1. Product Overview

Product Name: PCI 2-Port RS232 Card (Ground Isolated)
Model: AP102-I
Series: Advanced PCI Card Series
Article Number: AP102
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
Websites: [www.rayontech.com.tw](http://www.rayontech.com.tw), [www.computex.com.tw/rayon](http://www.computex.com.tw/rayon)

The Rayon AP102-I is a PCI-based dual-port RS232 serial communication card designed for industrial and commercial applications requiring reliable, isolated serial connectivity. It provides two independent RS232 ports with ground isolation, each configurable via DIP switches, and supports data rates from 50 to 230,400 bps. The card is fully Plug & Play compatible, with I/O, memory, and IRQ resources automatically assigned by the PCI BIOS. It is built around the ASIX MCS9865 serial communication controller, ensuring compatibility and performance across multiple operating systems including Windows and Linux.

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2. Key Features

- Dual RS232 Ports: Two independent serial ports per card, each configurable and isolated.
- Ground Isolation: Each RS232 interface is electrically isolated to protect the host system from ground loops and electrical surges.
- ASIX MCS9865 Controller: High-performance UART controller compatible with 16950A standard, supporting advanced buffering and high-speed data transfer.
- Configurable Baud Rate: Each port supports baud rates from 50 bps to 230,400 bps, suitable for a wide range of serial devices.
- Plug & Play PCI Interface: Fully compliant with PCI specifications; I/O, memory, and IRQ resources are automatically assigned by the system BIOS.
- DIP Switch Configuration: Each port can be individually configured using onboard DIP switches for flexible deployment.
- DB9 Male Connectors: Standard 9-pin male connectors for direct connection to serial devices.
- Operating System Support: Compatible with Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8, and Linux distributions.
- Industrial-Grade Design: Designed for industrial control systems, automation, and embedded applications requiring robust serial communication.
- Low Profile Option: Optional low-profile bracket available for compact or rack-mounted systems.
- Single Voltage Operation: Operates on 5V PCI bus only, ensuring stable performance in standard PCI slots.
- Ground-Isolated RS232 Interface: Prevents electrical interference and protects the motherboard from voltage spikes.
- Wide Environmental Tolerance: Operates in temperatures from 0°C to 55°C and humidity up to 95% RH.

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3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|-------------------|
| Bus Interface | PCI 2.2 compliant, 32-bit, 33 MHz |
| Controller IC | ASIX MCS9865 (16950A compatible) |
| Ports | 2 independent RS232 ports |
| Connector Type | 2 × DB9 male connectors |
| Baud Rate | 50 to 230,400 bps |
| 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 | Ground isolated per port |
| Voltage Requirement | 5V PCI slot only |
| Dimensions | 100 mm × 97 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 80–100 g (typical) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 55°C |
| Storage Temperature | 0°C to 65°C |
| Operating Humidity | 10% to 95% RH (non-condensing) |
| Storage Humidity | 5% to 95% RH |
| Material | Multi-layer PCB with gold-plated PCI edge connector |
| Bracket Options | Standard PCI bracket; low-profile bracket available on request |

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4. Functionality

The AP102-I functions as a dual-port RS232 communication interface for desktop or industrial PCs equipped with a PCI slot. Each port operates independently and can be configured via DIP switches. The card’s ground isolation ensures that electrical noise or potential differences between connected devices do not affect the host system, making it ideal for industrial automation, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial control systems and PLC communication
- SCADA and process monitoring
- Serial device networking (sensors, meters, barcode scanners)
- POS systems and kiosks
- Laboratory instrumentation
- Embedded system integration
- Legacy serial device connectivity in modern PCs

Compatibility:
- Compatible with 5V PCI slots (not suitable for 3.3V-only PCIe systems).
- Supported operating systems: Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8, and Linux (kernel 2.6.x and above).
- Plug & Play resource allocation ensures automatic configuration without manual IRQ or I/O address setup.

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- 1 × AP102-I PCI card
- 1 × Standard PCI bracket (low-profile optional)
- 1 × User manual and driver CD (Windows and Linux drivers)

Optional Accessories:
- Low-profile bracket for compact chassis installations
- RS232 cables (DB9 male-to-female)
- Ground-isolated RS232/RS422/RS485 converter boxes (e.g., RS4232-4 or RS4232-8)
- TB485 terminal block adapter for RS485 wiring (for compatible models)

Connectors:
- Two DB9 male connectors, each providing standard RS232 pinout:
- Pin 1: DCD
- Pin 2: RXD
- Pin 3: TXD
- Pin 4: DTR
- Pin 5: GND (isolated)
- Pin 6: DSR
- Pin 7: RTS
- Pin 8: CTS
- Pin 9: RI (not supported on isolated models)

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6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- Available 32-bit PCI slot (5V)
- Compatible operating system (Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7/8 or Linux)
- Administrative privileges for driver installation

Installation Procedure:
1. Power off the computer and unplug it from the power source.
2. Insert the AP102-I card into an available PCI slot.
3. Secure the card with the bracket screw.
4. Reconnect power and boot the system.
5. The PCI BIOS will automatically detect the card and assign I/O, memory, and IRQ resources.
6. Install the appropriate driver from the provided CD or download from Rayon’s website.
7. Verify installation in the Device Manager (Windows) or via `/dev/tty2[1-4][a-b]` devices (Linux).

Configuration:
- Each port can be configured via DIP switches for specific operational modes.
- Baud rate, parity, and flow control are set through software.
- For Linux, driver installation involves copying and compiling the module under `/etc/rayone` and rebuilding the kernel module.

Mounting Options:
- Standard PCI bracket for desktop PCs.
- Optional low-profile bracket for compact or rackmount systems.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- High-Speed Communication: Supports up to 230,400 bps per port, suitable for high-throughput serial applications.
- Buffering: Each port includes internal FIFO buffers (16950A compatible) to minimize CPU load and prevent data loss.
- Ground Isolation: Ensures stable communication in electrically noisy environments and prevents ground loop interference.
- Reliability: Designed for continuous operation in industrial environments with wide temperature and humidity tolerance.
- Efficiency: Plug & Play resource allocation reduces setup time and eliminates IRQ conflicts.
- Limitations:
- Operates only on 5V PCI slots (not PCIe).
- RS232 interface only (no RS422/RS485 support on this model).
- Maximum of two ports per card; for higher port counts, other Rayon models (e.g., A104, A112, A168) are available.

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8. Standards & Compliance

- PCI Specification: Compliant with PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.2
- Serial Interface: RS232 standard (EIA/TIA-232-F)
- Controller Compatibility: ASIX MCS9865, 16950A UART compatible
- Operating System Drivers:
- Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7/8
- Linux kernel 2.6.x and later
- Plug & Play: Fully compliant with PCI Plug & Play resource assignment (I/O, memory, IRQ)
- Environmental Compliance: Designed for industrial-grade operation; RoHS compliance assumed (typical for Rayon products)
- Safety: Ground isolation provides electrical protection for host systems and connected devices.

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9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Standard Warranty: 1-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
- Exclusions: Damage due to misuse, electrical surges, unauthorized servicing, or operation outside specified conditions.
- Repair Policy:
- Products under warranty repaired free of charge.
- Out-of-warranty repairs available at a flat-rate service fee.
- RMA (Return Material Authorization) required before returning products.

Support & Maintenance:
- Technical support available via email (rayon@ms1.hinet.net).
- Driver updates and documentation available on Rayon’s website.
- Maintenance involves periodic inspection of connectors and ensuring proper grounding in industrial environments.

Upgrade & Related Products:
Rayon offers a full range of PCI and PCIe serial communication cards for various interface requirements:
- AP112-I: Dual-port Ground Isolated RS232/RS422/RS485 card
- AP132-I: Dual-port Ground Isolated RS422/RS485 card
- AP301-I: One RS232 and one Ground Isolated RS232/422/485 port
- APLOG301-I: RS232 to Ground Isolated RS232/422/485 converter
- AP112 / AP132: Non-isolated versions supporting RS232/RS422/RS485
- APCON301-I: RS232 to Ground Isolated RS232/RS422/RS485 converter

Driver and Software Updates:
- Windows drivers based on MOSCHIP/ASIX chipset drivers.
- Linux drivers available as source code for kernel integration.
- Updates provided for new OS versions and kernel releases.

Maintenance Recommendations:
- Avoid inserting or removing the card while the system is powered on.
- Ensure proper grounding of connected devices to maintain isolation integrity.
- Use shielded serial cables for long-distance or high-noise environments.

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Summary

The Rayon AP102-I PCI 2-Port RS232 Card is a robust, industrial-grade communication interface designed to expand a PC’s serial connectivity with two isolated RS232 ports. Built on the reliable ASIX MCS9865 controller, it offers high-speed data transfer, full Plug & Play support, and compatibility with major operating systems. Its ground isolation feature provides superior protection for both the host system and connected devices, making it ideal for industrial automation, instrumentation, and embedded control applications. With flexible configuration, wide environmental tolerance, and comprehensive driver support, the AP102-I delivers dependable performance in demanding serial communication environments.