1. Product Overview

Product Name: AP1132
Model: AP1132
Series: APCIe Series – PCI Isolated Serial Communication Cards
Article Number: AP1132
Manufacturer: Rayon Technology Co., Ltd.

The AP1132 is a high-performance, isolated PCI serial communication card designed for industrial and embedded PC systems requiring robust, noise-immune serial connectivity. Belonging to Rayon’s APCIe series, the AP1132 provides one isolated serial communication port configurable for RS422 or RS485 operation. It is engineered for 5V-only PCI bus systems and offers full plug-and-play functionality with automatic resource assignment by the PCI BIOS. The card is based on the MOSCHIP/ASIX MCS9865 controller, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of operating systems and serial communication applications.

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2. Key Features

- Single-Port PCI Serial Interface: Provides one isolated serial communication port supporting RS422 or RS485 standards.
- Electrical Isolation: Built-in galvanic isolation between the PC system and external devices enhances noise immunity and protects against ground loops.
- Mixed Settable Interface: Each port can be configured independently via DIP switch for RS422 or RS485 operation, allowing flexible deployment in diverse communication environments.
- High-Speed Data Transfer: Supports baud rates from 50 bps up to 230,400 bps, ensuring compatibility with both legacy and modern serial devices.
- Advanced UART Controller: Utilizes the 16950A-compatible ASIX MCS9865 chip, providing 128-byte transmit and receive FIFOs for efficient data buffering and reduced CPU load.
- Plug & Play PCI Configuration: I/O address, memory mapping, and IRQ assignments are automatically managed by the PCI BIOS, simplifying installation and avoiding resource conflicts.
- Dual DB9 Connectors: Equipped with two DB9 male connectors for flexible connection options.
- Low Profile Option: Optional low-profile bracket available for compact or embedded system installations.
- Operating System Support: Compatible with Windows 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, Windows 7, and Linux distributions.
- Single Voltage Operation: Designed for 5V-only PCI slots, ensuring stable operation in standard PC/AT environments.
- Compact Design: PCB dimensions of 100 mm × 97 mm, suitable for space-constrained industrial PCs.

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3. Technical Specifications

- Bus Interface: PCI (5V only)
- Controller Chip: ASIX/MOSCHIP MCS9865 (16950A compatible)
- Number of Ports: 1 isolated serial port (RS422/RS485 selectable)
- Baud Rate: 50 bps to 230,400 bps (software programmable)
- FIFO Buffer: 128 bytes transmit / 128 bytes receive per port
- Flow Control: XON/XOFF (software) and RTS/CTS (hardware)
- Connector Type: Two DB9 male connectors
- Isolation: Ground isolation between PC and external device
- Dimensions: 100 mm (L) × 97 mm (W)
- Power Requirement: 5V DC from PCI bus
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 60°C (typical industrial range)
- Storage Temperature: -20°C to 85°C
- Relative Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing
- Material: High-quality PCB with industrial-grade components
- Weight: Approx. 100 g (card only)

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4. Functionality

The AP1132 operates as a PCI-based serial communication interface card that provides one isolated RS422/RS485 port. The card is designed to integrate seamlessly into PC/AT systems equipped with PCI slots. Upon installation, the PCI BIOS automatically assigns I/O addresses, memory mapping, and IRQ resources, eliminating manual configuration.

Each serial port can be configured via DIP switch to operate in RS422 (full-duplex) or RS485 (half-duplex) mode. RS422 mode supports point-to-point or multi-drop communication with differential signaling, while RS485 mode supports multi-drop half-duplex networks with automatic data direction control. The card’s isolation circuitry ensures that electrical noise or ground potential differences between devices do not affect communication reliability.

Typical Applications:
- Industrial automation and control systems
- Data acquisition and monitoring
- Building management systems (BMS)
- SCADA and PLC communication
- Serial device networking (sensors, meters, controllers)
- Embedded PC-based control systems

Compatibility:
The AP1132 is compatible with standard serial communication protocols and can interface with a wide range of RS422/RS485 devices such as PLCs, motor drives, sensors, and industrial controllers.

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- AP1132 PCI card
- User manual and driver CD (Windows and Linux)
- Standard PCI bracket (low-profile bracket optional)

Optional Accessories:
- Low-profile bracket for compact chassis
- RS4232-4 or RS4232-8 isolated converter boxes for extended isolation and port expansion
- DB9-to-terminal block adapters (TB485) for field wiring
- Shielded serial cables (DB9 male-to-female or DB9-to-DB25)

Connectors:
- Two DB9 male connectors for serial communication
- Each connector supports RS422 or RS485 differential signaling

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6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- PC/AT compatible system with available 5V PCI slot
- Supported operating system (Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista/7 or Linux)

Installation Procedure:
1. Power off the PC and unplug it from the power source.
2. Insert the AP1132 card into an available PCI slot.
3. Secure the card with the bracket screw.
4. Connect the serial cables to the DB9 connectors.
5. Power on the system.
6. The PCI BIOS will automatically detect the card and assign resources.
7. Install the appropriate driver from the provided CD or download from Rayon’s support site.

Driver Installation:
- Windows: The system’s Plug & Play feature detects the card. Specify the driver path (e.g., `D:\PCIe_Card\APCIe\Win32`) when prompted. The driver installs both the multifunction controller and serial port drivers.
- Linux: Extract the driver package to `/etc/rayone` and run the installation script (`./Install.redhat`). Select the card type (APCIe/MPe9900), kernel version, and rebuild the system. After reboot, new serial devices (e.g., `/dev/tty21a`, `/dev/tty21b`) become available.

Configuration:
- DIP switches on the card allow selection between RS422 and RS485 modes.
- In RS485 mode, short DB9 pins 2–3 for DATA+ and pins 4–6 for DATA–.
- Use TB485 terminal adapters for convenient field wiring.

Caution:
Do not insert or remove the card while the system is powered on.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Data Rate: Up to 230,400 bps (software programmable)
- Buffering: 128-byte transmit and receive FIFOs per port minimize CPU interrupts and improve throughput.
- Interrupt Handling: PCI BIOS assigns IRQs automatically; supports IRQ sharing.
- Data Integrity: Ground isolation and differential signaling ensure reliable communication in electrically noisy environments.
- Efficiency: Reduced CPU load due to large FIFO buffers and hardware flow control.
- Limitations:
- RS485 mode supports half-duplex communication only.
- RS422 mode supports full-duplex but requires proper termination and cabling.
- 5V-only operation limits compatibility with 3.3V PCI systems.

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Electrical Standards:
- RS422 (TIA/EIA-422-B)
- RS485 (TIA/EIA-485-A)
- Bus Interface: PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.2 (5V signaling)
- Controller Compliance: MOSCHIP MCS9865 UART compatible with 16C950/16950 standards
- Operating System Drivers:
- Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista/7
- Linux kernel 2.6.x and later (RedHat, SUSE, Slackware supported)
- Isolation: Meets industrial isolation standards for ground loop protection
- Environmental Compliance: RoHS-compliant manufacturing process
- EMC/ESD Protection: Integrated transient suppression and ESD protection on serial lines

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9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- One-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
- Excludes damage from misuse, unauthorized servicing, or electrical surges.

Support & Maintenance:
- Technical support available via email: rayon@ms1.hinet.net
- Firmware and driver updates provided through Rayon’s support channels.
- RMA (Return Material Authorization) required for repairs.
- Products under warranty repaired at no cost; out-of-warranty repairs subject to flat-rate service charge.

Maintenance Recommendations:
- Keep connectors clean and free from dust.
- Avoid hot-swapping the card.
- Ensure proper grounding and shielding in industrial environments.

Repair Procedure:
1. Contact Rayon support for troubleshooting assistance.
2. Obtain RMA number before returning the product.
3. Include model number, serial number, and fault description.
4. Ship to the designated Rayon service center.

Related Products in the APCIe Series:
- A132I: Dual isolated RS422/RS485 ports
- A112I: Dual isolated RS232/RS422/RS485 ports
- A134I: Quad isolated RS422/RS485 ports
- A124I: Two RS232 + two isolated RS422/RS485 ports
- A138: Eight RS422/RS485 ports
- A118: Eight RS232/RS422/RS485 ports

Complementary Devices:
- RS4232-4/8 Isolated Boxes: Provide additional isolation and port expansion.
- TWIN232/TWIN485 Converters: Offer RS232 to RS422/RS485 conversion with isolation and auto-direction control.
- UTS004/UTS485 USB Converters: USB-to-serial solutions with isolated RS422/RS485 ports.
- S432io Serial Port Sharer: Enables one master to communicate with multiple slave ports simultaneously.

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Summary

The Rayon AP1132 PCI Isolated 1-Port RS422/485 Card is a robust, industrial-grade communication interface designed for reliable serial data exchange in electrically noisy or ground-sensitive environments. Its isolated design, flexible configuration, and compatibility with multiple operating systems make it ideal for industrial automation, control, and data acquisition systems. With automatic PCI resource allocation, high-speed data handling, and comprehensive driver support, the AP1132 delivers dependable performance and ease of integration for engineers and system integrators seeking a stable, long-term serial communication solution.