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- Four RS-232 Ports: Provides four independent asynchronous serial communication channels.
- High-Speed Data Transfer: Supports baud rates from 50 bps up to 921.6 Kbps.
- Advanced UART Controller: Equipped with four 16C550C or compatible UARTs, each with 32-byte transmit and receive FIFOs for efficient data handling.
- Hardware Flow Control: On-chip RTS/CTS flow control ensures no data loss during high-speed transmission.
- Surge Protection: Integrated 2000 V surge protection on each port (C104HS/PCI model only) for enhanced reliability in harsh environments.
- Plug and Play PCI Interface: Fully compliant with PCI Specification 2.1; IRQ and I/O addresses are automatically assigned by the system BIOS.
- Compact Half-Size Design: Board dimensions of 120 mm × 100 mm allow installation in standard PCI slots.
- Operating System Support: Compatible with Windows NT, Windows 95/98, and DOS.
- Software Tools: Bundled with Moxa’s _PComm_ Lite communication library and utilities for diagnostics, monitoring, and terminal emulation.
- Flexible Connectivity: Includes DB37-to-DB25 (Opt4C) or DB37-to-DB9 (Opt4D) fan-out cable options.
- Reliability and Stability: ASIC-based design ensures consistent performance and long-term durability.
- High-Speed Data Transfer: Supports baud rates from 50 bps up to 921.6 Kbps.
- Advanced UART Controller: Equipped with four 16C550C or compatible UARTs, each with 32-byte transmit and receive FIFOs for efficient data handling.
- Hardware Flow Control: On-chip RTS/CTS flow control ensures no data loss during high-speed transmission.
- Surge Protection: Integrated 2000 V surge protection on each port (C104HS/PCI model only) for enhanced reliability in harsh environments.
- Plug and Play PCI Interface: Fully compliant with PCI Specification 2.1; IRQ and I/O addresses are automatically assigned by the system BIOS.
- Compact Half-Size Design: Board dimensions of 120 mm × 100 mm allow installation in standard PCI slots.
- Operating System Support: Compatible with Windows NT, Windows 95/98, and DOS.
- Software Tools: Bundled with Moxa’s _PComm_ Lite communication library and utilities for diagnostics, monitoring, and terminal emulation.
- Flexible Connectivity: Includes DB37-to-DB25 (Opt4C) or DB37-to-DB9 (Opt4D) fan-out cable options.
- Reliability and Stability: ASIC-based design ensures consistent performance and long-term durability.
Comprehensive Product Summary – Moxa Smartio C104HS/PCI
### 1. Product Overview
Product Name: Smartio C104HS/PCI
Model: C104HS/PCI
Series: Smartio C104H/PCI Series
Article Number: C104HS/PCI
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 Description:
The Moxa Smartio C104HS/PCI is a 4-port high-speed RS-232 asynchronous serial communication board designed for 32-bit PCI bus systems. It provides four independent serial ports with hardware flow control, surge protection, and a maximum data rate of 921.6 Kbps per port. The board is based on the TI 16C550C UART with 32-byte FIFO buffers and supports Plug and Play configuration through the PCI BIOS. It is ideal for industrial, commercial, and automation applications requiring reliable multiport serial connectivity.
### 2. Key Features
- Four RS-232 Ports: Provides four independent asynchronous serial communication channels.
- High-Speed Data Transfer: Supports baud rates from 50 bps up to 921.6 Kbps.
- Advanced UART Controller: Equipped with four 16C550C or compatible UARTs, each with 32-byte transmit and receive FIFOs for efficient data handling.
- Hardware Flow Control: On-chip RTS/CTS flow control ensures no data loss during high-speed transmission.
- Surge Protection: Integrated 2000 V surge protection on each port (C104HS/PCI model only) for enhanced reliability in harsh environments.
- Plug and Play PCI Interface: Fully compliant with PCI Specification 2.1; IRQ and I/O addresses are automatically assigned by the system BIOS.
- Compact Half-Size Design: Board dimensions of 120 mm × 100 mm allow installation in standard PCI slots.
- Operating System Support: Compatible with Windows NT, Windows 95/98, and DOS.
- Software Tools: Bundled with Moxa’s _PComm_ Lite communication library and utilities for diagnostics, monitoring, and terminal emulation.
- Flexible Connectivity: Includes DB37-to-DB25 (Opt4C) or DB37-to-DB9 (Opt4D) fan-out cable options.
- Reliability and Stability: ASIC-based design ensures consistent performance and long-term durability.
### 3. Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|------------------|
| Bus Interface | 32-bit PCI, Plug and Play |
| Number of Ports | 4 RS-232 asynchronous serial ports |
| UART Type | 4 × 16C550C or compatible |
| FIFO Buffer | 32-byte transmit and receive FIFO per port |
| 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 |
| Connectors | DB37 on board; fan-out cable to 4 × DB25 male (Opt4C) or 4 × DB9 male (Opt4D) |
| Signal Lines | TxD, RxD, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, GND |
| Surge Protection | Up to 2000 V (C104HS/PCI only) |
| Power Requirements | +5V @ 110 mA max; +12V @ 230 mA max; -12V @ 320 mA max |
| Dimensions | 120 mm × 100 mm |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 55°C |
| Storage Temperature | -20°C to 85°C (typical for Moxa boards) |
| Relative Humidity | 5% to 95% non-condensing |
| Compliance | PCI Spec 2.1, CE, FCC Class A (typical for Moxa industrial boards) |
### 4. Functionality
Operation Principle:
The C104HS/PCI board provides four independent RS-232 serial ports that can be used to connect various serial devices to a host PC through the PCI bus. Each port operates asynchronously and supports full-duplex communication. The board’s UARTs manage data buffering and flow control, minimizing CPU overhead and ensuring reliable data transmission even at high speeds.
Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation systems (PLC, sensors, data acquisition)
- Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals and kiosks
- Modem and remote access servers
- Telecommunication and networking equipment
- Office automation and serial printer connections
- Internet/Intranet gateways and multi-user systems
Compatibility:
- Fully compatible with standard RS-232 devices such as modems, barcode scanners, printers, and terminals.
- Supports Windows NT, Windows 95/98, and DOS environments.
- Works with Moxa’s _PComm_ library for custom application development in Visual C++, Visual Basic, and Delphi.
### 5. Components & Accessories
Included Items:
- Smartio C104HS/PCI 4-port serial board
- Device driver diskettes for Windows NT and Windows 95/98
- _PComm_ Lite software package (communication library and utilities)
- Smartio C104H/PCI Series User’s Manual
- Fan-out connection cable (choose one):
- Opt4C: DB37 to 4 × DB25 male connectors
- Opt4D: DB37 to 4 × DB9 male connectors
Optional Accessories:
- Additional fan-out cables (DB37 to RJ45 or custom pinouts)
- Surge-protected cable assemblies for industrial environments
- PCI slot brackets and mounting hardware
Connectors and Pinouts:
- DB37 connector on board with defined pin assignments for each port (TxD, RxD, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, GND).
- DB25 and DB9 pinouts follow standard RS-232 conventions.
### 6. Installation & Setup
Hardware Installation Steps:
1. Power off the PC and remove the cover.
2. Insert the C104HS/PCI board into an available 32-bit PCI slot.
3. Secure the board with the bracket screw.
4. Connect the fan-out cable to the DB37 connector.
5. Power on the PC; the PCI BIOS automatically assigns IRQ and I/O addresses.
6. Proceed with software driver installation.
Software Installation:
- Windows NT:
Install via Control Panel → Network → Adapters → Add → Have Disk.
Configure COM port numbers, FIFO trigger levels, and flow control settings.
- Windows 95/98:
Plug and Play detection automatically installs the driver.
Configure ports through Device Manager or Moxa Utility.
- DOS:
Supported upon request; drivers available from Moxa FTP site.
Configuration Options:
- Assign COM numbers manually or automatically.
- Adjust Rx FIFO trigger levels (1, 4, 8, or 14 bytes).
- Adjust Tx FIFO size (1–16 bytes).
- Enable or disable hardware flow control.
Mounting Options:
Standard PCI slot installation; no external power supply required.
### 7. Performance & Capabilities
- Maximum Throughput: 921.6 Kbps per port.
- FIFO Buffering: 32-byte transmit and receive buffers reduce CPU load and prevent data loss.
- Multi-Board Support: Up to four C104H/PCI Series boards can be installed in one system.
- IRQ and I/O Management: Automatically assigned by PCI BIOS; supports IRQs 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, and 15.
- Data Integrity: On-chip hardware flow control ensures reliable communication even under heavy load.
- Surge Protection: 2000 V isolation on each port (C104HS/PCI) protects against transient voltage spikes.
- System Resource Efficiency: ASIC design minimizes CPU utilization and ensures stable operation.
- Limitations:
- RS-232 only (no RS-422/485 support).
- Operating temperature limited to 55°C.
- Requires available PCI slot and IRQ resources.
### 8. Standards & Compliance
- PCI Specification: Version 2.1 compliant.
- Electrical Interface: RS-232 standard (EIA/TIA-232).
- Surge Protection: TVSS (Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor) technology.
- Operating System Drivers:
- Windows NT 3.51/4.0
- Windows 95/98
- DOS (on request)
- Software API Compatibility: Win32 COMM API compliant.
- Industry Certifications:
- CE (Electromagnetic Compatibility)
- FCC Class A (Industrial Environment)
- RoHS (for later production batches)
### 9. Additional Information
Warranty:
Standard Moxa warranty (typically 3 years) covering manufacturing defects and hardware failures under normal operating conditions.
Technical Support:
- Email: support@moxa.com.tw
- FTP: ftp.moxa.com or ftp.moxa.com.tw (User ID: _ftp_, Password: your_email_address)
- Online resources: driver updates, manuals, and FAQs available at [www.moxa.com](http://www.moxa.com)
Maintenance:
- Periodically check cable connections and ensure proper grounding.
- Use Moxa _PComm_ Diagnostic utility to verify port functionality.
- Replace cables or connectors showing signs of wear or corrosion.
Software Updates:
- Latest drivers and utilities downloadable from Moxa’s FTP or website.
- _PComm_ Lite updates include new diagnostic and monitoring features.
Return & Repair Procedure:
- Obtain RMA number from Moxa or authorized dealer.
- Provide proof of purchase and completed Problem Report Form.
- Ship product in anti-static packaging with RMA number clearly marked.
Problem Reporting:
Include product model, serial number, driver version, operating system, and detailed problem description.
### Summary
The Moxa Smartio C104HS/PCI is a robust, high-performance 4-port RS-232 PCI communication board engineered for industrial and commercial serial connectivity. With its 32-bit PCI interface, automatic resource configuration, and surge-protected design, it delivers reliable, high-speed data transmission up to 921.6 Kbps per port. The inclusion of advanced UARTs with 32-byte FIFOs, hardware flow control, and comprehensive driver support ensures seamless integration into Windows-based systems. Ideal for automation, POS, and data acquisition applications, the C104HS/PCI provides a cost-effective and dependable solution for expanding serial communication capabilities in modern PC architectures.
### 1. Product Overview
Product Name: Smartio C104HS/PCI
Model: C104HS/PCI
Series: Smartio C104H/PCI Series
Article Number: C104HS/PCI
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 Description:
The Moxa Smartio C104HS/PCI is a 4-port high-speed RS-232 asynchronous serial communication board designed for 32-bit PCI bus systems. It provides four independent serial ports with hardware flow control, surge protection, and a maximum data rate of 921.6 Kbps per port. The board is based on the TI 16C550C UART with 32-byte FIFO buffers and supports Plug and Play configuration through the PCI BIOS. It is ideal for industrial, commercial, and automation applications requiring reliable multiport serial connectivity.
### 2. Key Features
- Four RS-232 Ports: Provides four independent asynchronous serial communication channels.
- High-Speed Data Transfer: Supports baud rates from 50 bps up to 921.6 Kbps.
- Advanced UART Controller: Equipped with four 16C550C or compatible UARTs, each with 32-byte transmit and receive FIFOs for efficient data handling.
- Hardware Flow Control: On-chip RTS/CTS flow control ensures no data loss during high-speed transmission.
- Surge Protection: Integrated 2000 V surge protection on each port (C104HS/PCI model only) for enhanced reliability in harsh environments.
- Plug and Play PCI Interface: Fully compliant with PCI Specification 2.1; IRQ and I/O addresses are automatically assigned by the system BIOS.
- Compact Half-Size Design: Board dimensions of 120 mm × 100 mm allow installation in standard PCI slots.
- Operating System Support: Compatible with Windows NT, Windows 95/98, and DOS.
- Software Tools: Bundled with Moxa’s _PComm_ Lite communication library and utilities for diagnostics, monitoring, and terminal emulation.
- Flexible Connectivity: Includes DB37-to-DB25 (Opt4C) or DB37-to-DB9 (Opt4D) fan-out cable options.
- Reliability and Stability: ASIC-based design ensures consistent performance and long-term durability.
### 3. Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|------------------|
| Bus Interface | 32-bit PCI, Plug and Play |
| Number of Ports | 4 RS-232 asynchronous serial ports |
| UART Type | 4 × 16C550C or compatible |
| FIFO Buffer | 32-byte transmit and receive FIFO per port |
| 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 |
| Connectors | DB37 on board; fan-out cable to 4 × DB25 male (Opt4C) or 4 × DB9 male (Opt4D) |
| Signal Lines | TxD, RxD, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, GND |
| Surge Protection | Up to 2000 V (C104HS/PCI only) |
| Power Requirements | +5V @ 110 mA max; +12V @ 230 mA max; -12V @ 320 mA max |
| Dimensions | 120 mm × 100 mm |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 55°C |
| Storage Temperature | -20°C to 85°C (typical for Moxa boards) |
| Relative Humidity | 5% to 95% non-condensing |
| Compliance | PCI Spec 2.1, CE, FCC Class A (typical for Moxa industrial boards) |
### 4. Functionality
Operation Principle:
The C104HS/PCI board provides four independent RS-232 serial ports that can be used to connect various serial devices to a host PC through the PCI bus. Each port operates asynchronously and supports full-duplex communication. The board’s UARTs manage data buffering and flow control, minimizing CPU overhead and ensuring reliable data transmission even at high speeds.
Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation systems (PLC, sensors, data acquisition)
- Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals and kiosks
- Modem and remote access servers
- Telecommunication and networking equipment
- Office automation and serial printer connections
- Internet/Intranet gateways and multi-user systems
Compatibility:
- Fully compatible with standard RS-232 devices such as modems, barcode scanners, printers, and terminals.
- Supports Windows NT, Windows 95/98, and DOS environments.
- Works with Moxa’s _PComm_ library for custom application development in Visual C++, Visual Basic, and Delphi.
### 5. Components & Accessories
Included Items:
- Smartio C104HS/PCI 4-port serial board
- Device driver diskettes for Windows NT and Windows 95/98
- _PComm_ Lite software package (communication library and utilities)
- Smartio C104H/PCI Series User’s Manual
- Fan-out connection cable (choose one):
- Opt4C: DB37 to 4 × DB25 male connectors
- Opt4D: DB37 to 4 × DB9 male connectors
Optional Accessories:
- Additional fan-out cables (DB37 to RJ45 or custom pinouts)
- Surge-protected cable assemblies for industrial environments
- PCI slot brackets and mounting hardware
Connectors and Pinouts:
- DB37 connector on board with defined pin assignments for each port (TxD, RxD, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, GND).
- DB25 and DB9 pinouts follow standard RS-232 conventions.
### 6. Installation & Setup
Hardware Installation Steps:
1. Power off the PC and remove the cover.
2. Insert the C104HS/PCI board into an available 32-bit PCI slot.
3. Secure the board with the bracket screw.
4. Connect the fan-out cable to the DB37 connector.
5. Power on the PC; the PCI BIOS automatically assigns IRQ and I/O addresses.
6. Proceed with software driver installation.
Software Installation:
- Windows NT:
Install via Control Panel → Network → Adapters → Add → Have Disk.
Configure COM port numbers, FIFO trigger levels, and flow control settings.
- Windows 95/98:
Plug and Play detection automatically installs the driver.
Configure ports through Device Manager or Moxa Utility.
- DOS:
Supported upon request; drivers available from Moxa FTP site.
Configuration Options:
- Assign COM numbers manually or automatically.
- Adjust Rx FIFO trigger levels (1, 4, 8, or 14 bytes).
- Adjust Tx FIFO size (1–16 bytes).
- Enable or disable hardware flow control.
Mounting Options:
Standard PCI slot installation; no external power supply required.
### 7. Performance & Capabilities
- Maximum Throughput: 921.6 Kbps per port.
- FIFO Buffering: 32-byte transmit and receive buffers reduce CPU load and prevent data loss.
- Multi-Board Support: Up to four C104H/PCI Series boards can be installed in one system.
- IRQ and I/O Management: Automatically assigned by PCI BIOS; supports IRQs 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, and 15.
- Data Integrity: On-chip hardware flow control ensures reliable communication even under heavy load.
- Surge Protection: 2000 V isolation on each port (C104HS/PCI) protects against transient voltage spikes.
- System Resource Efficiency: ASIC design minimizes CPU utilization and ensures stable operation.
- Limitations:
- RS-232 only (no RS-422/485 support).
- Operating temperature limited to 55°C.
- Requires available PCI slot and IRQ resources.
### 8. Standards & Compliance
- PCI Specification: Version 2.1 compliant.
- Electrical Interface: RS-232 standard (EIA/TIA-232).
- Surge Protection: TVSS (Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor) technology.
- Operating System Drivers:
- Windows NT 3.51/4.0
- Windows 95/98
- DOS (on request)
- Software API Compatibility: Win32 COMM API compliant.
- Industry Certifications:
- CE (Electromagnetic Compatibility)
- FCC Class A (Industrial Environment)
- RoHS (for later production batches)
### 9. Additional Information
Warranty:
Standard Moxa warranty (typically 3 years) covering manufacturing defects and hardware failures under normal operating conditions.
Technical Support:
- Email: support@moxa.com.tw
- FTP: ftp.moxa.com or ftp.moxa.com.tw (User ID: _ftp_, Password: your_email_address)
- Online resources: driver updates, manuals, and FAQs available at [www.moxa.com](http://www.moxa.com)
Maintenance:
- Periodically check cable connections and ensure proper grounding.
- Use Moxa _PComm_ Diagnostic utility to verify port functionality.
- Replace cables or connectors showing signs of wear or corrosion.
Software Updates:
- Latest drivers and utilities downloadable from Moxa’s FTP or website.
- _PComm_ Lite updates include new diagnostic and monitoring features.
Return & Repair Procedure:
- Obtain RMA number from Moxa or authorized dealer.
- Provide proof of purchase and completed Problem Report Form.
- Ship product in anti-static packaging with RMA number clearly marked.
Problem Reporting:
Include product model, serial number, driver version, operating system, and detailed problem description.
### Summary
The Moxa Smartio C104HS/PCI is a robust, high-performance 4-port RS-232 PCI communication board engineered for industrial and commercial serial connectivity. With its 32-bit PCI interface, automatic resource configuration, and surge-protected design, it delivers reliable, high-speed data transmission up to 921.6 Kbps per port. The inclusion of advanced UARTs with 32-byte FIFOs, hardware flow control, and comprehensive driver support ensures seamless integration into Windows-based systems. Ideal for automation, POS, and data acquisition applications, the C104HS/PCI provides a cost-effective and dependable solution for expanding serial communication capabilities in modern PC architectures.
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C104H_PCI.pdf
Manual
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