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- High-Speed Serial Communication: Supports baud rates up to 921.6 kbps, enabling fast and reliable data transfer for industrial and commercial applications.
- 4 Independent RS-232 Ports: Each port operates independently with its own I/O address and IRQ configuration.
- Surge Protection: Built-in 2 kV isolation for each port ensures protection against electrical surges and transient voltages.
- Advanced ASIC Design: Custom-designed ASIC replaces multiple discrete ICs, reducing board size and improving reliability.
- 16550 UART Compatibility: Each port uses a 16550 or compatible UART with 16-byte FIFO buffers for efficient data handling and reduced CPU load.
- Software-Configurable Hardware: No jumpers or DIP switches required; configuration is stored in on-board EEPROM and managed via software utility (Io-irq.exe).
- Flexible IRQ and I/O Addressing: Supports IRQs 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, and 15, and I/O address range from 0x0000 to 0xFFFF.
- Hardware Flow Control: On-chip RTS/CTS flow control prevents data loss during high-speed transmission.
- Compact Half-Size ISA Board: Dimensions of 157 mm × 83 mm allow installation in space-constrained systems.
- Multi-OS Support: Compatible with Windows NT, Windows 95/98, DOS, Windows 3.x, Linux, SCO UNIX/XENIX/OpenServer, QNX, FreeBSD, and OS/2.
- Diagnostic and Programming Tools: Bundled with Moxa’s PComm (Windows) and API-232 (DOS) libraries for application development and diagnostics.
- Comprehensive Surge and EMI Protection: Designed for industrial environments with robust electrical protection.
- 4 Independent RS-232 Ports: Each port operates independently with its own I/O address and IRQ configuration.
- Surge Protection: Built-in 2 kV isolation for each port ensures protection against electrical surges and transient voltages.
- Advanced ASIC Design: Custom-designed ASIC replaces multiple discrete ICs, reducing board size and improving reliability.
- 16550 UART Compatibility: Each port uses a 16550 or compatible UART with 16-byte FIFO buffers for efficient data handling and reduced CPU load.
- Software-Configurable Hardware: No jumpers or DIP switches required; configuration is stored in on-board EEPROM and managed via software utility (Io-irq.exe).
- Flexible IRQ and I/O Addressing: Supports IRQs 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, and 15, and I/O address range from 0x0000 to 0xFFFF.
- Hardware Flow Control: On-chip RTS/CTS flow control prevents data loss during high-speed transmission.
- Compact Half-Size ISA Board: Dimensions of 157 mm × 83 mm allow installation in space-constrained systems.
- Multi-OS Support: Compatible with Windows NT, Windows 95/98, DOS, Windows 3.x, Linux, SCO UNIX/XENIX/OpenServer, QNX, FreeBSD, and OS/2.
- Diagnostic and Programming Tools: Bundled with Moxa’s PComm (Windows) and API-232 (DOS) libraries for application development and diagnostics.
- Comprehensive Surge and EMI Protection: Designed for industrial environments with robust electrical protection.
Comprehensive Product Summary – MOXA Smartio C104HS 4-Port RS-232 High-Speed ISA Card
### 1. Product Overview
Product Name: Smartio C104HS
Model: C104HS
Series: Smartio C104 Series
Article Number: C104HS
Manufacturer: Moxa Technologies Co., Ltd.
Manufacturer Contact:
- Tel: +886-2-8665-6373
- Fax: +886-2-8665-6372
- Website: [www.moxa.com](http://www.moxa.com)
- Email: support@moxa.com.tw
Product Type: 4-port RS-232 high-speed asynchronous serial communication board for ISA bus systems.
Product Description: The Moxa Smartio C104HS is a high-performance, 4-port RS-232 asynchronous serial communication card designed for PC/AT and compatible systems. It features a custom ASIC design, 16550 UARTs, and supports data rates up to 921.6 kbps. The board includes 2 kV surge protection and is supplied with a DB37-to-DB25 (x4) connector cable.
### 2. Key Features
- High-Speed Serial Communication: Supports baud rates up to 921.6 kbps, enabling fast and reliable data transfer for industrial and commercial applications.
- 4 Independent RS-232 Ports: Each port operates independently with its own I/O address and IRQ configuration.
- Surge Protection: Built-in 2 kV isolation for each port ensures protection against electrical surges and transient voltages.
- Advanced ASIC Design: Custom-designed ASIC replaces multiple discrete ICs, reducing board size and improving reliability.
- 16550 UART Compatibility: Each port uses a 16550 or compatible UART with 16-byte FIFO buffers for efficient data handling and reduced CPU load.
- Software-Configurable Hardware: No jumpers or DIP switches required; configuration is stored in on-board EEPROM and managed via software utility (Io-irq.exe).
- Flexible IRQ and I/O Addressing: Supports IRQs 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, and 15, and I/O address range from 0x0000 to 0xFFFF.
- Hardware Flow Control: On-chip RTS/CTS flow control prevents data loss during high-speed transmission.
- Compact Half-Size ISA Board: Dimensions of 157 mm × 83 mm allow installation in space-constrained systems.
- Multi-OS Support: Compatible with Windows NT, Windows 95/98, DOS, Windows 3.x, Linux, SCO UNIX/XENIX/OpenServer, QNX, FreeBSD, and OS/2.
- Diagnostic and Programming Tools: Bundled with Moxa’s PComm (Windows) and API-232 (DOS) libraries for application development and diagnostics.
- Comprehensive Surge and EMI Protection: Designed for industrial environments with robust electrical protection.
### 3. Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|-------------------|
| Bus Interface | ISA (EISA compatible) |
| Number of Ports | 4 independent RS-232 ports |
| UART Type | 4 × 16550 or compatible |
| Baud Rate | 50 bps to 921.6 kbps |
| Data Bits | 5, 6, 7, 8 |
| Stop Bits | 1, 1.5, 2 |
| Parity | None, Even, Odd, Space, Mark |
| Flow Control | RTS/CTS hardware flow control |
| Surge Protection | Up to 2 kV per port |
| Connectors | DB37 to 4 × DB25 male (Opt4C) or DB9 male (Opt4D) |
| I/O Address Range | 0x0000 – 0xFFFF |
| IRQ Options | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 15 |
| Power Requirements | +5V @ 90 mA max, +12V @ 55 mA max, -12V @ 75 mA max |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 55°C |
| Board Dimensions | 157 mm × 83 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 150 g (board only) |
| Material | Multi-layer PCB with gold-plated edge connector |
| Compliance | RS-232 standard, ISA bus electrical specifications |
### 4. Functionality
Operating Principle:
The C104HS provides four independent asynchronous RS-232 serial ports for connecting terminals, modems, printers, data acquisition devices, and other serial peripherals to a PC. Each port is managed by a 16550 UART, ensuring buffered data transmission and reception. The board communicates with the host system via the ISA bus and supports interrupt-driven or polling-based communication.
Configuration:
Hardware parameters such as I/O address, IRQ, and interrupt vector are configured through the Io-irq.exe utility under DOS. Configuration data is stored in the on-board EEPROM, eliminating the need for physical jumpers or switches.
Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation and process control
- Data acquisition and instrumentation
- Point-of-Sale (POS) systems
- Telecommunication and remote access servers
- Office automation and multi-user systems
- PC-based kiosks and vending machines
- Internet/Intranet connectivity via serial modems
Compatibility:
Fully compatible with standard RS-232 devices and communication protocols. Supports integration with existing serial applications and drivers conforming to Microsoft Win32 COMM API or DOS API-232 interface.
### 5. Components & Accessories
Included Items:
- C104HS 4-port RS-232 ISA board
- DB37-to-4×DB25 male connector cable (Opt4C)
- Device driver diskettes:
- Windows NT/95/98 driver disk
- DOS/Windows 3.x driver disk
- PComm Lite software diskette
- Printed User’s Manual
Optional Accessories:
- Opt4D: DB37-to-4×DB9 male connector cable
- Additional serial cables (null modem or straight-through)
- Diagnostic loopback connectors for testing
Connectors and Pinouts:
- DB37 (on board): Provides access to all four serial ports.
- DB25/DB9 (via cable): Standard RS-232 pin assignments for TxD, RxD, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, and GND.
### 6. Installation & Setup
System Requirements:
- IBM PC/AT or compatible system with available 16-bit ISA slot
- Supported operating system (Windows NT/95/98, DOS, etc.)
- Free IRQ and I/O address range
Installation Steps:
1. Power off the PC and insert the C104HS board into an available ISA slot.
2. Connect the DB37 cable to the board and attach the DB25/DB9 connectors to serial devices.
3. Configure hardware parameters using Io-irq.exe (DOS utility) or perform Quick Installation by shorting jumper JP1 (CAP address forced to 0xA700).
4. Install the appropriate driver for the operating system.
5. Reboot the system to activate the configuration.
Mounting Options:
Standard ISA slot mounting with rear bracket for DB37 connector.
Configuration Utility:
- Io-irq.exe: Used to assign I/O addresses, IRQs, and interrupt vectors.
- CAP Address: Default is the first port’s I/O address; can be forced to 0xA700 via JP1 jumper.
### 7. Performance & Capabilities
- Maximum Data Rate: 921.6 kbps per port
- FIFO Buffers: 16-byte transmit and receive buffers per UART
- Interrupt Handling: Supports both interrupt vector and polling modes for optimized performance
- Throughput: Capable of handling high-speed data streams without loss due to hardware buffering and flow control
- Latency: Low interrupt latency due to ASIC integration
- Scalability: Up to four C104HS boards can be installed in a single system (16 ports total)
- Reliability: ASIC design minimizes component count and failure points
- Limitations:
- Requires ISA bus (not compatible with PCI systems)
- Operating temperature limited to 0–55°C
- RS-232 only (no RS-422/485 support)
### 8. Standards & Compliance
- Electrical Interface: RS-232 (EIA/TIA-232 standard)
- Bus Interface: ISA (Industry Standard Architecture), EISA compatible
- UART Standard: 16550-compatible UARTs
- Surge Protection: IEC 61000-4-5 compliant (2 kV)
- Operating System Drivers:
- Windows NT, Windows 95/98, DOS, Windows 3.x (included)
- Linux, SCO UNIX/XENIX/OpenServer, QNX, FreeBSD, OS/2 (supported by OS or available on request)
- Software API Compatibility: Microsoft Win32 COMM API, DOS API-232, Windows COMM API (Win16)
- Regulatory Compliance: Designed to meet CE and FCC Class A industrial standards (typical for Moxa industrial boards).
### 9. Additional Information
Warranty:
Standard Moxa limited warranty (typically 3 years) covering defects in materials and workmanship.
Technical Support:
- Email: support@moxa.com.tw
- FTP: ftp.moxa.com / ftp.moxa.com.tw (User ID: ftp, Password: your_email_address)
- Online resources: driver updates, manuals, and utilities available at [www.moxa.com](http://www.moxa.com).
Maintenance:
- Periodic inspection of connectors and cables recommended.
- Firmware and driver updates available via Moxa FTP site.
- Diagnostic utilities (PComm, API-232) assist in verifying port functionality.
Software Tools:
- PComm (Windows): Serial communication library and utilities including terminal emulator, diagnostic, and monitor tools.
- API-232 (DOS): Programming library supporting C, Pascal, BASIC, and Assembly for serial communication development.
- Utilities:
- Diagnostic test for UART and signal lines
- Data Scope for monitoring serial data
- TTY terminal emulator for Windows 3.x
Support for Developers:
- Sample code for Visual C++, Visual Basic, Delphi, Turbo C, and other languages.
- Full documentation of API functions and communication examples.
Troubleshooting Highlights:
- Board Not Detected: Check slot seating, I/O address conflicts, or CAP address configuration.
- Data Transmission Errors: Verify cable wiring and flow control settings.
- IRQ Conflicts: Adjust IRQ assignments via Io-irq utility or BIOS settings.
- CAP Address Recovery: Short JP1 to force CAP = 0xA700, reconfigure via Io-irq.exe.
Return & RMA Procedure:
- Obtain RMA number from dealer or Moxa representative.
- Provide completed Problem Report Form with detailed configuration and error description.
- Ship product in anti-static packaging with prepaid freight.
### Summary
The Moxa Smartio C104HS is a robust, high-speed, 4-port RS-232 ISA communication card engineered for industrial and commercial serial connectivity. With its 16550 UART architecture, 2 kV surge protection, and software-configurable design, it delivers reliable, high-performance serial communication for legacy PC systems. The board’s compatibility with multiple operating systems, comprehensive driver support, and developer tools make it a versatile solution for automation, data acquisition, and communication applications requiring stable and efficient serial interfaces.
Its combination of hardware reliability, flexible configuration, and extensive software ecosystem positions the C104HS as a proven choice for engineers and system integrators seeking dependable multiport serial connectivity in ISA-based environments.
### 1. Product Overview
Product Name: Smartio C104HS
Model: C104HS
Series: Smartio C104 Series
Article Number: C104HS
Manufacturer: Moxa Technologies Co., Ltd.
Manufacturer Contact:
- Tel: +886-2-8665-6373
- Fax: +886-2-8665-6372
- Website: [www.moxa.com](http://www.moxa.com)
- Email: support@moxa.com.tw
Product Type: 4-port RS-232 high-speed asynchronous serial communication board for ISA bus systems.
Product Description: The Moxa Smartio C104HS is a high-performance, 4-port RS-232 asynchronous serial communication card designed for PC/AT and compatible systems. It features a custom ASIC design, 16550 UARTs, and supports data rates up to 921.6 kbps. The board includes 2 kV surge protection and is supplied with a DB37-to-DB25 (x4) connector cable.
### 2. Key Features
- High-Speed Serial Communication: Supports baud rates up to 921.6 kbps, enabling fast and reliable data transfer for industrial and commercial applications.
- 4 Independent RS-232 Ports: Each port operates independently with its own I/O address and IRQ configuration.
- Surge Protection: Built-in 2 kV isolation for each port ensures protection against electrical surges and transient voltages.
- Advanced ASIC Design: Custom-designed ASIC replaces multiple discrete ICs, reducing board size and improving reliability.
- 16550 UART Compatibility: Each port uses a 16550 or compatible UART with 16-byte FIFO buffers for efficient data handling and reduced CPU load.
- Software-Configurable Hardware: No jumpers or DIP switches required; configuration is stored in on-board EEPROM and managed via software utility (Io-irq.exe).
- Flexible IRQ and I/O Addressing: Supports IRQs 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, and 15, and I/O address range from 0x0000 to 0xFFFF.
- Hardware Flow Control: On-chip RTS/CTS flow control prevents data loss during high-speed transmission.
- Compact Half-Size ISA Board: Dimensions of 157 mm × 83 mm allow installation in space-constrained systems.
- Multi-OS Support: Compatible with Windows NT, Windows 95/98, DOS, Windows 3.x, Linux, SCO UNIX/XENIX/OpenServer, QNX, FreeBSD, and OS/2.
- Diagnostic and Programming Tools: Bundled with Moxa’s PComm (Windows) and API-232 (DOS) libraries for application development and diagnostics.
- Comprehensive Surge and EMI Protection: Designed for industrial environments with robust electrical protection.
### 3. Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|-------------------|
| Bus Interface | ISA (EISA compatible) |
| Number of Ports | 4 independent RS-232 ports |
| UART Type | 4 × 16550 or compatible |
| Baud Rate | 50 bps to 921.6 kbps |
| Data Bits | 5, 6, 7, 8 |
| Stop Bits | 1, 1.5, 2 |
| Parity | None, Even, Odd, Space, Mark |
| Flow Control | RTS/CTS hardware flow control |
| Surge Protection | Up to 2 kV per port |
| Connectors | DB37 to 4 × DB25 male (Opt4C) or DB9 male (Opt4D) |
| I/O Address Range | 0x0000 – 0xFFFF |
| IRQ Options | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 15 |
| Power Requirements | +5V @ 90 mA max, +12V @ 55 mA max, -12V @ 75 mA max |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 55°C |
| Board Dimensions | 157 mm × 83 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 150 g (board only) |
| Material | Multi-layer PCB with gold-plated edge connector |
| Compliance | RS-232 standard, ISA bus electrical specifications |
### 4. Functionality
Operating Principle:
The C104HS provides four independent asynchronous RS-232 serial ports for connecting terminals, modems, printers, data acquisition devices, and other serial peripherals to a PC. Each port is managed by a 16550 UART, ensuring buffered data transmission and reception. The board communicates with the host system via the ISA bus and supports interrupt-driven or polling-based communication.
Configuration:
Hardware parameters such as I/O address, IRQ, and interrupt vector are configured through the Io-irq.exe utility under DOS. Configuration data is stored in the on-board EEPROM, eliminating the need for physical jumpers or switches.
Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation and process control
- Data acquisition and instrumentation
- Point-of-Sale (POS) systems
- Telecommunication and remote access servers
- Office automation and multi-user systems
- PC-based kiosks and vending machines
- Internet/Intranet connectivity via serial modems
Compatibility:
Fully compatible with standard RS-232 devices and communication protocols. Supports integration with existing serial applications and drivers conforming to Microsoft Win32 COMM API or DOS API-232 interface.
### 5. Components & Accessories
Included Items:
- C104HS 4-port RS-232 ISA board
- DB37-to-4×DB25 male connector cable (Opt4C)
- Device driver diskettes:
- Windows NT/95/98 driver disk
- DOS/Windows 3.x driver disk
- PComm Lite software diskette
- Printed User’s Manual
Optional Accessories:
- Opt4D: DB37-to-4×DB9 male connector cable
- Additional serial cables (null modem or straight-through)
- Diagnostic loopback connectors for testing
Connectors and Pinouts:
- DB37 (on board): Provides access to all four serial ports.
- DB25/DB9 (via cable): Standard RS-232 pin assignments for TxD, RxD, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, and GND.
### 6. Installation & Setup
System Requirements:
- IBM PC/AT or compatible system with available 16-bit ISA slot
- Supported operating system (Windows NT/95/98, DOS, etc.)
- Free IRQ and I/O address range
Installation Steps:
1. Power off the PC and insert the C104HS board into an available ISA slot.
2. Connect the DB37 cable to the board and attach the DB25/DB9 connectors to serial devices.
3. Configure hardware parameters using Io-irq.exe (DOS utility) or perform Quick Installation by shorting jumper JP1 (CAP address forced to 0xA700).
4. Install the appropriate driver for the operating system.
5. Reboot the system to activate the configuration.
Mounting Options:
Standard ISA slot mounting with rear bracket for DB37 connector.
Configuration Utility:
- Io-irq.exe: Used to assign I/O addresses, IRQs, and interrupt vectors.
- CAP Address: Default is the first port’s I/O address; can be forced to 0xA700 via JP1 jumper.
### 7. Performance & Capabilities
- Maximum Data Rate: 921.6 kbps per port
- FIFO Buffers: 16-byte transmit and receive buffers per UART
- Interrupt Handling: Supports both interrupt vector and polling modes for optimized performance
- Throughput: Capable of handling high-speed data streams without loss due to hardware buffering and flow control
- Latency: Low interrupt latency due to ASIC integration
- Scalability: Up to four C104HS boards can be installed in a single system (16 ports total)
- Reliability: ASIC design minimizes component count and failure points
- Limitations:
- Requires ISA bus (not compatible with PCI systems)
- Operating temperature limited to 0–55°C
- RS-232 only (no RS-422/485 support)
### 8. Standards & Compliance
- Electrical Interface: RS-232 (EIA/TIA-232 standard)
- Bus Interface: ISA (Industry Standard Architecture), EISA compatible
- UART Standard: 16550-compatible UARTs
- Surge Protection: IEC 61000-4-5 compliant (2 kV)
- Operating System Drivers:
- Windows NT, Windows 95/98, DOS, Windows 3.x (included)
- Linux, SCO UNIX/XENIX/OpenServer, QNX, FreeBSD, OS/2 (supported by OS or available on request)
- Software API Compatibility: Microsoft Win32 COMM API, DOS API-232, Windows COMM API (Win16)
- Regulatory Compliance: Designed to meet CE and FCC Class A industrial standards (typical for Moxa industrial boards).
### 9. Additional Information
Warranty:
Standard Moxa limited warranty (typically 3 years) covering defects in materials and workmanship.
Technical Support:
- Email: support@moxa.com.tw
- FTP: ftp.moxa.com / ftp.moxa.com.tw (User ID: ftp, Password: your_email_address)
- Online resources: driver updates, manuals, and utilities available at [www.moxa.com](http://www.moxa.com).
Maintenance:
- Periodic inspection of connectors and cables recommended.
- Firmware and driver updates available via Moxa FTP site.
- Diagnostic utilities (PComm, API-232) assist in verifying port functionality.
Software Tools:
- PComm (Windows): Serial communication library and utilities including terminal emulator, diagnostic, and monitor tools.
- API-232 (DOS): Programming library supporting C, Pascal, BASIC, and Assembly for serial communication development.
- Utilities:
- Diagnostic test for UART and signal lines
- Data Scope for monitoring serial data
- TTY terminal emulator for Windows 3.x
Support for Developers:
- Sample code for Visual C++, Visual Basic, Delphi, Turbo C, and other languages.
- Full documentation of API functions and communication examples.
Troubleshooting Highlights:
- Board Not Detected: Check slot seating, I/O address conflicts, or CAP address configuration.
- Data Transmission Errors: Verify cable wiring and flow control settings.
- IRQ Conflicts: Adjust IRQ assignments via Io-irq utility or BIOS settings.
- CAP Address Recovery: Short JP1 to force CAP = 0xA700, reconfigure via Io-irq.exe.
Return & RMA Procedure:
- Obtain RMA number from dealer or Moxa representative.
- Provide completed Problem Report Form with detailed configuration and error description.
- Ship product in anti-static packaging with prepaid freight.
### Summary
The Moxa Smartio C104HS is a robust, high-speed, 4-port RS-232 ISA communication card engineered for industrial and commercial serial connectivity. With its 16550 UART architecture, 2 kV surge protection, and software-configurable design, it delivers reliable, high-performance serial communication for legacy PC systems. The board’s compatibility with multiple operating systems, comprehensive driver support, and developer tools make it a versatile solution for automation, data acquisition, and communication applications requiring stable and efficient serial interfaces.
Its combination of hardware reliability, flexible configuration, and extensive software ecosystem positions the C104HS as a proven choice for engineers and system integrators seeking dependable multiport serial connectivity in ISA-based environments.
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