Black Box CL060A-F User manual

CUSTOMER
SUPPORT
INFORMATION
Order toll-free in the U.S. 24 hours, 7 A.M. Monday to midnight Friday: 877-877-BBOX
FREE technical support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone]
Mail order: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [email protected]
JUNE 2000
CL060A-M
CL060A-F
RS-232↔Current Loop Interface
Converter
RS-232 Side
DCE
RS-232↔Current Loop
Interface Converter
DTE
RS-232 Side
DCE
RS-232↔Current Loop
Interface Converter
DTE

1
FCC INFORMATION
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
AND
INDUSTRY CANADA
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not
installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions, may cause interference to radio communication. It has been tested
and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device in accordance
with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to
provide reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user at his own
expense will be required to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct
the interference.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emission from digital
apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation of Industry Canada.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.

2
RS-232↔CURRENT LOOP INTERFACE CONVERTER
NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM)
ELECTRICAL SAFETY STATEMENT
INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD
1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes de
que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.
2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para
referencia futura.
3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de
operación deben ser respetadas.
4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.
5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo, cerca
de la tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca, etc..
6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales que
sean recomendados por el fabricante.
7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como sea
recomendado por el fabricante.
8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más allá
a lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro servicio deberá ser
referido a personal de servicio calificado.
9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no
interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama, sofá,
alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se debe colocar
en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por los orificios de
ventilación.
10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor
como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo
amplificadores) que producen calor.
11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del
tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el aparato.

3
NOM STATEMENT
12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la polarización
del equipo no sea eliminada.
13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no
sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos,
poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen del
aparato.
14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las
recomendaciones del fabricante.
15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las lineas
de energia.
16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no sea
usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.
17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean
derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.
18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:
A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u
B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del aparato; o
C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o
D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en su
desempeño; o
E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.

4
RS-232↔CURRENT LOOP INTERFACE CONVERTER
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
Any trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of
the trademark owners.

5
CONTENTS
Contents
1. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.1 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.2 Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3. Configuration and Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.1 Setting the DCE/DTE Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.2 Installing the Converter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.2.1 RS-232 to Active Current Loop Running Passive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.2.2 RS-232 to Passive Current Loop Running Active . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4. Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.1 Calling Black Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.2 Shipping and Packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Appendix A: Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Appendix B: Pinouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
B.1 The Converter’s RS-232 Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
B.2 The Converter’s Current-Loop Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

6
RS-232↔CURRENT LOOP INTERFACE CONVERTER
1. Specifications
Isolation—2500 V RMS via opto-isolators on line side
Maximum Distance—Up to 4 miles (6.4 km) on 24 AWG twisted pair
Operation—Asynchronous, full-duplex
Speed—Up to 115.2 kbps
Transmission Mode—Full- or half-duplex
Transmission Line—19 to 26 AWG twisted pair
Interface—RS-232, V.24 (0.5 mm), 20-mA Current Loop
Temperature Tolerance—32 to 140°F (0 to 60°C)
Altitude—Up to 15,000 ft. (4572 m)
Humidity—5 to 95% noncondensing
Connectors—CL060A-F: RS-232: (1) DB25 female; Current Loop: (1) DB25
male; CL060A-M: RS-232: (1) DB25 male; Current Loop: (1) DB25 female
Power—For passive operation: No external power, uses power from NIC data
and control signals
Size—0.8"H x 2.1"W x 2.2"D (2 x 5.3 x 5.6 cm)
Weight—1.7 oz. (48.2 g)

7
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
2. Introduction
2.1 Description
The RS-232↔Current Loop Interface Converter lets an asynchronous RS-232
device communicate with a 20-mA current-loop device. The Converter requires no
AC power or batteries to operate as a passive device and supports data rates of up
to 115.2 kbps. When connected to an active current-loop interface, no additional
power is needed. When connected to a passive current-loop interface, DC line
power may be applied to the Converter via pins 9 and 21 of the DB25 current-loop
interface.
Operating in full-duplex mode, the Converter supports communication
distances of up to 4 miles (6.4 km) over two unconditioned twisted pair. To guard
against data loss caused by ground loops, the Converter is equipped with 2500 V
RMS optical isolators on the line side.
The Converter connects directly to either the RS-232 interface or the 20-mA
current-loop interface using a male or female DB25 connector. An external
DCE/DTE switch on the Converter eliminates the need for a crossover cable on
the RS-232 interface.
2.2 Features
• Full-duplex, asynchronous transmission over 4 wires.
• Operates actively or passively.
• Supports data rates of up to 115.2 kbps.
• Maximum distance of up to 5 miles (6.4 km) on 24 AWG twisted pair.
• No AC power required.
• Optically isolated on the line side.
• DB25 connectors on both ends.
• External DCE/DTE switch.

8
RS-232↔CURRENT LOOP INTERFACE CONVERTER
3. Configuration and Installation
The RS-232↔Current Loop Interface Converter is easy to use. It contains no
internal jumpers or DIP switches to set, so you’ll never have to open the case to
configure the unit. The only configuration required for operation is proper setting
of the external DCE/DTE switch.
3.1 Setting the DCE/DTE Switch
For your convenience, the Converter has an externally accessible DCE/DTE switch
(see Figure 3-1). If the RS-232 device connected to the Converter is a modem or
multiplexor (or is wired like one), set the switch to “DTE.” This setting causes the
Converter to behave like Data Terminal Equipment, transmitting data on RS-232
pin 2 and receiving data on pin 3.
If the RS-232 device connected to the Converter is a PC, terminal, or host
computer (or is wired like one), set the switch to “DCE.” This setting causes the
Converter to behave like Data Communications Equipment, transmitting data on
RS-232 pin 3 and receiving data on pin 2. Remember, the switch setting is always
from the point of view of the Converter, not the connected equipment.
Figure 3-1. DCE/DTE Switch Positions.
3.2 Installing the Converter
You can install the Converter in two different applications: RS-232 to active current
loop or RS-232 to passive current loop.
3.2.1 RS-232 TO A CTIVE C URRENT L OOP R UNNING P ASSIVE
The simplest installation of the Converter is into environments where an RS-232
device is communicating with an active current-loop device. In this case, both the
RS-232 and current-loop interfaces are automatically supplying power to the data
circuit. As Figure 3-2 illustrates, only 4 wires are needed to connect the current
DTE DCE

9
CHAPTER 3: Configuration and Installation
loop side of the Converter to the current-loop device interface. For best results,
these 4 wires should be in twisted pairs.
To install the Converter in an active current-loop environment, you will need a
DB25 cable with at least 4 conductors. These conductors should be wired to the
appropriate DB25 pins as shown in Figure 3-2. Since the end of this cable connects
to the Converter, its gender should be opposite to that of the Converter’s
connector. When you connect this cable to your current-loop device, be sure the
signal paths correspond to those shown.
The RS-232 side of the Converter is designed to plug directly into the serial port
of your RS-232 device. You may use a straight-through RS-232 cable for connection
as well. Be sure to set the Converter’s DCE/DTE switch according to the
instructions in Section 3.1.
Figure 3-2. Connection to an Active Current-Loop Interface.
3.2.2 RS-232 TO P ASSIVE C URRENT L OOP R UNNING A CTIVE
You may install the Converter into environments where an RS-232 device is
communicating with a passive current-loop device. In this case, you will need to
supply external DC power to the Converter on the current-loop interface side.
Figure 3-3 shows the appropriate pins/voltages for applying external DC power to
the Converter.
To install the Converter in a passive current-loop environment, you will need a
DB25 cable with at least 3 conductors plus shield. Wire the cable as shown in
Figure 3-3, paying attention to jumpers and signal paths. Since this end of the cable
connects to the Converter, its gender should be opposite that of the Converter’s
connector. When you connect this cable to your current-loop device, be sure the
signal paths correspond to those shown.
The RS-232 side of the Converter is designed to plug directly into the serial port
of your RS-232 device. You may use a straight-through RS-232 cable for connection
25 (R+)
23 (R-)
14 (T+)
19 (T-)
(T+)
(T-)
(R+)
(R-)
CONVERTER
Current Loop
Side
RS-232 Side
Active Current
Loop Device