1. Product Overview

Product Name: PCIe 16-Port RS422/485 Solution
Model: A2016
Article Number: A2016
Series: A320 Intelligent Multiport PCIe Series
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 A2016 is a high-performance PCI Express (PCIe) serial communication solution designed for industrial and enterprise applications requiring multiple RS422/RS485 serial interfaces. It is part of Rayon’s A320 intelligent multiport card family, capable of supporting up to 64 serial ports through modular expansion. The A2016 provides a 16-port RS422/RS485 configuration, optimized for data acquisition, automation, and communication control systems.

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2. Key Features

- High-Density Serial Expansion: Supports up to 64 serial ports per PCIe slot using expansion connector boxes (NF216, NF316, IF208, IF308).
- Single IRQ Resource: All ports share one IRQ, minimizing system resource usage.
- Flexible Interface Configuration: Each port can be configured as RS422 or RS485 via DIP switch settings.
- Ground Isolation: Optional IF-series boxes provide galvanic isolation for industrial environments.
- Wide OS Compatibility: Supports DOS, Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/Vista/7, Linux, and SCO OpenServer.
- High-Speed Communication: Configurable baud rates from 110 to 115,200 bps per port.
- Flow Control Options: Supports both software (XON/XOFF) and hardware (RTS/CTS) handshaking.
- Intelligent Processor Architecture: Built-in intelligent processor for efficient data handling and reduced CPU load.
- Plug-and-Play PCIe Interface: Fully compliant with PCI Express bus standards for easy installation.
- Compact Design: 10.0 × 9.5 cm card size suitable for standard PC enclosures.
- Industrial Reliability: Designed for continuous operation in 5–40°C environments with 10–90% relative humidity.

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3. Technical Specifications

Card Specifications (A320 Base):
- Bus Interface: PCI Express (PCIe) 3.3V, 33 MHz
- Supported Slots: 3.3V and 5V PCIe slots
- Maximum Cards per System: 2
- Memory Map Model:
- 128 bytes for PCI controller
- Two 4 KB blocks for UART controller
- I/O Map Model:
- 128 bytes I/O for PCI controller
- 256 bytes I/O for UART controller
- 64 bytes I/O for status register
- IRQ Assignment: One free IRQ assigned by PCI BIOS
- Dimensions: 100 mm × 95 mm
- Weight: Approx. 120 g (card only)
- Connector: DB37 male connector
- Included Cable: A640 0.7 m cable
- Material: Multi-layer PCB with EMI shielding

Environmental Conditions:
- 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

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4. Functionality

The A2016 functions as a PCIe-based intelligent serial communication controller. It interfaces with external connector boxes (NF216 or IF208) through the A640 cable, providing 16 RS422/RS485 ports. Each port can be configured independently for RS422 (point-to-point) or RS485 (multi-drop) communication.

Use Cases:
- Industrial automation and control systems
- Data acquisition and monitoring
- SCADA and PLC communication
- Serial device networking and integration
- Multi-terminal communication servers
- Embedded system development requiring multiple serial interfaces

Compatibility:
- Operating Systems: DOS, Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/Vista/7, Linux, SCO OpenServer
- Hardware: Compatible with standard PCIe slots on x86-based PCs and industrial computers
- Software Drivers: Provided for all supported OS platforms, including source-level Linux drivers for kernel integration

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Components:
- A2016 PCIe 16-Port RS422/485 Card
- A640 0.7 m DB37-to-connector cable
- Driver and utility software package
- Installation manual and documentation

Compatible Connector Boxes:
- NF216 Box: 16-port RS422/RS485 selectable interface, DB9 male connectors
- NF316 Box: 16-port RS232/RS422/RS485 selectable interface, DB9 male connectors
- IF208 Box: 8-port ground-isolated RS422/RS485 selectable interface, DB9 male connectors
- IF308 Box: 8-port ground-isolated RS232/RS422/RS485 selectable interface, DB9 male connectors

Optional Accessories:
- Additional A640 cables for extended configurations
- Daisy-chain brackets for multi-box mounting (up to 8 boxes)
- Power isolation modules for industrial environments

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6. Installation & Setup

Hardware Installation:
1. Power off the host system and insert the A2016 card into an available PCIe slot.
2. Secure the card with the bracket screw.
3. Connect the A640 cable to the DB37 connector on the card.
4. Attach the other end of the cable to the NF216 or IF208 connector box.
5. Power on the system and verify BIOS detection of the PCIe device.

Software Setup:
- Windows: Use the provided driver disk or specify the path (e.g., A:\WIN2000) when prompted by the OS.
- Linux: Install via source-based driver package located in `/etc/rayon`. Run `./Install` and select the appropriate kernel version.
- SCO UNIX: Use `/etc/custom` or `tar` installation methods to integrate the driver into the kernel.

Configuration:
- DIP switches on the connector boxes allow per-port selection of RS422 or RS485 mode.
- COM port numbering can be adjusted through the driver setup utility.
- Baud rate and flow control settings are configurable via software or terminal commands.

Mounting Options:
- Connector boxes can be daisy-chained (up to 8 units) using 37-pin cables.
- Brackets are available for fixed rack or panel mounting.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Maximum Ports per Card: 64 (using expansion boxes)
- Default Configuration: 16 RS422/RS485 ports
- Baud Rate Range: 110 to 115,200 bps (supports 50–230,400 bps in extended mode)
- Flow Control: XON/XOFF (software), RTS/CTS (hardware)
- Data Bits: 5, 6, 7, or 8 bits
- Stop Bits: 1 or 2
- Parity: None, Even, Odd
- Isolation (IF Series): Ground isolation per port
- Latency: <1 ms typical at 115,200 bps
- Throughput: Up to 64 simultaneous serial streams
- System Load: Minimal CPU utilization due to intelligent processor offloading
- Limitations: Maximum of two cards per system; total 128 ports

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Interface: PCI Express 3.3V, 33 MHz compliant
- Serial Standards:
- RS422 (TIA/EIA-422-B)
- RS485 (TIA/EIA-485-A)
- RS232 (for compatible boxes)
- Electrical Isolation: Up to 2.5 kV (IF-series boxes)
- EMI/EMC Compliance: Designed to meet CE and FCC Class A industrial standards
- Environmental Compliance: RoHS-compliant materials and manufacturing
- Software Standards: Compatible with POSIX serial communication APIs under UNIX/Linux

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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 faults.

Support & Maintenance:
- Technical support available via email and web resources.
- Firmware and driver updates provided through Rayon’s support portal.
- RMA (Return Material Authorization) process available for defective units.

Maintenance Recommendations:
- Ensure adequate ventilation and avoid high-humidity environments.
- Disconnect power before connecting or disconnecting external boxes.
- Periodically inspect cables and connectors for wear or oxidation.

Update Policy:
- Rayon provides updated drivers for new OS versions (e.g., Windows 10/11, modern Linux kernels).
- Backward compatibility maintained for legacy systems.

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Summary

The Rayon A2016 PCIe 16-Port RS422/485 Solution is a robust, scalable, and intelligent serial communication platform engineered for industrial and enterprise environments. Leveraging the A320 intelligent multiport architecture, it provides high-density serial connectivity with minimal system overhead. Its modular design allows expansion up to 64 ports per card, supporting both isolated and non-isolated configurations. With comprehensive OS driver support, flexible configuration options, and industrial-grade reliability, the A2016 is ideal for applications requiring stable, high-performance serial communication across multiple devices and protocols.