Black Box ME500A User manual

CUSTOMER
SUPPORT
INFORMATION
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 [phone]
Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [email protected]
SEPTEMBER 1999
ME500A
Async/Sync Industrial Line Driver
PRW TX RX RTS CD
Async
↔
Sync
Industrial Line Driver
Error Test
Remote
Normal
Local
511E
511

1
TRADEMARKS
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
AT&T is a registered trademark of American Telephone and Telegraph Company.
Any other trademarks used in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of
the trademark owners.

2
ASYNC/SYNC INDUSTRIAL LINE DRIVER
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 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.

3
NOM STATEMENT
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.

4
ASYNC/SYNC INDUSTRIAL LINE DRIVER
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.

5
CONTENTS
Contents
Chapter Page
1. Specifications ............................................................................................................6
2. Introduction ..............................................................................................................7
2.1 Description ....................................................................................................7
2.2 Features ..........................................................................................................7
3. Configuration ............................................................................................................8
3.1 Configuration Switches ................................................................................8
3.2 Configuration Switch Set S1 ........................................................................9
3.3 Configuration Switch Set S2 ......................................................................11
3.4 Configuration Switch Set S3 ......................................................................13
4. Installation ..............................................................................................................16
4.1 Two-Wire Installation ..................................................................................16
4.1.1 Two-Wire Cable Connection via RJ-45 ................................................17
4.2 Four-Wire Installation ................................................................................18
4.2.1 Four-Wire Cable Connection via RJ-45 ..............................................18
4.3 Four-Wire, Multipoint Installation ............................................................19
4.3.1 Multipoint Twisted-Pair Connection ..................................................20
4.4 RS-232 Connection......................................................................................20
5. Operation ................................................................................................................21
5.1 LED Status Monitors....................................................................................21
5.1.1 The Power, TX, and RX Indicators ....................................................21
5.1.2 The RTS and CD Indicators ................................................................21
5.1.3 The Test Indicator ................................................................................22
5.1.4 The Error Indicators ............................................................................22
5.2 Anti-Streaming Error Indicator ..................................................................22
5.3 Power-Up......................................................................................................22
5.4 V.54 Test Modes ..........................................................................................23
5.4.1 Local Analog Loopback (LAL)............................................................23
5.4.2 Remote Digital Loopback (RDL) ........................................................24
5.4.3 Using the V.52 BER Test Independently ............................................24
5.5 Power-Down ................................................................................................25
Appendix. Cable Recommendations ..........................................................................26

6
ASYNC/SYNC INDUSTRIAL LINE DRIVER
1. Specifications
Transmission Format — Synchronous or asynchronous, 2-wire/half duplex or
4-wire/full or half duplex
Interface — RS-232 (CCITT V.24) connection via DB25 female;
Twisted-pair connection via RJ-45
Transmission Line — 2- or 4-wire UTP, 19 to 26 AWG
Data Rates — Synchronous or asynchronous at 1.2, 1.8, 2.4, 3.6,
4.8, 7.2, 9.6, 14.4, 19.2, 28.8, 38.4, 57.6, and 64 kbps
(switch-selectable)
Clocking — Internal, external, or receive recover
Controls — Carrier Constantly ON or Controlled by RTS;
RTS/CTS delay set to no delay, 7 ms, or 53 ms
Applications — Point-to-point or multipoint
Indicators —Mono-color LEDs for TX, RX, RTS, and CD; Single
LEDs for Power, Test, and Error
RTS Anti-Stream Timer — 12.5 sec., 50 sec., or disabled (switch-selectable);
Tolerance: +50%, -0
Diagnostics — V.52-compliant bit-error-rate pattern (511/511E
pattern) generator and detector with error-injection
mode; V.54 compliant—Local Analog Loopback and
Remote Digital Loopback, activated by front-panel
switch or via RS-232 interface
Transformer Isolation — 2000 V RMS
Surge Protection — Immune to IEC-801-5 Level 2, 1kV
Temperature — 14 to 158°F (-10 to +70°C)
Power Supply — 157 to 242 VAC Universal Interface
Size — 1.6"H x 5.5"W x 7.5"D (4 x 14 x 19.1 cm)

7
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
2. Introduction
2.1 Description
The Async/Sync Industrial Line Driver operates 2-wire (half duplex) or 4-wire (full
or half duplex), in synchronous or asynchronous modes, over unconditioned
telephone lines. The Line Driver supports data rates up to 64 kbps. It operates in
synchronous mode between the local and remote modems; when connected to an
asynchronous RS-232 device, the Line Driver converts the asynchronous data to
synchronous data.
To enhance overall performance, the Line Driver features equalization, anti-
streaming timer, transformer isolation (to guard against data loss due to ground-
potential differences), and Silicon Avalanche Diode surge protection (to guard
against data-line transients).
The Async/Sync Industrial Line Driver features V.52-compliant bit-error-rate
pattern tests and two V.54 test modes (local analog loopback and remote digital
loopback). The operator at the local end can test both local and remote modems,
plus the line, in the digital-loopback mode. Both RDL and LAL modes can be
controlled by a manual switch or via the V.24/RS-232 interface.
2.2 Features
• Distances up to 12 miles (19.2 km).
• Point-to-point or multipoint.
• Internal, external, or received loopback clocking.
• 2000-VAC transformer isolation and high-speed surge protection.
• Internal power supply.

8
ASYNC/SYNC INDUSTRIAL LINE DRIVER
3. Configuration
3.1 Configuration Switches
The Async/Sync Industrial Line Driver uses 24 external mini DIP switches that
allow configuration to an extremely wide range of applications. These 24 DIP
switches are grouped into three eight-switch sets, and are externally accessible from
the underside of the unit (see Figure 3-1). Since all configuration DIP switches are
externally accessible, there is no need to open the case for configuration.
The configuration switches allow you to select data rates, clocking methods, V.52
and V.54 tests, word lengths, extended signaling rates, async or sync mode, 2- or 4-
wire operation, anti-stream control, and input impedance. The information on the
following pages describes all switch locations, positions, and functions.
Figure 3-1. Bottom view of Async/Sync Industrial Line Driver.
The Line Driver has three sets of eight switches, yielding 24 total DIP switches. The
three sets will be referred to as switch sets S1, S2, and S3. As Figure 3-2 shows, the
orientation of all DIP switches is the same with respect to ON and OFF positions.
S3 S2 S1
On
Off
Rear Front

9
CHAPTER 3: Configuration
Figure 3-2. Close-up of DIP switches showing ON and OFF positions.
3.2 Configuration Switch Set S1
The DIP switches on S1 set data rate, clock source, async/sync mode, and carrier-
control method. The default settings are shown in the table below.
Table 3-1. S1 switches
Position Function Factory Default
S1-1 Data Rate On
S1-2 Data Rate Off 9600 bps
S1-3 Data Rate Off
S1-4 Data Rate On
S1-5 Clock Source On
S1-6 Clock Source On Internal
S1-7 Async/Sync On Async
S1-8 Carrier Control Off Constantly On
All the possible configuration settings are described in detail beginning on the
next page.
ON
↔
OFF

10
ASYNC/SYNC INDUSTRIAL LINE DRIVER
Switches S1-1 through S1-4 and S3-3: Data-Rate Setting
Switches S1-1 through S1-4 and S3-3 are set in combination to determine the
asynchronous and synchronous data rate for the Async/Sync Industrial Line
Driver.
Table 3-2. Data-Rate Settings
S1-1 S1-2 S1-3 S1-4 S3-3 Setting (kbps)
On On On On Off 1.2
Off On On On Off 1.8
On Off On On Off 2.4
Off Off On On Off 3.6
On On Off On Off 4.8
Off On Off On Off 7.2
On Off Off On Off 9.6
Off Off Off On Off 14.4
Off On Off On On 16*
On On On Off Off 19.2
Off On On Off Off 28.8
Off Off Off On On 32*
On On Off Off Off 38.4
Off On Off Off Off 57.6
Off On On Off On 64*
*Must have switch 3-3 On.
Switches S1-5 and S1-6: Clock Source
Switches S1-5 and S1-6 are set in combination to determine the transmit clock
source for the Async/Sync Industrial Line Driver.
S1-5 S1-6 Setting
On On Internal transmit clock
Off On Receive recover clock
On Off External transmit clock

11
CHAPTER 3: Configuration
Switch S1-7: Asynchronous/Synchronous Mode
The setting for switch S1-7 determines whether the Async/Sync Industrial Line
Driver is in asynchronous or synchronous operating mode.
S1-7 Setting
On Asynchronous
Off Synchronous
Switch S1-8: Carrier-Control Method
The setting for switch S1-8 determines whether the carrier is Constantly On or
Controlled by RTS. This setting allows for operation in switched carrier,
multipoint, and/or hardware-handshaking applications.
S1-8 Setting
Off Constantly On
On Controlled by RTS
3.3 Configuration Switch Set S2
The DIP switches on S2 set word length, extended signaling rate, RTS/CTS delay,
V.52 and V.54 diagnostic test, and 2- and 4-wire operation.
Table 3-3. S2 switches
Position Function Factory Default
S2-1 Word Length Off
S2-2 Word Length Off 10 bits
S2-3 Extended Signaling Rate Off -2.5% to 1%
S2-4 RTS/CTS Delay On
S2-5 RTS/CTS Delay On 7 ms
S2-6 2-Wire/4-Wire On
S2-7 2-Wire/4-Wire Off (4-Wire) FDX
S2-8 V.54 Off V.54 Enabled

12
ASYNC/SYNC INDUSTRIAL LINE DRIVER
Switches S2-1 and S2-2: Word Length
Switches S2-1 and S2-2 are set in combination to determine the word length for
asynchronous data, including the start and stop bits.
S2-1 S2-2 Setting
Off On 8 bits
On On 9 bits
Off Off 10 bits
On Off 11 bits
Switch S2-3: Extended Signaling Rate
The setting for switch S2-3 determines the range of variability the Async/Sync
Industrial Line Driver “looks for” in asynchronous data rates (that is, the actual
variance from a given frequency level the Line Driver will tolerate).
S2-3 Setting
Off -2.5% to +1%
On -2.5% to +2.3%
Switches S2-4 and S2-5: RTS/CTS Delay
The combined settings for switches S2-4 and S2-5 determine the amount of delay
between the time the Line Driver “sees” RTS and when it sends CTS. Options are
no delay, 7 ms, and 53 ms.
S2-4 S2-5 Setting
On On 7 ms
Off On 53 ms
On Off No delay
Off Off No delay
Switch S2-6 and S2-7: 2-Wire/4-Wire Mode Selection
The setting for switch S2-6 and S2-7 determines whether the Async/Sync Industrial
Line Driver is operating in 2-wire or 4-wire mode.
S2-6 S2-7 Setting
On On 4-wire (half duplex)
On Off 4-wire (full duplex)
Off On 2-wire (half duplex)

13
CHAPTER 3: Configuration
Switch S2-8: V.54 Loopback Test Enable
This switch enables or disables V.54 looping in the Async/Sync Industrial Line
Driver.
S2-8 Setting
Off V.54 Normal Operation Enabled
On V.54 Testing Disabled
3.4 Configuration Switch Set S3
The DIP switches on S3 set the anti-stream control, timing mode, topology, local
loopback enable, remote loopback enable, and input impedance levels for the
Async/Sync Industrial Line Driver. Factory-default positions are shown in the table
below.
Table 3-4. S3 switches
Position Function Factory Default
S3-1 Input Impedance On
S3-2 Input Impedance Off 200 ohms
S3-3 Timing Mode Off
S3-4 Topology On Point-to-point
S3-5 Local Loopback Off Disabled
S3-6 Remote Loopback Off Disabled
S3-7 Anti-Stream Control Off
S3-8 Anti-Stream Control Off Disabled

14
ASYNC/SYNC INDUSTRIAL LINE DRIVER
Switches S3-1 and S3-2: Input Impedance
The setting for Switches S3-1 and S3-2 determines the Line Driver’s input
impedance. This allows you to choose the optimum impedance setting for your
application. In long-distance applications, the impedance of the cable must match
the impedance of the load (or resistor) of the Async/Sync Industrial Line Driver.
Thicker-gauge cables require a lower-ohm setting, while a thinner-gauge cable
should receive a higher-ohm setting. If you are using higher speeds, you will need a
lower-ohm setting and a higher-ohm setting for the slower speeds. Refer to Table 3-
5 for assistance in selecting a setting.
S3-1 S3-2 Setting
On On 130 ohms
On Off 200 ohms
Off On 320 ohms
Off Off High impedance (minimum 2k ohms)
Table 3-5. Speed Selection
Cable Gauge Data Rates (kbps)
1.2 1.8 2.4 3.6 4.8 7.2 9.6 14.4
19 AWG/0.9 mm 320 320 200 200 200 200 200 130
22 AWG/0.6 mm 320 320 320 200 200 200 200 200
24 AWG/0.5 mm 320 320 320 320 200 200 200 200
26 AWG/0.4 mm 320 320 320 320 320 200 200 200
Cable Gauge Data Rates (kbps)
16 19.2 28.8 32 38.4 57.6 64
19 AWG/0.9 mm 130 130 130 130 130 High High
22 AWG/0.6 mm 200 130 130 130 130 High High
24 AWG/0.5 mm 200 200 130 130 130 High High
26 AWG/0.4 mm 200 200 200 200 130 High High
Switch S3-3: Timing-Mode Selection
Use Switch S3-3 to select the Line Driver’s timing mode. To operate the Line
Driver at 16, 32, or 64 kbps, set S3-3 to the On position. To select any other DTE
rate, set Switch S3-3 Off.
S3-3 Setting
On 16, 32, or 64 kbps
Off 1.2 through 57 kbps, excluding 16 and 32 kbps

15
CHAPTER 3: Configuration
Switch S3-4: Topology
Use switch S3-4 to select the topology of the Async/Sync Industrial Line Driver.
S3-4 Setting
On Point-to-point
On Master multipoint
Off Slave multipoint
Switch S3-5: RS-232 Initiation of Local Loopback Test
The setting for switch S3-5 determines whether or not the Async/Sync Industrial
Line Driver local analog loopback test can be initiated by raising pin 18 on the
RS-232 interface.
S3-5 Setting
On RS-232 initiation enabled
Off RS-232 initiation disabled
Switch S3-6: RS-232 Initiation of Remote Loopback Test
The setting for switch S3-6 determines whether or not the Async/Sync Industrial
Line Driver remote digital loopback test can be initiated by raising pin 21 on the
RS-232 interface.
S3-6 Setting
On RS-232 initiation enabled
Off RS-232 initiation disabled
Switches S3-7 and S3-8: Anti-Stream Control
Switches S3-7 and S3-8 are set in combination to determine the time-out period for
the Line Driver’s anti-stream control timer.
S3-7 S3-8 Setting
Off Off Disabled
Off On 12.5 seconds
On Off 50 seconds
On On 12.5 seconds

16
ASYNC/SYNC INDUSTRIAL LINE DRIVER
4. Installation
The Async/Sync Industrial Line Driver operates in four twisted-pair topologies:
2-wire/point-to-point, 2-wire/multipoint, 4-wire/point-to-point, and 4-wire/
multipoint. In each of these topologies, the twisted-pair wire must be 19 to 26 AWG
dry, unconditioned metallic wire (see the Appendix for wire recommendations).
Dial-up analog circuits, such as those used with a standard Hayes-type modem, are
not acceptable. The twisted pair may be shielded or unshielded. (Both types work
well.)
The Async/Sync Industrial Line Driver has an RJ-45 jack for its twisted-pair line
connection. Figure 4-1 shows the location of the RJ-45 jack on the Line Driver’s
rear panel. Connect the wire to each Line Driver as described in the instructions
that follow the illustration.
Figure 4-1. The Line Driver’s rear panel.
4.1 Two-Wire Installation
When communicating over a single twisted-pair circuit, the Async/Sync Industrial
Line Driver operates half duplex (that is, it transmits in only one direction at a
time). This is effective for both point-to-point and multipoint applications.
In single-pair point-to-point applications, you will need a pair of Async/Sync
Industrial Line Drivers for each circuit (one at each end of the single-pair wire). In
single-pair multipoint applications you’ll need three or more Async/Sync
Industrial Line Drivers. These can be connected using a daisychain or star
topology.

17
CHAPTER 4: Installation
4.1.1 T WO
-W IRE C ABLE C ONNECTION V IA RJ-45
The RJ-45 jack on an Async/Sync Industrial Line Driver is prewired for a standard
telco wiring environment. To be sure you have the right wiring, use the table below
as a guide.
RJ-45 Signal
1 ..............NC
2 ..............GND†
3 ..............RCV
4 ..............XMT
5 ..............XMT
6 ..............RCV
7 ..............GND
8 ..............NC
†Connection to ground is optional.
Proper wiring of pairs between the two Line Drivers is as follows:
Signal Pin# Color* Color Pin# Signal
XMT 4 Green ..............Green 4 XMT
XMT 5 Red ..................Red 5 XMT
*Standard color codes—yours may be different.
AT&T standard modular color codes are:
1 - Blue
2 - Orange
3 - Black
4 - Red
5 - Green
6 - Yellow
7 - Brown
8 - Slate

18
ASYNC/SYNC INDUSTRIAL LINE DRIVER
4.2 Four-Wire Installation
When communicating over a two-twisted-pair circuit, the Async/Sync Industrial
Line Driver can operate full or half duplex, point-to-point or multipoint. In two-
pair point-to-point applications, you’ll need a pair of Line Drivers for each circuit
(one at each end of the two-pair cable). In two-pair multipoint applications you’ll
need three or more Async/Sync Industrial Line Drivers. These can be connected
using a daisychain or star topology.
4.2.1 F OUR -W IRE C ABLE C ONNECTION V IA RJ-45
The RJ-45 jack on an Async/Sync Industrial Line Driver is prewired for a standard
telco wiring environment. To be sure you have the right wiring, use the table below
as a guide.
RJ-45 Signal
1 ..............NC
2 ..............GND†
3 ..............RCV
4 ..............XMT
5 ..............XMT
6 ..............RCV
7 ..............GND
8 ..............NC
†Connection to ground is optional.
Proper crossing of pairs between the two Line Drivers is as follows:
Signal Pin# Color* Color Pin# Signal
GND† 2 Orange ............Brown 7 GND
RCV 3 Black ................Green 5 XMT
XMT 4 Red ..................Yellow 6 RCV
XMT 5 Green ..............Black 3 RCV
RCV 6 Yellow ..............Red 4 XMT
GND 7 Brown ..............Orange 2 GND
*Standard color codes—yours may be different.
†Connection to ground is optional.

19
CHAPTER 4: Installation
AT&T standard modular color codes are:
4.3 Four-Wire, Multipoint Installation
Multipoint operation involves the connection of several terminals to one host port.
In such an application, one local Async/Sync Industrial Line Driver is used as a
master unit, and it is connected to several remote Async/Sync Industrial Line
Drivers that are acting as slaves.
In a multipoint environment, the master Async/Sync Industrial Line Driver
transmits continually. Initiation of two-way communication is RTS-controlled by
each slave Async/Sync Industrial Line Driver. To facilitate multipoint
communication, the master Async/Sync Industrial Line Driver should have its
carrier-control DIP switch set to Constantly ON (S1-8=OFF). Each slave Line Driver
should have its carrier-control DIP switch set to Controlled by RTS (S1-8=ON).
Figure 4-2 shows a typical Line Driver multipoint application.
Figure 4-2. Typical multipoint setup.
1 - Blue
2 - Orange
3 - Black
4 - Red
5 - Green
6 - Yellow
7 - Brown
8 - Slate
Master
unit
Slave
units