ICP DAS USA VXC-1x8U Series User manual

VXC-1x8U/PCIe-S1x8 Series
User Manual
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WARRANTY
All products manufactured by ICP DAS are warranted
against defective materials for a period of one year from
the date of delivery to the original purchaser.
WARNING
ICP DAS assumes no liability for damages consequent to
the use of this product. ICP DAS reserves the right to
change this manual at any time without notice. The
information furnished by ICP DAS is believed to be
accurate and reliable. However, no responsibility is
assumed by ICP DAS for its use, nor for any infringements
of patents or other rights of third parties resulting from its
use.
COPYRIGHT
Copyright © 2015 by ICP DAS. All rights are reserved.
TRADEMARKS
Names are used for identification purposes only and may
be registered trademarks of their respective companies.
CONTACT US
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us
at:
Email: [email protected]m, [email protected]
We guarantee to give you response within 2 working days.
SUPPORT
This manual relates to the following cards:
VXC-118U, VXC-148U
PCIe-S118, PCIe-S148

Serial Communication Board with 8 RS-232/422/485 Ports
Copyright © 2015 ICP DAS CO., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. - 2 -
Table of Contents
PACKING LIST........................................................................................................................................................................3
MORE INFORMATION ..........................................................................................................................................................3
1. INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................................................4
1.1 FEATURES ..............................................................................................................................................5
1.2 SPECIFICATIONS.......................................................................................................................................7
1.2.1 VXC-118U/PCIe-S1x8.....................................................................................................................................7
1.2.2 VXC-148U/PCIe-S148 ....................................................................................................................................8
1.3 OPTIONS .............................................................................................................................................9
2. HARDWARE CONFIGURATION.................................................................................................................................10
2.1 BOARD LAYOUT.....................................................................................................................................10
2.1.1 VXC-118U/VXC-148U ..................................................................................................................................10
2.1.2 PCIe-S118/PCIe-S148...................................................................................................................................11
2.2 WIRING NOTES FOR RS-232/422/485 ......................................................................................................12
2.2.1 RS-232 Wiring .............................................................................................................................................12
2.2.2 RS-485 Wiring .............................................................................................................................................12
2.2.3 RS-422 Wiring .............................................................................................................................................13
2.3 PIN ASSIGNMENTS .................................................................................................................................14
2.3.1 VXC-118U/PCIe-S118 ..................................................................................................................................14
2.3.2 VXC-148U/PCIe-S148 ..................................................................................................................................15
3. HARDWARE INSTALLATION .....................................................................................................................................16
4. SOFTWARE INSTALLATION ......................................................................................................................................20
4.1 OBTAINING THE DRIVER INSTALLER PACKAGE.................................................................................................20
4.2 INSTALLING VXC-1X8U SERIES DRIVER........................................................................................................21
4.3 INSTALLING PCIE-S1X8SERIES DRIVER ........................................................................................................24
4.4 PNPDRIVER INSTALLATION ......................................................................................................................26
4.5 VERIFYING THE INSTALLATION ...................................................................................................................28
4.5.1 Accessing Windows Device Manager..........................................................................................................28
4.5.2 Check the Configuration of the COM Port...................................................................................................30
4.6 MANUAL COM PORT CONFIGURATION .......................................................................................................31
4.6.1 VXC-118U/VXC-148U ..................................................................................................................................31
4.6.2 PCIe-S118/PCIe-S148...................................................................................................................................33
4.7 UNINSTALLING THE DEVICE DRIVER.............................................................................................................36
5. TESTING THE MULTIPORT SERIES CARD ................................................................................................................37
5.1 SELF-TEST WIRING .................................................................................................................................37
5.2 EXECUTE THE TEST PROGRAM....................................................................................................................39

Serial Communication Board with 8 RS-232/422/485 Ports
Copyright © 2015 ICP DAS CO., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. - 3 -
Packing List
The shipping package includes the following items:
One VXC-1x8U or PCIe-S1x8
Series Card
Note:
If any of these items are missing
or damaged, please contact the
local distributor for more
information. Save the shipping
materials and cartons in case
you need to ship the card in the
future.
One Quick Start Guide
One Software Utility CD
One CA-PC62M Connector
More Information
Manual/DataSheet/QuickStart:
CD:\NAPDOS\multiport\document
http://ftp.icpdas.com/pub/cd/iocard/pci/napdos/multiport/document/
Software/Drivers:
CD:\NAPDOS\multiport\windows
http://ftp.icpdas.com/pub/cd/iocard/pci/napdos/multiport/windows/
Software/Test2COM/Utility:
CD:\NAPDOS\multiport\utility
http://ftp.icpdas.com/pub/cd/iocard/pci/napdos/multiport/utility/
Quick Start

Serial Communication Board with 8 RS-232/422/485 Ports
Copyright © 2015 ICP DAS CO., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. - 4 -
1. Introduction
The VXC-1x8U and PCIe-S1x8 multiport series card is the foremost choice for PC-based
communication solutions, ensuring smooth communication in both time-critical applications and
industrial fields. Installing a multiport card increases the number of serial ports available on the PC,
meaning that it is much easier to integrate a PC with a large number of external devices, such as
PLCs, meters, controllers, laboratory instruments, modems, card readers, serial printers, RFID
readers, bar code readers, and sensors, etc.
Comparison Table for VXC-1x8U and PCIe-S1x8 Series Cards:
Model
Bus
RS-232
RS-422/RS-485
Self-Tuner
FIFO Size
(bytes)
Connector
VXC-118U
Universal PCI
8
-
-
256
Female
DB-62
VXC-148U
Universal PCI
-
8
Yes
256
Female
DB-62
PCIe-S118
PCI Express
8
-
-
256
Female
DB-62
PCIe-S148
PCI Express
-
8
Yes
256
Female
DB-62

Serial Communication Board with 8 RS-232/422/485 Ports
Copyright © 2015 ICP DAS CO., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. - 5 -
1.1 Features
Universal PCI (3.3 V/5 V) for VXC-1x8U Series Card
The Universal PCI card works with both newer 3.3 V PCI bus that is widely-used in servers, and the
traditional 5 V PCI bus. The Universal PCI interface will be the standard for every card developed by
ICP DAS in the near future.
PCI Express for PCIe-S1x8 Series Card
PCI Express (PCIe) is a computer expansion card standard. A key difference between PCIe and
earlier PC buses is a topology based on point-to-point serial links, rather than shared parallel bus
architecture. Conceptually, the PCIe bus can be thought of as a 'high-speed serial replacement' of
the older PCI/PCI-X bus.
Hardware FIFO up to 256 bytes
FIFO is an acronym for "First In, First Out", and is a method used for organizing and manipulating
data relative to time and prioritization. FIFO is used for buffering and flow control while the data is
transmitted from the hardware to the software. When using a hardware FIFO (buffer), a small delay
in either the software or the operating system will not cause any data loss.
VXC-1x8U/PCIe-S1x8 series cards are equipped with a large 256-byte hardware FIFO for each port.
A large hardware FIFO is useful for preventing data loss if the loading on your system is heavy, e.g.
while running a multi-task operating system, such as Windows, or Linux, etc.

Serial Communication Board with 8 RS-232/422/485 Ports
Copyright © 2015 ICP DAS CO., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. - 6 -
Self-Tuner
The VXC-148U/PCIe-S148 card is equipped with an internal “Self-Tuner” chip that is used to
automatically control the direction of the transmission and receiving of signals on the RS-485 ports.
Without the help inclusion of the Self-Tuner, the RS-485 transmitter would need to be manually
enabled before transmitting, and then disabled once the transmission is complete. The timing
method that is used to enable and disable the transmitter (direction control) is major source of
many communication problems, and is very difficult to rectify.
The built-in Self-Tuner embedded on the VXC-148U/PCIe-S148 card can help effectively any issues
related to direction control and also simplifies the software programming required for
communication applications.
Automatically Select COM Port Numbers
The VXC-1x8U/PCIe-S1x8 series card support drivers choose an available COM port number
automatically. Users can specify the COM port number of the VXC-1x8U/PCIe-S1x8 card under
software control.
Various Accessories
There are a lot of optional accessories for the VXC-1x8U and PCIe-S1x8 multiport series cards, such
as RS-232 cables and daughter boards. These tools make wiring much easily than ever.

Serial Communication Board with 8 RS-232/422/485 Ports
Copyright © 2015 ICP DAS CO., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. - 7 -
1.2 Specifications
1.2.1 VXC-118U/PCIe-S1x8
Models
PCIe-S118
VXC-118U
Communication Port
COM1 - COM8
RS-232 (TxD, RxD, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, GND)
UART
16c950 compatible
Baud Rate
2400 –921600 bps
50 - 115200 bps
Data Bits
5, 6, 7, 8
Stop Bits
1, 1.5, 2
Parity
None, Even, Odd, Mark, Space
FIFO
Internal 256 bytes
General
Bus Type
PCI Express x1
Universal PCI, 3.3 V/5 V, 33 MHz,
32-bit
COM-Selector
No
Connector
DB-62 (Female)
Power Consumption
120 mA @ 5 V
Operating Temperature
0°C ~ +60°C
Storage Temperature
-20°C ~ +70°C
Humidity
0 ~ 90% RH, non-condensing
Dimensions (L x W x D)
131 mm x 121 mm x 22 mm
132 mm x 121 mm x 22 mm

Serial Communication Board with 8 RS-232/422/485 Ports
Copyright © 2015 ICP DAS CO., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. - 8 -
1.2.2 VXC-148U/PCIe-S148
Models
PCIe-S148
VXC-148U
Communication Port
COM1 -
COM8
RS-422/485
The RS-422 and RS-485 Cannot be used simultaneously.
RS-422
RS-422 (TxD+, TxD-, RxD+, RxD-, GND)
RS-485
2-Wire
RS-485 (Data+, Data-, GND)
Bias Resistor
Yes, 1 KΩ
Nodes
256 (max.)
UART
16c950 compatible
Baud Rate
2400 –921600 bps
50 - 115200 bps
Data Bits
5, 6, 7, 8
Stop Bits
1, 1.5, 2
Parity
None, Even, Odd, Mark, Space
FIFO
Internal 256 bytes
General
Bus Type
PCI Express x1
Universal PCI, 3.3 V/5 V, 33
MHz, 32-bit
COM-Selector
No
Connector
DB-62 (Female)
Power Consumption
120 mA @ 5 V
Operating Temperature
0°C ~ +60°C
Storage Temperature
-20°C ~ +70°C
Humidity
0 ~ 90% RH, non-condensing
Dimensions (L x W x D)
128 mm x 121 mm x 22 mm
Note:
The combination of 5 data bits and 1.5 stop bits is not supported for a Baud Rate of
921,600 bps for VXC-148U only.

Serial Communication Board with 8 RS-232/422/485 Ports
Copyright © 2015 ICP DAS CO., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. - 9 -
1.3 Options
Item & Description
VXC-118U
VXC-148U
PCIe-S118
PCIe-S148
CA-9-6210
DB-62 Male(D-sub) to 8-Port DB-9
Male(D-sub) Cable 1 m (180 º)




CA-PC09F
9-pin Female D-sub Connector with
Plastic Cover




CA-PC62M
62-pin Male D-sub Connector with
Plastic Cover




DN-09-2/DN-09-2F
I/O Connector Block with DIN-Rail
Mounting and two 9-pin Male Headers




CA-0910F
9-pin Female-Female D-sub Cable, 1 m




CA-0915
9-pin Male-Female D-sub Cable, 1.5 M





Serial Communication Board with 8 RS-232/422/485 Ports
Copyright © 2015 ICP DAS CO., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. - 10 -
2. Hardware Configuration
2.1 Board Layout
2.1.1 VXC-118U/VXC-148U
Item
Description
CON1
RS-232 or RS-422/RS-485 Signal. For more detailed information regarding the pin
assignments for the VXC-1x8U series card, refer to Section 2.3 Pin Assignments.
JPx
The VXC-148U supports pull-high/low jumpers allow the Port1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8 can be
selected to either pull-high or pull-low via placement of the JP1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8
jumpers. The JP1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8 default settings: pull-high.
For VXC-148U Only

Serial Communication Board with 8 RS-232/422/485 Ports
Copyright © 2015 ICP DAS CO., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. - 11 -
2.1.2 PCIe-S118/PCIe-S148
Item
Description
CON1
RS-232 or RS-422/RS-485 Signal. For more detailed information regarding the pin
assignments for the PCIe-S1x8 series card, refer to Section 2.3 Pin Assignments.
JPx
The PCIe-S148 supports pull-high/low jumpers allow the Port1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8 can
be selected to either pull-high or pull-low via placement of the JP1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8
jumpers. The JP1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8 default settings: pull-high.
For PCIe-S148 Only

Serial Communication Board with 8 RS-232/422/485 Ports
Copyright © 2015 ICP DAS CO., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. - 12 -
2.2 Wiring Notes for RS-232/422/485
2.2.1 RS-232 Wiring
2.2.2 RS-485 Wiring
Note: FGND is the frame ground that is soldered to the metal shield on the DB-9 cable.

Serial Communication Board with 8 RS-232/422/485 Ports
Copyright © 2015 ICP DAS CO., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. - 13 -
2.2.3 RS-422 Wiring
Note:
1. Usually, you have to connect all signal grounds of RS-422/485 devices together to reduce
common-mode voltage between devices.
2. Twisted-pair cable must be used for the DATA+/- wires.
3. Both two ends of the cable may require a termination resistor connected across the two
wires (DATA+ and DATA-). Typically 120 Ω resisters are used.
4. The Data+ and B pins are positive-voltage pins, and Data- and A pins are negative-voltage
pins in the above figure. The B/A pins may be defined in another way depending on devices,
please check it first.

Serial Communication Board with 8 RS-232/422/485 Ports
Copyright © 2015 ICP DAS CO., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. - 14 -
2.3 Pin Assignments
2.3.1 VXC-118U/PCIe-S118

Serial Communication Board with 8 RS-232/422/485 Ports
Copyright © 2015 ICP DAS CO., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. - 15 -
2.3.2 VXC-148U/PCIe-S148

Serial Communication Board with 8 RS-232/422/485 Ports
Copyright © 2015 ICP DAS CO., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. - 16 -
3. Hardware Installation
To install the VXC-1x8U/PCIe-S1x8 series card, follow the procedure described below:
Step 1: Install the driver for the VXC-1x8U/PCIe-S1x8 series card on your computer.
For detailed information regarding
driver installation, refer to Chapter
4 Software Installation.
Step 2: Shut down and switch off
the power to the computer, and
then disconnect the power
supply.
Note:
As certain operating systems, such as Windows XP may require the computer to be
restarted after a new driver is installed, it is recommended that the driver is installed first,
which will reduce the installation time.

Serial Communication Board with 8 RS-232/422/485 Ports
Copyright © 2015 ICP DAS CO., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. - 17 -
Step 3: Remove the cover from the
computer.
Step 4: Select an empty PCI/PCI Express slot.
Step 5: Unscrew and remove the PCI/PCI
Express slot cover from the computer case.

Serial Communication Board with 8 RS-232/422/485 Ports
Copyright © 2015 ICP DAS CO., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. - 18 -
Step 6: Remove the connector cover from the VXC-
1x8U/PCIe-S1x8 series card.
Step 7: Carefully insert the VXC-1x8U/PCIe-S1x8 series card into the PCI/PCI Express slot by
gently pushing down on both sides of the card until it slides into the PCI connector.
Step 8: Confirm that the card is correctly inserted in the
motherboard, and then secure the VXC-1x8U/PCIe-S1x8
series card in place using the retaining screw that was
removed in Step 5.

Serial Communication Board with 8 RS-232/422/485 Ports
Copyright © 2015 ICP DAS CO., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. - 19 -
Step 9: Replace the covers on the
computer.
Step 10: Re-attach any cables, insert the power cord and then switch on the power to the
computer.
Once the computer reboots, follow the onscreen messages to complete the Plug and Play
installation process. For more information, refer to Chapter 4 Software Installation.

Serial Communication Board with 8 RS-232/422/485 Ports
Copyright © 2015 ICP DAS CO., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. - 20 -
4. Software Installation
The VXC-1x8U/PCIe-S1x8 series card can be used with both 32 and 64-bit Windows
XP/2003/Vista/7/8 systems, and also supports Plug and Play (PnP) functions for easy installation.
This chapter provides detailed description of how to install the drivers for the VXC-1x8U/PCIe-S1x8
series card.
4.1 Obtaining the Driver Installer Package
The installer package for the ICP DAS VXC-1x8U/PCIe-S1x8 series driver can be obtained from either
the companion CD-ROM, the FTP site, or the ICP DAS web site. The locations and addresses are
shown below:
CD:\\ NAPDOS\MultiPort\Windows\
ftp://ftp.icpdas.com/pub/cd/iocard/pci/napdos/multiport/windows/
http://ftp.icpdas.com/pub/cd/iocard/pci/napdos/multiport/windows/
Install the appropriate driver for your VXC-1x8U/PCIe-S1x8 series card.
Driver Name
Suitable Multiport Card
VXC_1x8U_Win_Setup_xxx.exe
for the VXC-118U and VXC-148U.
PCIe_S1x8_Win_Setup_xxx.exe
for the PCIe-S118 and PCIe-S148.