Black Box IC293A User manual

BL A C K B O X®
Connect up to eight DB9 serial devices
to a USB port.
Configurable via software; no jumpers or switches to set.
USB to Multi RS-232/422/485 Interface Converter
Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S. call 724-746-5500)
FREE technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax
724-746-0746 • Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence,
PA 15055-1018 • Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [e-mail]
Customer
Support
Information
IC293A

Page 2 724-746-5500 | blackbox.com
FCC and IC RFI Statements/NOM Statement
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 B 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.
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.

Page 3
724-746-5500 | blackbox.com
NOM Statement
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
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.
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.

Page 4 724-746-5500 | blackbox.com
NOM Statement
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.

Page 5
724-746-5500 | blackbox.com
Trademarks Used in this Manual
Trademarks Used in this Manual
Black Box and the Double Diamond logo are registered trademarks
of BB Technologies, Inc.
Windows and Windows Vista are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be
the property of the trademark owners.

Page 6 724-746-5500 | blackbox.com
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1. Specifications .........................................................................................7
2. Overview ..................................................................................................8
2.1 Introduction ...................................................................................8
2.2 Features .........................................................................................8
2.3 What’s Included .............................................................................9
2.4 Optional Items You May Need .......................................................9
2.5 Hardware Description .................................................................. 10
3. Installation and Configuration ................................................................ 11
3.1 Software Installation .................................................................... 11
3.2 Hardware Installation ................................................................... 11
3.3 Verifying Installation..................................................................... 12
3.4 Hardware Configuration .............................................................. 13
3.4.1 Electrical Interface Mode Selection ................................. 13
3.4.2 Interface Biasing ............................................................. 14
3.4.3 Line Termination ............................................................. 15
3.4.4 Echo................................................................................ 16
3.4.5 High-Retention USB Type B Port..................................... 16
3.4.6 Status LEDs ..................................................................... 17
3.4.7 DB9M Serial Connectors................................................. 17
3.4.8 Locking USB Cables ........................................................ 17
Appendix A. Troubleshooting ..........................................................................18
A.1 Troubleshooting Tips.................................................................... 18
A.2 Contacting Black Box...................................................................21
A.3 Shipping and Packaging...............................................................22
Appendix B. Electrical Interfaces ......................................................................23

Page 7
724-746-5500 | blackbox.com
Chapter 1: Specifications
1. Specifications
Interface — (8) RS-232/422/485 serial ports, (1) USB
Maximum Data Rate — Up to 921.6 kbps
UARTs — High-speed USB/UARTs with 128-byte TX FIFOs and 384-byte FIFOs
Connectors — (1) high-retention USB Type B, (8) DB9 serial
Temperature Tolerance — Operating: +32 to +158° F (0 to +70° C);
Storage: -50 to +105° F (-58 to +221° F)
Relative Humidity — Operating: 10 to 90%, noncondensing;
Storage: 10 to 90%, noncondensing
Power — Derives 500 mA power from your computer or a self-powered hub
NOTE: This device is a high power USB device. It must be plugged directly into a
USB port on your computer or a self-powered hub capable of supplying
500 mA per port. Some laptop computers running on battery power and
non-powered USB hubs do not provide the full 500mA necessary to power
this device.
Size — 2.4"H x 5.3"W x 9.2"D (6.1 x 13.5 x 23.4 cm)

Page 8 724-746-5500 | blackbox.com
Chapter 2: Overview
2. Overview
2.1 Introduction
The USB to Multi RS-232/422/485 Interface Converter (IC293A) provides an easy
way to connect up to eight DB9 serial device(s) to a single USB port. All
configuration and electrical interface selections are handled through the driver, so
you don’t have to open the enclosure to set jumpers or switches. The serial port is
software configurable for RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 (full- and half-duplex).
The IC293A software drivers and utilities make installation and operation easy for
Windows®98SE, ME, 2000, XP, and Vista operating systems. Once the software is
installed, plug the interface converter into an available USB port. Each serial port is
recognized as a standard COM port by the host system enabling compatibility
with legacy software. Serial data rates to 921.6 kbps are supported.
To prevent accidental cable disconnection, the interface converter integrates a
patent-pending high-retention locking USB port that is fully compatible with
standard USB cables. When used with the included USB cable with a high-
retention USB type B connector, the metal thumbscrew provides a secure
connection to the device. Standard operating temperature range is 32 to 158° F
(0 to 70° C) and extended temperature range is -4 to +185° F (-40° C to
+85° C). Status LEDs display electrical interface selection and serial data activity
for each port.
2.2 Features
• Each port is individually software configurable for RS-232, RS-422, and two-wire
or four-wire RS-485.
• Maintains electrical interface settings across multiple computers.
• Includes high-speed UART with 128-byte Tx FIFO and 384-byte Rx FIFO.
• Automatically enables/disables hardware RS-485.
• DB9M connector serial port supports data rates to 921.6 kbps.
• Powered by USB host connection.
• Implements full modem control signals in RS-232 mode.
• Status LEDs indicate power, electrical interface, and serial data activity for each
port.
• Flexible mounting options.

Page 9
724-746-5500 | blackbox.com
Chapter 2: Overview
2.3 What’s Included
The interface converter ships with the following items. If any of these items is
missing or damaged, contact Black Box Technical Support at 724-746-5500 or
[e-mail].
IC293A:
• USB to Multi RS-232/422/485 Interface Converter
• (1) 6-ft. (1.8-m) high-retention USB Type B cable
• Software and this user’s manual on CD-ROM
2.4 Optional Items You May Need
Depending upon your application, you might also need the following items.
Contact Black Box Technical Support at 724-746-5500 or [e-mail]
for details.
Cables:
• DB9F to DB25M (RS-232) Extension Cable (BC03000-0006-MF)
The BC03000-0006-MF is a standard AT-style RS-232 modem cable with a DB9F
connector on one end and a DB25M connector on the other. This cable is 72
inches long.
• DB9F to DB9M Extension Cable (BC00200)
The BC00200 allows users to extend a DB9 cable up to six feet. The connectors
are pinned one-to-one so the cable is compatible with any device or cable that
has DB9 connectors.
Terminal blocks:
The IC981 terminal block breaks out a DB9 connector to nine screw terminals to
simplify field wiring of serial connections including RS-422 and RS-485 networks.
The IC981 is designed to connect directly to Sealevel DB9 serial cards or any cable
with a DB9M connector.
Adapters and Converters:
The FA756 is a DB9 female to RJ-45 adapter. It can be configured without tools,
and it is an excellent choice for using available infrastructure wiring.

Page 10 724-746-5500 | blackbox.com
Chapter 2: Overview
2.5 Hardware Description
Figures 2-1 and 2-2 show the front and back panels of the IC293A. Table 2-1
describes its components.
1 2 3
45
Figure 2-1. Front panel: Multi Port interface converter (IC293A).
6
Figure 2-2. Back panel: Multi Port interface converter (IC293A).
Table 2-1. IC293A components.
Number Component Description
1Power LED Lights when the hub is properly powered through the
USB port.
2High-retention USB Type B connector Links securely to USB device via cable.
3(8) Data LED(s) Blinks when data is being transmitted or received.
4Hole for thumbscrew Securely holds USB cable in place.
5(8) Mode LED(s)
Lights green when RS-232 mode is selected.
Lights red when RS-422 or RS-485 mode is selected.
6(8) DB9 connector(s) Links to (8) serial device ports.

Page 11
724-746-5500 | blackbox.com
Chapter 3: Installation and Configuration
3. Installation and Configuration
3.1 Software Installation
Windows 98/ME/ 2000/XP/Vista Operating Systems
1. Start Windows.
2. Insert the included software CD in to your CD/DVD drive.
3. If “Auto-Start” is enabled the installation window will automatically appear.
Otherwise, navigate to the root directory of your CD drive and double-click the
“autorun.exe” application to launch the installation window.
4. Click the “Install” button.
5. Type in your part number (IC293A) or select your adapter from the listing.
6. Click the “Install Drivers” button.
7. The setup file will automatically detect the operating environment and install
the proper components.
To confirm that the driver has been successfully installed, click on the “Start”
button, and then select “All Programs.” You should see the SeaCOM program
folder listed.
You are now ready to proceed with connecting the IC293A to your system. Refer
to the Hardware Installation section for details.
NOTE: Windows NT is not USB aware, so it cannot support this device.
3.2 Hardware Installation
NOTE: Do not connect the device to a USB port until the software has been
successfully installed.
To install the IC293A, plug the device into an available USB port using the
supplied USB cable. The following instructions were tested with Windows XP and
may vary based on your version of Windows.
Once the device has been connected, the Found New Hardware wizard will
appear first for the root hub and then for each port that you are installing.
Follow the instructions on the next page to finish installation.
NOTE: The installation will repeat twice for each COM port (a total of sixteen
times on eight port devices). This is a limitation in the way Windows installs
external serial devices.

Page 12 724-746-5500 | blackbox.com
Chapter 3: Installation and Configuration
1. Click on “Install the software automatically” followed by the “Next” button.
2. Windows will show a warning message that the hardware has not passed
Windows logo testing. Click on “Continue Anyway.”
NOTE: All applications and drivers have been fully tested to maintain the integrity
of your operating system. Clicking on “Continue Anyway” will not harm
your system in any way.
3. Click on “Finish.” Repeat this process for the remaining ports on the IC293A.
3.3 Verifying Installation
To confirm that the drivers have been successfully installed, you can look in Device
Manager under “Ports (COM & LPT)” and each of the ports you installed will be
included on the list with their associated COM numbers. To access Device
Manager, follow the steps below:
1. Right-click on the “My Computer” icon on your desktop or in the Start menu.
2. Click on “Properties” in the fly-out menu to launch the “System Properties”
window.
3. Click on the “Hardware” tab and then click on the “Device Manager” button.
4. When Device Manager launches, look under “Ports (COM & LPT)” to verify
that the serial ports have been correctly installed.
NOTE: Your system will assign the next available COM numbers which may vary
for each computer used.

Page 13
724-746-5500 | blackbox.com
Chapter 3: Installation and Configuration
Figure 3-1. Device Manager screen.
3.4 Hardware Configuration
3.4.1 Electrical Interface Mode Selection
The interface converter offers RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 (full- and half-duplex)
modes. The electrical interface is a software selectable feature that can be
accessed and changed using the included driver via Device Manager. To select the
electrical interface, follow the steps below:
1. Open Device Manager and locate “Ports (COM&LPT)” following the steps
above. You should see the port(s) listed.
2. Select one of the ports by right-clicking on it and selecting “Properties” from
the fly-out menu. The serial port properties menu will appear.
3. Click on the “Interface Settings” tab.

Page 14 724-746-5500 | blackbox.com
Chapter 3: Installation and Configuration
NOTE: The included driver adds the “Interface Settings” tab. If this tab is missing,
the software is not correctly installed.
Figure 3-2. Interface settings.
4. Select the appropriate electrical interface for your application and click on
“OK.”
NOTE: The electrical interface settings are maintained across multiple computers.
Once the software driver has been installed on target computers, the
interface converter can easily be moved from one computer to another
without having to configure the electrical interface at each computer.
3.4.2 Interface Biasing
1K-ohm pull up/pull down combination resistors bias the receiver inputs and are
handled automatically for each mode. The pull-up (PU) and pull-down (PD)
resistor settings are shown in Table 3-1.

Page 15
724-746-5500 | blackbox.com
Chapter 3: Installation and Configuration
Table 3-1. Pull-up and pull-down
resistor settings.
Mode PU Setting PD Setting
RS-232 Always off Always off
RS-422 Always off Always off
RS-485 Always on Always on
3.4.3 Line Termination
A 120-ohm resistor is across each RS-422/485 input. If multiple devices are
configured in an RS-485 network, only the devices on each end should have the
termination in place.
Termination configuration is software selectable for both full- and half-duplex
RS-485. By default, line termination is disabled, and this configuration can be set
by placing a check next to “Enable Termination” in the “RS-485 Advanced
Configuration” field, as shown in Figure 3-3.
Figure 3-3. Enable Termination.

Page 16 724-746-5500 | blackbox.com
Chapter 3: Installation and Configuration
3.4.4 Echo
The RS-485 “Echo” is the result of connecting the receiver inputs to the
transmitter outputs. Each time a character is transmitted, it is also received.
This can be beneficial if the software can handle echoing (that is, using received
characters to throttle the transmitter), but it can also confuse the system if the
software cannot support echoing.
Echo configuration is software selectable for half-duplex RS-485. By default,
ECHO is disabled, and this configuration can be set by placing a check next to
“Enable Echo” in the “RS-485 Advanced Configuration” field, as shown in Figure
3-4.
Figure 3-4. Enable Echo.
3.4.5 High-Retention USB Port
The interface converter integrates a patent-pending high-retention USB port that
is fully compatible with standard USB cables. When used with the included USB
cable, the metal thumbscrew provides a secure metal-to-metal connection to the
device and prevents accidental cable disconnection.

Page 17
724-746-5500 | blackbox.com
Chapter 3: installation and Configuration
3.4.6 Status LEDs
Status LEDs on the front of the converter indicate the following information:
• MODE (Red or Green) – Indicates the electrical interface selected
- Green indicates RS-232 mode
- Red indicates RS-422 or RS-485 mode
• DATA (Green) – Blinks to indicate data is being transmitted or received
• EN[able] (Green) – Lights when the hub is properly powered through the USB
port and communication between the device and host has been enabled.
3.4.7 DB9M Serial Connectors
The IC293A includes eight DB9 male serial connectors with full modem control
signals implemented in RS-232 mode. Pinouts for these connectors are included in
Appendix B.
3.4.8 High-Retention USB Type B Port
The converter integrates a patent-pending High-Retention USB port that is fully
compatible with standard USB cables. When used with high-retention locking USB
cables, the metal thumbscrew provides a secure metal-to-metal connection and
prevents accidental cable disconnection.
Accidental cable disconnection is the most common point of failure with USB
industrial I/O devices. These cables and connectors prevent this from happening
while being fully compatible with standard USB cables.
Figure 3-5 shows the IC293A secured with the included cable.
Figure 3-5. Locking cable attached to IC293A.

Page 18 724-746-5500 | blackbox.com
Appendix A: Troubleshooting
Appendix A. Troubleshooting
A.1 Troubleshooting Tips
The adapter should provide years of trouble-free service. However, if it appears to
be functioning incorrectly, the following tips can eliminate most common
problems.
1. Make sure that the SeaCOM software has been installed on the machine so
that the necessary files are in place to complete the installation. To confirm
installation, click on the Windows “Start” button and then select “All
Programs.” You should see the “SeaCOM” program folder listed.
NOTE: The driver must be installed before the adapter is connected to your
computer.
2. Check to make sure that USB support is enabled and functioning properly in
the operating system. The presence of the “Universal Serial Bus controllers”
listing in Device Manager will confirm that USB support is enabled in Windows
98SE, ME, 2000, XP, or Vista operating systems.
3. While Device Manager is open, locate the COM ports (described under
“Verifying Installation” in the Installation and Configuration section
of this manual).
4. Once you have confirmed that the COM ports are listed in Device Manager,
you can use the WinSSD utility and a loopback plug to test communications.
Detailed help is included in the WinSSD utility.
• If you have a loopback plug, put it on the DB9 connector that you want to test.
If you don’t have a loopback plug, contact Technical Support for assistance.
• If you’re testing RS-485 mode, you’ll need to have ECHO enabled otherwise the
following test will fail. Refer to the Hardware Configuration section for
instructions on enabling ECHO.
• To test communications, launch the WinSSD utility in the folder under the
“Start” menu.
• On the “Port Information” tab, select the COM port you want to test and click
on the “Open” button (see Figure A-1).

Page 19
724-746-5500 | blackbox.com
Appendix A: Troubleshooting
Figure A-1. Port Information tab.
• Click the “Settings” button to open the COM Properties menu. Change your
parameters to 9600 bits per second, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, and no
flow control, as pictured in Figure A-2.
Figure A-2. COM3 Properties tab.

Page 20 724-746-5500 | blackbox.com
Appendix A: Troubleshooting
• Click “Apply” and “OK.”
• Select the “BERT” tab and with the loopback connected to the port you want
to test, click on the “Start” button. If testing RS-485, be sure that ECHO is
enabled (see Figure A-3).
Figure A-3. Start button in WinSSD COM3 screen.
• If the COM port is working properly, the green light will glow and the Transmit
Frames and Receive Frames will increase. The Tx and Rx Data Rates will show the
calculated data rate (see Figure A-4).