Black Box IC476A-F-R2 User manual

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INFORMATION
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FEBRUARY 1998
IC476A-F-R2 IC477A-M-R2
IC476A-M-R2 IC478A-F-R2
IC477A-F-R2 IC478A-M-R2
Async 232↔422/485 Converter
Code: IC478A-M-R2
Item:
Async 232↔485
Converter
S/N:
Code: IC477A-M-R2
Item:
Async 232↔485
Converter
S/N:
Code: IC476A-M-R2
Item:
Async 232↔485
Converter
S/N:

1
ASYNC 232↔422/485 CONVERTER
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
AND
CANADIAN DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
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 the Canadian
Department of Communications.
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 le ministère des
Communications du Canada.
CE NOTICE
The CE symbol on your Async 232 ↔ 422/485 Converter indicates that it is
in compliance with the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) directive and
the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) of the Union European (EU).
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
All applied-for and registered trademarks are the property of their
respective owners.

2
ASYNC 232↔422/485 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 parato 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 .

3
ASYNC 232↔422/485 CONVERTER
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 equio 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
ASYNC 232↔422/485 CONVERTER
Contents
1. Specifications ...............................................................................................5
2. Introduction................................................................................................7
3. Configuration..............................................................................................8
3.1 Setting the DTE/DCE Switch................................................................9
3.2 DIP-Switch Configuration ..................................................................10
3.2.1 DIP-Switch Settings ..................................................................11
3.2.2 Configuration Switch Applications...........................................13
3.2.3 When You’re Finished Configuring.........................................13
4. Installation.................................................................................................14
4.1 Connection to the RS-485 Interface...................................................14
4.1.1 4-Wire Connection Using the DB25 (IC477A or 78A-X-R2) ..14
4.1.2 4-Wire Connection Using Terminal Blocks (IC476A-X-R2) ...15
4.1.3 2-Wire Connection....................................................................18
4.2 Connection to the RS-232 Interface...................................................19
4.3 Wiring for Multipoint Applications....................................................19
4.4 Operation............................................................................................20
Appendix A. RS-232C Pin Configurations ..................................................21
Appendix B. 422/485 (530) Pin Configuration ...........................................22
Appendix C. Self-Test..................................................................................23

5
Data Rate Up to 115,200 bps
Connectors IC476A-F-R2: (1) Female DB25,
(1) Terminal block; IC476A-M-R2:
(1) Male DB25, (1) Terminal block;
IC477A-F-R2: (2) Female DB25s;
IC477A-M-R2: (1) Female DB25,
(1) Male DB25; IC478A-F-R2: (1) Male
DB25, (1) Female DB25;
IC478A-M-R2: (2) Male DB25s
Transmission Format Asynchronous
Transmission Line 2- or 4-wire unconditioned,
unshielded, solid-copper-core twisted
pair
Transmission Mode 4-wire, full or half-duplex; 2-wire half-
duplex
Range Up to 9 miles (14.5 km) depending on
baud rate and type of cable
Control Signals DSR turns “ON” immediately after the
terminal raises DTR; DCD turns “ON”
after recognizing the receive signal
input on the RS-422 interface; CTS
turns “ON” after the terminal raises
RTS
Carrier Strap-selected, either continuous or
switched operation, controlled by RTS
Surge Protection 600 watts power dissipation at 1 msec.
RTS/CTS Delay 8 msec. or “no delay”
MTBF 239,906 hours
Operating Temperature 32° to 122°F (0° to 50°C)
CHAPTER 1: Specifications
1. Specifications

6
ASYNC 232↔422/485 CONVERTER
Humidity 5 to 95%, noncondensing
Altitude Up to 10,000 feet (3048 m)
Power Draws operating power from RS-232
data and control signals; no AC power
or batteries required
Size 2.7"H x 2.1"W x 0.7"D (6.9 x 5.3 x
1.8 cm)
Shipping Weight <1 lb. (<0.5 kg)

7
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
The Async 232 ↔ 422/485 Converter provides exceptional versatility in a
compact package. Requiring no AC power or batteries for operation, the
Converter supports asynchronous data rates up to 115.2 Kbps over one or
two unconditioned unshielded, solid-copper-core twisted pair.
The Converter passes one control signal in each direction (see explanation
in Section 4.4 ) and can handle up to 31 terminal drops in a multipoint
polling environment. The Converter may be configured for high- or low-
impedance operation, carrier may be set to “constantly on” or “controlled
by RTS,” and the unit can operate with or without echo (half-duplex
mode). RTS/CTS delay may be set for “no delay” or 8 milliseconds.
The Converters can be ordered with either male or female DB25
connectors for RS-232. For RS-485/530 connections, you can order either
terminal block with strain relief or DB25 male or female (depending on the
model). Silicon Avalanche Diodes provide 600 watts per wire of protection
against harmful data-line transient surges.
2. Introduction

8
ASYNC 232↔422/485 CONVERTER
The Async 232 ↔ 422/485 Converter is configured using an eight-position
DIP switch and a DTE/DCE switch. The figure below shows the DTE/DCE
switch location, along with the location of the terminal block.
The illustration at the top of the next page shows the location of the eight-
position DIP switch on the underside of the Converter’s PC board.
DCE DTE
+RCV-G-XMT+
3. Configuration
DTE/DCE Switch
Terminal Block

9
3.1 Setting the DTE/DCE Switch
For your convenience, the IC476A-X-R2 Converter has an externally
accessible DTE/DCE switch (see the diagram on the previous page). To
access the DTE/DCE switch on the IC477A-X-R2 and IC478A-X-R2,
remove the plastic shells as illustrated on the next page.
If the device connected to the Converter is a modem or multiplexor (or is
wired like one), set the switch to “DTE.” The setting causes the Converter to
behave like Data Terminal Equipment and transmit data on pin 2.
If the 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 and
transmit data on pin 3.
ON
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
CHAPTER 3: Configuration
DIP Switch S1

10
ASYNC 232↔422/485 CONVERTER
3.2 DIP-Switch Configuration
The eight positions on switch set S1 (shown in the first illustration below)
configure the Converter for RTS/CTS delay (used in 2-wire, half-duplex
mode only), echo mode (used in 2-wire, half-duplex mode only), method of
carrier control, “transmit off” impedance, receive impedance, and 2-wire/
4-wire operation. These switches are located internally on the underside of
the Converter’s PC board. To access switch set S1, use a small flat-blade
screwdriver to pop open the Converter’s case as shown below.
ON
OFF
ON
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

11
CHAPTER 3: Configuration
3.2.1 DIP-S WITCH S ETTINGS
The factory-default settings for the switches are presented below. Read the
information following the table for an explanation of the switch’s function.
Switch S1 Summary Table
Position Function Factory Default
S1-1* “Transmit Off” Impedance Off High Z
S1-2* “Transmit Off” Impedance Off
S1-3 RTS/CTS Delay On 8 msec.
S1-4 Echo Mode Off Echo Off
S1-5 Carrier Control On Controlled by RTS
S1-6 Receive Impedance On 120 ohm
S1-7* 2 wire/4 wire On 2-wire
S1-8* 2 wire/4 wire On
*Note: Switches S1-1 and S1-2 should be switched simultaneously.
Switches S1-7 and S1-8 should also be switched simultaneously.
S1-1 and S1-2: “Transmit Off” Impedance
Switches S1-1 and S1-2 are set together to determine whether the receiving
device “sees” the impedance of the Converter’s transmitter as being “high”
or “intermediate” when the transmitter is turned off. The “intermediate”
setting is useful in half-duplex environments where the receiving device
does not respond well to the “high” setting.
S1-1 S1-2 Setting
On On Intermediate Impedance
Off Off High Impedance
S1-3: RTS/CTS Delay
The setting for switch S1-3 determines the amount of delay between the
time the Converter “sees” RTS and when it sends CTS. Note: RTS/CTS
Delay setting should be based upon transmission timing.
S1-3 Setting
On 8 msec.
Off No delay

12
ASYNC 232↔422/485 CONVERTER
S1-4: Echo Mode
The setting for switch S1-4 determines whether the Converter echoes data
back to the transmitting device (half-duplex mode only).
S1-4 Setting
On Echo On
Off Echo Off
S1-5: Carrier-Control Method
The setting for switch S1-5 determines whether the carrier is “Constantly
On” or “Controlled by RTS.” This setting allows for operation in switched-
carrier, multipoint, or hardware-handshaking applications.
S1-5 Setting
On Controlled by RTS
Off Constantly On
NOTE
Carrier is ON when RTS is asserted positive, and OFF only when RTS is
driven to a negative voltage.
S1-6: Receive Impedance (Termination)
The setting for switch S1-6 selects the impedance of the input receiver. You
may select either a “low” impedance of 120 ohms or a “high” impedance of
16K ohms. By selecting the proper impedance for each drop, there may be
up to 31 receivers in one application.
S1-6 Setting
On Low (120 ohms)
Off High (16K ohms typical)
S1-7 and S1-8: 2-wire/4-wire Modes
Switches S1-7 and S1-8 are set together to determine whether the
Converter is in 2-wire or 4-wire operating mode. Note: 2-wire mode is half-
duplex only.
S1-7 S1-8 Setting
On On 2-wire mode
Off Off 4-wire mode

13
CHAPTER 3: Configuration
3.2.2 C ONFIGURATION S WITCH A PPLICATIONS
The table below shows you how to set the Converter’s switch to fit several
common applications. Do not change switch settings until you have carefully read
this manual. If you have any questions about the proper settings for your
application, call your supplier for technical support.
Typical Switch Applications
Switch Settings Point-to-Point Multipoint
4W 4W HDX 2W 4W 2W
“Xmt Off” Imp. (S1-1) Off Off Off Off Off
“Xmt Off” Imp. (S1-2) Off Off Off Off Off
RTS/CTS Delay (S1-3) On On On Off On
Echo (S1-4) Off Off Off Off Off
Carrier Control (S1-5) Off On On Master—Off On
Slaves—On
Rcv. Impedance (S1-6) On On On Master—On
Slaves—Off
Last Slave—On
2-wire/4-wire (S1-7) Off Off On Off On
2-wire/4-wire (S1-8) Off Off On Off On
3.2.3 W HEN Y OU ’ RE F INISHED C ONFIGURING
Once you’ve finished setting the Converter’s configuration switches, don’t
snap the case halves back together yet. If you are connecting the RS-485
interface using the internal terminal blocks, go to Section 4.1.2 and
continue the installation procedure. If you are connecting the RS-485
interface using DB25, go ahead and snap the case halves back together
now. (Don’t force a fit—make sure all the pieces are properly set before
snapping the case halves shut.)

14
ASYNC 232↔422/485 CONVERTER
Once you have properly set the configuration switches, you are ready to
connect the Converter to your system. This chapter tells you how to
properly connect the Converter to the RS-485 and RS-232 interfaces.
4.1 Connection to the RS-485 Interface
To function properly, the unit must have one or two twisted pairs of metallic
wire. These pairs must be dry (unconditioned) metallic wire, between 19
and 26 AWG solid copper core (not stranded). Note that the higher number
gauges may limit distance somewhat, and unshielded produces better
results than shielded.
The Converter is available with several different physical interfaces on the
RS-485 side: DB25 (following the RS-530 standard) and terminal blocks
with strain relief.
4.1.1 4-W IRE C ONNECTION U SING THE DB25 (IC477A-X-R2 AND IC478A-X-R2)
The DB25 connector on the Converter’s RS-485 side conforms to the
RS-530 interface standard. When connecting to an RS-485 device that also
conforms to the RS-530 standard, your cable should be “crossed over” in
the manner shown below.
Converter RS-485 (530) Device
Signal DB25 Pin DB25 Pin Signal
XMTA 2......................................3 RCVA
XMTB 14....................................16 RCVB
RCVA 3......................................2 XMTA
RCVB 16....................................14 XMTB
NOTES
1) In the pinout above “A” means positive and “B” means negative.
4. Installation

15
CHAPTER 4: Installation
2) It is not necessary that the RS-485 device adhere to the RS-530
standard. However, you must make sure that the signals, polarities, and
pairing of your connection conform to this table.
3) If you are not using two IC477A-X-R2s or IC478A-X-R2s back to back
and the procedure on the previous page produces garbage data (or none
at all), flip the “A” and “B” leads at one end of the 485 connection.
4.1.2 4-W IRE C ONNECTION U SING T ERMINAL B LOCKS (IC476A-X-R2)
If your RS-485 application requires you to connect two pairs of bare wires
to the Converter, you will need to open the case to access the terminal
blocks. The following instructions tell you how to connect the bare wires to
the terminal blocks and fasten the strain-relief collar in place so that the
wires won’t pull loose.
1. You should already have the case open for the configuration procedure.
If not, open the case as described in Section 3.2 .
2. Strip the outer insulation from the twisted pairs about one inch from the
end.
3. Strip back the insulation on each of the two twisted-pair wires about one
eighth of an inch.
4. Connect one pair of wires to XMT+ and XMT- on the terminal block,
making careful note of which color is positive, and which color is negative.

16
ASYNC 232↔422/485 CONVERTER
5. Connect the other pair of wires to RCV+ and RCV- on the terminal block,
again making careful note of which color is positive, and which color is
negative.
NOTE
Positive and negative are relative terms and may not always have the
same relationship for all RS-422 or RS-485 devices (see the previous
note regarding “flipping the leads”).
Ultimately, you will want to construct a two-pair crossover cable that makes
a connection with the RS-485 device as shown below.
Converter RS-485 Device
XMT+ ............................................................RCVA
XMT- .............................................................RCVB
G .....................To Shield (Optional) G
RCV- .............................................................XMTB
RCV+ ............................................................XMTA
IMPORTANT!
If you are not using two IC476A-X-R2s back to back and the procedure on
the previous page produces garbage data (or none at all), flip the “A” and
“B” leads at one end of the 485 connection.
6. If there is a shield around the twisted-pair cable, it may be connected to
“G” on the terminal block. To avoid ground loops, we recommend
connecting the shield at the computer end only. A ground wire is not necessary
for proper operation of the Converter.
7. When you finish connecting the wires to the terminal block, the assembly
should resemble the diagram at the top of the next page.
One pair
One pair

17
8. Place the two halves of the strain-relief assembly on either side of the
twisted-pair wire and press together very lightly. Slide the assembly so that
it is about two inches (5.1 cm) from the terminal posts and press together
firmly.
9. Insert the strain-relief assembly with the wire going through it into the
slot in the bottom half of the modem case and set it into the recess in the
case.
+RCV-G-XMT+
+RCV-G-XMT+
+RCV-G-XMT+
CHAPTER 4: Installation

18
ASYNC 232↔422/485 CONVERTER
10. Bend the top half of the case as necessary to place it over the strain-
relief assembly. Do not snap the case together yet.
11. Insert one captive screw through a saddle washer, then insert the
captive screw with the washer on it through the hole in the DB25 end of the
case. Snap that side of the case closed. Repeat the process for the other side.
Cable installation is complete.
4.1.3 2-W IRE C ONNECTION
Some RS-485 devices employ a two-wire, half-duplex configuration. When
using this configuration, be sure to first set the Converter to “two wire”
mode—then use only the transmit (XMT) pair as shown below:
Converter Signal RS-485 Signal
XMT+..................................+ (positive)
XMT-...................................- (negative)
IMPORTANT!
If you are not using two IC476A-X-R2s back to back and the procedure on
the previous page produces garbage data (or none at all), flip the “A” and
“B” leads at one end of the 485 connection.
The wiring pattern above applies regardless of whether you are making the
RS-485 connection via DB25 or terminal blocks. For specific wiring
instructions, refer to the beginning of this chapter.

19
CHAPTER 4: Installation
4.2 Connection to the RS-232 Interface
Once you have properly configured the Converter and connected the
twisted-pair wires correctly, simply plug the Converter directly into the
DB25 port of the RS-232 device. After doing so, remember to insert and
tighten the two captive connector screws.
NOTE
If you must use a cable to connect the Converter to the RS-232 device,
make sure it is a straight-through cable of the shortest possible length.
We recommend no more than 6 ft. (1.8 m).
4.3 Wiring for Multipoint Applications
The Converter supports multipoint applications using daisychain topology.
Using a daisychain topology, you may connect several Converters together
in a master/slave arrangement. Maximum distance between the units will
vary based upon the number of drops, data rate, wire gauge, etc.
The illustration below shows how to wire the two-pair (4-wire) cables
properly for a daisychain topology. Note that the ground connection is not
needed.
NOTE
Connections are to screw terminals directly on the Converter.
XMT A
XMT B
RCV B
RCV A
XMT A XMT A
RCV B RCV BRCV BRCV BRCV A RCV A RCV A RCV A
XMT A XMT AXMT B XMT BXMT BXMT B
MASTER SLAVE 1 SLAVE 2 SLAVE 3 SLAVE N