Advantech BB-VESR90 Series User manual

Ethernet Serial Servers
BB-VESR90x series
USER MANUAL

BB-VESR90x Serial Servers
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Advantech - Americas
707 Dayton Road
Ottawa, IL 61350 USA
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.advantech.com
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
© 2020 Advantech. All rights reserved. Information in this manual is subject to
change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of
Advantech. Advantech assumes no responsibility for errors that may appear in
this document. Advantech shall not be liable for incidental or consequential
damages resulting from the furnishing, performance or use of this manual.
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by
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manual may be registered trademarks and the property of their respective owners.
The use of trademarks or other designations in this publication is for reference
purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by the trademark holder.
Documentation Number: BB-VESR90x_1220m

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CONTENTS
About This Manual.................................................................................................i
Introduction...........................................................................................................1
About BB-VESR90x Serial Servers..............................................................2
BB-VESR90x Serial Server Models .............................................................2
BB-VESR90x Serial Server Features..........................................................3
Vlinx Manager Configuration Software.......................................................3
BB-VESR90x Serial Server Hardware ......................................................4
Package Checklist ............................................................................................4
LED Indicators (BB-VESR90x) ......................................................................4
Link LED ........................................................................................4
Ready LED .....................................................................................4
Serial Port LEDs .............................................................................5
Mode Switch .......................................................................................................5
Ethernet Connector ..........................................................................................5
Serial Port Connectors....................................................................................6
Power Connector...............................................................................................7
Mounting Hardware ..........................................................................................7
Serial Server Setup and Connections .....................................................8
Connecting the Power Supply .......................................................................8
Connecting BB-VESR90x Serial Servers to Serial Devices .................9
Connecting the BB-VESR901x ........................................................10
Connecting the BB-VESR902D ....................................................... 11
Connecting BB-VESR90x Serial Servers to a Network........................12
Network Connection (10BaseT/100BaseTX) ............................ 12
BB-VESR90x Serial Server Configuration Connections ......................12
Configuring BB-VESR90x via Network Connection................... 12
Configuring BB-VESR90x via Serial Port (Console Mode) ........ 15
BB-VESR90x Serial Server Operational Connections..........................16
Using BB-VESR90x Serial Servers in Direct IP Mode............... 16
Using BB-VESR90x Serial Servers in Virtual COM Port Mode ... 17
Using BB-VESR90x Serial Servers in Paired Mode .................. 17

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Initiating a Hardware Reset on the Serial Server .................................18
Reloading Factory Defaults .........................................................................18
Definitions: Serial Server Properties ................................................................19
Baud Rate .........................................................................................................19
Character Count ..............................................................................................19
Configuration Files .........................................................................................19
Data/Parity/Stop..............................................................................................20
Default Gateway..............................................................................................20
Delimiter 1 ........................................................................... 20
Delimiter 2 ........................................................................... 20
Delimiter Removal ................................................................ 20
How Delimiters Work............................................................. 21
DHCP..................................................................................................................21
Firmware Version ............................................................................................22
Flow Control .....................................................................................................22
Forced Transmit ..............................................................................................22
Hardware Version ...........................................................................................22
Inter-character Timeout ................................................................................22
IP Address ........................................................................................................23
Link Status ........................................................................................................25
MAC Address....................................................................................................25
Model..................................................................................................................25
Network Protocols...........................................................................................25
Network Watchdog..........................................................................................25
Paired Mode .....................................................................................................26
Password...........................................................................................................26
Serial Interface Modes ..................................................................................27
Serial Server Name ........................................................................................27
Server Serial Port Number ...........................................................................28
Serial Watchdog ..............................................................................................28
Subnet Mask.....................................................................................................28
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) .......................................................29
UDP (User Datagram Protocol)...................................................................29
VCOM (Virtual COM Port) ............................................................................30

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Upgrading Serial Server Firmware.......................................................................30
Downloading Firmware Files .......................................................................31
Uploading Firmware to the Serial Server.................................................31
Diagnostics ...........................................................................................................32
Testing a Serial Server Connection ..........................................................33
Testing a Virtual COM Port..........................................................................34
Appendix A: Default Server Settings................................................................35
Appendix B: General Specifications.................................................................36
Controls, Indicators & Connector Specifications ..................................................37
Serial Interface Specifications..............................................................................38
Network Specifications .........................................................................................39
Appendix C: Dimensional Diagrams.................................................................40
Appendix D: Connector Pinouts..............................................................42
BB-VESR901..........................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
DB9 Male............................................................................. 42
BB-VESR902D.......................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
DB9 Male............................................................................. 44
Standard Ethernet Cable RJ-45 Pin-out...................................... 45
ADVANTECH TECHNICAL SUPPORT ...............................................................46
ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE PRECAUTIONS..............................................46
FCC RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT ..............................47
CERTIFICATIONS................................................................................................48

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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a Vlinx BB-VESR90x Serial Server. This
product has been manufactured to the highest standards of quality and
performance to ensure your complete satisfaction.
Model BB-VESR902D Serial Server

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ABOUT BB-VESR90X SERIAL SERVERS
BB-VESR90x Serial Servers connect serial devices (RS-232, RS-422 or
RS-485) to Ethernet networks, allowing the serial device to become a
node on the network. Serial ports can be accessed over a LAN/WAN
using Direct IP Mode, Virtual COM Port, or Paired Mode connections.
BB-VESR90x Serial Servers feature a 10BaseT or 100BaseTX copper
network media. These serial servers are built for use in industrial
environments, featuring an IP30 approved slim-line DIN rail mountable
case. They operate from a range of DC power supply voltages and
feature pluggable terminal block power connectors.
BB-VESR90X SERIAL SERVER MODELS
Models are available with one or two serial connections and one
Ethernet connection. The network connection is 10BaseT/100BaseTX
copper. The following table lists available Vlinx™ BB-VESR90x Ethernet
Serial Server models.
Model No. Features
BB-VESR901
1 serial port (DB9 or TB), CU RJ45 10/100 Ethernet, DIN mount
BB-VESR902D
2 serial ports (DB9), CU RJ45 10/100 Ethernet, DIN mount

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BB-VESR90X SERIAL SERVER FEATURES
•Multi-interface serial ports
•DB9M and pluggable terminal block serial port connector options
•All ports software selectable as RS-232, RS-422 or RS-485 2-
and 4-wire
•Configuration done via network or direct serial connection
•Slim line DIN rail mountable case
•Accepts DC power over a wide voltage range
•10/100 Mbps Ethernet with Auto Selection
•LAN and WAN Communications
•TCP Client or Server, or UDP operation - configurable
•Virtual COM port and Paired Mode capabilities
•Firmware Upload for future revisions/upgrades
•Software O/S & Support - Windows 2000, XP (32/64 bit), 2003
Server (32/64 bit), Vista (32/64 bit), 2008 Server (32/64 bit), 7
(32/64 bit) Configuration of Ethernet and serial port settings
using Vlinx Manager software.
VLINX MANAGER CONFIGURATION SOFTWARE
Vlinx Manager configuration software enables you to find connected
serial servers, configure them, upgrade serial server firmware, and
save/load configuration files. It features a graphical user interface (GUI)
that is convenient and easy to use. The software also makes it easy to
add and remove virtual COM ports on your computer.

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BB-VESR90X SERIAL SERVER HARDWARE
BB-VESR90x Serial Servers are enclosed in DIN rail mountable
enclosures and feature LED indicators, power, Ethernet and serial
connectors and a recessed mode switch. BB-VESR90x Serial Server
models are DIN rail mountable.
PACKAGE CHECKLIST
BB-VESR90x Serial Servers ship with the following items included:
•BB-VESR90x Serial Server Module
•Quick Start Guide
LED INDICATORS (VESR90X)
BB-VESR90x Serial Servers have three LED indicators: Link LED,
Ready LED and two Serial Port LEDs.
LEDs on 1 and 2 Port Serial Servers
LINK LED
The Link LED illuminates (green) if the Ethernet connection is operating
in 100BaseTX mode. The LED is off if the mode is 10BaseT. When the
LED is blinking it indicates that there is data traffic on the Ethernet link.
READY LED
The Ready LED (green) blinks once per second if the system is
operating correctly. If the LED is off, it indicates the system is not
operating correctly.

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SERIAL PORT LEDS
Model BB-VESR901 serial server features one serial port.
Model BB-VESR902D features two serial ports. Each serial port has an
associated LED. Serial Port LEDs blink (green) when data is being
transmitted or received on the serial port. When the LED is On, it
indicates the serial port is open.
MODE SWITCH
A recessed momentary reset switch is located on the top of the
enclosure. To activate the switch, insert a small plastic tool through the
hole in the enclosure and press lightly.
Top View of the Serial Server
The Mode switch can be used to:
•Initiate a Hardware Reset
•Enter Console Mode
•Reload factory defaults
Note: Refer to Section 3. Serial Server Setup and Connections for
more information on using the Mode switch.
ETHERNET CONNECTOR
BB-VESR90x models using 10BaseT/100BaseTX (RJ45) connect to a
standard Ethernet network drop using a straight-through RJ45 (male)
Ethernet cable.

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Ethernet Connector
Note: Refer to Appendix D for connection pin-outs.
SERIAL PORT CONNECTORS
BB-VESR90x Serial Servers serial port connector configurations
(depending on model):
•Model BB-VESR901 features one serial port and use a DB9M
connector for RS-232 and a five-position removable terminal
block for RS-422 and RS-485 connections.
•Model BB-VESR902D features two serial ports, both using
DB9M connectors for RS-232, RS-422 and RS-485 connections.
DB9 Female Serial Port Connector with Pinout
Note: Refer to Appendix D for connection pin-outs.

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POWER CONNECTOR
The power connector is a 5.08 mm, 2-position pluggable terminal block.
Power Connection
MOUNTING HARDWARE
BB-VESR90x Serial Server modules can be DIN rail mounted. The DIN
mounting clip and spring is included on each module.
DIN Clip on a Serial Server Module

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SERIAL SERVER SETUP AND CONNECTIONS
This section describes how to set up and connect BB-VESR90x Serial
Servers.
Note: In this section, devices to be connected to the serial server’s
serial connection are simply referred to as the “serial device”.
CONNECTING THE POWER SUPPLY
Connect a DC power supply to the power terminals on the top of the
serial server. Polarity of the wires is indicated on the label on the side of
the serial server. Acceptable voltages are between 10 VDC and 48 VDC.
The power supply must be capable of supplying 4 Watts.

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CONNECTING BB-VESR90X SERIAL SERVERS TO SERIAL
DEVICES
BB-VESR90x Serial Servers can be configured to connect to serial
devices using RS-232, RS-422, RS-485 2-wire and RS-485 4-wire.
RS-232 connections support eight signal lines plus Signal Ground.
Signals are single ended and referenced to Ground. Default
communications parameters are 9600, 8, N, 1 and no flow control
implemented.
RS-422 connections support two signal pairs: TDA (-), TDB (+), RDA (-),
RDB (+) and GND. The data lines are differential pairs (A & B) in which
the B line is positive relative to the A line in the idle (mark) state. Ground
provides a common mode reference.
RS-485 connections support 2-wire or 4-wire operation.
When configured for 4-wire operation the connection supports two
signal pairs: TDA (-), TDB (+), RDA (-), RDB (+) and GND. This makes
full-duplex operation possible. The data lines are differential pairs (A & B)
in which the B line is positive relative to the A line in the idle (mark) state.
Ground provides a common mode reference.
When configured for 2-wire operation the connection supports one
signal pair: Data A (-) and Data B (+) signal channels using half-duplex
operation. The data lines are differential with the Data B line positive
relative to Data A in the idle (mark) state. Ground provides a common
mode reference.

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CONNECTING THE BB-VESR901
The BB-VESR901 has one serial connection that supports RS-232, RS-
422 and RS-485 (2- and 4-wire). The unit has two connectors: a DB9M
connector and a 5-position terminal block.
If you select RS-232 mode when you configure the serial server, you
must connect the serial device to the serial server via a serial cable. The
BB-VESR901 is a DTE. If the serial device is a DTE, use a null modem
(crossover) cable. If the serial device is a DCE, use a straight-through
cable.
If you select RS-422 mode, RS-485 2-wire mode, or RS-485 4-wire
mode when you configure the serial server, you must connect the serial
device appropriately, via the 5-position terminal block.
Note: Refer to Appendix D for connector pinout information.
BB-VESR901 Connections

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CONNECTING THE BB-VESR902D
The BB-VESR902D has two serial connections that support RS-232,
RS-422 and RS-485 (2- and 4-wire). The unit has two connectors, both
of which are DB9M connectors. You must connect the serial device to
the serial server via a serial cable. The BB-VESR902D is a DTE. If the
serial device is a DTE, use a null modem (cross-over) cable. If the serial
device is a DCE, use a straight-through cable.
Note: Refer to Appendix D for connector pinout information.
BB-VESR902D Connections

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CONNECTING BB-VESR90X SERIAL SERVERS TO A
NETWORK
NETWORK CONNECTION (10BASET/100BASETX)
When connecting a serial server equipped with a
10BaseT/100BaseTX network connection (RJ45 connector), a
standard network cable is connected from the serial server to a network
drop. PCs configuring and/or communicating with the serial server are
also connected to the network.
BB-VESR90X CONFIGURATION CONNECTIONS
BB-VESR90x Serial Servers can be configured over the network or via a
serial port.
CONFIGURING VIA NETWORK CONNECTION
When configuring via the network, either Vlinx Manager software or the
web interface can be used.
CONFIGURING WITH VLINX MANAGER
BB-VESR90x Serial Servers can also be configured over the network
Vlinx Manager software running on a PC.
To open Vlinx Manager:
From the Desktop, click StartProgramsAdvantechVlinx
Vlinx ManagerVESR Serial Server

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The Vlinx Manager Discovery window appears.
Vlinx Manager Discovery Window
Configure your serial server as required.
Note: For more information on configuration options, refer to Section
4: Description of Serial Server Properties.

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CONFIGURING WITH THE WEB INTERFACE
BB-VESR90x Serial Servers can be configured over the network using a
standard internet browser such as Internet Explorer or Firefox.
To open the web configuration interface:
1. On a PC connected to the network, open a browser.
In the browser’s address bar, type the IP address of the
serial server.
Note: Your serial server ships from the factory pre-configured to
receive an IP address from a DHCP Server. If DHCP assignment is not
available it will default to 169.254.102.39
The web interface Login page appears.
Configure your serial server as required.
Note: For more information on configuration options, refer to Section
4: Description of Serial Server Properties.

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CONFIGURING BB-VESR90X SERIAL SERVER VIA SERIAL
PORT (CONSOLE MODE)
Your serial server can be configured via a serial port using Vlinx
Manager. To use this feature, the serial server's serial port must be
connected to the serial port of a PC (using a null modem cable).
Console Mode Setup
To configure the serial server, it must be put into Console Mode, using
the Mode switch.
To Enter Console Mode, press and hold the Mode switch for between
two and ten seconds. The LED indicators respond as follows:
1. The Ready LED blinks three times per second while the
button is being pressed.
The serial server is in Console Mode when:
•On BB-VESR901: Port 1 LED is On and the Ready LED is Off.
•On BB-VESR902D: Port 1 LED is On and Port 2 LED is Off.
To configure the serial server, open the Vlinx Manager software and
set up the serial server's parameters as required.
Note: For more information on configuration options, refer to Section
4: Description of Serial Server Properties.
To Exit Console Mode, press and hold the Reset switch for two
seconds, or turn off the power from the BB-VESR90x, wait a few
seconds, and turn the power on again.
The LEDs go back to their normal states when the device resumes
normal operation.