5888, follow the voice prompts, and request
document number 10 for a catalog of available
documents.
For convenience, have your fax number handy:
__________________ . From the catalog of available
documents, you can order newsletters, white papers,
press releases, etc. from the sales and marketing
index (pages 1-4), or order basic modem operation
and troubleshooting guides from the technical support
and engineering index. Just enter the applicable FB
Doc. # from the left column of the catalog.

3.7 Safety Warnings

1. Never install telephone wiring during a lightning
storm.

2. Never install telephone jacks in wet locations
unless the jack is specifically designed for wet
locations.

3. This product is to be used with UL and CUL listed
computers.

4. Never touch uninsulated telephone wires or
terminals unless the telephone line has been
disconnected at the network interface.

5. Use caution when installing or modifying telephone
lines.

6. Avoid using a telephone (other than a cordless
type) during an electrical storm. There may be a
remote risk of electrical shock from lightning.

7. Do not use the telephone to report a gas leak in
the vicinity of the leak.

82033101

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply

with the limits for a 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 causes 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 different from

that of which the receiver is connected.

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for

help.

WARNING: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly

approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the

users authority to operate this equipment.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is

subject to the following conditions: (1) This device may not cause

harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any

interference received, including interference that may cause

undesired operation.

1

July 12, 1995

Product Update

for ISI551PC & ISI552PC Cards

#82048100

This product update is a supplement to your ISI551PC and/or your
ISI552PC Owner's Manual(s). The user should take note of the following
statement:

CAUTION - This serial communication card(s) is for use only with UL
listed personal computers that have installation instructions detailing user
installation of card cage accessories.

1-Index

Index

A

About CompuServe/Internet .................... 3-7

About the Multi-Tech BBS ....................... 3-5

B

Baud Rates ................................................ 1-4

Bus Type .................................................... 1-3

C

Card Dimensions ........................................ 1-4

Computer Requirements ............................1-3

Connector Types ........................................1-4

H

Hardware Installation Procedure ................ 2-3

How to Use the Multi-Tech BBS .............. 3-6

How to Use This Manual ............................ 1-2

I

I/O Address ................................................ 1-4

I/O Address Switch and IRQ Jumper

Locations .................................................... 2-3

Introduction ................................................ 1-1

2-Index

ISI Card Installation .................................... 2-1

L

Limited Warranty ..................................... 3-1

M

Multi-Tech BBS ......................................... 3-5

O

Operating Temperature .............................. 1-3

P

Power Consumption ................................... 1-3

Product Description .................................... 1-2

R

Recording ISI552PC Information ............ 3-3

S

Serial Interface ...........................................1-3

Service .................................................... 3-4

T

Tech Support ........................................... 3-3

Technical Specifications .......................... 1-3

W

Warranty .................................................. 3-1

MultiTech



Systems

82033100