Contec COM-4CX-USB User manual

Ver.1.01
RS-232C 4 port
Serial I/O Unit for USB
COM-4CX-USB
*Specifications, color and design of the products are subject to
change without notice.
This product is an USB2.0-compliant unit designed for
extending RS-232C compatible serial communication
functionality on your PC.
This product supports a baud rate of up to 921,600bps and has
separate 128-byte / 384-byte buffer memory for transmit and
receive.
It also comes with a Windows driver, which allows products to
be used as OS-standard COM ports.
Max. 921,600bps RS-232C Serial Communication)
This product has 4 port RS-232C-standard COM ports. Baud
rates from 300 to 921,600bps can be set for each port. When
data is transferred at the high speed, it may not be transferred
normally, depending on the use environment such as the
external device and cable length used.
Possibly used as Windows-standard COM ports, using the
bundled driver library
Comes with a driver software that allows the boards to be used
under Windows in the same way as COM ports on the PC.
It supports to use under Windows-standard Win32 API
communication function, Visual Basic MSComm or .NET
Framework 2.0 SerialPoart class.
Each channel is equipped with separate 128-byte /
384-byte FIFO buffers for transmit and receive.
These are FIFO format, useful for high speed communications
and to reduce the load to the CPU when transmitting/receiving.
Compatible to USB1.1/USB2.0
Compatible to USB1.1/USB2.0 and capable to achieve high
speed transfer at Full Speed (12 Mbps).
USB HUB function
This product has the USB HUB function. Max. 4
COM-4CX-USB can be used in 1 USB port of PC. *1 When you
use 4 or more COM-4CX-USB, you can do by connecting
COM-4CX-USB to the another USB port of PC side. *2 Also,
you can connect the CONTEC’s USB device other than
COM-4CX-USB to the USB port of COM-4CX-USB. *3*4
USB cable
USB cable USB cable USB cable
AC adapter
(option) AC adapter
(option) AC adapter (option)
*1 This product cannot be stacked up for installation.
*2 When you use the USB port included on the COM-4CX-USB, use 5VDC power supply for
self-power. For more details on the connection with 5VDC power supply, refer to chapter2
- step3, “Connection with 5VDC Power Supply for Self-power”.
*3 Do not connect the device other than that of CONTEC’s USB to the USB port included on
the COM-4CX-USB. Otherwise, this may cause a failure or malfunction.
*4 When connecting multiple units with USB HUB function and set up them, do one at a time
and complete setup for the previous unit before starting to do the next unit.
Item Specification
I/O Number of port s 4 port
Interface type RS-232C
Transfer method Asynchronous serial transfer
Baud rate 300 - 921,600bps *1 *2 *7
Data length 7, 8 bits
1, 2 stop bits *1
Parity check Even, Odd, Non-parity *1
Controller chip XR21V1414 or equivalent
(Mounting the FIFO memory as the common buffer of
RS-232C communication and USB. Each channel has
384-byte receive and 128-byte transmit FIFO buffers.)
USB section
Bus specification USB Specification 2.0/1.1 standard
USB transfer rate 12Mbps (Full-speed) *3
Power supply Either self-power or bus-power can be used. *4
Common section
Number of terminals
used at the same time 63 terminals (Max.) *5
Current consumption
(Max.) 5VDC 200mA
Operating temperature *6 0 - 50°C, 10 - 90%RH(No condensation)
Connecting distance 15m (Typ.)
Dimension (mm) 180(W) x 140(D) x 34(H) (No protrusions)
Weight 300g (Not including the USB cable, attachment)
Connector 9-pin D-SUB connector, DELC-J9PAF-20L9 [mfd. by JAE,
M(male) type] equivalent
Attached cable USB cable 1.8m
*1 These items can be set by software.
For the "Standard COM Driver Software COM Setup Disk" on the supplied CD-ROM, the
range is 300 - 921,600 bps.
*2 Data transmission at high speed may not be performed normally depending on the
environment including the type of status of connected material of cable and environment.
*3 This depends on the PC environment used (OS and USB host controller).
*4 If using a bus-power hub, use self-power for the COM-4CX-USB.
*5 As a USB hub is also counted as one device, you cannot just connect 63 USB unit.
*6 To suppress the heating, ensure that there are spaces for ventilation (about 5cm) around
this product.
*7 It becomes 230,400bps or less when using it for three or above simultaneous ports.
SpecificationFeatures
COM-4CX-USB 1

Ver.1.01
Standard COM Driver Software COM Setup Disk (Bundled)
Under Windows, this software allows you to use the serial ports
on the converter as if they were standard COM ports on the PC.
By connecting additional units, you can use COM ports in the
range COM1 - COM256. Under Windows, the serial ports can
be accessed using the standard Win32 API communication
routines (CreateFile( ), WriteFile( ), ReadFile( ), and
SetCommState( ), etc.) The serial ports are also compatible
with the Visual Basic communication control (MSComm).
Supports the communication class of .NET Framework 2.0
(SerialPort class).
< Operating environment >
OS Windows 8, 7, Server 2008, Vista,
Server 2003, XP
You can download the updated version from the CONTEC’s
Web site (http://www.contec.com/downloaddir.html).
For more details on the supported OS, applicable language
and new information, please visit the CONTEC’s Web site.
CAUTION
- The maximum number of COM ports able to be used
depends on the configuration of your OS.
- ServicePack 1 or later is necessary to use it by Windows
2008 Server or Windows Vista.
- ServicePack 3 or later is necessary to use it by Windows
2003 Server or Windows XP.
- It is recognized as another COM port when replacing the
universal serial bus port and putting on the USB hub and
substituting it.
- API-SIO(98/PC) is not used.
RS-232C Straight Cable with D-SUB 9 pin (1.8m) : RSS-9M/F
RS-232C Cross Cable with D-SUB 9 pin (1.8m) : RSC-9F
RS-232C Connection Conversion Straight Cable (25M 9F, 1.8m)
: RSS-25M/9F
RS-232C Connection Conversion Cross Cable (25F 9F, 1.8m)
:RSC-25F/9F
D-SUB 9 pin Male Connector Set (5 Pieces) :CN5-D9M
D-SUB 9 pin Female Connector Set (5 Pieces) : CN5-D9F
USB I/O Unit Bracket for X Series *1 : BRK-USB-X
AC adapter (input: 90 - 264VAC, output: 5VDC 2.0A)
:POA200-20-2
*1 With this product, only the USB port side is fixable.
* Check the CONTEC’s Web site for more information on these options.
- Unit [COM-4CX-USB] …1
- USB cable (1.8m) …1
- USB cable attachment on the main unit’s side
(For Mini B connector side) …1
- Clamps for prevention of cable on the main unit’s side …1
- CD-ROM *1 [COM Setup Disk] …1
- Power connector MC1,5/3-ST-3,5 …1
- First step guide … 1
- Ferrite core …1
- Warranty Certificate…1
- Serial number label …1
*1 The CD-ROM contains the driver software and User’s Guide.
Connecting to a Connector
To connect an external device to this product, plug the cable
from the device into the interface connector of unit shown
below.
Connector Pin Assignment
Pin Assignments of COM-4CX-USB Interface Connector
Accessories
Using the Connectors
Support Software Physical Dimensions
Cable & Connector (Option)
Packing List
COM-4CX-USB 2

Ver.1.01
COM-4CX-USB 3
When using an RS-232C interface, different cables are
required depending on the type of device to which you are
connecting (computer or modem, etc.). Check the
requirements of the external device and select either a
straight-through or crossed (null modem) cable as appropriate.
If special treatment of the signal lines in the connector is
required, ensure that this is done in accordance with the
specifications.
Example Connection to a Modem (Straight cable)
Example Connection to a PC (Cross cable)
Example Connection to a Device
Connection with 5VDC Power Supply for
Self-power
Types of Cable and Example Connections
If you want to use an external power supply, connect with
5VDC power supply by using +5VDC input pin. Enabling the
USB bus power is also possible without using the external
power supply. When using the bus power hub, be sure to use
the power from the external power supply.
Vi+ Power supply (5V)
Vi- Power supply (GND)
FG Frame ground
When using the attached AC adapter [POA200-20-2], please
connect directly to the input terminals.
When the accompanying power connector (MC1,5/3-ST-3,5,
suitable cable: AWG28 - 16) is used to supply power to this unit,
strip the end of the suitable cable and insert it to the power
connector before firmly securing it using a screw.
POA200-20-2
Beside the AC adapter, a power supply for installation on a DIN
rail is also available (as an option). Use the appropriate power
supply depending on the operating environment and
application. When a power supply for installation on a DIN rail
is used, connect the unit using the accompanying power
connector MC1,5/-ST-3,5.
CAUTION
- Connect 5VDC power supply to the main unit. Next,
connect the USB cable to the PC. Do not turn it on or off
when using. If you remove, USB cable is first and then
5VDC power supply.
- When the USB module is not used, leave the AC adapter
unplugged.
- Continuously using the AC adapter heated affects its life.
- Use the AC adapter not in a closed place but in a
well-ventilated place not to be heated.
- Do not remove the power connector [MC1,5/3-ST-3,5]
attached to the AC adapter.