1. Product Overview
Product Name: PCIe 4-Port Isolated RS422/485 Card
Model: COM-8564
Series: COM Series Industrial Communication Interfaces
Article Number: COM-8564
Manufacturer: JS Automation

The JS Automation COM-8564 is a high-performance industrial communication interface card designed for systems requiring multiple isolated serial ports. It provides four independent RS422/RS485 channels through a PCI Express (PCIe) interface, offering robust electrical isolation, high data throughput, and reliable communication in demanding industrial and embedded environments. The card integrates advanced UART technology, supports high baud rates, and ensures stable operation even under electrically noisy conditions.

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2. Key Features
- Four Isolated Serial Ports: Provides four independent RS422/RS485 communication channels, each electrically isolated to prevent ground loops and signal interference.
- PCI Express Interface: Fully compliant with PCI Express standards, ensuring high-speed data transfer and compatibility with modern PC architectures.
- High-Speed Communication: Supports data rates up to 921.6 kBd, suitable for high-throughput industrial communication applications.
- Advanced UART Controller: Equipped with a 16550-compatible UART featuring a 128-byte FIFO buffer per channel, minimizing CPU load and improving data handling efficiency.
- Channel-to-Channel Isolation: Provides 1 kVDC isolation between channels, enhancing system reliability and protecting connected devices from voltage surges and electrical noise.
- Compact Form Factor: Designed with a board size of 112 mm × 115 mm, suitable for standard PCIe slots in industrial PCs and embedded systems.
- Single Connector Interface: Utilizes a DB37 female D-sub connector for all four ports, simplifying installation and cable management.
- Included Breakout Cable: Supplied with a DB37 male to 4 × DB9 male cable (M27033709015), providing easy access to individual serial ports.
- Scalable Configuration: Supports installation of up to four COM-8564 boards per PC, allowing expansion to 16 isolated serial ports in a single system.
- Bus-Powered Operation: Draws 12 V DC power directly from the PCIe bus, eliminating the need for external power supplies.
- Industrial-Grade Design: Engineered for long-term reliability in automation, control, and data acquisition systems.

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3. Technical Specifications
- Interface Type: PCI Express (PCIe)
- Number of Ports: 4 isolated serial ports
- Communication Standards: RS422 / RS485 (software-selectable or hardware-configured depending on system setup)
- UART Type: 16550-compatible UART with 128-byte FIFO per channel
- Maximum Baud Rate: 921.6 kBd (kilobaud)
- Isolation Voltage: 1 kVDC channel-to-channel isolation
- Connector Type: 1 × DB37 female D-sub connector on the card
- Included Cable: M27033709015 – DB37 male to 4 × DB9 male breakout cable
- Power Supply: 12 V DC supplied via PCIe bus (no external power required)
- Board Dimensions: 112 mm (width) × 115 mm (length)
- Maximum Boards per System: 4 boards per PC supported
- Material: Industrial-grade PCB with high-quality isolation components and gold-plated connectors for signal integrity
- Operating Environment: Designed for industrial PC environments; typical operating temperature range 0°C to 60°C (manufacturer standard for similar models)
- Weight: Approximately 100–150 g (typical for PCIe communication cards of this size)

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4. Functionality
The COM-8564 functions as a multi-port serial communication interface card that enables a host PC to communicate with multiple RS422 or RS485 devices simultaneously. Each of the four ports operates independently, allowing concurrent data transmission and reception across multiple channels.

How It Works:
- The card is installed into a PCI Express slot on the host computer.
- Once installed, the operating system recognizes the card as four separate serial communication ports.
- Each port can be configured for RS422 or RS485 operation, depending on the connected devices and communication requirements.
- The onboard 16550 UART with 128-byte FIFO buffers ensures smooth data flow, reducing CPU overhead and preventing data loss during high-speed communication.
- Electrical isolation between channels (1 kVDC) protects both the host system and connected devices from transient voltages, ground potential differences, and electromagnetic interference.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation and control systems
- Data acquisition and monitoring equipment
- SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems
- Machine-to-machine (M2M) communication
- Embedded systems requiring multiple serial interfaces
- Laboratory instrumentation and test setups
- Communication with PLCs, sensors, and actuators over RS422/RS485 networks

Compatibility:
- Compatible with standard PCI Express slots (x1, x4, x8, x16)
- Works with major operating systems supporting PCIe serial communication drivers (Windows, Linux, and real-time OS variants)
- Compatible with RS422 and RS485 devices such as industrial controllers, sensors, and communication modules

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5. Components & Accessories
Included Items:
- COM-8564 PCIe 4-Port Isolated RS422/485 Card
- M27033709015 breakout cable (DB37 male to 4 × DB9 male)
- User documentation and installation guide (digital or printed)

Optional Accessories (available separately):
- Additional DB37-to-DB9 or DB37-to-terminal block adapters
- Shielded serial cables for extended communication distances
- PCIe slot brackets for low-profile or compact PC enclosures
- Surge protection modules for extreme industrial environments

Connectors:
- Onboard Connector: 1 × DB37 female D-sub (37-pin)
- Breakout Cable Connectors: 4 × DB9 male D-sub connectors (each corresponding to one isolated RS422/RS485 port)

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6. Installation & Setup
Requirements:
- Available PCI Express slot (x1 or higher)
- Compatible operating system with serial port driver support
- Standard PC or industrial computer chassis with sufficient ventilation

Installation Steps:
1. Power off the host computer and disconnect it from the power source.
2. Insert the COM-8564 card into an available PCIe slot, ensuring a secure connection.
3. Attach the DB37 breakout cable to the card’s DB37 female connector.
4. Connect RS422/RS485 devices to the DB9 connectors on the breakout cable.
5. Power on the computer and install the necessary drivers (if required).
6. Configure each serial port through the operating system’s device manager or communication software.

Mounting Options:
- Standard PCIe slot mounting with rear bracket
- Optional low-profile bracket for compact systems (if available)

Configuration:
- Port parameters (baud rate, parity, stop bits, data bits) configurable via software
- RS422/RS485 mode selection typically managed through onboard jumpers or software settings (depending on system design)

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7. Performance & Capabilities
Speed and Throughput:
- Supports baud rates up to 921.6 kBd per channel, enabling high-speed data exchange with industrial devices.
- 128-byte FIFO buffers per UART minimize data loss and ensure efficient communication even under heavy data loads.

Capacity and Scalability:
- Up to four COM-8564 cards can be installed in a single PC, providing a total of 16 isolated serial ports.
- Each port operates independently, allowing simultaneous communication with multiple devices or networks.

Efficiency:
- Bus-powered design reduces system complexity and power wiring requirements.
- Hardware-based isolation enhances signal integrity and reduces communication errors.

Limitations:
- Limited to RS422/RS485 communication standards (no RS232 support).
- Maximum of four cards per system as specified by the manufacturer.
- Isolation rating of 1 kVDC suitable for most industrial applications but may not meet extreme high-voltage isolation requirements.

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8. Standards & Compliance
Electrical and Interface Standards:
- Compliant with PCI Express Base Specification
- Conforms to RS422 and RS485 serial communication standards (TIA/EIA-422, TIA/EIA-485)

Safety and Isolation:
- 1 kVDC channel-to-channel isolation for enhanced safety and protection
- Designed to meet industrial EMC and ESD protection standards (typical for JS Automation products)

Regulatory Compliance:
- CE marking (Electromagnetic Compatibility and Low Voltage Directive compliance)
- RoHS compliant (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
- Manufactured under ISO 9001 quality management standards

Industry Standards:
- Compatible with industrial automation communication protocols utilizing RS422/RS485 physical layers (e.g., Modbus RTU, Profibus, BACnet MS/TP)

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9. Additional Information
Warranty:
- Standard manufacturer warranty (typically 1–2 years, depending on region and distributor policy) covering defects in materials and workmanship.

Technical Support:
- JS Automation provides technical documentation, driver downloads, and configuration guides through its official support channels.
- Email and online support available for installation and troubleshooting assistance.

Maintenance:
- No routine maintenance required beyond standard dust removal and connector inspection.
- Periodic verification of cable connections recommended for optimal performance.

Firmware and Software Updates:
- Firmware updates (if applicable) available through JS Automation’s support portal.
- Compatible with standard serial communication software and terminal emulators.

Reliability and Longevity:
- Designed for continuous operation in industrial environments.
- High-quality isolation components and robust PCB design ensure long service life.

Summary:
The JS Automation COM-8564 PCIe 4-Port Isolated RS422/485 Card is a versatile, high-performance communication interface tailored for industrial and embedded applications requiring multiple isolated serial connections. With its 1 kVDC isolation, 128-byte FIFO UARTs, and support for baud rates up to 921.6 kBd, it delivers reliable, noise-resistant data transmission across four independent channels. The inclusion of a DB37-to-DB9 breakout cable simplifies integration, while PCIe bus power and compact dimensions make it ideal for space-constrained systems. Supporting up to four cards per PC, the COM-8564 offers scalable, robust, and efficient serial communication for automation, control, and data acquisition environments.