SEALEVEL 7803e COMM+8.PCIe Interface Card User Manual

SEALEVEL 7803e COMM+8.PCIe Interface Card User Manual

Introduction

The Sealevel COMM+8.PCIe is an eight-channel RS-232 PCI express Bus serial I/O adapter supporting data rates up to 921.6Kbps.
The RS-232 compatibility allows for connection to devices utilizing the RS-232 electrical interface, such as modems, data-entry terminals, and plotters.

The COMM+8.PCIe will operate on x1, x4, x8 or x16 PCIe bus slots.

Features

• OXPCIe958 buffered UART with 128-byte FIFOs
• Oscillator and clock prescaler support wide range of baud rates
• Supports 9-bit protocol framing
• Each port supports data rates to 921.6 kbps
• PCI Express x1 compliant
• Compatible with all standard size PCI Express slots
• All modem control signals implemented in RS-232 mode
• Included 36″ cable terminates to eight DB25M connectors (Item# CA202)
  

Before You Get Started

What’s Included

The COMM+8.PCIe is shipped with the following items. If any of these items are missing or damaged, please contact Sealevel for replacement.

• COMM+8.PCIe Serial I/O Adapter
  7803e – PCI Express Board with Low Profile PC Bracket
  7803eS – PCI Express Board with Standard Height PC Bracket

• CA202 – 68 pin to (8) DB25 Male Cable

Advisory Conventions

Warning
The highest level of importance used to stress a condition where damage could result to the product, or the user could suffer serious injury.

Important

The middle level of importance used to highlight information that might not seem obvious or a situation that could cause the product to fail.

Note

The lowest level of importance used to provide background information, additional tips, or other non-critical facts that will not affect the use of the product

Optional Items

Depending upon your application, you are likely to find one or more of the following items useful with the COMM+8.PCIe. All items can be purchased from our website (www.sealevel.com) by calling our sales team at 864-843-4343.

Terminal Block Kit (Item# KT106)

Terminal Block Kit – TB06 + (2) CA127 Cables|
Terminal Block Kit (Item# KT105)
Terminal Block Kit – TB05 + CA127 Cable|

Hardware Description

PCI Express Board
The 7803e is a low profile PCI Express 1.0a compliant board via single lane x1 slot. It can be used in any single- or multi-lane PCI Express slot. It is available in standard height PCI Express as item# 7803eS

68 PIN Board Connector
The board integrates a 68 pin female connector for interfacing the eight serial ports via the included cable.

DB25M Serial Connectors
The 7803e ships with an eight-port cable (Item# CA202) that includes eight DB25 male serial connectors. The pin out for these connectors is detailed in the following Technical Description section.

Hardware Configuration

Address and IRQ selection
The COMM+8.PCIe is automatically assigned I/O addresses and IRQs by your motherboard BIOS or by a ‘Plug-n-Play’ Operating Sytem. Adding or removing other hardware or moving the adapter to another slot may change the assignment of I/O addresses and IRQs

Clock Modes
The COMM+8.PCIe derives a 62.5MHz clock from the PCI express link which is divided by a 8 bit clock prescaler and a 16 bit clock divisor to provide a wide range of possible baud rates. Note that there are many combinations that can give the same result (e.g. Prescaler=1 and Divisor = 8, Prescaler =2 and Divisor = 4,
or Prescaler=8 and Divisor 1). As long as the calculated data rate is within +/- 2% you should communicate fine.

Baud Rates
The following table shows some common data rates and the rates you should choose to achieve them when using the COMM+8.PCIe.

For This Data Rate| Clock Prescaler| Choose This Divisor DLM:DLL
---|---|---
1200 bps| 3.625| 898
2400 bps| 3.625| 449
4800 bps| 1.875| 434
9600 bps| 1.875| 217
19.2K bps| 1.375| 148
38.4K bps| 1.375| 74
57.6K bps| 22.625| 3
115.2K bps| 1| 34
230.4K bps| 1| 17
460.8K bps| 2.125| 4
921.6K bps| 2.125| 2

Software Installation

Windows Installation

Do not connect the hardware until the software has been fully installed.

Only users running Windows 7 or newer should utilize these instructions for accessing and installing the appropriate driver via Sealevel’s website. If you are utilizing an operating system prior to Windows 7, please contact Sealevel by calling 864.843.4343 or emailing support@sealevel.com to receive access to the proper driver download and installation instructions

1. Begin by locating, selecting, and installing the correct software from the Sealevel software driver database.
2. Type in or select the part number (#7803e) for the adapter from the listing.
3. Select “Download Now” for SeaCOM for Windows.
4.  The setup files will automatically detect the operating environment and install the proper components. Follow the information presented on the screens that follow.
5. A screen may appear with text similar to: “The publisher cannot be determined due to the problems below: Authenticode signature not found.” Please click the ‘Yes’ button and proceed with the installation. This declaration simply means that the operating system is not aware of the driver being loaded. It will not cause any harm to your system.
6. During setup, the user may specify installation directories and other preferred configurations. This program also adds entries to the system registry that are necessary for specifying the operating parameters for each driver. An uninstall option is also included to remove all registry/INI file entries from the system.
7. The software is now installed, and you can proceed with the hardware installation.

Do not connect the hardware until the software has been successfully installed. To install Sealevel software, you must log in as an administrator or have administrator privileges in Windows.

To install Sealevel software, you must log in as an administrator or have administrator privileges in Windows.

Linux Installation

You MUST have “root” privileges to install the software and drivers

The syntax is case sensitive

SeaCOM for Linux can be downloaded here: https://www.sealevel.com/support/software-seacom-linux/. It includes the README and the Serial-HOWTO help files (located at seacom/dox/howto). This series of files both explains typical Linux serial implementations and informs the user about Linux syntax and preferred practices.

User can use a program such as 7-Zip to extract the tar.gz file.

In addition, the software selectable interface settings can be accessed by referencing seacom/utilities/7803emode.

For additional software support, including QNX, please call Sealevel Systems’ Technical Support, (864) 843- 4343. Our technical support is free and available from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. For email support contact: support@sealevel.com.

Linux Support
The 7803e is supported natively in Linux kernels 2.6.28 and later.
For additional software support, please call Sealevel Systems’ Technical Support, 864-843-4343. Our technical support is free and available from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. For email support contact: support@sealevel.com

UPGRADING TO THE CURRENT SEACOM DRIVER

1. Download the current driver using the Instructions from the Where to Get Software section above. Please take note of the destination directory it will save to.
2.  Uninstall the currently loaded driver SeaCOM driver found in the Control Panel. Prior to Windows Vista SeaCOM will be populated in ‘Add/Remove Programs’ list. In Vista and newer OSs it will be found in the ‘Programs and Features’ list.
3. Navigate to the Device Manager and remove the Sealevel adapter by right clicking on the line item choosing ‘Uninstall’. Depending on your product, it can be found under either ‘Multiport Serial adapters’ or ‘Universal Serial Bus controllers’.
4. In the Device Manager under ‘Action’, choose ‘Scan for Hardware changes’. This will prompt the installation of the adapter and associate it with the newly installed SeaCOM driver.

LINUX SUPPORT
The 7803e is supported natively in Linux kernels 2.6.28 and later

Technical Description

The COMM+8.PCIe provides eight RS-232 ports from a single PCIe slot. The COMM+8.PCIe utilizes the OXPCIe954 UART. This chip features programmable baud rates, data format, interrupt control and industry leading 128-byte transmit and receive FIFOs.
The UARTs are register compatible with 16C450, 16C550, 16C654 and 16C750 UARTs. The FIFO depth can be changed to match the depth of these UARTs.

RS-232 (CA-202 DB-25) CONNECTOR PIN ASSIGNMENTS

Signal

| Name| Pin #|

Mode

---|---|---|---
GND| Ground| 7|
TD| Transmit Data| 2| Output
RTS| Request To Send| 4| Output
DTR| Data Terminal Ready| 20| Output
RD| Receive Data| 3| Input
CTS| Clear To Send| 5| Input
DSR| Data Set Ready| 6| Input
DCD| Data Carrier Detect| 8| Input
RI| Ring Indicator| 22| Input

Please terminate any control signals that are not going to be used. The most common way to dothis is connect RTS to CTS and RI. Also, connect DCD to DTR and DSR. Terminating these pins, if not used, will help ensure you get the best performance from your adapter. .

RS-232 68-PIN)

Specifications

Environmental Specifications

Specification

| Operating|

Storage

---|---|---
Temperature Range| 0º to 70º C (32º to 158º F)| -50º to 105º C (-58º to 221º F)
Humidity Range| 10 to 90% R.H. Non-Condensing| 10 to 90% R.H. Non- Condensing

Manufacturing
All Sealevel Systems Printed Circuit boards are built to UL 94V0 rating and are 100% electrically tested. These printed circuit boards are solder mask over bare copper or solder mask over tin nickel.

Power Consumption

Appendix A – Troubleshooting

The adapter should provide years of trouble-free service. However, in the event that device appears to not be functioning incorrectly, the following tips can eliminate most common problems without the need to call Technical Suppot

1. Identify all I/O adapters currently installed in your system. This includes your on-board serial ports, controller cards, sound cards etc. The I/O addresses used by these adapters, as well as the IRQ (if any) should be identified.
2. Configure your Sealevel Systems adapter so that there is no conflict with currently installed adapters. No two adapters can occupy the same I/O address.
3. Make sure the Sealevel Systems adapter is using a unique IRQ The IRQ is  Make sure the Sealevel Systems adapter is securely installed in a motherboard slot.
4. If you are utilizing an operating system prior to Windows 7, please contact Sealevel‘s Technical support as directed below to receive more information regarding the utility software which will determine if your product is functioning properly.
5. Only users running Windows 7 or newer should utilize the diagnostic tool ‘WinSSD’ installed in the SeaCOM folder on the Start Menu during the setup process. First find the ports using the Device Manager, then use ‘WinSSD’ to verify that the ports are functional.
6. Always use the Sealevel Systems diagnostic software when troubleshooting a problem. This will help eliminate any software issues and identify any hardware conflicts.

If these steps do not solve your problem, please call Sealevel Systems’ Technical Support, 864-843-4343. Our technical support is free and available from 8:00 A.M.- 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time Monday through Friday. For email support contact support@sealevel.com.

Appendix B – Handling Instructions

ESD Warnings

Electrostatic Discharges (ESD)

• A sudden electrostatic discharge can destroy sensitive components. Proper packaging and grounding rules must therefore be observed. Always take the following precautions: Transport boards and cards in electrostatically secure containers or bags.
• Keep electrostatically sensitive components in their containers, until they arrive at an electrostatically protected workplace.
• Only touch electrostatically sensitive components when you are properly grounded.
• Store electrostatically sensitive components in protective packaging or on anti static mats.

Grounding Methods

The following measures help to avoid electrostatic damages to the device:

• Cover workstations with approved antistatic material. Always wear a wrist strap connected to a properly grounded workplace.
• Use antistatic mats, heel straps, and/or air ionizers for more protection.
• Always handle electrostatically sensitive components by their edge or by their casing.
• Avoid contact with pins, leads, or circuitry.
• Turn off power and input signals before inserting and removing connectors or connecting test equipment.
• Keep work area free of non-conductive materials such as ordinary plastic assembly aids and Styrofoam.
• Use field service tools such as cutters, screwdrivers, and vacuum cleaners that are conductive.

Appendix C – Electrical Interface

RS-232

Quite possibly the most widely used communication standard is RS-232. This implementation has been defined and revised several times and is often referred to as RS-232-C/D/E or EIA/TIA-232-C/D/E. It is defined as “Interface between Data Terminal Equipment and Data Circuit- Terminating Equipment Employing Serial Binary Data Interchange”. The mechanical implementation of RS-232 is on a 25-pin D sub connector. The IBM PC computer defined the RS-232 port on a 9 pin D sub connector and subsequently the EIA/TIA approved this implementation as the EIA/TIA-574 standard. This standard has defined as the “9-Position Non Synchronous Interface between Data Terminal Equipment and Data Circuit Terminating Equipment Employing Serial Binary Data Interchange”. Both implementations are in widespread use and will be referred to as RS-232 in this document. RS-232 is capable of operating at data rates up to 20K bps / 50 ft. The absolute maximum data rate may vary due to line conditions and cable lengths. RS-232 often operates at 38.4K bps over very short distances. The voltage levels defined by RS-232 range from -12 to +12 volts. RS-232 is a single ended or unbalanced interface, meaning that a single electrical signal is compared to a common signal (ground) to determine binary logic states. A voltage of +12 volts (usually +3 to +10 volts) represents a binary 0 (space) and -12 volts (-3 to -10 volts) denote a binary 1 (mark). The RS-232 and the EIA TIA-574 specification define two types of interface circuits Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) and Data Circuit-Terminating Equipment (DCE). The Sealevel Systems Adapter is a DTE interface.

Appendix D – Asynchronous Communications

Serial data communications implies that individual bits of a character are transmitted consecutively to a receiver that assembles the bits back into a character. Data rate, error checking, handshaking, and character framing (start/stop bits) are pre-defined and must correspond at both the transmitting and receiving ends.

Asynchronous communications is the standard means of serial data communication for PC compatibles and PS/2 computers. The original PC was equipped with a communication or COM: port that was designed around an 8250 Unil Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (UART). This device allows asynchronous serial data to be transferred through a simple and straightforward programming interface. A starting bit followed by a pre-defined number of data bits (5, 6, 7, or 8) defines character boundaries for asynchronous communications. The end of the character is defined by the transmission of a pre-defined number of stop bits (usually 1, 1.5 or 2). An extra bit used for error detection is often appended before the stop bits

This special bit is called the parity bit. Parity is a simple method of determining if a data bit has been lost or corrupted during transmission. There are several methods for implementing a parity check to guard against data corruption. Common methods are called (E)ven Parity or (O)dd Parity. Sometimes parity is not  used to detect errors on the data stream. This is referred to as (N)o parity. Because each bit in asynchronous communications is sent consecutively, it is easy to generalize asynchronous communications by stating that each character is wrapped (framed) by pre-defined bits to mark the beginning and end of the serial transmission of the character. The data rate and communication parameters for asynchronous communications have to be the same at both the transmitting and receiving ends. The communication parameters are baud rate, parity, number of data bits per character, and stop bits (i.e. 9600,N,8,1).

Appendix E – Mechanical Drawing

Appendix F – Compliance Notices

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in such case the user will be required to correct the interference at the user’s expense.

EMC Directive Statement

Products bearing the CE Label fulfill the requirements of the EMC directive (89/336/EEC) and of the low-voltage directive (73/23/EEC) issued by the European Commission. To obey these directives, the following European standards must be met:

• EN55022 Class A – “Limits and methods of measurement of radio interference characteristics of information technology equipment”
• EN55024 – “Information technology equipment Immunity characteristics Limits and methods of measurement”.

This is a Class A Product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures to prevent or correct the interference.

Always use cabling provided with this product if possible. If no cable is provided or if an alternate cable is required, use high quality shielded cabling to maintain compliance with FCC/EMC directives.

Warranty

Sealevel’s commitment to providing the best I/O solutions is reflected in the Lifetime Warranty that is standard on all Sealevel manufactured I/O products. We are able to offer this warranty due to our control of manufacturing quality and the historically high reliability of our products in the field. Sealevel products are designed and manufactured at its Liberty, South Carolina facility, allowing direct control over product development, production, burn- in and testing. Sealevel achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification in 2018.

Warranty Policy

Sealevel Systems, Inc. (hereafter “Sealevel”) warrants that the Product shall conform to and perform in accordance with published technical specifications and shall be free of defects in materials and workmanship for the warranty period. In the event of failure, Sealevel will repair or replace the product at Sealevel’s sole discretion. Failures resulting from misapplication or misuse of the Product, failure to adhere to any specifications or instructions, or failure resulting from neglect, abuse, accidents, or acts of nature are not covered under this warranty. Warranty service may be obtained by delivering the Product to Sealevel and providing proof of purchase. Customer agrees to ensure the Product or assume the risk of loss or damage in transit, to prepay shipping charges to Sealevel, and to use the original shipping container or equivalent. Warranty is valid only for original purchaser and is not transferable. This warranty applies to Sealevel manufactured Product. Product purchased through Sealevel but manufactured by a third party will retain the original manufacturer’s warranty.
Non-Warranty Repair/Retest
Products returned due to damage or misuse and Products retested with no problem found are subject to repair/retest charges. A purchase order or credit card number and authorization must be provided in order to obtain an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) number prior to returning Product.
How to obtain an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization)
If you need to return a product for warranty or non-warranty repair, you must first obtain an RMA number. Please contact Sealevel Systems, Inc. Technical Support for assistance:

Available: Monday – Friday, 8:00AM to 5:00PM EST
Phone: 864-843-4343
Email: support@sealevel.com

Trademarks

Sealevel Systems, Incorporated acknowledges that all trademarks referenced in this manual are the service mark, trademark, or registered trademark of the respective company.

References

• Software: SeaCOM - Linux - Sealevel

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