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 9 - Asynchronous Communications Bit Diagram............................ 15
Page 6
Introduction
Introduction
Overview
The OMG-VERSA -COMM4 provides the PC with four RS-232
asynchronous ports. The OMG-VERSA-COMM4 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-VERSA -COMM4 is shipped with the following items. If any of
these items are missing or damaged, contact the supplier.
• OMG-VERSA-COMM4 Serial I/O Adapter
• “Spider” Cable providing 4 DB-25 connectors.
• Software
Factory Default Settings
The OMG-VERSA -COMM4 factory default settings are as follows:
Port # Base Address IRQ
Port 1 3F8 4
Port 2 2F8 3
Port 3 3E8 4
Port 4 2E8 3
To install the OMG-VERSA -COMM4 using factory default settings, refer
to the Installation section of this manual.
For your reference, record installed OMG-VERSA-COMM4 settings below:
Port # Base Address IRQ
Port 1
Port 2
Port 3
Port 4
OMG-VERSA -COMM4Page 1
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Card Setup
Card Setup
The OMG-VERSA -COMM4 contains several jumper straps which must be
set for proper operation.
Address Selection
Each port on the OMG-VERSA-COMM4 occupies 8 consecutive I/O
locations. A DIP-switch is used to set the base address for these locations.
Be careful when selecting the base address as some selections conflict with
existing ports. The following table shows several examples that typically do
not cause a conflict. SW4 sets the I/O address for port 1, SW3 sets the
address for port 2, SW2 sets the address for port 3 and SW1 sets the
address for port 4.
Address Binary Switch Position Setting
Hex A9 A0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
280-287 1010000XXX Off On Off On On On On
2A0-2A7 1010100XXX Off On Off On Off On On
2E8-2EF 1011101XXX Off On Off Off Off On Off
2F8-2FF 1011111XXX Off On Off Off Off Off Off
3E8-3EF 1111101XXX Off Off Off Off Off On Off
300-307 1100000XXX Off Off On On On On On
328-32F 1100101XXX Off Off On On Off On Off
3F8-3FF 1111111XXX Off Off Off Off Off Off Off
Figure 1 - Address Selection Table
The following illustration shows the correlation between the DIP-switch
setting and the address bits used to determine the base address. In the
example below, address 300 is selected as a base. Address 300 in binary is
XX11 0000 0XXX where X = a non-selectable address bit.
ENA3A9
ON
12345678
Figure 2 - DIP-Switch Illustration
Note: Setting the switch "On" or "Closed" corresponds to a "0" in the
address, while leaving it "Off" or "Open" corresponds to a "1".
OMG-VERSA -COMM4Page 2
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Card Setup
Refer to Appendix A for common address contentions.
OMG-VERSA -COMM4Page 3
Page 9
Card Setup
Port Enable / Disable
Each port on the OMG-VERSA-COMM4 can be enabled or disabled with
switch position 8 on the DIP-switch. The port is enabled with the switch
"On" or "Closed" and disabled when "Off" or "Open". If any port is
disabled, be sure to disable the interrupt request for that port by removing
the IRQ jumper.
IRQ Selection
Headers E1, E2, E3 and E4 select the IRQ for each serial port. If COM1: is
selected, this jumper must be on the IRQ4 setting. If COM2: is selected, this
jumper must be on IRQ3.
Note: Most communications software applications default COM3: to IRQ4
and COM4: to IRQ3. This requires the sharing of interrupts between
COM1: and COM3:, and between COM2: and COM4:. While this is
the default, it is not always the preferred setting. Check your
software configuration instructions to determine the most
appropriate IRQ selection.
OMG-VERSA -COMM4Page 4
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Card Setup
MSNMS
N
1
2
3
4
MSNMS
N
E5
3
4
Interrupt Mode Options
Header E5 selects the interrupt mode for each port. Each port must be set in
the correct mode to insure proper installation.
"N" indicates the (N)ormal, single interrupt per port mode. "S" Indicates the
(S)hared interrupt mode, which allows more than one port to access a single
IRQ. Any two or more ports can share a common IRQ by placing the
jumpers on the same IRQ setting, and setting the appropriate selections at
E5. Consult your particular software for IRQ selection. If no interrupt is
desired, remove the jumper. "M" indicates the inclusion of a 1K ohm pulldown resistor required on one port when sharing interrupts.
E5
Figure 4 - Header E5, Normal IRQ Mode
Set jumpers to "S" for shared interrupt mode on all blocks sharing an IRQ
except one. Set that port block for "M ". This provides the pull-down
resistor circuit that makes sharing of IRQs possible. If you are using more
than one OMG-VERSA-COMM4 or a compatible card in a bus you should
only have one port set to "M ". The following example shows all four ports
sharing a single IRQ.
1 2
Figure 5 - Header E5, Shared IRQ Mode
OMG-VERSA -COMM4Page 5
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Card Setup
M
E5
1
2
Set jumper to "S" if you are using more than one OMG-VERSA-COMM4 in
a bus or you wish to completely remove the pull-down resistor for hardware
compatibility. Setting the board in this configuration when it is not
accompanied by a pull-down resistor will prevent the ports from triggering
an interrupt..
M
S
N
S
N
3 4
Figure 6 - Header E5, Sharing IRQ’s with another adapter
E4 - Port1
E5
1 2
23457
101112
15
M
N
M
S
23457
101112
E3 - Port2
15
S
N
3 4
23457
23457
Figure 7 - IRQ Headers E1 - E5 (Factory Default)
The above example shows the correlation between jumper block E5 and the
interrupt jumpers (E1-E4). This example shows the OMG-VERSA-COMM4
shipping configuration with COM1: & COM3: sharing interrupt 4 and
COM2: & COM4: sharing interrupt 3.
OMG-VERSA -COMM4 Page 6
101112
101112
E2 - Port3
15
E1 - Port4
15
Page 12
Installation
Installation
The OMG-VERSA -COMM4 can be installed in any of the PC expansion
slots, but to access the “AT” or (E)ISA IRQ’s (10, 11, 12, 15) it must be
installed in one of the 16 bit slots. The OMG-VERSA-COMM4 contains
several jumper straps for each port which must be set for proper operation
prior to installing the card into the computer.
1. Turn off PC power. Disconnect the power cord.
2. Remove the PC case cover.
3. Locate an available slot and remove the blank metal slot cover.
4. Gently insert the OMG-VERSA-COMM4 into the slot. Make sure that
the adapter is seated properly.
5. Replace the screw.
6. Install the “Spider” Cable
7. Replace the cover.
8. Connect the power cord.
Installation is complete.
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 Software.
OMG-VERSA -COMM4Page 7
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Technical Description
Technical Description
The OMG-VERSA -COMM4 provides 4 additional serial ports for terminals,
modems, printers, etc. The OMG-VERSA -COMM4 can be configured as
COM1: through COM4:, or as any other I/O address (up to 3FF HEX),
providing total compatibility with most communications software and
languages. The OMG-VERSA-COMM4 utilizes the 16550 UART chip. This
chip features programmable baud rate, data format, interrupt control and a
16 byte fifo.
Features
• Provides a COM1: through COM4: Turnkey Solution
• Four RS-232 Ports with full modem control signals
• 4 DB-25 male connectors provided using the "Spider Cable"
Modem Control Signal Considerations
Some software packages require the use of the modem handshake signals
such as CTS or DCD. Refer to your application software manual to
determine the requirements for modem control signals. If no requirements
are mentioned, a safe configuration is to tie DTR to DSR and DCD, and tie
RTS to CTS. This configuration will typically satisfy the modem control
signal requirements for most communications software.
OMG-VERSA -COMM4Page 8
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Technical Description
Connector Pin Assignments
RS-232
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
Figure 8 - Connector Pin Assignments
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.
OMG-VERSA -COMM4Page 9
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Specifications
Specifications
Environmental Specifications
Specification Operating Storage
Temperature
Range
Humidity Range 10 to 90% R.H.
Manufacturing
• IPC 610-A Class-III standards are adhered to with a 0.1 visual A.Q.L.
and 100% Functional Testing.
• All Printed Circuit boards are built to U.L. 94V0 rating and are 100%
electrically tested. These printed circuit boards are solder mask over
bare copper or solder mask over tin nickel.
A Serial Utility Diskette is supplied with the adapter and will be used in the
troubleshooting procedures. By using this diskette 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 using a unique IRQ. While the adapter does
allow the sharing of IRQ’s, many other adapters (i.e. SCSI adapters &
on-board serial ports) do not. The IRQ is typically selected via an onboard header block. Refer to the section on Card Setup for help in
choosing an I/O address and IRQ.
4. Make sure the adapter is securely installed in a motherboard slot.
5. Use the supplied diskette and User Manual to verify that the adapter is
configured correctly. The supplied diskette contains a diagnostic
program “SSD” that 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 “README” file on the supplied diskette for detailed
instructions on using “SSD”.
OMG-VERSA -COMM4Page 11
Page 17
Appendix A - Troubleshooting
6. The following are known I/O conflicts:
• The 278 and 378 settings may conflict with your printer I/O
adapter.
• 3B0 cannot be used if a Monochrome adapter is installed.
• 3F8-3FF is typically reserved for COM1:
• 2F8-2FF is typically reserved for COM2:
• 3E8-3EF is typically reserved for COM3:
• 2E8-2EF is typically reserved for COM4:
7. Please refer to your included diskette for any post production manual
updates and application specific information.
8. Always use the diagnostic software when Troubleshooting a problem.
This will eliminate the software issue from the equation.
OMG-VERSA -COMM4Page 12
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Appendix B - How to Get Assistance.
Appendix B - How To Get Assistance
Please refer to Troubleshooting Guide prior to calling Technical Support.
1. Begin by reading through the Trouble Shooting Guide in
Appendix A. If assistance is still needed please see below.
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
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 1-800-DAS-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.
. The latest
OMG-VERSA -COMM4Page 13
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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 approved 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 implementations 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 20 Kbps / 50 ft. The absolute maximum data rate may vary
due to line conditions and cable lengths. RS-232 often operates at 38.4
Kbps 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) denotes a binary 1 (mark). The RS-232 and the EIA/TIA-574
specification define two types of interface circuits Data Terminal Equipment
(DTE ) and Data Circuit-Terminating Equipment (DCE). The adapter is a
DTE interface.
OMG-VERSA -COMM4Page 14
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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. 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 (usual 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 9 - 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
referred 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).
OMG-VERSA -COMM4Page 15
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Appendix E - Silk-Screen
Appendix E - Silk -Screen
4.2"
8.6"
3.9"
OMG-VERSA -COMM4Page 16
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Appendix F - Compliance Notices
Appendix F - Compliance Notices
Federal Communications Commission Statement
FCC - This equipment has been tes ted 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/EWG) and of the low-voltage directive
(73/23/EWG) 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”
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-VERSA-COMM4 Page 17
Page 23
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 acti vity; 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. Purchase 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.