IBM SuperSerial SST128P Manual

37L1461
PN 560156/A
October, 1998
OPTIONS
by IBM
Serial I/O SST128P Expandable Adapter
Hardware
Installation Guide

IBM Serial I/O 128P Expandable Subsystemii
Manual
Organization This manual is comprised of five chapters and two appendices.
Chapter 1 Overview
Chapter 1 describes the IBM Serial I/O Expandable
Subsystem components and their various configura-
tions.
Chapter 2 Adapter Installation & Setup
Chapter 2 describes the installation of the Serial I/O
Adapters and use of the host power "Y" cable.
Chapter 3 Serial I/O Port Module Installation
Chapter 3 describes how to install the Expansion
Modules, the Expansion Bus Cabling, installing the
PS-4 Power Supply and defines the module LEDs.
Chapter 4 Serial I/O Multiplexer Installation
Chapter 4 describes the installation of the Cluster
Multiplexers, component wall mounting, Power
Adapters and the Multiplexer Link Cable.
Chapter 5 Serial I/O Port to Device Cabling
Chapter 5 describes the cabling options that work
with the Serial I/O Expandable Subsystem.
Appendix A Power Defaults & Options
Appendix A provides a description of the Power
Strap default and optional Power Strap configura-
tions for Serial I/O Adapters.
Appendix B Help and Service Information
Appendix B describes the steps you would follow to
receive technical support and to report problems with
thisdocumentation.
Index

iii
Contents
HardwareInstallation Guide.................................................... i
ManualOrganization........................................................... ii
Contents.............................................................................iii
Overview ............................................................................... 1-1
PCI Adapters ...................................................................1-1
Expansion Modules .........................................................1-3
Expansion Bus Cables.....................................................1-6
Power Options .................................................................1-8
Serial I/O Adapter Installation & Setup............................... 2-1
PCI System Setup ...........................................................2-1
SoftwareInstallation ........................................................2-1
AdapterInstallation ..........................................................2-1
Host Power “Y” Cable...................................................... 2-2
Serial I/O Port Module Installation ......................................3-1
Installing Expansion Modules ..........................................3-2
Expansion Bus Cabling....................................................3-4
Installing the PS-4 Power Supply.....................................3-7
Module LEDs ...................................................................3-8
Serial I/O Multiplexer Installation........................................ 4-1
Cluster Multiplexers .........................................................4-2
WallMounting..................................................................4-2
Power Adapters ...............................................................4-2
Multiplexer Link Cable .....................................................4-3

IBM Serial I/O 128P Expandable Subsystemiv
Serial I/O Port To Device Cabling........................................ 5-1
PM16-DB and CMX16-DB Port Pinouts...........................5-1
Device Wiring ..................................................................5-2
Four Wire Connection......................................................5-3
Seven Wire Connection ...................................................5-4
Personal Computer Serial Port ........................................5-5
PM16-RJ and CMX16-RJ Port Pinouts ............................5-6
Modular Cables ...............................................................5-9
Modular Adapters ..........................................................5-10
Power Defaults & Options .................................................. A-1
Optional Power Configuration ......................................... A-2
Default Power Configuration ........................................... A-2
Help and Service Information............................................. B-1
Preparing To Call Technical Support .............................. B-1
Placing the Call to IBM.................................................... B-2
Product Warranty............................................................ B-3
The IBM Warranty for Machines ..................................... B-3
Statement of Limited Warranty ....................................... B-3
Production Status ........................................................... B-3
Warranty Service ............................................................ B-4
Extent of Warranty.......................................................... B-5
Trademarks .................................................................... B-6
Limitation of Liability........................................................ B-6
Electronic Emission Notices ........................................... B-7
Index ..............................................................................Index-1

Overview 1-1
The IBM Serial I/O Expandable I/O Subsystem is a High-speed
Serial Communications Multiple Port product. It consists of several
different modular components configured in a variety of
combinations to satisfy most applications. The various components
are:
lAdapter
lExpansion Modules
The Serial I/O Adapter (see Figure 1-1) occupies a slot in the host
computer and provides the intelligent communications functions to
"off-load" the CPU serial communications processing tasks.
Adapters can support up to 128 ports using external Expansion
Modules.
All Serial I/O Adapters consist of two SuperSerial Processors (SSPs)
for controlling the flow of data through multiple communication
ports. Figure 1-1 illustrates a Serial I/O Adapter containing two
SSPs. This adapter is capable of controlling the operation of up to
128 Serial I/O Ports.
1
PCI Adapters
Overview
Figure 1-1. Serial I/O Adapter (128-port)

IBM Serial I/O 128P Expandable Subsystem Hardware Installation Manual1-2
Table 1.1 below shows the various models of Expandable Host Controllers
available from IBM. Non-Expandable Host Controllers are not discussed
in this manual.
Each Serial I/O Adapter includes software drivers and installation
manuals for Microsoft Windows, Novell, DOS and UNIX operating
systems on a CD ROM. When booted, PCI bus systems
automatically identify and configure all PCI devices connected in the
system.
Please refer to www.equinox.com for cabling alternatives.
Table 1-1 Serial I/O Products
IBM Part
Number IBM Options - PCI Serial I/O Adapters
37L1414 Serial I/O SST8P DB Adapter
37L1415 Serial I/O SST16P RJ Adapter
37L1423 Serial I/O SST16P DB Adapter
37L1416 Serial I/O SST128 Expandable Adapter
37L1417 Serial I/O PM16RJ Port Module
37L1418 Serial I/O PM16DB Port Module
37L1421 Serial I/O PS4 Power Supply
37L1422 Serial I/O WT PS4 Power Supply
37L1419 Serial I/O 16RJ Multiplexer Set
37L1420 Serial I/O 16DB Multiplexer S et
37L1424 Serial I/O 16RJ WT Multiplexer Set
37L1425 Serial I/O 16DB WT Multiplexer Set

Overview 1-3
Peripheral devices (Such As Terminals, Printers, Modems, Bar Code
Readers, Cash Registers, etc.) are connected to Expansion Modules
located outside of the computer system. Expansion Modules are
connected to the Serial I/O Adapter residing in the system via an
Expansion Bus. The Expansion Bus provides signals from the Serial
I/O Adapter to the Expansion Modules. The 128-port Adapters have
dual Expansion Buses, accommodating from one to four Expansion
Modules on each bus, for a total of up to eight Expansion Modules.
A basic 16-port configuration is shown in Figure 1-2.
Expansion
Modules
A 4-foot (1.2m) Host Cable is supplied for connecting the Expansion
Module(s) to the Adapter Card. Two Host Cables are supplied with
each 128-port Adapter Card. Multiple Expansion Modules mate
together to permit simple expansion of the entire system without
disassembling the computer.
Figure 1-2. Adapter - Host Cable - Expansion Module

IBM Serial I/O 128P Expandable Subsystem Hardware Installation Manual1-4
Multiplexer Interface
Modules Clusters of devices may be connected within a radius of 3,500 feet
(1Km) to the Adapter using Multiplexer Set which includes
Multiplexer Interface Modules (MIM), Cluster Multiplexers (CMX)
and Power Supply. (see Figure 1-4). In this application a 16-port
Cluster Multiplexer is located near the user devices and a low-cost
two-twisted-pair link (category 2 or above UTP) cable is run back to
the Multiplexer Interface Module. Cluster Multiplexers are ideal for
distributing devices in, as an example, a multi-building campusfacility.
A variety of Expansion Modules are available. Any choice of
Expansion Modules may be freely intermixed on an Expansion Bus
with a maximum of four Expansion Modules per bus (see Figure 1-3).
Expansion Modules are used to connect peripheral devices directly to
the Expansion Bus. 16-port Expansion Modules are available with a
choice of DB-25 or RJ-45 connectors for RS-232 interfaces.
Expansion Modules
Figure 1-3. Adapter - Host Cable - Four Expansion Modules

Overview 1-5
16-port Cluster Multiplexers are available with either DB-25 or RJ-45
Connectors. Additional Multiplexer Sets may be added for additional
ports. One MIM can support only one CMX.
Figure 1-4. MIM-1 - Cluster Multiplexer

IBM Serial I/O 128P Expandable Subsystem Hardware Installation Manual1-6
Expansion Bus
Cables Expansion Modules (i.e. Port Modules and Multiplexer Interface
Modules) may be located further than the supplied 4-foot (1.2m) Host
Cable permits by using Expansion Bus Cables (EBCs). An EBC is
used in place of the Host Cable. As shown in Figure 1-5, a group of
four Expansion Modules are located 200 feet (61m) from the host
computer using an EBC. A typical application using EBCs is when
the host computer is located some distance away from the wiring
closet where all the peripheral cabling exists
EBCs are available in 25-foot (7.6m) (Equinox PN 690302) and 100-
foot (30.5m) (Equinox PN 690306) lengths.
Please refer to www.equinox.com for cabling alternatives.
Figure 1-5. 200 Feet (61 m) EBC

Overview 1-7
In addition to extending the distance between the SST Adapter and the
Expansion Modules, EBCs may be used to extend the distance
between adjacent Expansion Modules as shown in Figure 1-6.
☞The maximum distance between the Serial I/O Adapter and the first
Expansion Module is 200 feet (61m). The maximum distance
between Expansion Modules is also 200 feet (61m).
Figure 1-6. Expansion Modules Extended Distance Using EBCs

IBM Serial I/O 128P Expandable Subsystem Hardware Installation Manual1-8
In simple configurations, the host Adapter supplies power to all Port
Expansion Modules and Multiplexer Interface Expansion Modules
attached to the Expansion Bus via the supplied 4-foot (1.2m) Host Cable
(see Figure 1-7). Power is provided by the Adapter and is passed from
the left to right through each directly mated module.
Power Options
Host power is available to the Expansion Modules only when the
4-foot (1.2m) Host Cable is installed and Expansion Modules are
mated directlytogether.
☞
☞Expansion Modules may draw power from the host computer through
the 4-foot (1.2m) Host Cable.
Figure 1-7. Mated Expansion Modules Draw Power from Host

Overview 1-9
The Expansion Modules attached to the Expansion Bus (not host bus)
Cables must be externally powered using a separate power supply. If
an EBC is installed, this optional power supply is purchased
separately and must be connected to the first (left most) module on the
Expansion Bus (see Figure 1-8).
By connecting the PS-4 Power Supply to the first Module, power is no
longer drawn from the host computer. All Expansion Modules
directly mated to one another from the first Module are supplied
power from the PS-4. The PS-4 can supply power for up to four
Expansion Modules.
Figure 1-8. PS-4 Supplying Power to Expansion Modules

IBM Serial I/O 128P Expandable Subsystem Hardware Installation Manual1-10
Cluster Multiplexers draw power from a Power Adapter supplied in
the Multiplexer Set, which plugs directly into any convenient wall
outlet (see Figure 1-10).
When Expansion Bus Cables are used between Expansion Modules, a
PS-4 Power Supply is required for each Module as shown in Figure 1- 9.
Figure 1-9. Individual PS-4s Provide Power to Modules Separated by EBCs
Figure 1-10. Cluster Multiplexer Draws Power From Power Adapter

Overview 1-11
Figure 1-11 illustrates aSerial I/O Subsystem using the maximum
number of ports (128) for an Adapter.
☞MIM-1 Module draws power from the Serial I/O Adapter, or a PS-4
Power Supply.
Figure 1-11. Maximum Number of Ports Per Adapter (128)

IBM Serial I/O 128P Expandable Subsystem Hardware Installation Manual1-12
Figure 1-12 illustrates a mixture of Serial I/O components configured
into a maximum of 64 ports on each Expansion Bus.
Figure 1-12. Mixed Serial I/O Hardware Configuration - Up to 64 Ports
☞Host Cables cannot be used between Expansion Modules.

Serial I/O SST 128P Adapter Installation & Setup 2-1
Serial I/O Adapter
Installation & Setup
Adapter
Installation
2
The Adapter appears to the system host processor as memory. That is,
it is a memory mapped device. All SST Adapters are automatically
mapped into system memory at the time the device driver is installed.
The device driver soft-configures all adapters each time the system is
initialized (booted).
Note: Please refer to the user manual that came with your personal
computer for detailed installation instructions.
Use the following procedure to install your Serial I/O Adapter:
1. Set the host computer system power switch to OFF and
disconnect the power cord.
2. Locate a free PCI expansion slot.
3. Insert and secure the board firmly into the expansion slot.
4. Replace the power cord and turn the host computer system ON.
5. Follow the information detailed in chapters 3, 4 and 5 to
complete your installation.
PCI System Setup Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) system architecture has a
design feature termed Plug and Play. This feature automatically
detects, identifies and configures the currently installed devices each
time the system is booted. Therefore, whenever an Adapter is
installed (or removed) in a PCI system, the card is recognized and
configured immediately upon restart.
Refer to the Quick Start Card that came with the CD ROM for
detailed instructions on loading the Software.
Software
Installation

IBM Serial I/O 128P Expandable Subsystem Hardware Installation Manual2-2
Host Power“Y”
Cable The Host Power “Y” Cable is included with all 128 port Expandable
Adapters. This cable provides power from the host power supply for
Modules connected to the second Expansion Bus. Connect the host
power “Y” cable as described below:
•If necessary, remove all power from the computer. (Turn
power switch OFF and unplug main power cord.)
•If necessary, remove (or lift up) the host computer system
chassis cover.
•Locate a power supply cable connected to a component (e.g.
floppy disk drive) in your host computer system. If possible,
select the component nearest the location of the power
connector on the adapter.
•Remove the host power supply cable connector plug from the
selected host computer system component power connector
socket.
•Connect the removed host power supply cable connector plug
to a mating connector socket on the host power “Y” cable
supplied by IBM.
•Connect the host power “Y” cable connector plug to the host
computer system component where the power supply cable
connector plug was removed.
•Connect the other host power “Y” cable connector plug to the
power connector socket on the 128-port Adapter.
•Replace the chassis cover (or close) and restore power to the
host computer system.

Serial I/O Port Module Installation 3-1
Serial I/O Port
Module Installation
Serial I/O Port Modules are used to connect peripheral devices directly
to the Expansion Bus. Port Modules are available with a choice of DB-
25 or RJ-45 connectors. Figure 3-1 illustrates two types of Serial I/O
Port Modules and the MIM-1. The MIM-1 is used to connect the
Cluster Multiplexer (CMX) to the Expansion Bus.
In the following paragraphs, references to Expansion Modules includes
the Serial I/O Port Modules and MIM-1.
3
Figure 3-1. Serial I/O Expansion Modules

IBM Serial I/O 128P Expandable Subsystem Hardware Installation Manual3-2
Installing
Expansion
Modules
Up to four SST Expansion Modules may be grouped together and
connected to an adapter card via anExpansion Bus. The Expansion Bus
connector may be either a 4-foot (1.2m) Host Cable or an EBC.
Included with each Expansion Module are two L-shaped coupler
brackets and twelve screws (8 black-anodized and 4 nickel-plated).
Group the Modules by mating them together as shown in Figure 3-2.
Attach the coupler brackets as indicated in Figure 3-3.
Figure 3-2. Mating Two Expansion Modules