1. Product Overview

Product Name: PCIe 64-Port RS422/RS485 Intelligent Multiport Solution
Model: A2064
Series: A320 Advanced PCIe Intelligent Multiport Card Series
Article Number: A2064
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
Web: [www.rayontech.com](http://www.rayontech.com)

The Rayon A2064 (A320 series) is a high-density PCI Express intelligent serial communication card designed to provide up to 64 RS422/RS485 serial ports through modular connector boxes. It is engineered for industrial, server, and multi-user environments requiring large-scale serial connectivity with minimal system resource consumption. The card integrates an intelligent processor, supports both memory-mapped and I/O-mapped configurations, and is compatible with a wide range of operating systems including DOS, Windows (95 through 7), Linux, and SCO OpenServer.

---

2. Key Features

- High Port Density: Supports up to 64 serial ports via a single PCIe slot using modular expansion boxes (NF216, NF316, IF208, IF308).
- Single IRQ Operation: All 64 ports share one interrupt request line, minimizing system resource usage.
- Flexible Interface Configuration: Each port can be configured as RS422 or RS485 via DIP switch settings on the connector boxes.
- Intelligent Processor Architecture: Incorporates a local intelligent processor for efficient data handling and reduced CPU load.
- Wide OS Compatibility: Drivers available for DOS, Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/Vista/7, Linux, and SCO OpenServer.
- Scalable Design: Expandable from 8 to 64 ports in seconds by daisy-chaining connector boxes.
- Ground Isolation: Optional IF-series boxes provide galvanic isolation for industrial environments.
- High Reliability: FIFO-type UART controllers ensure stable, high-speed data transmission.
- Flexible Flow Control: Supports both hardware (RTS/CTS) and software (XON/XOFF) flow control.
- Industrial-Grade Build: Designed for continuous operation in 5°C–40°C environments with 10–90% relative humidity.
- Plug-and-Play PCIe Interface: Fully compliant with PCI Express bus standards for easy installation and configuration.

---

3. Technical Specifications

Card Specifications (A320 / A2064):
- Bus Interface: PCI Express (3.3V and 5V, 33MHz)
- Form Factor: PCIe x1 compatible
- Dimensions: 122 mm × 86 mm (approx. 10.0 × 9.5 cm)
- Maximum Cards per System: 2
- Connector Type: DB37 male connector (to A640 cable)
- Included Cable: A640 cable, 0.7 m length
- Memory Map Model:
- 128 bytes for PCI controller
- Two 4 KB regions 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
- Operating Voltage: 3.3V / 5V PCIe slot compatible
- Operating Temperature: 5°C to 40°C
- Storage Temperature: 0°C to 65°C
- Operating Humidity: 10%–90% RH
- Storage Humidity: 5%–90% RH
- Material: Industrial-grade PCB with EMI shielding

Connector Box Options:
- NF216: RS422/RS485 selectable, 16 ports per box
- NF316: RS232/RS422/RS485 selectable, 16 ports per box
- IF208: Ground-isolated RS422/RS485, 8 ports per box
- IF308: Ground-isolated RS232/RS422/RS485, 8 ports per box
- Connector Type: DB9 male connectors
- Controller: FIFO type 16C554 UART chip
- Baud Rate: 110–115,200 bps (configurable per port)
- Flow Control: XON/XOFF (software), RTS/CTS (hardware)
- Box Dimensions: 268 × 128 × 38 mm
- Box Operating Environment: 5°C–40°C, 10–90% RH

---

4. Functionality

The A2064 PCIe card functions as an intelligent multiport serial communication controller. It interfaces with external connector boxes via the A640 cable, enabling modular expansion of serial ports. Each connector box houses multiple UART controllers and provides DB9 connectors for RS422/RS485 communication.

Operation Principle:
- The card’s onboard intelligent processor manages data flow between the host CPU and serial ports, reducing CPU overhead.
- The PCI BIOS assigns memory or I/O resources automatically.
- Each port can be configured for RS422 (point-to-point) or RS485 (multi-drop) communication.
- Ground-isolated versions (IF-series) protect against electrical interference and ground loops.

Use Cases:
- Industrial automation and control systems
- Data acquisition and instrumentation
- Multi-terminal communication servers
- POS and kiosk systems
- SCADA and telemetry networks
- Serial device networking and monitoring

Compatibility:
- Compatible with NF and IF series connector boxes.
- Supports daisy-chaining up to 8 boxes for 64 ports.
- Works with Rayon’s P640NU, P990F, and IOP3927F cards for hybrid configurations.

---

5. Components & Accessories

Included:
- A2064 PCIe intelligent multiport card
- A640 0.7 m DB37 cable
- Driver and installation media (Windows/Linux/SCO)
- Documentation and user manual

Optional Accessories:
- NF216/NF316 Boxes: 16-port RS422/RS485 or RS232/RS485 modules
- IF208/IF308 Boxes: 8-port ground-isolated RS422/RS485 or RS232/RS485 modules
- Mounting Brackets: For daisy-chained box installations
- Extended Cables: For longer distance between card and boxes
- P640NU Card: PCI variant compatible with same connector boxes

Connectors:
- DB37 male on card
- DB9 male on connector boxes
- 37-pin daisy-chain connectors between boxes

---

6. Installation & Setup

Hardware Installation:
1. Power off the PC and disconnect AC power.
2. Insert the A2064 card into an available PCIe slot.
3. Connect the A640 cable from the card’s DB37 connector to the first connector box.
4. Daisy-chain additional boxes using 37-pin connectors (up to 8 boxes).
5. Secure boxes using provided brackets if multiple units are used.
6. Power on the system and verify BIOS detection.

Software Installation:
- Windows 95/98/Me: Use I/O map mode driver (A:\WIN95).
- Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista/7: Use memory map driver (A:\WIN2000).
- Linux: Install source-based driver from /etc/rayon directory using `./Install`.
- SCO OpenServer: Use `/etc/custom` or `tar` installation method to build kernel module.

Configuration:
- Assign COM port start numbers via driver setup utility.
- Configure port parameters (baud rate, parity, stop bits) through OS device manager or terminal software.
- DIP switches on connector boxes select RS422 or RS485 mode per port.

Mounting Options:
- Single box standalone installation
- Multi-box daisy-chain (up to 8 units)
- Rack or panel mounting using brackets

---

7. Performance & Capabilities

- Maximum Ports: 64 per card (8 boxes × 8 ports or 4 boxes × 16 ports)
- Maximum Cards per System: 2 (128 ports total)
- Baud Rate Range: 110–115,200 bps (standard); up to 230,400 bps in some configurations
- Data Handling: FIFO buffering via 16C554 UARTs
- Flow Control: Hardware (RTS/CTS) and software (XON/XOFF)
- Signal Isolation: Up to 2 kV (IF-series boxes)
- Transmission Distance:
- RS422: up to 1,200 m
- RS485: up to 1,200 m (multi-drop)
- Efficiency: Single IRQ for all ports reduces CPU load
- Latency: Optimized through intelligent local processor
- Limitations:
- DOS/Win9x limited to I/O map mode
- Max two cards per system
- Requires proper IRQ assignment in non-APIC systems

---

8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Interface: PCI Express 3.3V/5V, 33MHz
- UART Compliance: 16C554 FIFO standard
- Electrical Standards:
- RS422 (TIA/EIA-422-B)
- RS485 (TIA/EIA-485-A)
- Isolation (IF-series): Ground isolation per industrial safety standards
- Operating System Drivers: Certified for Windows and Linux distributions
- Environmental Compliance: RoHS-compliant manufacturing
- Industry Standards:
- PCI Local Bus Specification 2.3
- FCC Class A / CE EMC compliance (typical for industrial cards)

---

9. Additional Information

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

Support & Maintenance:
- Technical support via email (rayon@ms1.hinet.net).
- Firmware and driver updates available from [www.rayontech.com](http://www.rayontech.com).
- RMA procedure requires model, serial number, and fault description.

Maintenance Recommendations:
- Ensure proper grounding and shielding in industrial environments.
- Avoid hot-swapping connector boxes while powered.
- Periodically inspect cables and connectors for wear.

Related Products:
- P640NU PCI Card: Compatible with same connector boxes.
- P990F Card: Built-in Intel 80960JF local processor.
- IOP3927F Card: 133 MHz MIPS-based intelligent processor card.
- IF108/IF208/IF308 Boxes: Ground-isolated 8-port modules for mixed RS232/RS422/RS485 applications.

Software Utilities:
- etty: Port testing utility for data transmission verification.
- om: Monitoring tool for real-time port activity (Linux/SCO).
- Setup Utility: Windows configuration tool for COM port assignment.

Expansion & Scalability:
- Modular design allows incremental expansion from 8 to 64 ports.
- Daisy-chain topology supports up to 8 connector boxes per card.
- Compatible with both RS232 and RS422/RS485 environments through mixed box configurations.

---

Summary

The Rayon A2064 PCIe 64-Port RS422/RS485 solution (A320 series) is a robust, intelligent, and scalable serial communication platform designed for industrial and enterprise applications requiring high-density serial connectivity. With support for up to 64 ports per card, flexible interface configuration, and broad OS compatibility, it provides a cost-effective and efficient solution for multi-terminal systems, automation networks, and data acquisition infrastructures. Its intelligent processor architecture, ground isolation options, and single-IRQ design ensure high performance, reliability, and ease of integration in demanding environments.