1. Product Overview

Product Name: PCIe 32-Port Ground Isolated RS232 Solution
Model: A1032I
Series: A320 Intelligent Multiport Series
Article Number: A1032I
Manufacturer: Rayon Technology Co., Ltd.
Manufacturer Address: 2F, No. 177, Chung Shan 2 Rd., Lu Chou City, Taipei Hsien, Taiwan
Contact: Tel: +886-2-82858362 | Fax: +886-2-82857065
Email: rayon@ms1.hinet.net / info@rayontech.com.tw
Website: [www.rayontech.com](http://www.rayontech.com)

The Rayon A1032I is an advanced PCI Express (PCIe) multiport serial communication card designed to provide 32 ground-isolated RS232 serial ports through a single PCIe slot. It is part of Rayon’s A320 intelligent multiport architecture, which supports scalable configurations from 8 up to 64 ports. The A1032I integrates intelligent resource management, high-speed UART controllers, and robust isolation for industrial and server-grade serial communication applications.

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2. Key Features

- High-Density Serial Expansion: Supports 32 independent ground-isolated RS232 ports via one PCIe slot using four IF108 connector boxes.
- Intelligent Multiport Architecture: Based on the A320 intelligent card platform, capable of scaling up to 64 ports per system.
- Ground Isolation: Each IF108 box provides galvanic isolation for all RS232 channels, ensuring protection against ground loops and electrical noise.
- Single IRQ Operation: All 32 ports share one interrupt request line, minimizing system resource usage.
- Wide OS Compatibility: Supports DOS, Windows 95/98/Me, NT, 2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7, Linux, and SCO OpenServer.
- Flexible System Mapping: Supports both memory-mapped and I/O-mapped resource allocation models, configurable via PCI BIOS.
- High Reliability: Designed for industrial environments with 5°C–40°C operating temperature and 10–90% RH humidity tolerance.
- Comprehensive Flow Control: Supports both hardware (RTS/CTS) and software (XON/XOFF) handshaking.
- Plug-and-Play PCIe Interface: Fully compliant with PCI Express bus standards, supporting 3.3V signaling.
- Compact Form Factor: 10.0 × 9.5 cm card size suitable for standard desktop or industrial PC enclosures.
- Bundled Accessories: Includes A640 0.7m cable for connection between the card and IF108 boxes.

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3. Technical Specifications

Card Specifications (A1032I / A320 Platform):
- Bus Interface: PCI Express (PCIe) 3.3V slot
- Supported Bus Frequency: 33 MHz
- Maximum Cards per System: 2
- Memory Map Model:
- 128 bytes for PCI controller
- Two 4 KB blocks for UART controllers
- I/O Map Model:
- 128 bytes I/O for PCI controller
- 256 bytes I/O for UART controller
- 64 bytes I/O for status registers
- IRQ Assignment: One free IRQ assigned automatically by PCI BIOS
- Dimensions: 100 mm × 95 mm
- Weight: Approx. 120 g (card only)
- Material: Multi-layer PCB with EMI shielding and gold-plated edge connector
- Operating Temperature: 5°C to 40°C
- Storage Temperature: 0°C to 65°C
- Operating Humidity: 10%–90% RH (non-condensing)
- Storage Humidity: 5%–90% RH

Connector Box (IF108) Specifications:
- Interface Type: Ground Isolated RS232C
- Controller: FIFO type 16C554 UART chip
- Ports per Box: 8
- Connector Type: DB9 male connectors (8 per box)
- Baud Rate: 110 to 115,200 bps (supports 50, 75, 150 bps mapping for UNIX systems)
- Flow Control: XON/XOFF (software), RTS/CTS (hardware)
- Isolation: Full ground isolation per port
- Dimensions: 268 × 128 × 38 mm
- Operating Temperature: 5°C–40°C
- Storage Temperature: 0°C–65°C
- Humidity: 10%–90% RH operating, 5%–90% RH storage

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4. Functionality

The A1032I functions as an intelligent serial communication controller that expands a single PCIe slot into 32 isolated RS232 ports. It uses the A320 intelligent multiport card as the core processing unit, interfacing with four IF108 connector boxes via A640 cables. Each IF108 box provides eight isolated RS232 ports, each managed by a dedicated 16C554 UART controller.

Operation Principle:
- The A320 card communicates with the host system through the PCIe bus.
- The onboard intelligent processor manages data flow between the host CPU and the UART controllers, reducing CPU load.
- Each UART controller handles serial data transmission and reception independently, supporting full-duplex communication.
- Ground isolation in IF108 boxes prevents electrical interference and ensures signal integrity across industrial environments.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation systems requiring multiple isolated serial connections.
- Data acquisition and control systems.
- POS and kiosk systems with multiple serial peripherals.
- Communication servers and console management systems.
- Laboratory instrumentation and test environments.
- SCADA and process control networks.

Compatibility:
- Fully compatible with standard RS232C signaling.
- Supports legacy and modern operating systems.
- Compatible with other Rayon connector boxes (IF208, IF308, NF116, NF216, NF316) for mixed interface configurations.

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- A1032I PCIe card (A320 intelligent multiport base)
- Four IF108 ground-isolated RS232 connector boxes (8 ports each)
- One A640 connection cable (0.7 m, DB37 male connector)
- Driver and installation media (Windows/Linux/SCO)
- User manual and installation guide

Optional Accessories:
- Additional A640 cables (various lengths)
- IF208 (RS422/RS485 isolated) or IF308 (RS232/RS422/RS485 selectable) boxes
- Mounting brackets for daisy-chained box installations
- P640NU PCI card (alternative interface card using same connector boxes)
- P990F and IOP3927F intelligent cards with onboard processors for advanced configurations

Connectors:
- Card-to-box: DB37 male connector
- Box-to-device: DB9 male connectors (8 per IF108 box)
- Daisy-chain: 37-pin D-type connectors (male/female) between boxes

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6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- IBM PC/AT or compatible system
- Available PCIe slot (3.3V)
- Supported OS: DOS, Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/Vista/7, Linux, SCO OpenServer
- Minimum 300W power supply recommended for multi-box configurations

Installation Steps:
1. Power off the system and insert the A1032I card into an available PCIe slot.
2. Connect the A640 cable from the card’s DB37 connector to the first IF108 box.
3. Daisy-chain additional IF108 boxes if required (up to four for 32 ports).
4. Secure boxes using provided brackets if mounted in rack or chassis.
5. Power on the system; the PCI BIOS will assign resources automatically.
6. Install the appropriate driver for your operating system.
7. Verify port availability via Device Manager (Windows) or /dev/tty devices (Linux).

Configuration:
- COM port numbering can be adjusted via driver setup utilities.
- DIP switches on IF108 boxes are factory-set for RS232 operation.
- For UNIX/Linux, device names follow the pattern `/dev/tty6[1–4][a–h]`.
- Only one IRQ is used for all ports, simplifying resource management.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Port Count: 32 RS232 ports (via four IF108 boxes)
- Baud Rate Range: 110–115,200 bps (supports 50–230,400 bps in extended modes)
- Data Bits: 5, 6, 7, or 8 bits
- Stop Bits: 1 or 2
- Parity: None, Even, Odd, Mark, Space
- Flow Control: RTS/CTS, XON/XOFF
- Isolation Voltage: >500V DC between ports and system ground
- Transmission Mode: Full-duplex asynchronous serial communication
- Latency: <1 ms typical per port
- Maximum Cable Length: Up to 15 meters per RS232 connection (standard)
- Efficiency: Single IRQ and shared memory mapping reduce CPU overhead by up to 80% compared to non-intelligent cards.
- Limitations:
- Maximum of two A1032I cards per system (64 ports total).
- RS232 only; for RS422/RS485 use IF208 or IF308 boxes.
- Requires proper driver installation for full functionality under modern OS.

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Interface: PCI Express 3.3V, 33 MHz compliant
- Serial Interface: EIA/TIA RS232C standard
- Isolation: Meets industrial ground isolation standards
- EMC Compliance: Designed for FCC Class A and CE industrial environments
- Environmental Compliance: RoHS compliant materials
- Software Drivers: Certified for Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista/7, Linux kernel 2.4.x–2.6.x, SCO OpenServer 5.x
- Industry Standards:
- UART 16C554 FIFO architecture
- PCI BIOS resource mapping standards
- Compatible with POSIX serial communication APIs

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9. Additional Information

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

Support & Maintenance:
- Technical support via email (rayon@ms1.hinet.net / info@rayontech.com.tw).
- Firmware and driver updates available from [www.rayontech.com](http://www.rayontech.com).
- RMA (Return Material Authorization) required for repairs; contact Rayon Service Center for authorization number and return instructions.
- Out-of-warranty repairs available at flat-rate service charge.

Maintenance Recommendations:
- Ensure proper grounding and shielding of cables.
- Avoid hot-swapping connector boxes while powered.
- Periodically inspect connectors for oxidation or mechanical wear.
- Keep operating environment within specified temperature and humidity ranges.

Software Updates:
- Updated drivers for Windows 7 and Linux distributions are periodically released.
- Source-level Linux drivers provided for kernel customization.
- Diagnostic utilities (“etty” and “om”) available for port testing and monitoring.

Related Products:
- P640NU PCI Card: 32-port PCI version using same connector boxes.
- P990F Card: Features Intel 80960JF local processor for high-performance applications.
- IOP3927F Card: Incorporates 133 MHz MIPS processor and dual-port RAM for intelligent I/O processing.
- IF208 / IF308 Boxes: Provide RS422/RS485 or mixed interface options with ground isolation.

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Summary

The Rayon A1032I PCIe 32-Port Ground Isolated RS232 Solution is a robust, scalable, and intelligent serial communication platform designed for industrial and enterprise environments requiring multiple isolated RS232 connections. Built on the proven A320 intelligent architecture, it combines high port density, electrical isolation, and broad OS compatibility in a compact PCIe form factor. With support for up to 32 ports per card and 64 ports per system, the A1032I delivers reliable, high-performance serial communication for automation, data acquisition, and networked control systems.