Black Box PI1375A User manual

OCTOBER 2003
PI-1375A
PI-1377A
PI-1405A
PI-1407A
Serial Data Buffer II
HS Serial Data Buffer II
CUSTOMER Order toll-free in the U.S. 24 hours, 7 A.M. Monday to midnight Friday:877-877-BBOX
SUPPORT FREE technical support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call724-746-5500 or fax [phone]
INFORMATION Mail order: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [email protected]

Table of Contents
Overview ......................................................1
Front Panel Switches/Indicators ..............................2
Rear Panel Switches/Connectors .............................2
Installation .....................................................3
Configuration ..................................................3
Standard Data Buffer Switch Settings (PI137xA) ................3
HS Data Buffer Switch Settings (PI140xA) ....................4
Operation ......................................................5
Controls and Indicators ...........................................5
Reset Button .............................................5
Copy Button ............................................. 5
Data In/Out LEDs ........................................ 5
Flow Control ...................................................6
Hardware Flow Control .................................... 6
Software Flow Control ..................................... 6
Self-Test .......................................................6
Sample Self-Test Output ................................... 7
Expansion Memory ..............................................8
Cabling ........................................................8
Troubleshooting .................................................9
APPEND IX ...................................................10
Input Port Pinouts (DTE) ..................................10
Output Port Pinouts (DCE) ................................10
Specifications ...........................................11
FCC Statement of Compliance ..................................... 12
NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM) .......................13
NOTES .......................................................15

Serial Data Buffer Page 1
Overview
The Black Box Serial and High Speed Serial Data Buffers are designed to
streamline bi-directional data communications between any two RS232 devices
including hosts, printers, and modems. Each of their input and output ports can
simultaneously support different baud rates and, with proper memory sizing, they
can completely eliminate the occurrence of flow control with the host to provide
fast, efficient, and error-free transmissions. These Data Buffers are ideal printer
accessories to expedite print jobs through uninterrupted high-speed
communicationswith the host. Their integral push-button copy feature can also be
used to offload processing by autom atically replicating print jobs without any host
intervention. When used with a modem, they can shorten connect times by
enablingcontinuous data reception at higher speeds while communicating with the
host at slower ones. With a Data Buffer installed, a host may never stop sending
data.
The Black Box Serial Data Buffers will support simu ltaneous bi-directional data
communications through buffering and user-selectable hardware or software flow
control. The large primary buffer is associated exclusively with the “Input” port,
however. Each model SerialData Buffer supports 16 predefined pairs of inputand
output baud rates from 300 to 19.2kbps (or 4800 to 115.2Kbps for the high speed
model) as well as combina tions of the other common framing attributes such as
parity and databits. Each Data Buffer base model can be upgraded with up to three
additional 128K or 512K expansion modules in any combination providing the
most flexible offering ever to satisfy changing needs. Indicator lights on the front
panel provide visual confirmation of input and output data transmissions and the
convenient “Pause” switch can be used to temporarily suspend output while input
data continues to be stored.
Front Panel Switches/Indicators
CReset Switch Used to reboot the device and reset the Copy
feature count.
CCopy Switch Used to create multiple copies of the same
print job or to make a repeat copy of the
most recent print job.
CData In LED Indicator of the receipt of data from the
host.
CData Out LED Indicator of output data being sent to the
output device.
CPause LED Indicates status of pause switch.

Serial Data Buffer Page 2
CPower LED Shows unit is powered on.
CPause Switch Stops output when pressed. Data w ill
continue to be buffered.
Rear Panel Switches/Connectors
CDB25F (top) DCE interface for output device.
CDB25F (bottom) DTE interface for host input.
CSerial I/F Config Switches used to configure serial
communications (see Table 1).
CDC Power Input Unit requires +9V DC external supp ly
(provided with unit).
Installation
The Serial and HS Serial Data Buffers are designed for use in a standard office
environment but should not be located in direct sunlight or in an area of high
humidity. The external power supply provided with each model can be plugged
into any standard outlet. The input and output data cables u sed with these Data
Buffers are typically limited to 5 0' as specified by the R S232 standard. The input
port functions as a DTE type device whereas the output port functions as a DCE
type device. Both input and output connectors are DB25F. Black Box offersmany
cable options for use with these products. (See Page 8 or call Black Box technical
support for assistance). After connecting the data cables to the unit then connect
the power supply. The Da ta Buffer does not have an on/off sw itch and w ill,
therefore, power up automatically when p ower is ap plied. The Data Buffer is
designed for continuous operation.
Configuration
The Serial and HS Serial Data Buffers are configured through an 8 position
dipswitch located through an opening in the rear panel, labeled Serial I/F Config.
The switches are read only after the unitis powered up or afterthe Reset button is
pressed. These switches are numbered 1-8, read left to right and are interpreted
where 0 is down and 1 is up . The switch settingsdetailed in Tables1 and 2 on the
following pages apply to both input and output ports.

Serial Data Buffer Page 3
Table 1 - Standard Data Buffer Switch Settings (PI137xA)
Switch Position –> 12345678
Data Rates (Input / Output)
C1200 / 600
C1200 / 300
C
C2400 / 1200
C2400 / 600
C2400 / 300
C4800 / 2400
C4800 / 1200
C4800 / 600
C9600 / 9600
C9600 / 4800
C9600 / 2400
C9600 / 1200
C19.2K / 9600
C19.2K / 4800
C19.2K / 2400
C19.2K / 1200
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Flow Control
CHardware
CSoftware
1
0
Data Bits
C8
C7
1
0
Parity Type
CEven
COdd
1
0
Parity Enable
CNone
CEnable
1
0
1 = Up; 0 = Down
Note: Character framing of 7-databits and No Parity is not supported.

Serial Data Buffer Page 4
Table 2 - HS Data Buffer Switch Settings (PI140XA)
Switch Position –> 12345678
Data Rates (Input / Output)
C9600 / 9600
C9600 / 4800
C19.2K / 19.2K
C19.2K / 9600
C
C38.4K / 38.4K
C38.4K / 19.2K
C38.4K / 9600
C
C57.6K / 57.6K
C57.6K / 38.4K
C57.6K / 19.2K
C57.6K / 9600
C
C115.2K / 115.2K
C115.2K / 57.6K
C115.2K / 38.4K
C115.2K / 19.2K
C115.2K / 9600
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Flow Control
CHardware
CSoftware
1
0
Data Bits
C8
C7
1
0
Parity Type
CEven
COdd
1
0
Parity Enable
CNone
CEnable
1
0
1 = Up; 0 = Down
Note: Character framing of 7-databits and No Parity is not supported

Serial Data Buffer Page 5
Operation
Upon the first receipt of data, the D ata Buffer will initialize a timer and beg in
storingdata into its memory. It will no t begin sen ding the stored data to the output
device until the buffer is full or when no data is received for five seconds,
whichever occurs first. When the Data Buffer begins outputting stored data, it will
flow control the host using the selected approach to prevent any new input. When
the buffer has been emptied, flow control with the host will be restored. Note that
for large print jobs that exceed the Data Buffer’s capacity, a timeout may occur in
the host that may appear as if the printer is off line. For this reason, it is
recommended that the unit be configured to ac comm odate the largest frequ ently
occurring print job.
The Data Buffer will support simultaneous bi-directional serial communications at
theselected data rates. It was designed primarily , howev er, for app lications in
which 90% of the communications traffic flows in the forward direction (i.e. from
Input to Output). Forwar d throughput will slow dramatically with large am ounts
of reverse flow data (i.e. from Output to Input). The Data Buffer has the capability
of asserting flow control to the output device when the reverse flow buffer is full.
Controls and Indicators
Reset Button
The Reset button is used to reset the Data Buffer to initialize memory, to re-read
the dipswitches, to ena ble the copy feature, or to initiate the internal self-test.
Copy Button
The Copy button is used to automatically create multiple copies ofa given print job
or to repeat the most recent job printed. To have the Data B uffer create multiple
copies, press the Reset button to clear all previoussettings. Then, within 3 seconds
and before sending data, press the Copy button once for each copy desired. The
Data In LED will blink each time the Copy switch is pressed. After pressing the
Copy switch the desired number of times,the unitwill then wait indefinitely for the
data stream to begin. Note that the internal copy counter is limited to 255. The
Data Buffer will begin outputting the specified number of copies five seconds after
receiptof data has stopped. The Da ta Buffer will not acc ept new data input while
it is outputting data.
As an added convenience, the Copy button can also be used to repeatthe last print
job. To create another copy of thelatestjob, simply press the Copy button after the
job is done but prior to the next job. Note that only that data contained in the
internal buffer will be o utput when this feature is used.
Data In/Out LEDs
The Data In LED w ill flicker as data is being inp ut into the buffer. The Data Out
LED will flicker when data is being sent to the output device.

Serial Data Buffer Page 6
Flow Control
The Data Buffer is designed to function transparently and to continually accept
data until its buffer is full. Although this typically occurs at a faster rate than
supported by the attached output device, flow control will never be asserted to the
host unless the buffer is full. The Data Buffer will respond as needed to flow
control requests from the output dev ice. To prevent data overruns, both input and
output hosts/devices must sup port the sam e flow control method.
Hardware Flow Control
The Data Buffer uses DTR and RTS in tandem to control the flow of data with the
host. When its buffer is full, the Data Buffer w ill lower DTR and RTS (pins 20
and 4). This action will signal the ho st to immediately stop sending data. When
the buffer has been em ptied, DT R and RTS w ill be restored high to allow input to
resume. Similarly, the Data Buffer will monitor DTR (Pin 20) on the output port
while it sends data to the outpu t device. If the Data Buffer detects that the output
device has lowered DTR, it will stop sending data until the output device raises
DTR again.
The Data Buffer will support bi-directionalcomm unications. Consequently, it will
receive and buffer data from the output device that is destined for then input host.
When the limited “reverse-flow” bufferis full, the Data Buffer w ill lower DSR and
CTS thereby signaling to the output device to stop sending data. When the
accumulated data has been successfully transmitted to the host, DSR and CT S will
be restored.
Software Flow Control
The Data Buffer supports software flow control as an alternative to hardware flow
control through th e special ASCII control cod es X-O N and X -OFF. W hen its
buffer is full, the Data Buffer will send the X-OFF character to the host to signal
it to stop sending data. When the Data Buffer is ready to accept data, it will send
the complementary X-ON character. The Data Buffer will similarly screen da ta
received from the output device for these cha racters to co ntrol output.
Self-Test
The Data Buffer has a comprehensive self-test feature that will output the selected
configuration, test the internal buffer memory, and generate ASCII test patterns to
confirm overall operability. The self-test feature is activated through a special
sequence involving the Reset and Copy buttons and the Data In LED and typically
requires use of both hands to activate. Note tha t since the output of the se lf-test
will be directed to the output port, itis important thatthe device, typically a printer,
is turned on and ready before the self-test is started. To activate the self-test, press
and hold in the Copy button, then momentarily press and release the Reset button
only. When the Data In LED illuminates after a few seconds, release the Copy
button and the test will begin. The self-test can be terminated at any time by
mom entarily pre ssing and releasing th e Reset button.

Serial Data Buffer Page 7
Sample Self-Test Output
Serial-to-Serial Data Buffer Model PI-1375A/PI-1377A
Code Version 1.00
Memory Config:
Bank 1: 128K
Bank 2: empty
Bank 3: empty
Bank 4: empty
Serial Port Definitions -
Input/Output Baud Rates: 19200 / 9600
Flow Control: DTR/RTS
Data Bits: 8
Parity: none
Testing SRAM (64K Blocks)
Writing Block 0
Writing Block 1
Verifying Data
Reading Block 0 : OK!
Reading Block 1 : OK!
NOTE:
The ne xt part of th e test is option al. User ca n press R eset to abo rt.
Begin ASCII output to DCE
Loading Test Patterns
Loading 64KB Block 0
Loading 64KB Block 1
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”
#############################################################
.
.
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Finished --> 64KB Block 0
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”“”
.
.
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Finished --> 64KB Block 1
"*** TESTING COMPLETE ***

Serial Data Buffer Page 8
Expansion Memory
The Data Buffer has four 40-p in heade rs inside the enclosure to accom modate
memory modules of either 1 28K or 512K mem ory in any combination. Expansion
modules can be separately purchased and are user-installable. Memory modules
must be installed in consecu tive positions from left to right. An 8-position
dipswitch inside the enclosure, labeled “SW2 - Memory Config,” is used to setthe
memory configuration. These switches mustbe set any time the mem ory capacity
has changed.
The switches are set as follows:
<– OFF ON –>
1First Module - Off = 128K; On = 512K
2Second Module - Off = Present; On = Not Present
3 “ - Off = 128K; On = 512K
4Third Module - Off = Present; On = Not Present
5 “ - Off = 128K; On = 512K
6Fourth Module - Off = Present; On = Not Present
7 “ - Off = 128K; On = 512K
8Not Used
Cabling
Black Box offers many cable options for use with its serial Data Buffer
products. The following represent the most commonly used:
CFor connection with a Personal Computer serial port (i.e. COMx) as the
input device (DTE to DTE) - order product code EVMBPC.
CFor connection with a Personal Computer serial port (i.e. COMx) as the
output device (DCE to DTE) - order product code EVMBMC.
CFor connection with a serial printer as the output device with DB25F
connector (DCE to DTE) - orderproduct code ECM12C.
CFor connection with a modem as the output device (DCE to DCE) -
order product code EYN255.
CFor connection with a modem as the input device (DCE to DTE) -
orderproduct code ECM12C.

Serial Data Buffer Page 9
Troubleshooting
Calling Black Box
If you determine that your Data Buffer is malfunctioning, do not attempt to alter
or repair the unit. It has no user-serviceable parts. Contact Black Box
Technical Support at 724-746-5500.
Before you do , make a record of the history of the problem. W e will be able to
provide more efficient and accurate assistance if yo u have a comp lete
description, including:
Cthe nature and duration of the problem;
Cwhen the problem occurs;
Cthe equipment involved in the problem;
Cany particular application that, when used, appears to create the
problem or make it worse; and
Cthe results of any testing you’ve already done.
Shipping and Packaging
If you need to transport or ship your Data Buffer:
CPackage it carefully. We recommend that you use the original
container.
CIf you are returning the unit, inclu de everything yo u receive d with it.
Before returning the unit back to Black Box for repair or return,
contact us to get a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) num ber.

Serial Data Buffer Page 10
Appendix
Input Port Pinouts (DTE)
Pin Signal Description Comment
1Ch-Gnd Chassis Ground not used
2 TXD Transmit Data Output to Host
3 RXD Receive Data Input from Host
4RTS Request to Send Tied to DTR, used for hardware flow
5CTS Clear to Send not used
7 GND Signal Ground
8 CD Carrier Detect not used
20 DTR Data Term. Ready Tied to RTS, used for hardware flow
Output Port Pinouts (DCE)
Pin Signal Description Comment
1Ch-Gnd Chassis Ground not used
2 RXD Receive Data Input from attached Output device
3 TXD Transmit Data Output to printer/attached device
4RTS Request to Send not used
5CTS Clear to Send Tied to DSR, used for hardware flow
6DSR Data Set Ready Tied to CTS, used for hardware flow
7 GND Signal Ground
8 CD Carrier Detect not used
20 DTR Data Terminal Ready Monitored for output readiness

Serial Data Buffer Page 11
Specifications
Compliance: FCC Part 15 Subpart J Class A
Conforms with UL Safety Standard 60950
Interfaces: EIA RS-232 DTE input; EIA RS-232 DCE output
Protocol: Serial Asynchronous
Data Format: 8 Data B its with even , odd, or n o parity; 7 D ata Bits with
even or odd parity. 1 stop, 1 start bits
Flow Control: Hardware (DTR/RTS) or Software (X-ON/X-OFF)
Data Rates: Standard Model - 300 to 19.2Kbps; High Speed Model - 4800
to 115.2Kbps. 16 predefined input/output pairings
Memory: Async. SRAM, 128K x 8, 512K x 8 modules. Four modules
max up to 2MB total. Used in any combination.
Indicators: Green LEDs for DC Power, Data In, and Data Out, Red LED
for Pause Status
Controls: Push-button momentary contact Reset and Copy; Push-button,
alternate-action Pause.
Connectors: Input - DB25F, Output - DB25F
Diagnostics: Integral Self-Test with DCE output port reporting
Power: Requires external +9VD C 1.2A mp sup ply provided with unit.
Consum ption: ~3 Watts
Size & W eight: 6.5"W x 5.0"D x 2.25"H; 1.25 lbs.
Temp.: 0Nto 70NC (32Nto 158NF)
Humidity: 20% to 80% non-condensing
Models: PI-1375A: Standard Model with 128KB
PI-1377A: Standard Model with 512KB
PI-1405A: High Speed Model with 128KB
PI-1407A: High Speed Model with 512KB
PI-1300: 128K B Expansion M emory Module
PI-1301: 512K B Expansion M emory Module

Serial Data Buffer Page 12
FCC Statement of Compliance
This equipm ent generates, uses, and can rad iate 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 com munication. It has been testedand
found to comply w ith the limits for a Class A computing dev ice in accordance w ith
the specifications in Subp art B of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to
provide reasonable protection against such interference when the equipm ent is
operated in a comm ercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user at his own
expense will berequired to take whatevermeasures may be necessary to correct the
interference.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance cou ld void the user’s authority to operate the equipm ent.

Serial Data Buffer Page 13
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 só lo como sea
recomendado por el fabricante.
8. Servicio—Elusuario no debe intentardar servicio alequipo eléctrico más
allá a lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro servic io
deberá ser referido a personal de servicio calificado.
9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no
interfierasu uso. La colocacióndel aparato eléctrico sobreuna 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 fuentesde calor
como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo
amplificadores) que producen calor.
11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser con nectado a una fue nte 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 man era que la tierra fisica y la
polarización del equipo no sea eliminada.
13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiadosde tal manera que no
sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra

Serial Data Buffer Page 14
ellos, poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde
salen del aparato.
14. El equipo eléctrico debe serlimpiado 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 decorriente 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 contac to ha sido d añado; u
B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del
aparato; o
C: El aparato ha sido ex puesto 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.

Serial Data Buffer Page 15
NOTES

Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.
1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax [phone]