1. Product Overview

Product Name: PCIe 48-Port Serial Communication Solution
Model: A3048
Series: A320 Intelligent Multiport PCIe Series
Article Number: A3048
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 A3048 is a high-density PCI Express (PCIe) serial communication card designed for industrial and enterprise applications requiring multiple serial interfaces. It provides up to 48 configurable RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 ports through modular connector boxes, offering flexible connectivity for data acquisition, automation, and communication systems. The A3048 is part of Rayon’s A320 intelligent multiport architecture, supporting expansion up to 64 ports per card and up to two cards per system.

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2. Key Features

- High Port Density: Supports up to 48 serial ports (expandable to 64) in a single PCIe slot.
- Flexible Interface Configuration: Each port can be individually configured as RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485.
- Intelligent Processor Architecture: Built around a 3.3V intelligent processor supporting 8–64 ports with memory-mapped or I/O-mapped operation.
- Unified IRQ Management: Only one IRQ is required for all ports, minimizing system resource usage.
- Broad OS Compatibility: Supports DOS, Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/Vista/7, Linux, and SCO OpenServer.
- High-Speed Communication: Baud rates configurable from 110 to 115,200 bps per port.
- Advanced Flow Control: Supports both XON/XOFF software and RTS/CTS hardware handshaking.
- Ground Isolation (optional): Available through IF-series connector boxes for electrically noisy environments.
- Compact PCIe Design: 3.3V and 5V 33MHz PCI slot compatibility; maximum two cards per system.
- Included Cable: Supplied with A640 0.7m DB37 male cable for connection to external boxes.
- Industrial Reliability: Designed for continuous operation in industrial temperature and humidity ranges.

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3. Technical Specifications

Card Dimensions: 122 mm × 86 mm (approx. 10.0 × 9.5 cm)
Weight: Approx. 150 g (card only)
Material: Multi-layer PCB with EMI shielding and gold-plated PCIe edge connector
Power Requirements: 3.3V and 5V PCIe slot power, 33 MHz bus frequency
Maximum Cards per System: 2
Connector Type: DB37 male on card; DB9 male on external boxes
Included Cable: A640 0.7 m shielded cable
Operating Temperature: 5°C to 40°C
Storage Temperature: 0°C to 65°C
Operating Humidity: 10% to 90% RH (non-condensing)
Storage Humidity: 5% to 90% RH
Supported Baud Rates: 110, 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 76800, 115200 bps
Flow Control: XON/XOFF (software), RTS/CTS (hardware)
Memory Map: 128 bytes for PCI controller, two 4 KB blocks for UART controller
I/O Map: 128 bytes for PCI controller, 256 bytes for UART controller, 64 bytes for status register
IRQ: One free IRQ assigned by PCI BIOS

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4. Functionality

The A3048 operates as an intelligent multiport serial communication controller. It uses a local processor to manage data flow between the host CPU and external serial devices, reducing CPU load and improving system throughput. The card connects to external multiport connector boxes (NF or IF series) via the A640 cable, each box providing 8 or 16 ports depending on model.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation and control systems
- Data acquisition and instrumentation
- POS and kiosk systems
- Communication servers and terminal concentrators
- SCADA and process control networks
- Multi-user UNIX/Linux environments

Compatibility:
- PCIe bus interface (3.3V/5V, 33 MHz)
- Operating systems: DOS, Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/Vista/7, Linux, SCO OpenServer
- Compatible connector boxes: NF116, NF216, NF316, IF108, IF208, IF308

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Components:
- A3048 PCIe card
- A640 0.7 m DB37 male cable
- Driver and utility software package (Windows/Linux/SCO)
- Documentation and installation guide

Optional Connector Boxes:
- NF116: 16-port RS-232C compatible box
- NF216: 16-port RS-422/RS-485 selectable box
- NF316: 16-port RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 selectable box
- IF108: 8-port ground-isolated RS-232C box
- IF208: 8-port ground-isolated RS-422/RS-485 selectable box
- IF308: 8-port ground-isolated RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 selectable box

Connector Box Specifications:
- Built-in FIFO type 16C554 UART controller
- DB9 male connectors per port
- DIP switch configuration for interface type (RS-232/422/485)
- Dimensions: 268 × 128 × 38 mm
- Daisy-chain capability up to 8 boxes (64 ports total)

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6. Installation & Setup

Hardware Installation:
1. Power off the PC and disconnect AC power.
2. Insert the A3048 card into an available PCIe slot.
3. Connect the A640 cable from the card’s DB37 connector to the first external box.
4. Daisy-chain additional boxes if required (up to 8 total).
5. Secure boxes using provided brackets for multi-box configurations.
6. Power on the system and verify BIOS detection.

Software Installation:
- Windows: Plug-and-play detection; specify driver path (A:\WIN2000 or equivalent).
- Linux: Install source-based driver via `/etc/rayon/Install` script; supports kernel 2.2–2.6+.
- SCO UNIX: Install via `/etc/custom` or `tar` method; rebuild kernel after installation.
- DOS: Use I/O map mode only; run `P640N` installer from DOS directory.

Configuration:
- Assign COM port start numbers via driver setup utility.
- Configure interface type (RS-232/422/485) using DIP switches on connector boxes.
- Verify operation using provided test utilities (`etty`, `om`).

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Port Capacity: Up to 64 ports per card (48 standard configuration).
- Data Rate: 110–115,200 bps per port; supports 230,400 bps in compatible modes.
- Throughput: Optimized via intelligent local processor and dual-port memory architecture.
- Latency: Reduced CPU overhead through dedicated UART management.
- Flow Control: Full-duplex communication with hardware/software handshaking.
- Isolation: Optional galvanic isolation on IF-series boxes for industrial environments.
- Expansion: Two cards per system, supporting up to 128 total ports.
- Limitations: I/O map mode limited to 32 ports; memory map mode required for >32 ports or advanced OS.

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Interface: PCI Express (3.3V/5V, 33 MHz)
- UART Controller: FIFO type 16C554
- Signal Standards: RS-232C, RS-422, RS-485 (EIA/TIA compliant)
- Isolation: Ground isolation per IEC 60950 (IF-series boxes)
- Environmental Compliance: RoHS compliant materials
- Operating Systems Supported: DOS, Windows 95–7, Linux, SCO OpenServer
- Industry Standards: Compatible with PC/AT architecture and standard COM port addressing
- Certifications: CE and FCC Class A (industrial environments)

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

Repair Policy:
- Warranty repairs free of charge for verified defects.
- Out-of-warranty repairs available at flat-rate service charge.
- RMA authorization required before returning products.

Utilities & Tools:
- etty: Serial port transmission test utility.
- om: Real-time port monitoring tool (supports up to 64 ports).
- setup: COM port configuration utility for Windows/Linux.

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

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### Summary

The Rayon A3048 PCIe 48-Port RS-232/422/485 Solution is a robust, scalable, and intelligent serial communication platform designed for high-density industrial and enterprise applications. Leveraging the A320 intelligent multiport architecture, it provides flexible configuration, high reliability, and broad OS support. With modular connector boxes, ground isolation options, and unified IRQ management, the A3048 delivers exceptional performance for multi-user, automation, and data communication systems. Its combination of hardware intelligence, software versatility, and industrial-grade design makes it a comprehensive solution for complex serial networking environments.