Black Box SP385A-R3 User manual

24/7 TECHNICAL SUPPORT AT 1.877.877.2269 OR VISIT BLACKBOX.COM
USB TO RS-232
OR RS-422/485
ISOLATED
CONVERTER
SP385A-R3, SP390A-R3
USER MANUAL
SP385A-R3
RS-232
RD
TD

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
NEED HELP?
LEAVE THE TECH TO US
LIVE 24/7
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
1.877.877. 2269
1. 8 7 7. 8 7 7. 2 2 6 9 BLACKBOX.COM
1. SPECIFICATIONS........................................................................................................................................................................... 3
2. OVERVIEW...................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Introduction...............................................................................................................................................................................................4
2.2 Features ....................................................................................................................................................................................................4
2.3 What’s Included........................................................................................................................................................................................5
2.4 Hardware Description..............................................................................................................................................................................5
2.4.1 SP385A-R3 ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................5
2.4.2 SP390A-R3..........................................................................................................................................................................................................6
3. DIP SWITCH CONFIGURATION (SP390A-R3 ONLY)................................................................................................................... 7
4. INSTALLATION .............................................................................................................................................................................. 8
4.1 Plug in the Converter................................................................................................................................................................................8
4.2 Check the Installation ..............................................................................................................................................................................8
4.3 Verify with a Loopback Test ....................................................................................................................................................................8
4.3.1 RS-232 Pinout for SP385A-R3......................................................................................................................................................................... 8
4.3.2 RS-422/485 Pinout for SP390A-R3 ............................................................................................................................................................... 9
APPENDIX A: REGULATORY INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................ 11
A.1 FCC Statement....................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
A.2 NOM Statement .....................................................................................................................................................................................12
APPENDIX B: DISCLAIMER/TRADEMARKS ................................................................................................................................. 13
B.1 Disclaimer ...............................................................................................................................................................................................13
B.2 Trademarks Used in this Manual ..........................................................................................................................................................13

3
1. 8 7 7. 8 7 7. 2 2 6 9 BLACKBOX.COM
NEED HELP?
LEAVE THE TECH TO US
LIVE 24/7
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
1.877.877. 2269
CHAPTER 1: SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
SP385A-R3 SP390A-R3
COMPATIBILITY USB 1.0 and 2.0 (full-speed) USB 1.0 and 2.0 (full-speed)
ISOLATION Serial port: 2 kV Serial port: 15 kV
MTBF 247,713 hours 2,267,777 hours
OPERATING SYSTEM Windows 2000, XP (32/64 bit), Vista (32/64 bit),
7 (32/64 bit), 8 (32/64 bit), 10 (32/64 bit),
2003 & 2008 Server (32/64 bit)
Windows 2000, XP (32/64 bit), Vista (32/64 bit),
7 (32/64 bit), 8 (32/64 bit), 10 (32/64 bit),
2003 & 2008 Server (32/64 bit)
SPEED Serial port data rate: 460.8 kbps;
USB port speed: 12 Mbps (full)
Serial port data rate: 460.8 kbps;
USB port speed: 12 Mbps (full)
CONNECTORS (1) DB9 male, (1) USB Type B (1) 5-pin pluggable terminal block, (1) USB Type B
TEMPERATURE Operating: 32 to 158° F (0 to 70° C);
Storage: -40 to +185° F (-40 to +85° C)
Operating: 32 to 158° F (0 to 70° C);
Storage: -40 to +185° F (-40 to +85° C)
HUMIDITY Operating: 0 to 95%, non-condensing Operating: 0 to 95%, non-condensing
POWER Source: USB bus powered;
Consumption: Low-power device (less than 100 mA)
Source: USB bus powered;
Consumption: Low-power device (less than 100 mA)
DIMENSIONS 1.7”H x 3”W x 0.9”D (4.3 x 7.7 x 2.3 cm) 1.7"H x 3.5"W x 0.8"D (4.3 x 8.9 x 2.1 cm)
WEIGHT 6.4 oz. (0.18 kg) 6.4 oz. (0.18 kg)

41. 8 7 7. 8 7 7. 2 2 6 9 BLACKBOX.COM
NEED HELP?
LEAVE THE TECH TO US
LIVE 24/7
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
1.877.877. 2269
CHAPTER 2: OVERVIEW
2.1 INTRODUCTION
Use this compact, isolated USB to RS-232 or RS-422/485 converter to add an RS-232 or RS-422/485 port to your USB-only PC. Built
to rugged specifications with 2 or 15 kilovolts of isolation, it protects your PC from hazardous ground loops. It’s ideal for use in
instrumentation and laboratory environments.
One USB port is required for each installed device. The port can be native to the PC or it can be a USB port from an installed USB hub to
the PC. The USB port supports full speed (12 Mbps) USB 2.0.
NOTE: The devices work with USB 1.1 or 2.0 ports, but have a maximum USB data rate of 12 Mbps.
The RS-232 port is a DB9 male connector wired as a DTE with full hardware handshake support. It handles RS-232 data rates up to
460.8 kbps.
The RS-422/485 port is a 5-pin pluggable terminal block that also handles RS-422/485 data rates up to 460.8 kbps.
Model SP385A-R3 supports RS-232 communications, and is ideal for shorter distances (the maximum cable length is 50 feet [15.2
m]). In fields such as laboratory automation or surveying, RS-232 devices may continue to be used. Some types of programmable logic
controllers, variable-frequency drives, servo drives, and computerized numerical control equipment are programmable via RS-232.
Model SP390A-R3 is a USB to one port RS-422/485 converter. Supporting 2-wire RS-485 or a 4-wire RS-422/485 communications, this
device is great for any application that requires long range or multi-drop capabilities. The converter uses pluggable terminal blocks on
the RS-422/485 side and a pair of LEDs that indicate data being transmitted or received. Model SP390A-R3 includes special circuitry
that adds 2000 volts isolation protection against ground loops and voltage spikes. The product draws power from the USB port so no
power supply is required.
Simply plug the converter into an available USB port on your computer or USB hub and the device will show up as an additional COM
port in the Windows Device Manager. Configured as an additional COM port, the converter is now compatible with your Windows
applications.
RS-485 Control
No special software is required to control the RS-485 receiver or transmit line driver. The driver is automatically enabled during each
byte transmitted in RS-485 mode. The transmitter is always enabled in RS-422 mode. The receiver is tri-stated during each byte
transmitted in the echo-off mode. The receiver is always enabled in the echo-on mode. There are 4.7 kOhm pull-up/pull-down resistors
on the RDA and RDB lines. A termination resistor may be added to R16 if needed.
2.2 FEATURES
SP385A-R3 Provides 2-kV isolation
SP390A-R3 provides 15-kV surge protection
Protects against ESD (4 kV contact, 8 kV air)
Features a compact in-line case
Compatible with USB 2.0 full-speed (12 Mbps) devices
Supports RS-232 or RS-422/485 data rates up to 460.8 kbps
Powered by the USB bus, so no power supply is needed

5
1. 8 7 7. 8 7 7. 2 2 6 9 BLACKBOX.COM
NEED HELP?
LEAVE THE TECH TO US
LIVE 24/7
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
1.877.877. 2269
CHAPTER 2: OVERVIEW
2.3 WHAT’S INCLUDED
SP385A-R3:
USB to RS-232 Isolated Converter
3.2-ft. (1-m) USB Cable
SP390A-R3:
USB to RS-422/485 Isolated Converter
3.2-ft. (1-m) USB Cable
2.4 HARDWARE DESCRIPTION
2.4.1 SP385A-R3
Figure 2-1 shows the SP385A-R3. Table 2-1 describes its components.
USB Type B connector
DB9 connector
TD LED
RD LED
FIGURE 2-1. SP385A-R3
TABLE 2-1. SP385A-R3 COMPONENTS
NUMBER IN FIGURE 2-1 TYPE TYPE
1 USB Type B connector Links to USB device
2TD LED Transmit data
3 RD LED Receive data
4DB9 connector Links to RS-232 device