Communications module embeds eight serial lines

A RoHS-compliant eight-channel PC/104 asynchronous communications module is well suited for embedded applications requiring a large number of serial I/O ports.

WinSystems has introduced the PCM-COM8-G, a RoHS-compliant eight-channel PC/104 asynchronous communications module.

It is well suited for embedded applications requiring a large number of serial I/O ports.

Each channel supports RS232, RS485 and RS422 electrical levels to interface to a wide variety of serial communications devices such as modems, data collection equipment, and distributed I/O terminals.

The board is designed to work in PC/104-expandable embedded computer systems running Windows CE, Windows XP embedded, Linux, QNX, VxWorks, and DOS.

A PCM-COM8-G will operate over the full industrial temperature range of -40 to +85C.

"WinSystems is committed to reducing lead content in an environmentally-friendly, technologically feasible and cost-effective manner without sacrificing performance, quality, or reliability", said Robert Burckle, Vice-President of WinSystems.

"The introduction of the PCM-COM8-G board is an ongoing part of WinSystems' programme to meet the RoHS Directive".

A 16C854 serves as the serial communication controller for the PCM-COM8-G.

It is an improved version of the 16C554 UART with higher operating speed and lower access time.

The unit contains on-chip software programmable baud rate generators with datarates selectable through 115,200bit/s.

Each channel has a 128byte transmit and receive FIFO.

This increases the service interval giving the external CPU additional time for other applications and reducing the overall UART interrupt servicing time.

Four selectable levels of FIFO trigger interrupt and automatic hardware/software flow control are supported for maximum data throughput especially when operating in a multichannel environment.

Automatic hardware or RTS and CTS flow control is used to prevent data overrun to the local receiver FIFO and remote receiver FIFO.

Interrupts are also available to give the status of RTS and CTS flow control.

The board is shipped in a standard configuration that supports RS232, RS422 and RS485 on all channels which are selected via onboard jumpers.

Only +5V is required for the board as Maxim MAX211 RS232 transceivers generate the plus and minus voltages on the chip.

This chip also has a high ESD rating of 15kV and will support datarates up to 115,200bit/s.

RS422 and 485 electrical levels are also supported on all eight channels.

The RS422/485 configuration provides separate balanced transmit and receive signal pairs.

Resistor termination networks are on the PCM-COM8-G board for impedance matching and biasing.

Delivery is from stock.

List price of the PCM-COM8-G, is $249.

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