Black Box IC1027A User manual

1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax [phone]
© Copyright 2007. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.

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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]
MAY 2007
IC1027A
4-Port RS-232 USB Hub

1
FCC AND IC RFI STATEMENTS
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.

2
4-PORT RS-232 USB HUB
EUROPEAN UNION DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Products bearing the CE label fulfill the requirements of the EMC directive
(89/336/EEC) and of the low-voltage directive (73/23/EEC) issued by the
European Commission.
To obey these directives, the following European standards must be met:
• EN55022 Class B: Limits and methods of measurement of radio interference
characteristics of information technology equipment.
• EN55024: Information technology equipment immunity characteristics limits
and methods of measurement.
• EN60950 (IEC950): Safety of information technology equipment, including
electrical business equipment.
Always use cabling provided with this product if possible. If no cable is provided or
if an alternate cable is required, use high-quality shielded cabling to maintain
compliance with EMC directives.

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
4-PORT RS-232 USB HUB
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
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
BLACK BOX and the Double Diamond logo are registered trademarks of BB
Technologies, Inc.
AT and IBM are registered trademarks of International Business Machines
Corporation.
Windows, Windows NT, and Windows Vista are either trademarks or registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the
trademark owners.

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4-PORT RS-232 USB HUB
Contents
Chapter Page
1. Specifications ........................................................................................................7
2. Overview ................................................................................................................8
2.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................8
2.2 Hardware Description...................................................................................8
2.2.1 Front Panel..........................................................................................8
2.2.2 Back Panel ...........................................................................................9
2.3 What’s Included ..........................................................................................10
3. Installation...........................................................................................................11
3.1 Windows 98/Me/2000/XP and Windows Vista Operating Systems .......11
3.2 Hardware Installation .................................................................................12
Appendix A. Troubleshooting ..................................................................................13
A.1 Calling Black Box ........................................................................................13
A.2 Shipping and Packaging .............................................................................13
Appendix B. Electrical Interface...............................................................................14
Appendix C. Asynchronous Communication ..........................................................15

7
CHAPTER 1: Specifications
1. Specifications
Communication Chips: (4) High-speed, USB-to-serial interface (128-byte FIFO
transmit, 384-byte FIFO receive) UARTs
Distance (Maximum): RS-232: 50 ft. (15.2 m)
Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF): Greater than 150,000 hours
Speed (Maximum): RS-232: 460.8 kbps
Connectors: Serial: (4) DB9 male (see pinout below);
USB: (1) Type B female
Table 1-1. RS-232 (DB9) male connector pinouts.
Signal Name Pin # Mode
GND Ground 5 —
TX Transmit Data 3 Output
RTS Request To Send 7 Output
DTR Data Terminal Ready 4 Output
RX Receive Data 2 Input
CTS Clear To Send 8 Input
DSR Data Set Ready 6 Input
DCD Data Carrier Detect 1 Input
RI Ring Indicator 9 Input
Indicators: (5) LEDs: USB Enabled, Serial Port 1, Serial Port 2, Serial Port 3,
Serial Port 4
Temperature Tolerance: 32 to 158°F (0 to 70°C)
Humidity Tolerance: 10 to 90%, noncondensing
Power: From the USB bus (as long as the device is connected directly to a powered
PC or hub)
Size: 1.5"H x 5.3"W x 7.1"D (3.8 x 13.5 x 18 cm)

8
4-PORT RS-232 USB HUB
2. Overview
2.1 Introduction
The 4-Port RS-232 USB Hub has four USB to RS-232 asynchronous serial ports that
enable you to connect non-USB peripherals to a USB bus. It doesn’t require
installing cards, I/O ports, or IRQs. However, you must have a recent enough
operating system to support USB.
2.2 Hardware Description
2.2.1 F RONT P ANEL
The 4-Port RS-232 USB Hub’s front panel appears in Figure 2-1. Its components
are described in Table 2-1.
Figure 2-1. Front panel.
Table 2-1. Front-panel components.
Number Component Description
USB Enabled LED Lights when a USB device is
connected to the hub.
Serial Port 1 LED Lights when the corresponding
serial device is active.
Serial Port 2 LED Lights when the corresponding
serial device is active.
➂
➀
➀
➂
➁➄
➃
➁

9
CHAPTER 2: Overview
Table 2-1 (continued). Front-panel components.
Number Component Description
Serial Port 3 LED Lights when the corresponding
serial device is active.
Serial Port 4 LED Lights when the corresponding
serial device is active.
2.2.2 B ACK P ANEL
The 4-Port RS-232 USB Hub’s back panel appears in Figure 2-2. Its components are
described in Table 2-2.
Figure 2-2. Back panel.
Table 2-2. Back-panel components.
Number Component Description
Serial Port 1 Connect a serial device to this
DB9 port.
Serial Port 2 Connect a serial device to this
DB9 port.
Serial Port 3 Connect a serial device to this
DB9 port.
➇
➆
➃
➇ ➈ ➉
➄
➆
➅
➅

10
4-PORT RS-232 USB HUB
Table 2-2 (continued). Back-panel components.
Number Component Description
Serial Port 4 Connect a serial device to this
DB9 port.
USB Type B connector Links the USB source device to
the hub.
2.3 What’s Included
The 4-Port RS-232 USB Hub is shipped with the following items. If any of these
items is missing or damaged, contact Black Box at 724-746-5500.
• 4-Port RS-232 USB Hub
• USB cable
• CD-ROM containing software and this user’s manual in PDF
➈
➉

11
CHAPTER 3: Installation
3. Installation
3.1 Windows 98/Me/2000/XP and Windows Vista™Operating Systems
NOTE
Windows NT®cannot support this device.
Do not connect the device to a USB port until the software is installed.
1. Start Windows®.
2. Insert the software CD into your CD drive.
3. If Auto-Start is enabled, the installation window will automatically appear.
Otherwise, go to the CD drive’s root directory and double-click the
autorun.exe application to launch the installation window.
4. Select Install Software.
5. Select the device’s part number from the listing.
6. The setup file will automatically detect the operating environment and install
the proper components. Follow the information presented on the installation
screens.
7. A screen may appear with the message “The publisher cannot be determined
due to the problems below: Authenticode signature not found.” Press the Yes
button to continue installing the software. This message simply means that
the operating system is not aware of the driver being loaded. It will not cause
any harm to your system.
8. During setup, you may specify installation directories and other preferred
configurations. This program also adds entries to the system registry that are
necessary for specifying each driver’s operating parameters. An uninstall
option is included to remove the driver and all registry/INI file entries from
your system.
9. Install the 4-Port RS-232 USB Hub hardware as described in Section 3.2.

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4-PORT RS-232 USB HUB
3.2 Hardware Installation
1. Connect the 4-Port RS-232 USB Hub to any upstream type “A” port either at
the PC host or an upstream hub. The hub is hot-pluggable, so you don’t have
to power down your computer before installing it.
2. The New Hardware Found wizard will now locate the appropriate drivers.
These drivers were installed during the software setup procedure. Once the
drivers are found, a new window will appear and tell you that the new ports
are installed properly.
3. If you view the system’s Device Manager, new COM ports in the Ports (COM
& LPT) device class should appear.
4. You can access your new COM ports by using the assigned COM identifiers as
shown in the Device Manager. The assigned COM port may differ from
system to system. The hardware is now recognized and ready to use.

13
Appendix A. Troubleshooting
A.1 Calling Black Box
If you determine that your 4-Port RS-232 USB Hub is malfunctioning, do not
attempt to alter or repair the unit. It contains 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. We will be able to
provide more efficient and accurate assistance if you have a complete description,
including:
• the nature and duration of the problem.
• when the problem occurs.
• the components involved in the problem.
• any particular application that, when used, appears to create the problem or
make it worse.
A.2 Shipping and Packaging
If you need to transport or ship your 4-Port RS-232 USB Hub:
• Package it carefully. We recommend that you use the original container.
• If you are returning the unit, make sure you include everything you received
with it. Before you ship for return or repair, contact Black Box to get a Return
Authorization (RA) number.
APPENDIX A: Troubleshooting

14
4-PORT RS-232 USB HUB
Appendix B. Electrical Interface
RS-232
Quite possibly the most widely used communication standard is RS-232. This
implementation has been defined and revised several times and is often referred to
as EIA/TIA-232. The IBM®AT®computer defined the RS-232 port on a DB9
connector and subsequently the EIA/TIA approved this implementation as the
EIA/TIA-574 standard. This standard is defined as the 9-Position Non-Synchronous
Interface between Data Terminal Equipment and Data Circuit-Terminating
Equipment Employing Serial Binary Data Interchange. Both implementations are
in widespread use and are referred to as RS-232 in this document. RS-232 is
capable of operating at data rates up to 20 kbps at distances less than 50 feet
(15.2 m). The absolute maximum data rate may vary due to line conditions and
cable lengths. RS-232 is a single-ended or unbalanced interface, meaning that a
single electrical signal is compared to a common signal (ground) to determine
binary logic states. The RS-232 and the EIA/TIA-574 specification define two types
of interface circuits, Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) and Data Circuit-
Terminating Equipment (DCE). The 4-Port RS-232 USB Hub is a DTE device.

15
Appendix C. Asynchronous
Communication
Serial data communications implies that individual bits of a character are
transmitted consecutively to a receiver that assembles the bits back into a character.
Data rate, error checking, handshaking, and character framing (start/stop bits) are
pre-defined and must correspond at both the transmitting and receiving ends.
Asynchronous communication is the standard means of serial data communication
for PC and compatible computers. The original PC was equipped with a
communication or COM port that was designed around an 8250 Universal
Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (UART), which allows asynchronous serial
data to be transferred through a simple and straightforward programming device.
Asynchronous communication works this way: A start bit, followed by a pre-defined
number of data bits (5, 6, 7, or 8) defines character boundaries for asynchronous
communication. The end of the character is defined by the transmission of a pre-
defined number of stop bits (usually 1, 1.5, or 2).
Figure C-1. Asynchronous communication bit diagram.
An extra bit used for error detection is often appended before the stop bits. This
special bit is called the parity bit. Parity is a simple way to determine if a data bit
has been lost or corrupted during transmission. There are several methods for
implementing a parity check to guard against data corruption. Common methods
are called (E)ven Parity or (O)dd Parity. Sometimes parity is not used to detect
errors on the data stream (this is called [N]o Parity). Because each bit in
asynchronous communication is sent consecutively, it is wrapped (framed) by pre-
defined bits to mark the beginning and end of the serial transmission of the
character. The data rate and communication parameters for asynchronous
communication have to be the same at both the transmitting and receiving ends.
The communication parameters are baud rate, parity, number of data bits per
character, and stop bits—for example, 9600, N, 8, 1.
APPENDIX C: Asynchronous Communication