United Kingdom:One Omega Drive, River Bend Technology Centre
ISO 9002 CertifiedNorthbank, Irlam, Manchester
M44 5BD United Kingdom
TEL: +44 (0)161 777 6611FAX: +44 (0)161 777 6622
Toll Free in United Kingdom: 0800-488-488
e-mail: sales@omega.co.uk
OMEGAnet®Online Service Internet e-mail
www.omega.com info@omega.com
It is the policy of OMEGA to comply with all worldwide safety and EMC/EMI regulations that
apply. OMEGA is constantly pursuing certification of its products to the European New Approach
Directives. OMEGA will add the CE mark to every appropriate device upon certification.
The information contained in this document is believed to be correct, but OMEGA Engineering, Inc. accepts
no liability for any errors it contains, and reserves the right to alter specifications without notice.
WARNING: These products are not designed for use in, and should not be used for, patient-connected applications.
Figure 1 - Clocking Mode ‘Divide By 4’............................................................2
Figure 2 - Clockin g Mode ‘Divide By 1’............................................................2
Figure 3 - Asynchronous Communications Bit Diagram.............................12
Page 5
Introduction
Introduction
Overview
The OMG-COMM8-PCI provides the PC with eight RS-232 asynchronous ports.
The OMG-COMM8-PCI allows for connection to any device utilizing the RS-232
electrical interface, such as modems, data-entry terminals, and plotters.
What’s Included
The OMG-COMM8-PCI is shipped with the following items. If any of these
items is missing or damaged, contact the supplier.
• OMG-COMM8-PCI Serial I/O Adapter
• DB-78 to eight DB-25 ‘Spider Cable’ (DB-9 Spider Cable is
available)
• Serial Utility Software
• User Manual
OMG-COMM8-PCIPage 1
Page 6
Card Setup
Card Setup
Clock Modes
The OMG-COMM8-PCI employs a unique clocking option that allows the end
user to select from divide by 4 and divide by 1 clocking modes. This mode is
selected at J1.
To select the Baud rates commonly associated with COM: ports (i.e. 2400, 4800,
9600, 19.2, … 115.2K Bps) place the jumper in the divide by 4 mode (silk-screen
DIV4).
DIV1
DIV4
Figure 1 - Clocking Mode ‘Divide By 4’
To select the maximum data rate (460.8K bps) place the jumper in the divide by 1
(silk-screen DIV1) position.
DIV1
DIV4
Figure 2 - Clocking Mode ‘Divide By 1’
OMG-COMM8-PCIPage 2
Page 7
Card Setup
Baud Rates and Divisors for the ‘Div1’ mode
The following table shows some common data rates and the rates you should
choose to match them if using the adapter in the ‘Div1’ mode.
If your communications package allows the use of Baud rate divisors, choose the
appropriate divisor from the following table:
For this Data Rate Choose this Divisor
1200 bps 384
2400 bps 192
4800 bps 96
9600 bps 48
19.2K bps 24
38.4K bps 12
57.6K bps 8
115.2K bps 4
230.4K bps 2
460.8K bps 1
Address and IRQ selection
The OMG-COMM8-PCI is automatically assigned I/O addresses and IRQs by
your motherboard BIOS. Only the I/O address may be modified by the user.
Adding or removing other hardware may change the assignment of I/O
addresses and IRQs.
OMG-COMM8-PCIPage 3
Page 8
Installation
Installation
Operating System Installation
For Windows Users
Start by choosing Install Software at the beginning of the CD. Choose
Asynchronous COM: Port Software, SeaCOM.
Other Operating Systems
Refer to the appropriate section of the Serial Utilities Softw are.
System Installation
The OMG-COMM8-PCI can be installed in any of the PCI expansion slots and
contains a single jumper strap that must be set for proper operation. Please see
the Card Setup section of the manual for information on this jumper.
1. Turn off PC power. Disconnect the power cord.
2. Remove the PC case cover.
3. Locate an available PCI slot and remove the blank metal slot cover.
4. Gently insert the OMG-COMM8-PCI into the slot. Make sure that the
adapter is seated properly.
5. Replace the screw.
6. Replace the cover.
7. Connect the power cord.
Installation is complete.
OMG-COMM8-PCIPage 4
Page 9
Technical Description
Technical Description
The OMG-COMM8-PCI utilizes the 16C554 UART. This chip features
programmable baud rate, data format, interrupt control and a 16-byte input and
output FIFO, and is functionally 4 16C550 UARTs. A full array of advanced
UARTS is also available for this card. Contact Omega Engineering for more
information.
Signal Name Pin # Mode
GND Ground 7
TD Transmit Data 2 Output
RTS Request To Send 4 Output
DTR Data Terminal Ready 20 Output
RD Receive Data 3 Input
CTS Clear To Send 5 Input
DSR Data Set Ready 6 Input
DCD Data Carrier Detect 8 Input
RI Ring Indicator 22 Input
DB-9 (EIA-574 DTE) (DB9 MALE)
Signal Name Pin # Mode
GND Ground 5
TD Transmit Data 3 Output
RTS Request To Send 7 Output
DTR Data Terminal Ready 4 Output
RD Receive Data 2 Input
CTS Clear To Send 8 Input
DSR Data Set Ready 6 Input
DCD Data Carrier Detect 1 Input
RI Ring Indicator 9 Input
Technical Note: Please terminate any control signals that are not going to be
used. The most common way to do this is connect RTS to CTS and RI. Also,
connect DCD to DTR and DSR. Terminating these pins, if not used, will help
insure you get the best performance from your adapter.
Serial Utility test software is supplied with the adapter and will be used in the
troubleshooting procedures. By using this software and following these simple
steps, most common problems can be eliminated without the need to call
Technical Support.
1. Identify all I/O adapters currently installed in your system. This includes
your on-board serial ports, controller cards, sound cards etc. The I/O
addresses used by these adapters, as well as the IRQ (if any) should be
identified.
2. Configure your adapter so that there is no conflict with currently installed
adapters. No two adapters can occupy the same I/O address.
3. Make sure the adapter is securely installed in a motherboard slot.
4. When running DOS, Windows 3.x or other operating systems refer to the
Serial Utilities software for that operating system and the User Manual to
verify that the adapter is configured correctly. The supplied software
contains a diagnostic program 'SSD' that runs under DOS and will verify if an
adapter is configured properly. This diagnostic program is written with the
user in mind and is easy to use. Refer to the DIAG.txt file in the dos\diag
directory for detailed instructions on using 'SSD'.
5. For Windows 95/98 and Windows NT, the diagnostic tool 'WinSSD' is
installed in the Omega Engineering folder on the Start Menu during the
setup process. First find the ports using the Device Manager, then use
'WinSSD' to verify that the ports are functional.
6. Always use the diagnostic software when troubleshooting a problem. This
will help eliminate any software issues and identify any hardware conflicts.
OMG-COMM8-PCIPage 8
Page 13
Appendix A - Troubleshooting
PCI COM NUMBER SELECTION IN WINDOWS 95
When installing a multi-port PCI card in Windows 95 the default starting COM:
number assigned to the first port will be COM:5 if no COM:5 exists. If there is a
COM: 5, 6, etc., the next available COM: number will be assigned to the first port
with all additional ports following in ascending order.
To change the first two ports so that Windows assigns them COM: 3 and COM:
4 port enumeration double click the Systems icon in control panel or right click
on My Computer and choose properties which will bring you to System
Properties. Choose the Device Manager tab and double click on the MultiFunction Adapter heading. This will show all the information concerning the
adapter. Choose the Resources tab, which will show all resources assigned to the
multi-function adapter. Uncheck the Use Automatic Settings box. Notice that
with a two port card there will be three input/output, (I/O), ranges listed. With a
four port card there will be five input/output, (I/O), ranges listed. The first I/O
range is for the PCI bus and should not be changed. The second and third I/O
ranges are the ones that need to be changed in order to have those ports
enumerated as COM: 3 and COM: 4. Double click on the second I/O range which
will allow you to change the address. Highlight the entire I/O range and type:
03e8–03ef for COM: 3. Click OK. Windows will inform you that you have made
modifications that may affect other devices. Click OK. Next double click on the
third I/O range. Highlight the entire I/O range and type: 02e8–02ef for COM: 4.
Again Windows will inform you that you have made modifications that may
affect other devices. Click OK.
Following these steps will change the COM: number assignments on the first two
ports to
COM: 3 and 4.
OMG-COMM8-PCIPage 9
Page 14
Appendix B - How To Get Assistance
Appendix B - How To Get Assistance
Please refer to Troubleshooting Guide 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 installed in a computer ready to run diagnostics.
3. Omega Engineering maintains a Home page on the Internet. Our
home page address is www.omega.com. The latest software
updates, and newest manuals are available via our FTP site that can
be accessed from our home page.
4. Technical support is available Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to
6:00 p.m. eastern time. Technical support can be reached at 1-800DAS-IEEE.
RETURN AUTHORIZATION MUST BE OBTAINED FROM OMEGA BEFORE
RETURNED MERCHANDISE WILL BE ACCEPTED. AUTHORIZATION CAN
BE OBTAINED BY CALLING OMEGA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND
REQUESTING AN AUTHORIZED RETURN (AR) NUMBER.
OMG-COMM8-PCI Page 10
Page 15
Appendix C - Electrical Interface
Appendix C - Electrical Interface
RS-232
Quite possibly the most widely used communication standard is RS-232. This
implementation has been defined and revised several times and is often referred
to as RS-232-C/D/E or EIA/TIA -232-C/D/E. It is defined as “Interface between
Data Terminal Equipment and Data Circuit- Terminating Equipment
Employing Serial Binary Data Interchange”. The mechanical implementation of
RS-232 is on a 25-pin D sub connector. The IBM PC computer defined the RS-232
port on a 9 pin D sub connector and subsequently the EIA/TIA appro ved this
implementation as the EIA/TIA -574 standard. This standard has defined as the
“9-Position Non-Synchronous Interface between Data Terminal Equipment and
Data Circuit-Terminating Equipment Employing Serial Binary Data
Interchange”. Both implementatio ns are in wide spread use and will be referred
to as RS-232 in this document. RS-232 is capable of operating at data rates up to
20K bps / 50 ft. The absolute maximum data rate may vary due to line conditions
and cable lengths. RS-232 often operates at 38.4K bps over very short distances.
The voltage levels defined by RS-232 range from -12 to +12 volts. RS-232 is a
single ended or unbalanced interface, meaning that a single electrical signal is
compared to a common signal (ground) to determine binary logic states. A
voltage of +12 volts (usually +3 to +10 volts) represents a binary 0 (space) and 12 volts (-3 to -10 volts) denote a binary 1 (mark). The RS-232 and the EIA/TIA574 specification define two types of interface circuits Data Terminal Equipment
(DTE) and Data Circuit-Terminating Equipment (DCE ). The OMG-COMM8-PCI
adapter is a DTE interface.
OMG-COMM8-PCIPage 11
Page 16
Appendix D - Asynchronous Communications
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. A starting bit followed by a pre -defined number of data
bits (5, 6, 7, or 8) defines character boundaries for asynchronous
communications. 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 Communications Bit Diagram
Odd, Even
or
Unused
P
BIT
STOP
Remain Idle or
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 statin g 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).
OMG-COMM8-PCIPage 12
Page 17
Appendix E - Silk-Screen
3.475"
Appendix E - Silk -Screen
3.8"
OMG-COMM8-PCIPage 13
5.650"
Page 18
Appendix F - Compliance Notices
Appendix F - Compliance Notices
Federal Communications Commission Statement
FCC - This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for
Class A 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 commercial environment. 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. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to
cause harmful interference in such case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.
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 A - “Limits and methods of measurement of radio
interference characteristics of information technology equipment”
characteristics Limits and methods of measurement.
• EN60950 (IEC950) - “Safety of information technology equipment, including electrical business equipment”
Warning
This is a Class A Product. In a domestic environment this product may cause
radio interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate
measures.
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/EMC directives.
OMG-COMM8-PCIPage 14
Page 19
WARRANTY/DISCLAIMER
OMEGA ENGINEERING, INC. warrants this unit to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a
period of 13 months from date of purchase. OMEGA’s WARRANTY adds an additional one (1) month
grace period to the normal one (1) year product warranty to cover handling and shipping time. This
ensures that OMEGA’s customers receive maximum coverage on each product.
If the unit malfunctions, it must be returned to the factory for evaluation. OMEGA’s Customer Service
Department will issue an Authorized Return (AR) number immediately upon phone or written request.
Upon examination by OMEGA, if the unit is found to be defective, it will be repaired or replaced at no
charge. OMEGA’sWARRANTY does not apply to defects resulting from any action of the purchaser, including but not limited to mishandling, improper interfacing, operation outside of design limits,
improper repair, or unauthorized modification. This WARRANTY is VOID if the unit shows evidence of
having been tampered with or shows evidence of having been damaged as a result of excessive corrosion;
or current, heat, moisture or vibration; improper specification; misapplication; misuse or other operating
conditions outside of OMEGA’s control. Components which wear are not warranted, including but not
limited to contact points, fuses, and triacs.
OMEGA is pleased to offer suggestions on the use of its various products. However,
OMEGA neither assumes responsibility for any omissions or errors nor assumes liability for any
damages that result from the use of its products in accordance with information provided by
OMEGA, either verbal or written. OMEGA warrants only that the parts manufactured by it will be
as specified and free of defects. OMEGA MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES OR
REPRESENTATIONS OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, EXCEPT THAT OF TITLE,
AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED. LIMITATION OF
LIABILITY: The remedies of purchaser set forth herein are exclusive, and the total liability of
OMEGA with respect to this order, whether based on contract, warranty, negligence,
indemnification, strict liability or otherwise, shall not exceed the purchase price of the
component upon which liability is based. In no event shall OMEGA be liable for
consequential, incidental or special damages.
CONDITIONS: Equipment sold by OMEGA is not intended to be used, nor shall it be used: (1) as a “Basic
Component” under 10 CFR 21 (NRC), used in or with any nuclear installation or activity; or (2) in medical
applications or used on humans. Should any Product(s) be used in or with any nuclear installation or
activity, medical application, used on humans, or misused in any way, OMEGA assumes no responsibility
as set forth in our basic WARRANTY/DISCLAIMER language, and, additionally, purchaser will indemnify
OMEGA and hold OMEGA harmless from any liability or damage whatsoever arising out of the use of the
Product(s) in suc h a manner.
RETURN REQUESTS/INQUIRIES
Direct all warranty and repair requests/inquiries to the OMEGA Customer Service Department. BEFORE
RETURNING ANY PRODUCT(S) TO OMEGA, PURCHASER MUST OBTAIN AN AUTHORIZED RETURN
(AR) NUMBER FROM OMEGA’S CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT (IN ORDER TO AVOID
PROCESSING DELAYS). The assigned AR number should then be marked on the outside of the return
package and on any correspondence.
The purchaser is responsible for shipping charges, freight, insurance and proper packaging to prevent
breakage in transit.
FOR W
ARRANTY
RETURNS, please have the
following information available BEFORE
contacting OMEGA:
1. Purc hase Order number under which the product
was PURCHASED,
2. Model and serial number of the product under
warranty, and
3. Repair instructions and/or specific problems
relative to the product.
FOR NON-W
ARRANTY
REPAIRS,
consult OMEGA
for current repair charges. Have the following
information available BEFORE contacting OMEGA:
1. Purchase Order number to cover the COST
of the repair,
2. Model and serial number of the product, and
3. Repair instructions and/or specific problems
relative to the product.
OMEGA’s policy is to make running changes, not model changes, whenever an improvement is possible. This affords
our customers the latest in technology and engineering.
reproduced, translated, or reduced to any electronic medium or machine-readable form, in whole or in part, without the
prior written consent of OMEGA ENGINEERING, INC.