Comprehensive Product Summary – Rayon P640A PCI 8..64-Port 80286 CPU Card and Associated Multi-Port Serial Solutions

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: PCI 8..64-Port 80286 CPU Card
Model: P640A
Article Number: P640A
Series: PCI Intelligent Multi-Port Serial Controller Series
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 Web: [www.rayontech.com](http://www.rayontech.com)

The Rayon P640A is an intelligent PCI processor card designed to manage high-density serial communication environments. It integrates an Intel 80286-20 MHz CPU and supports up to 64 serial ports through modular connector boxes. The card is engineered for industrial, automation, and multi-user computing systems requiring reliable, high-throughput serial communication with minimal host CPU load.

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### 2. Key Features

- Intelligent Onboard Processor: Built-in 80286-20 MHz CPU offloads serial communication tasks from the host CPU, improving system performance.
- Scalable Port Configuration: Supports configurations from 8 up to 64 serial ports via daisy-chained connector boxes (NF116, NF216, NF316).
- Advanced UART Control: Each connector box integrates a FIFO-type 16C554 UART controller, ensuring efficient data buffering and reduced latency.
- Flexible Interface Support: Each port can be configured individually for RS232, RS422, or RS485 communication via DIP switches.
- PCI Bus Compatibility: Operates in 5V 33 MHz PCI slots, with automatic memory mapping (8 KB I/O space assigned by PCI BIOS).
- Multi-OS Driver Support: Compatible with Linux, SCO OpenServer, DOS, Windows 95/98/Me, NT, 2000, XP, Vista, and Windows 7.
- High Integration: Each card uses only one IRQ for all ports, optimizing system resource allocation.
- Expandable Architecture: Supports up to two cards per system, allowing a total of 128 serial ports in one PC.
- Industrial Reliability: Designed for continuous operation in industrial environments with wide temperature and humidity tolerance.
- Connector Type: DB37 male connector on the card; DB9 male connectors on external boxes.

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### 3. Technical Specifications

Card Specifications (P640A):
- CPU: Intel 80286, 20 MHz
- Memory: 8 KB memory-mapped I/O (assigned by PCI BIOS)
- Bus Interface: PCI 5V, 33 MHz
- Maximum Cards per System: 2
- Connector: DB37 male
- Supported OS: Linux, SCO, DOS, Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/Vista/7
- Dimensions: 142 mm × 106 mm
- Manufacturer: Rayon Technology Co., Ltd.
- Material: Multi-layer PCB with gold-plated PCI edge connector

Connector Box Specifications:
Each external box supports 16 serial ports and can be daisy-chained to expand total port count.

| Model | Interface | Controller | Connector | Ports/Box | Configuration |
|--------|------------|-------------|------------|-------------|----------------|
| NF116 | RS232C | FIFO 16C554 | DB9 male | 16 | Fixed RS232 |
| NF216 | RS422/RS485 | FIFO 16C554 | DB9 male | 16 | DIP switch selectable RS422/RS485 |
| NF316 | RS232/RS422/RS485 | FIFO 16C554 | DB9 male | 16 | DIP switch selectable RS232/RS422/RS485 |

Box Dimensions: 268 mm × 128 mm × 38 mm
Operating Temperature: 5°C – 40°C
Storage Temperature: 0°C – 65°C
Operating Humidity: 10% – 90% RH
Storage Humidity: 5% – 90% RH

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### 4. Functionality

The P640A functions as an intelligent serial communication controller. It connects to one or more external connector boxes via the A640 cable, each box providing 16 serial ports. The onboard 80286 CPU manages data flow between the host system and serial devices, minimizing CPU overhead.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation and control systems
- Multi-terminal server environments
- Data acquisition and instrumentation
- POS and kiosk systems
- Communication hubs for RS232/RS422/RS485 devices
- Remote monitoring and multi-drop serial networks

Compatibility:
- Works with NF116, NF216, NF316 connector boxes
- Compatible with P640NU and IOP3927F intelligent multi-port cards
- Daisy-chain support for up to 64 ports per card
- Supports both 5V and 3.3V PCI slots (depending on card variant)

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Components:
- P640A PCI CPU card
- DB37 male connector interface
- A640 interconnect cable (for linking to connector boxes)

Optional Accessories:
- NF116 Box: 16-port RS232C interface
- NF216 Box: 16-port RS422/RS485 interface
- NF316 Box: 16-port RS232/RS422/RS485 interface
- Mounting Brackets: For securing multiple boxes in daisy-chain configuration
- A640 Cable: High-density 37-pin cable for connecting card to boxes

Connector Details:
- Card Connector: DB37 male
- Box Connectors: DB9 male per port
- Cable Type: Shielded 37-pin D-sub cable

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### 6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- IBM PC/AT or compatible system
- Available PCI slot (5V, 33 MHz)
- Supported operating system (Linux, SCO, DOS, or Windows)

Installation Steps:
1. Power off the system and insert the P640A card into an available PCI slot.
2. Connect the A640 cable from the card’s DB37 connector to the first connector box.
3. Daisy-chain additional boxes as needed (up to four for 64 ports).
4. Secure boxes using provided brackets for stable installation.
5. Power on the system; the PCI BIOS will assign memory-mapped I/O space automatically.
6. Install the appropriate driver for your operating system.
7. Configure port parameters (COM numbering, baud rate, flow control) via software or DIP switches.

Mounting Options:
- Individual box mounting
- Daisy-chained configuration (up to 8 boxes)
- Bracket-based rack or panel mounting

Configuration:
- Each port’s interface type (RS232/RS422/RS485) is set via DIP switches.
- Output enable timing and signal mode can be adjusted per port.

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

Port Capacity:
- 8 to 64 serial ports per card (depending on number of boxes)
- Up to 128 ports per system (two cards)

Baud Rate:
- 110 to 115,200 bps (standard)
- UNIX systems support 50, 75, 150 bps settings for 57,600, 76,800, and 115,200 bps targets

Flow Control:
- Software: XON/XOFF
- Hardware: RTS/CTS

Data Handling:
- FIFO buffering per port via 16C554 UART
- Efficient interrupt-driven communication
- Single IRQ for all ports

Performance Highlights:
- High throughput with minimal CPU load
- Stable operation across multiple OS environments
- Reliable communication for industrial and commercial serial devices

Limitations:
- Maximum of two cards per system
- Operating temperature limited to 5–40°C
- Requires proper driver installation for full functionality

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

Electrical & Interface Standards:
- PCI Local Bus Specification 2.1 compliant
- RS232C, RS422, RS485 interface standards compliant
- UART: 16C554 FIFO type

Regulatory Compliance:
- Designed for CE and FCC Class A industrial environments
- Meets industry standards for EMI and ESD protection

Software & Driver Standards:
- Fully Plug & Play compliant under Windows 95/98/Me/2000/XP/Vista/7
- SCO OpenServer and Linux kernel driver support (source-level installation)
- DOS and UNIX driver packages included

Industry Compatibility:
- Compatible with Rayon’s PCIIOP, P640NU, and IOP3927F intelligent card series
- Supports integration with Rayon’s NF-series connector boxes

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### 9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- One-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
- Excludes damage from misuse, electrical surges, or unauthorized servicing.

Support & Maintenance:
- Technical support via email (rayon@ms1.hinet.net)
- Driver updates and documentation available on [www.rayontech.com](http://www.rayontech.com)
- RMA (Return Material Authorization) required for repairs.

Maintenance Guidelines:
- Ensure adequate ventilation and stable power supply.
- Periodically inspect connectors and cables for wear.
- Use only Rayon-approved accessories and cables.

Upgrade Path:
- P640A users can upgrade to PCIIOP or IOP3927F intelligent processor cards for higher performance.
- Connector boxes (NF116/NF216/NF316) remain compatible across product generations.

Repair Procedure:
- Contact Rayon for RMA number before returning products.
- Provide model, serial number, and fault description.
- Warranty repairs are free; out-of-warranty repairs incur a flat-rate service charge.

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### Summary

The Rayon P640A PCI 8..64-Port 80286 CPU Card is a robust, scalable, and intelligent serial communication solution designed for industrial and enterprise environments. Its modular architecture, combining the P640A card with NF-series connector boxes, allows flexible deployment across RS232, RS422, and RS485 networks. With comprehensive OS driver support, single-IRQ efficiency, and industrial-grade reliability, the P640A provides a high-performance platform for multi-port serial communication applications.

Key Advantages:
- Intelligent 80286 CPU for offloaded serial processing
- Modular expansion up to 64 ports per card
- Multi-interface flexibility (RS232/RS422/RS485)
- Broad OS compatibility and driver support
- Proven reliability from Rayon Technology’s industrial-grade design

Ideal For:
System integrators, industrial automation engineers, and OEMs requiring high-density, reliable serial communication in PCI-based systems.