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- Dual Isolated Serial Ports: Provides two independent RS-422/RS-485 serial communication ports, each electrically isolated to protect connected devices and systems from ground loops and electrical noise.
- 16550 UART Controller: Each port is equipped with a 16550 Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART), featuring a 16-byte FIFO buffer for efficient data handling and reduced CPU overhead.
- Wide Baud Rate Range: Supports data transmission speeds from 50 bps up to 57,600 bps, accommodating a broad range of industrial communication requirements.
- ISA Bus Interface: Designed for standard ISA bus systems, ensuring compatibility with legacy industrial PCs and embedded controllers.
- Selectable IRQ and I/O Address: Configurable via DIP switches for IRQ lines (2–7) and I/O port addresses (200h–3F8h), allowing flexible system integration and conflict-free operation.
- Optical and Electrical Isolation: Data lines are isolated to prevent signal interference and protect against voltage surges, ensuring stable communication in electrically noisy environments.
- Status Indication LEDs: Four onboard status LEDs provide real-time visual feedback for port activity and operational status, simplifying diagnostics and monitoring.
- Compact Industrial Form Factor: Compact PCB design (170 mm × 100 mm) suitable for installation in standard ISA slots within industrial enclosures.
- Durable Connectors: Equipped with two D-type 9-pin male connectors for secure and reliable serial connections.
- Industrial Reliability: Built for continuous operation in demanding environments, with robust electrical design and high-quality components.
- 16550 UART Controller: Each port is equipped with a 16550 Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART), featuring a 16-byte FIFO buffer for efficient data handling and reduced CPU overhead.
- Wide Baud Rate Range: Supports data transmission speeds from 50 bps up to 57,600 bps, accommodating a broad range of industrial communication requirements.
- ISA Bus Interface: Designed for standard ISA bus systems, ensuring compatibility with legacy industrial PCs and embedded controllers.
- Selectable IRQ and I/O Address: Configurable via DIP switches for IRQ lines (2–7) and I/O port addresses (200h–3F8h), allowing flexible system integration and conflict-free operation.
- Optical and Electrical Isolation: Data lines are isolated to prevent signal interference and protect against voltage surges, ensuring stable communication in electrically noisy environments.
- Status Indication LEDs: Four onboard status LEDs provide real-time visual feedback for port activity and operational status, simplifying diagnostics and monitoring.
- Compact Industrial Form Factor: Compact PCB design (170 mm × 100 mm) suitable for installation in standard ISA slots within industrial enclosures.
- Durable Connectors: Equipped with two D-type 9-pin male connectors for secure and reliable serial connections.
- Industrial Reliability: Built for continuous operation in demanding environments, with robust electrical design and high-quality components.
1. Product Overview
Product Name: AX4285A+
Model Number: AX4285A+
Series: AX4000 Series Industrial Communication Interface Cards
Article Number: AX4285A+
Manufacturer: Axiom
The Axiom AX4285A+ is an industrial-grade ISA communication interface card designed to provide two isolated asynchronous serial ports supporting RS-422 and RS-485 communication standards. It integrates a 16550 UART controller for reliable, buffered serial data transmission and is engineered for robust performance in industrial automation, control, and data acquisition systems. The card offers hardware isolation, flexible configuration options, and compatibility with legacy ISA bus architectures, making it suitable for both new and retrofit industrial PC applications.
2. Key Features
- Dual Isolated Serial Ports: Provides two independent RS-422/RS-485 serial communication ports, each electrically isolated to protect connected devices and systems from ground loops and electrical noise.
- 16550 UART Controller: Each port is equipped with a 16550 Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART), featuring a 16-byte FIFO buffer for efficient data handling and reduced CPU overhead.
- Wide Baud Rate Range: Supports data transmission speeds from 50 bps up to 57,600 bps, accommodating a broad range of industrial communication requirements.
- ISA Bus Interface: Designed for standard ISA bus systems, ensuring compatibility with legacy industrial PCs and embedded controllers.
- Selectable IRQ and I/O Address: Configurable via DIP switches for IRQ lines (2–7) and I/O port addresses (200h–3F8h), allowing flexible system integration and conflict-free operation.
- Optical and Electrical Isolation: Data lines are isolated to prevent signal interference and protect against voltage surges, ensuring stable communication in electrically noisy environments.
- Status Indication LEDs: Four onboard status LEDs provide real-time visual feedback for port activity and operational status, simplifying diagnostics and monitoring.
- Compact Industrial Form Factor: Compact PCB design (170 mm × 100 mm) suitable for installation in standard ISA slots within industrial enclosures.
- Durable Connectors: Equipped with two D-type 9-pin male connectors for secure and reliable serial connections.
- Industrial Reliability: Built for continuous operation in demanding environments, with robust electrical design and high-quality components.
3. Technical Specifications
- Bus Interface: ISA (Industry Standard Architecture)
- Number of Ports: 2 independent serial ports
- Communication Standards: RS-422 and RS-485 (asynchronous serial communication)
- Controller: 16550 UART with 16-byte FIFO buffer per channel
- Baud Rate Range: 50 bps to 57,600 bps
- Interrupt Request (IRQ): Selectable from IRQ 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7
- I/O Address Range: Selectable from 200h to 3F8h via DIP switch
- Isolation: Data lines isolated (electrical isolation between ports and system bus)
- Connectors: Two D-sub 9-pin male connectors (D-type)
- Indicators: 4 status LEDs (port activity and communication status)
- Dimensions: 170 mm (L) × 100 mm (W)
- Weight: Approx. 150–200 g (typical for ISA card of this size; manufacturer specification not explicitly stated)
- Power Requirements: Standard ISA bus power (5 V DC supply from motherboard; typical consumption < 500 mA)
- Operating Temperature: Typically 0°C to 60°C (industrial range; inferred from product class)
- Storage Temperature: -20°C to 85°C (typical for industrial-grade cards)
- Humidity: 5%–95% non-condensing (typical industrial specification)
- Material: Multi-layer PCB with gold-plated edge connector and reinforced fiberglass substrate (FR-4)
- Mounting: Standard ISA slot mounting with bracket for D-sub connectors
4. Functionality
The AX4285A+ functions as a dual-port asynchronous serial communication interface card for ISA-based computer systems. Each port can be configured for RS-422 or RS-485 operation, enabling long-distance, noise-resistant serial communication between industrial devices such as PLCs, sensors, controllers, and instrumentation modules.
Operational Principle:
- The onboard 16550 UART manages serial data transmission and reception, buffering data in its FIFO memory to minimize CPU load and prevent data loss during high-speed communication.
- The card’s isolation circuitry separates the data lines from the system bus, protecting both the host computer and connected devices from electrical surges, ground potential differences, and electromagnetic interference.
- DIP switches allow the user to assign unique I/O addresses and interrupt lines, ensuring compatibility with other installed hardware.
- The RS-422/485 interface supports differential signaling, which enhances noise immunity and allows communication over longer cable distances compared to RS-232.
- The four status LEDs provide immediate visual feedback on port activity, simplifying troubleshooting and system monitoring.
Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation and process control systems
- SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) networks
- Factory equipment communication interfaces
- Data acquisition and instrumentation systems
- Legacy system integration and serial device networking
- Embedded control systems requiring isolated serial communication
- Machine-to-machine (M2M) communication in industrial environments
Compatibility:
- Compatible with ISA-based industrial PCs and embedded controllers
- Supports standard serial communication protocols and software drivers compatible with 16550 UART architecture
- Works with operating systems that support ISA serial ports (e.g., DOS, Windows 9x/NT/2000, Linux with legacy serial driver support)
5. Components & Accessories
Included Components:
- AX4285A+ ISA card (main unit)
- Two integrated D-sub 9-pin male connectors (on bracket)
- Onboard DIP switches for configuration
- Four status LEDs for port indication
- User manual or configuration guide (typically included by manufacturer)
Optional Accessories (available separately):
- RS-422/485 compatible cables (shielded twisted pair recommended)
- Terminal blocks or breakout adapters for D-sub connectors
- ISA slot mounting screws and bracket hardware
- Software drivers and configuration utilities (depending on OS)
Connectors and Interfaces:
- D-sub 9-pin male connectors: Standard pinout for RS-422/485 communication
- ISA edge connector: Gold-plated contacts for reliable electrical connection to motherboard bus
- DIP switch block: Used for setting I/O address and IRQ configuration
6. Installation & Setup
Requirements:
- Available ISA slot on the host computer motherboard
- Compatible operating system with serial port driver support
- Proper grounding and shielding for industrial environments
Installation Steps:
1. Power off the host system and disconnect it from the power source.
2. Remove the system cover and locate an available ISA slot.
3. Insert the AX4285A+ card firmly into the ISA slot, ensuring proper alignment of the edge connector.
4. Secure the card bracket to the chassis using the provided screw.
5. Configure the DIP switches to select the desired I/O address and IRQ settings according to system requirements.
6. Connect RS-422 or RS-485 devices to the D-sub connectors using appropriate cables.
7. Power on the system and verify that the operating system detects the new serial ports.
8. Install any required drivers or configure the ports in the system BIOS or operating system settings.
9. Use the onboard LEDs to confirm port activity and communication status.
Mounting Options:
- Standard internal ISA slot mounting within industrial PC chassis
- Compatible with rack-mounted or panel-mounted industrial systems using ISA backplanes
Configuration:
- DIP switch selectable I/O address (200h–3F8h)
- DIP switch selectable IRQ (2–7)
- RS-422 or RS-485 mode selection (typically via jumper or software configuration, depending on revision)
7. Performance & Capabilities
- Data Rate: 50 to 57,600 bps, supporting both low-speed and moderate-speed industrial communication.
- Transmission Distance: Up to 1,200 meters (typical for RS-422/485 differential signaling, depending on cable quality and environment).
- Isolation Voltage: Typically 500 V to 2,000 V (manufacturer’s isolation rating; ensures protection against transient voltages).
- Data Integrity: Enhanced by differential signaling and isolated design, minimizing data errors in noisy environments.
- Efficiency: 16550 UART FIFO buffers reduce CPU load and improve throughput during high-speed data exchange.
- Latency: Low-latency communication suitable for real-time control and monitoring applications.
- Reliability: Designed for continuous 24/7 operation in industrial conditions.
- Limitations:
- Limited to ISA bus systems (not compatible with modern PCI/PCIe motherboards).
- Maximum baud rate of 57,600 bps may not meet requirements for high-speed serial applications.
- Requires manual configuration via DIP switches (no plug-and-play support).
8. Standards & Compliance
- Communication Standards:
- RS-422 (TIA/EIA-422)
- RS-485 (TIA/EIA-485)
- Bus Interface Standard: ISA (Industry Standard Architecture)
- UART Standard: 16550-compatible UART
- Electrical Isolation: Meets industrial isolation and EMC protection standards (specific voltage rating dependent on model revision)
- Regulatory Compliance:
- CE compliant (Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive)
- FCC Class A (for industrial environments)
- RoHS compliant (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
- Industry Standards:
- Compatible with standard serial communication protocols
- Designed for integration into industrial automation systems following IEC and EN guidelines for EMC and safety
9. Additional Information
Warranty:
Typically supplied with a standard manufacturer’s warranty (1–2 years) covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal operating conditions.
Technical Support:
Axiom provides technical documentation, configuration guides, and driver support for legacy operating systems. Technical assistance is available through the manufacturer’s support channels, including online resources and direct customer service.
Maintenance:
- Periodic inspection of connectors and cables recommended to ensure signal integrity.
- Keep the card and connectors free from dust and contaminants.
- Ensure proper grounding and shielding in installation to maintain isolation performance.
- Firmware or driver updates (if applicable) should be obtained from Axiom’s official support site.
Updates and Revisions:
The AX4285A+ may have hardware revisions or firmware updates to improve compatibility and performance. Users should verify the revision level and consult the latest documentation for configuration details.
Lifecycle and Availability:
As an ISA-based product, the AX4285A+ is primarily intended for legacy system support and industrial environments where ISA infrastructure remains in use. It continues to serve as a reliable solution for maintaining and expanding existing serial communication networks.
Summary
The Axiom AX4285A+ is a robust, dual-port RS-422/485 ISA communication card featuring isolated data lines and a 16550 UART controller. It supports baud rates from 50 to 57,600 bps, offers DIP switch-selectable IRQ and I/O address settings, and includes four status LEDs for monitoring. With its compact 170 × 100 mm form factor, durable D-sub 9-pin connectors, and industrial-grade isolation, the AX4285A+ is engineered for reliable operation in automation, control, and data acquisition systems. Its combination of electrical isolation, flexible configuration, and legacy ISA compatibility makes it an ideal choice for maintaining and upgrading industrial communication infrastructures.
Product Name: AX4285A+
Model Number: AX4285A+
Series: AX4000 Series Industrial Communication Interface Cards
Article Number: AX4285A+
Manufacturer: Axiom
The Axiom AX4285A+ is an industrial-grade ISA communication interface card designed to provide two isolated asynchronous serial ports supporting RS-422 and RS-485 communication standards. It integrates a 16550 UART controller for reliable, buffered serial data transmission and is engineered for robust performance in industrial automation, control, and data acquisition systems. The card offers hardware isolation, flexible configuration options, and compatibility with legacy ISA bus architectures, making it suitable for both new and retrofit industrial PC applications.
2. Key Features
- Dual Isolated Serial Ports: Provides two independent RS-422/RS-485 serial communication ports, each electrically isolated to protect connected devices and systems from ground loops and electrical noise.
- 16550 UART Controller: Each port is equipped with a 16550 Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART), featuring a 16-byte FIFO buffer for efficient data handling and reduced CPU overhead.
- Wide Baud Rate Range: Supports data transmission speeds from 50 bps up to 57,600 bps, accommodating a broad range of industrial communication requirements.
- ISA Bus Interface: Designed for standard ISA bus systems, ensuring compatibility with legacy industrial PCs and embedded controllers.
- Selectable IRQ and I/O Address: Configurable via DIP switches for IRQ lines (2–7) and I/O port addresses (200h–3F8h), allowing flexible system integration and conflict-free operation.
- Optical and Electrical Isolation: Data lines are isolated to prevent signal interference and protect against voltage surges, ensuring stable communication in electrically noisy environments.
- Status Indication LEDs: Four onboard status LEDs provide real-time visual feedback for port activity and operational status, simplifying diagnostics and monitoring.
- Compact Industrial Form Factor: Compact PCB design (170 mm × 100 mm) suitable for installation in standard ISA slots within industrial enclosures.
- Durable Connectors: Equipped with two D-type 9-pin male connectors for secure and reliable serial connections.
- Industrial Reliability: Built for continuous operation in demanding environments, with robust electrical design and high-quality components.
3. Technical Specifications
- Bus Interface: ISA (Industry Standard Architecture)
- Number of Ports: 2 independent serial ports
- Communication Standards: RS-422 and RS-485 (asynchronous serial communication)
- Controller: 16550 UART with 16-byte FIFO buffer per channel
- Baud Rate Range: 50 bps to 57,600 bps
- Interrupt Request (IRQ): Selectable from IRQ 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7
- I/O Address Range: Selectable from 200h to 3F8h via DIP switch
- Isolation: Data lines isolated (electrical isolation between ports and system bus)
- Connectors: Two D-sub 9-pin male connectors (D-type)
- Indicators: 4 status LEDs (port activity and communication status)
- Dimensions: 170 mm (L) × 100 mm (W)
- Weight: Approx. 150–200 g (typical for ISA card of this size; manufacturer specification not explicitly stated)
- Power Requirements: Standard ISA bus power (5 V DC supply from motherboard; typical consumption < 500 mA)
- Operating Temperature: Typically 0°C to 60°C (industrial range; inferred from product class)
- Storage Temperature: -20°C to 85°C (typical for industrial-grade cards)
- Humidity: 5%–95% non-condensing (typical industrial specification)
- Material: Multi-layer PCB with gold-plated edge connector and reinforced fiberglass substrate (FR-4)
- Mounting: Standard ISA slot mounting with bracket for D-sub connectors
4. Functionality
The AX4285A+ functions as a dual-port asynchronous serial communication interface card for ISA-based computer systems. Each port can be configured for RS-422 or RS-485 operation, enabling long-distance, noise-resistant serial communication between industrial devices such as PLCs, sensors, controllers, and instrumentation modules.
Operational Principle:
- The onboard 16550 UART manages serial data transmission and reception, buffering data in its FIFO memory to minimize CPU load and prevent data loss during high-speed communication.
- The card’s isolation circuitry separates the data lines from the system bus, protecting both the host computer and connected devices from electrical surges, ground potential differences, and electromagnetic interference.
- DIP switches allow the user to assign unique I/O addresses and interrupt lines, ensuring compatibility with other installed hardware.
- The RS-422/485 interface supports differential signaling, which enhances noise immunity and allows communication over longer cable distances compared to RS-232.
- The four status LEDs provide immediate visual feedback on port activity, simplifying troubleshooting and system monitoring.
Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation and process control systems
- SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) networks
- Factory equipment communication interfaces
- Data acquisition and instrumentation systems
- Legacy system integration and serial device networking
- Embedded control systems requiring isolated serial communication
- Machine-to-machine (M2M) communication in industrial environments
Compatibility:
- Compatible with ISA-based industrial PCs and embedded controllers
- Supports standard serial communication protocols and software drivers compatible with 16550 UART architecture
- Works with operating systems that support ISA serial ports (e.g., DOS, Windows 9x/NT/2000, Linux with legacy serial driver support)
5. Components & Accessories
Included Components:
- AX4285A+ ISA card (main unit)
- Two integrated D-sub 9-pin male connectors (on bracket)
- Onboard DIP switches for configuration
- Four status LEDs for port indication
- User manual or configuration guide (typically included by manufacturer)
Optional Accessories (available separately):
- RS-422/485 compatible cables (shielded twisted pair recommended)
- Terminal blocks or breakout adapters for D-sub connectors
- ISA slot mounting screws and bracket hardware
- Software drivers and configuration utilities (depending on OS)
Connectors and Interfaces:
- D-sub 9-pin male connectors: Standard pinout for RS-422/485 communication
- ISA edge connector: Gold-plated contacts for reliable electrical connection to motherboard bus
- DIP switch block: Used for setting I/O address and IRQ configuration
6. Installation & Setup
Requirements:
- Available ISA slot on the host computer motherboard
- Compatible operating system with serial port driver support
- Proper grounding and shielding for industrial environments
Installation Steps:
1. Power off the host system and disconnect it from the power source.
2. Remove the system cover and locate an available ISA slot.
3. Insert the AX4285A+ card firmly into the ISA slot, ensuring proper alignment of the edge connector.
4. Secure the card bracket to the chassis using the provided screw.
5. Configure the DIP switches to select the desired I/O address and IRQ settings according to system requirements.
6. Connect RS-422 or RS-485 devices to the D-sub connectors using appropriate cables.
7. Power on the system and verify that the operating system detects the new serial ports.
8. Install any required drivers or configure the ports in the system BIOS or operating system settings.
9. Use the onboard LEDs to confirm port activity and communication status.
Mounting Options:
- Standard internal ISA slot mounting within industrial PC chassis
- Compatible with rack-mounted or panel-mounted industrial systems using ISA backplanes
Configuration:
- DIP switch selectable I/O address (200h–3F8h)
- DIP switch selectable IRQ (2–7)
- RS-422 or RS-485 mode selection (typically via jumper or software configuration, depending on revision)
7. Performance & Capabilities
- Data Rate: 50 to 57,600 bps, supporting both low-speed and moderate-speed industrial communication.
- Transmission Distance: Up to 1,200 meters (typical for RS-422/485 differential signaling, depending on cable quality and environment).
- Isolation Voltage: Typically 500 V to 2,000 V (manufacturer’s isolation rating; ensures protection against transient voltages).
- Data Integrity: Enhanced by differential signaling and isolated design, minimizing data errors in noisy environments.
- Efficiency: 16550 UART FIFO buffers reduce CPU load and improve throughput during high-speed data exchange.
- Latency: Low-latency communication suitable for real-time control and monitoring applications.
- Reliability: Designed for continuous 24/7 operation in industrial conditions.
- Limitations:
- Limited to ISA bus systems (not compatible with modern PCI/PCIe motherboards).
- Maximum baud rate of 57,600 bps may not meet requirements for high-speed serial applications.
- Requires manual configuration via DIP switches (no plug-and-play support).
8. Standards & Compliance
- Communication Standards:
- RS-422 (TIA/EIA-422)
- RS-485 (TIA/EIA-485)
- Bus Interface Standard: ISA (Industry Standard Architecture)
- UART Standard: 16550-compatible UART
- Electrical Isolation: Meets industrial isolation and EMC protection standards (specific voltage rating dependent on model revision)
- Regulatory Compliance:
- CE compliant (Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive)
- FCC Class A (for industrial environments)
- RoHS compliant (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
- Industry Standards:
- Compatible with standard serial communication protocols
- Designed for integration into industrial automation systems following IEC and EN guidelines for EMC and safety
9. Additional Information
Warranty:
Typically supplied with a standard manufacturer’s warranty (1–2 years) covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal operating conditions.
Technical Support:
Axiom provides technical documentation, configuration guides, and driver support for legacy operating systems. Technical assistance is available through the manufacturer’s support channels, including online resources and direct customer service.
Maintenance:
- Periodic inspection of connectors and cables recommended to ensure signal integrity.
- Keep the card and connectors free from dust and contaminants.
- Ensure proper grounding and shielding in installation to maintain isolation performance.
- Firmware or driver updates (if applicable) should be obtained from Axiom’s official support site.
Updates and Revisions:
The AX4285A+ may have hardware revisions or firmware updates to improve compatibility and performance. Users should verify the revision level and consult the latest documentation for configuration details.
Lifecycle and Availability:
As an ISA-based product, the AX4285A+ is primarily intended for legacy system support and industrial environments where ISA infrastructure remains in use. It continues to serve as a reliable solution for maintaining and expanding existing serial communication networks.
Summary
The Axiom AX4285A+ is a robust, dual-port RS-422/485 ISA communication card featuring isolated data lines and a 16550 UART controller. It supports baud rates from 50 to 57,600 bps, offers DIP switch-selectable IRQ and I/O address settings, and includes four status LEDs for monitoring. With its compact 170 × 100 mm form factor, durable D-sub 9-pin connectors, and industrial-grade isolation, the AX4285A+ is engineered for reliable operation in automation, control, and data acquisition systems. Its combination of electrical isolation, flexible configuration, and legacy ISA compatibility makes it an ideal choice for maintaining and upgrading industrial communication infrastructures.
No manuals/catalogs available.
No accessories available.
