SEALEVEL 5103e ACB-232.PCIe Synchronous Serial Interface User Manual

SEALEVEL 5103e ACB-232.PCIe Synchronous Serial Interface User Manual

© Sealevel Systems, Inc. 5103e & 5103es Manual | SL9240 8/2021

Introduction

The ACB-232.PCIe adapter provides the PC with a single channel multi-protocol synchronous serial interface utilizing the Zilog Z85230 (ESCC™), which supports the HDLC/SDLC protocol using the Sealevel SeaMAC device driver. SeaMAC also supports certain configurations of monosync, bisync, and raw modes. The ACB-232.PCIe adapter is an ideal solution for applications including DDS (digital data service), military applications, banking communications, and other specialized applications.

The ACB-232.PCIe is compliant with EIA/TIA-232E.

The ACB-232.PCIe meets the requirements a low profile PCI Express add-in card as defined by the PCI-SIG in the PCI Express Card Electromechanical Specification Revision 1.1. A standard height bracket is available for implementations in a standard height PCIe slot. The ACB 232.PCIe will operate on x1, x4, x8 or x16 PCIe Bus slots.

Features

• Compliant with RoHS and WEEE directives
• Z85230 Enhanced Serial Communications Controller (ESCC)
• Data rates to 128 kbit/s (Burst mode)
• Single synchronous/asynchronous serial port with DB-25M connector
• Programmable options for Transmit clock as input or output
• Software programmable baud rates

Before You Get Started

What’s Included
The ACB-232.PCIe is shipped with the following items. If any of these items are missing or damaged, please contact Sealevel for replacement.

• ACB-232.PCIe Adapter (Item# 5103e)

Advisory Conventions

Optional Items
Depending upon your application, you are likely to find one or more of the following items useful for interfacing the ACB-232.PCIe to real-world signals. All items can be purchased from our website (http://www.sealevel.com) or by calling 864-843-4343.

DB25 Female to DB25 Male Extension Cable, 72 inch Length (Item# CA104)

The CA104 is a standard DB25F to DB25M serial extension cable. Extend a DB25 cable or locate a piece of hardware where it is needed with this six foot (72 inch) cable. The connectors are pinned one-to-one, so the cable is compatible with any device or cable with DB25 connectors. The cable is fully shielded against interference and the connectors are molded to provide strain relief. Dual metal thumbscrews secure the cable connections and prevent accidental disconnection. Recommended for applications with data rates less than 1 Mbit/s.

Installation & Configuration

Software Installation
Microsoft Windows XP/Vista/Windows 7™ Operating Systems

Do not install the adapter until the software has been successfully installed.

1. Begin by locating, selecting, and installing the correct software from the Sealevel software driver database.
2. Type in or select the part number (5103e) for the adapter from the listing. Select the ‘Download Now’ for the SeaMAC software which is compatible with your system.
3. The setup files will automatically detect the operating environment and install the proper components. Follow the information presented on the screens that follow.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. The software is now installed, and you can proceed with the hardware installation.

Hardware Installation

The adapter can be installed in any x1, x4, x8 or x16 PCIe expansion slot.

Do not install the adapter until the software has been successfully installed.

1. Turn off power. Disconnect the power cord.
2. Remove the PC case cover.
3. Locate an available PCIe slot and remove the blank metal slot cover.
4. Gently insert the PCIe adapter into the slot. Make sure the adapter is seated properly.
5. Replace the screw (required for FCC Part 15 compliance).
6. Replace the cover.
7. Connect the power cord and power up the machine.
8. The ACB-232.PCIe is to be installed when the system is booted.

Technical Description

The ACB-232.PCIe utilizes the Zilog 85230 Enhanced Serial Communications Controller (ESCC). This chip features programmable baud rate, data format and interrupt control. Refer to the ESCC User Manual, available from Zilog, for details on programming the Z85230 ESCC chip in the event you are writing your own driver as opposed to using the SeaMAC driver.

Internal Baud Rate Generator
The baud rate of the ESCC is programmed under software control. The standard oscillator supplied with the board is 7.3728 MHz. However, other oscillator values can be substituted to achieve different baud rates.

Control and Status Registers Definition
The control and status registers occupy 16 consecutive I/O locations. The following tables provide a functional description of the bit positions. This table is provided for users that desire to write their own driver.

X = do not care.

DB-25M Connector Pin Outs
RS-232 Signals

Technical Specifications

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.

Appendix A – 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 damage to the device:

• Cover workstations with approved antistatic material. Always wear a wrist strap connected to workstation as well as properly grounded tools and equipment.
• Use antistatic mats, heel straps, 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.
• 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, which are conductive.

Appendix B – Troubleshooting

Following these simple steps can eliminate most common problems.

1. Read this manual thoroughly before attempting to install the adapter in your system.
2. Install software first. This places the required installation files in the correct locations. After installing the software, proceed to the physical installation section of this manual.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Make sure the Sealevel Systems adapter is securely installed.
6. For Windows 2000/XP/Vista, and Windows 7, the diagnostic tool ‘WinSSD’ is installed the SeaMAC 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. The Loopback tab is primarily designed for asynchronous cards and should not be used in synchronous modes – use the BERT tab instead.
7. Always use Sealevel Systems diagnostic software when troubleshooting a problem. This will eliminate any software issues from the equation.

If these steps do not solve your problem, please call Sealevel Technical Support at +1864-843-4343. Our technical support is free and available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm EST. For email support, contact support@sealevel.com.

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 or EIA/TIA 232. It is defined by the EIA as the 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. RS 232 is capable of operating at data rates up to 20 Kbps at distances less than 50 ft. The absolute maximum data rate may vary due to line conditions and cable lengths. RS 232 often operates at 38.4 Kbps 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) denotes a binary 1 (mark). The RS-232 and the EIA/TIA-574 specification defines two type of interface circuits, Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) and Data Circuit-Terminating Equipment (DCE). The Sealevel Systems adapter is a DTE interface.

Appendix D – Mechanical Drawing

Appendix E – 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.

© Sealevel Systems, Inc. 5103e & 5103es Manual | SL9240 8/2021

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