MIport 3PCIU2 User manual

Multi-Interface PCI Bus Serial Cards
RS-232 | RS-422 | RS-485
Non-isolated Models: 3PCIU2, 3PCIU4
Isolated Models: 3PCIOU1, 3PCIOU2
USER MANUAL

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Advantech B+B SmartWorx - Americas
707 Dayton Road
Ottawa, IL 61350 USA
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Advantech B+B SmartWorx - European Headquarters
Westlink Commercial Park
Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.advantech-bb.com
ADVANTECH B+B SMARTWORX TECHNICAL SUPPORT
USA/Canada: 1 [phone] (Ottawa, IL USA location)
(Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CST)
Europe: [phone] (Ireland location)
(Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. GMT)
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.advantech-bb.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.GENERAL INFORMATION........................................................................1
Introduction................................................................................................ 1
Features....................................................................................................1
Optically Isolated Models & Features........................................................ 2
Non-isolated Models & Features...............................................................2
Specifications............................................................................................3
2. SERIAL CARD SETUP..............................................................................4
Pre-Setup Steps........................................................................................4
ESD Precautions...................................................................................4
Initial Configuration................................................................................ 4
Overview of Operational Modes ................................................................ 5
RS-232 Mode ........................................................................................5
RS-422 Mode ........................................................................................5
RS-485 Mode ........................................................................................5
Operating Mode Selection.........................................................................6
Setting the DIP Switches on RS-232/422/485 Ports.............................. 6
Setting the DIP Switches on RS-422/485 Only Ports............................ 7
Installing the Serial Card...........................................................................8
3. DRIVER SOFTWARE INSTALLATION.....................................................9
INSTALLING WINDOWS 7 DRIVER SOFTWARE.................................... 9
INSTALLING WINDOWS XP DRIVER SOFTWARE.................................9
Pre-Installation Steps ............................................................................9
Using the Found New Hardware Wizard ............................................. 10
PCI Card Software Installation ............................................................ 10
Checking the Driver Installation........................................................... 10
4. SETTING DRIVER OPTIONS................................................................. 11
CONFIGURING PORT SETTINGS......................................................... 11
SETTING THE FIFO BUFFERS.............................................................. 12
SETTING THE RTS CONTROL PARAMETER....................................... 13
SETTING THE HARDWARE HANDSHAKING LEVEL............................ 13
CHANGING THE COM PORT NAME/NUMBER..................................... 13

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5. REMOVING DRIVERS, PORTS, CARDS ............................................... 15
WINDOWS 7........................................................................................... 15
Uninstalling the MIport Card................................................................ 15
Uninstalling the COM ports.................................................................. 15
Removing INF and PNF Driver Files ................................................... 15
6. RS-232 CONNECTIONS/OPERATION................................................... 18
RS-232 Mode .......................................................................................... 18
RS-232 Signal Designations ad DB9 Pinouts.......................................... 18
RS-232 Signal Designations................................................................ 19
DTE and DCE.......................................................................................... 19
RS-232 Signal Levels.............................................................................. 19
Handshaking ........................................................................................... 20
RTS Control In RS-232 Mode.................................................................. 20
7. RS-422/485 CONNECTIONS/OPERATION............................................ 21
RS-422/485 Mode ................................................................................... 21
RS-422/485 Signal Designations and DB-9 Pinout ................................. 21
RS-422/485 Signal Designations......................................................... 21
RS-422/485 Differential Signals .............................................................. 21
RS-422 Operation ................................................................................... 22
RS-422 Limitations.............................................................................. 22
RS-485 Operation ................................................................................... 23
Send Data Control............................................................................... 23
RS-485 Termination Resistors ................................................................ 24
RS-485 Network Biasing ......................................................................... 25
2-Wire RS-485 Connections.................................................................... 26
2-Wire RS-485 Mode........................................................................... 26
4-Wire RS-422 and RS-485 Connections................................................ 27
RS-422 Point to Point Connection....................................................... 27
RS-422 Point to Multipoint Connection................................................ 27
4-Wire RS-485 Connection.................................................................. 28
8. TROUBLESHOOTING MIPORT PCI CARDS......................................... 29
Starting Up .............................................................................................. 29
Checking Connections............................................................................. 29
RS-232/422/485 Operation.................................................................. 29

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RS-232 Operation ............................................................................... 29
RS-422/485 Operation......................................................................... 29
Checking the MIport Card........................................................................ 30
Appendix A. DIP Switch/Mode Settings....................................................... 32
DIP Switch 1 (RS-232/422/485 ports).................................................. 32
DIP Switch 2 (RS-232/422/485 ports).................................................. 32
DIP Switch 3 (RS-232/422/485 ports).................................................. 33
Setting DIP Switches on RS-422/485 Only Ports.................................... 33
DIP Switch 1 (RS-422/485 only).......................................................... 33
DIP Switch 2 (RS-422/485 only).......................................................... 34
Appendix B. CONNECTOR PINOUTS........................................................ 35
RS-232 Pinouts....................................................................................... 35
RS-422/485 Pinouts ................................................................................ 36
Appendix C. TROUBLESHOOTING WITH COMTEST ............................... 37
ComTest Features................................................................................... 37
Installing ComTest................................................................................... 37
Loopback Testing with ComTest............................................................. 38
ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE PRECAUTIONS...................................... 39

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FCC RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
computing device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates,
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to
cause harmful interference in which the user will be required to correct the
interference at his/her own expense.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could
void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
The use of non-shielded I/O cables may not guarantee compliance with FCC RFI
limits. This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise
emission from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation of
the Canadian Department of Communications.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant
les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de classe B prescrites dans le
Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique publié par le ministère des
Communications du Canada.

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WARRANTY
Effective for products of B+B SmartWorx shipped on or after May 1, 2013, B+B
SmartWorx warrants that each such product shall be free from defects in material and
workmanship for its lifetime. This limited lifetime warranty is applicable solely to the
original user and is not transferable.
This warranty is expressly conditioned upon proper storage, installation, connection,
operation and maintenance of products in accordance with their written specifications.
Pursuant to the warranty, within the warranty period, B+B SmartWorx, at its option
will:
1. Replace the product with a functional equivalent;
2. Repair the product; or
3. Provide a partial refund of purchase price based on a depreciated value.
Products of other manufacturers sold by B+B SmartWorx are not subject to any
warranty or indemnity offered by B+B SmartWorx, but may be subject to the
warranties of the other manufacturers.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, under no circumstances shall B+B SmartWorx have any
warranty obligations or any other liability for: (i) any defects resulting from wear and tear,
accident, improper use by the buyer or use by any third party except in accordance with the
written instructions or advice of the B+B SmartWorx or the manufacturer of the products,
including without limitation surge and overvoltage conditions that exceed specified ratings, (ii)
any products which have been adjusted, modified or repaired by any party other than B+B
SmartWorx or (iii) any descriptions, illustrations, figures as to performance, drawings and
particulars of weights and dimensions contained in the B+B SmartWorx’ catalogs, price lists,
marketing materials or elsewhere since they are merely intended to represent a general idea of
the products and do not form part of this price quote and do not constitute a warranty of any
kind, whether express or implied, as to any of the B+B SmartWorx’ products.
THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE ITEMS IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE EXPRESS WARRANTY SET FORTH ABOVE IS B+B SMARTWORX’ SOLE
OBLIGATION UNDER THIS WARRANTY. THE WARRANTY CONTAINED IN THIS SECTION
SHALL EXTEND TO THE ORIGINAL USER ONLY, IS IN LIEU OF ANY AND ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND ALL SUCH WARRANTIES AND INDEMNITIES
ARE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION (I) THE IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND OF MERCHANTABILITY
AND (II) ANY WARRANTY THAT THE PRODUCTS ARE DO NOT INFRINGE OR VIOLATE
THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS OF ANY THIRD PARTY. IN NO EVENT SHALL
B+B SMARTWORX BE LIABLE FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR OF DATA
INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS, LOST PROFITS OR GOODWILL OR OTHER SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, EXEMPLARY OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. B+B SMARTWORX SHALL
DISREGARD AND NOT BE BOUND BY ANY REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES OR
INDEMNITIES MADE BY ANY OTHER PERSON, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION
EMPLOYEES, DISTRIBUTORS, RESELLERS OR DEALERS OF B+B SMARTWORX WHICH
ARE INCONSISTENT WITH THE WARRANTY, SET FORTH ABOVE.

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1.GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION
MIport PCI serial interface cards allow you to add RS-232, RS-422 and RS-485
interfaces to Windows based computers equipped with a PCI bus. Depending on
your choice of card one or two optically isolated serial ports, or two or four non-
isolated serial ports, can be added. MIport PCI serial cards are Plug and Play
compatible, which allows the Windows Operating System and driver to set the
addresses and IRQ used by the card.
FEATURES
•Optically isolated or non-isolated models available
•Isolated models available in 1 or 2 ports
•Non-isolated models available in 2 or 4 ports
•4 port model includes fan-out cables
•Plug & play compatible – Windows sets addresses and IRQ used
•5 Volt and 3.3 Volt PCI bus compatible
•PCI-X compatible
•Conform to the PCI V2.3 Universal PCI specification
•RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 interfaces
•2-wire or 4-wire RS-485 operation (half or full-duplex)
•Automatic Send Data Control for RS-485 operation
•Buffered high speed XR17D15x PCI Bus UARTs (16C550 compatible) with 64
byte FIFOs for input/output with programmable trigger thresholds
•Advanced driver function for COM port rename (refer to Chapter 4)
•Supports baud rates up to 460.8 kbps
•Windows XP, 2008 Server (32/64 bit), Vista (32/64 bit), 7 (32/64 bit)

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OPTICALLY ISOLATED MODELS & FEATURES
Model
Number
Ports Interface Connectors
3PCIOU1
1
RS-232/422/485
DB-9 male
3PCIOU2
2
RS-232/422/485
DB-9 male
Figure 1: MiPort Optically Isolated PCI Serial Interface Cards
NON-ISOLATED MODELS & FEATURES
Model
Number
Ports Interface Connectors
3PCIU2
2
RS-232/422/485
2 x DB-9 male
3PCIU4 4 RS-232/422/485 DB-37 female
(plus DB-37 to 4x DB-9 male cable)
Figure 2: MiPort Non-isolated PCI Serial Interface Cards

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SPECIFICATIONS
OS Supported
Windows XP, 2008 Server (32/64 bit), Vista (32/64 bit), 7
(32/64 bit)
Bus
Slot PCI Bus (33MHz/32-bit) PCI Bus Specification.
Requires one PCI slot (3.3V or 5V signaling).
Baud Rates Maximum: Up to 460.8 kbps (RS-232/422/485)
Typical: 75, 110, 134, 150, 300, 600, 1200, 1800, 2400,
4800, 7200, 9600, 14.4k, 19.2k, 38.4k, 57.6k, 115.2k,
230.4k, 460.8k
UARTs
XR17D15x (16C550 compatible) with 64 byte FIFO buffers
Character Length
Parity
Stop Bits
5, 6, 7 or 8 bits.
Even, odd, none, space or mark.
1, 1.5 or 2.
Optical Isolation
(3PCIOU1,
3PCIOU2 only)
2000 VDC minimum on all lines.
Ports are isolated from the PC power and ground, as well as
other ports on the same card.
Connectors 3PCIOU1: 1 – DB-9 male
3PCIOU2: 2 – DB-9 male
3PCIU2: 2 – DB-9 male
3PCIU4: 1 – DB-37 female w/ DB-37 to 4 x DB-9 male cable
Data Signals RS-232: TD, RD, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, RI and GND
(TD, RD, RTS, CTS, GND only on 3PCIOU4)
RS-422: TD(A)-, TD(B)+, RD(A)-, RD(B)+ and GND
RS-485: Data(A)-, Data(B)+ and GND
Environmental Operating temperature range: 0 to 50 ºC minimum.
Operating humidity: 5% to 95%, non-condensing.
Dimensions 4.8 x 3.8 in (12.2 x 9.6 cm) card edge.
(Mounting bracket, 1.2 x 12.1 x 0.9 cm).
Accessories
Software: Driver CD-ROM disc for Windows XP
(32-bit/64-bit), Vista (32-bit /64-bit), 7 (32-bit /64-bit), Server
2003 (32-bit /64-bit), Server 2008 (32-bit /64-bit), Server 2008
R2 (64-bit)
Manual: Instruction Manual - on CD ROM.
Figure 3: MiPort Serial Card Specifications

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2. SERIAL CARD SETUP
The following Serial Card Setup section applies to these PCI cards:
•3PCIOU1 - one-port, optically isolated PCI serial card
•3PCIOU2 - two-port, optically isolated PCI serial card
•3PCIU2 - two-port, non-isolated PCI serial card
•3PCIU4 -four-port, non-isolated PCI serial card
Any deviations from the procedure for specific models are noted.
PRE-SETUP STEPS
Your serial card has been tested for proper operation before packaging and
shipping. It should be in perfect mechanical and electrical condition upon receipt.
ESD PRECAUTIONS
To ensure a successful installation and setup it is important that you follow the
standard ESD precautions outlined below:
CAUTION:
This is an Electrostatic Sensitive Device.
Use ESD precautions for safe handling.
Before removing the card from the anti-static protective packaging:
•Discharge any static electricity buildup on your body by touching a
large grounded metal surface or the metal chassis on equipment
connected to earth ground by a 3-wire power cord. Use of a
grounding wrist strap is recommended.
•Avoid touching the gold connectors or other parts on the card except
when necessary to set the configuration DIP switches.
•Remove AC power from the computer before inserting the card.
INITIAL CONFIGURATION
The ports in your MIport card are normally pre-configured for RS-232 operation. To
ensure the card is configured correctly for your desired operating mode, you must
check and/or set the three operating mode DIP switches on the card. If you are
configuring for RS-485 Mode you also may have to set up the RTS Control
parameter in the device driver.
NOTE: For information on Setting Driver Options, refer to Chapter 4.

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OVERVIEW OF OPERATIONAL MODES
RS-232 MODE
In RS-232 Mode, MIport serial ports function as buffered standard PC serial ports and
operate as DTEs (Data Terminal Equipment). RS-232 interfaces are commonly used for
communications with modems, serial printers, and computer controlled devices such as
security equipment, bar code scanners and point-of-sale devices.
For most MIport models, RS-232 Mode supports eight single-ended signal lines and
Signal Ground (GND) including Transmit (TD), Receive (RD) and six hardware
handshake lines (DTR, DSR, RTS, CTS, DCD, RI).
RS-422 MODE
In RS-422 Mode, MIport serial ports provide two sets of differential signal pairs (TD and
RD) and Signal Ground for each port. The RS-422 standard uses balanced differential
drivers and receivers for each signal. This facilitates greater communication distances
than unbalanced systems such as RS-232. In RS-422 mode, the transmitter and receiver
are always enabled (TX ON, RX ON).
RS-422 operation is suitable for interconnecting a computer and one device for full duplex
(point-to-point) bi-directional communication, or a computer and several devices for
unidirectional (point-to-multi-points) communication. RS-422 interfaces are commonly
used for video editing/control, camera control, electronic signage, television
studio/satellite dish control, performance lighting and audio equipment control.
RS-485 MODE
In RS-485 Mode, MIport cards provide RS-485 interfaces which operate with the same
signals and signal levels as RS-422. RS-485 interfaces differ from RS-422 in that they
allow multiple devices to share the same communication link using half duplex (2-wire) or
full duplex (4-wire) connections. Since it is possible to have more than one transmitter
connected to the media, transmitters must be enabled only while sending data, and tri-
stated at all other times so other devices can use the wire pair. MIport cards automatically
enable the transmitter at the appropriate time using Automatic Send Data Control, based
on the contents of the output buffer. When the buffer has data to send, the transmitter is
enabled (TX SD). When all data in the buffer has been sent, the transmitter is disabled
and tri-stated to a high impedance state.
In half-duplex operation, the receiver is disabled during transmit (RX ), and enabled
when not transmitting. In full-duplex operation the receiver is always enabled (RX ON).
Since RS-485 transmitters are tri-stated when not transmitting, the receive inputs must be
biased to ensure the media floats in the Mark state so that the first Space state is
detected correctly at the start of the next transmission.
These serial cards incorporate the necessary biasing to accommodate up to 32 standard
nodes. (Typical input resistance (Rin) for each load is 12kΩ). Provisions are made for
custom biasing and/or termination.
NOTE: For more information on RS-485 Mode, refer to Chapter 7.

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OPERATING MODE SELECTION
The hardware address and IRQ for the serial card is set by the Windows Operating
System using driver information files and the Plug and Play OS.
The Operating Mode is set using DIP switches, Device Manager Driver Settings and
by your cable connections and software. Each port on a MIport card has an
associated DIP switch to set its operating mode. The port number associated with
the DIP switch is clearly silk-screened on the printed circuit board.
NOTE: For DIP Switch locations on card models, refer to Appendix A.
SETTING THE DIP SWITCHES ON RS-232/422/485 PORTS
Set the DIP switches to configure the desired operating mode as follows:
422/485
TX On
RX On
232
TX SD
RX SD
Switch 1
Switch 2
Switch 3
RS-232 Mode
422/485
TX On
RX On
232
TX SD
RX SD
RS-422 Mode
422/485
TX On
RX On
232
TX SD
RX SD
4-wire RS-485 Mode
422/485
TX On
RX On
232
TX SD
RX SD
2-wire RS-485 Mode
Figure 4: RS-232/422/485 DIP Switch Settings
DIP Switch 1 (RS-232/422/485 Ports)
The top DIP switch (1) configures the port for RS-232 or RS-422/485 operation. This
switch is the only one that is required to be set for RS-232 operation. The positions of
switches 2 and 3 do not matter when switch 1 is set for RS-232 operation.
DIP Switch 2 (RS-232/422/485 Ports)
The middle DIP switch (2) configures the port for RS-485 or RS-422 operation. For
RS-422 operation (which uses two wire pairs and sends point-to-point or point-to-
multi-points) the transmitter can be enabled all the time. Placing the middle DIP
switch in the TX ON position accomplishes this.

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For RS-485 operation, the middle DIP switch is placed in the TX SD position. In this
position the transmitter is only enabled when data is being sent. The transmitter is
tri-stated when not sending data, allowing other transmitters on the communications
line to transmit without interference.
DIP Switch 3 (RS-232/422/485 Ports)
The bottom DIP switch (3) configures the port for half-duplex (two-wire) RS-485
operation or full-duplex (four-wire) RS-422/RS-485 operation. Placing the bottom
DIP switch in the RX ON position configures the port for four-wire operation. In this
mode the receiver is continuously enabled, allowing it to receive all data on the
communications line. Since the transmitter sends data on the other wire pair, the
port does not receive its own transmissions.
Placing the bottom DIP switch in the RX position configures the port for two wire
operation. In this mode the transmitter and receiver are connected to the same wire
pair. The receiver is disabled when its transmitter is sending, preventing the port
from receiving its own data.
SETTING THE DIP SWITCHES ON RS-422/485 ONLY PORTS
Ports that do not include RS-232 operation use double DIP switches rather than
triple DIP switches. These DIP switches operate the same as the two bottom DIP
switches in the RS-232/422/485 ports.
DIP Switch 1 (RS-422/485 Only)
The top DIP switch (1) configures the port for RS-485 or RS-422 operation. For RS-
422 operation (which uses two wire pairs and sends point-to-point or point-to-multi-
points), the transmitter can be enabled all the time. Placing the middle DIP switch in
the TX ON position accomplishes this.
For RS-485 operation the middle DIP switch is placed in the TX SD position. In this
position, the transmitter is only enabled when data is being sent. The transmitter is
tri-stated when not sending data, allowing other transmitters on the communications
line to transmit without interference.
DIP Switch 2 (RS-422/485 Only)
The bottom DIP switch (2) configures the port for half-duplex (two-wire) RS-485
operation or full-duplex (four-wire) RS-422/RS-485 operation. Placing the bottom
DIP switch in the RX ON position configures the port for four-wire operation. In this
mode the port’s receiver is continuously enabled, allowing it to receive all data on
the communications line. Since the port’s transmitter sends data on the other wire
pair the port does not receive its own transmissions.
Placing the bottom DIP switch in the RX position configures the port for two-wire
operation. In this mode, the port’s transmitter and receiver are connected to the
same wire pair. The receiver is disabled when its transmitter is sending, preventing
the port from receiving its own data.

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INSTALLING THE SERIAL CARD
CAUTION:
This is an Electrostatic Sensitive Device.
Use ESD precautions for safe handling.
Before removing the card from the anti-static protective packaging:
•Discharge any static electricity buildup on your body by touching a
large grounded metal surface or the metal chassis on equipment
connected to earth ground by a 3-wire power cord. Use of a
grounding wrist strap is recommended.
•Avoid touching the gold connectors or other parts on the card except
when necessary to set the configuration DIP switches.
•Remove AC power from the computer before inserting the card.
1. Shut down your computer.
2. Unplug the power cord to remove power to prevent accidentally turning on the
computer during installation.
3. Remove the cover of the computer.
4. Locate an empty PCI expansion slot.
5. Remove the expansion slot cover. Save the retaining screw.
6. Ground yourself to the computer chassis before and while inserting the card.
7. Install the card into the unused slot. Be certain that the card is inserted
completely (fully seated) in the slot.
8. Secure the card with the mounting screw from Step 5.
9. Replace the cover; plug in the power cord.
10. Connect your cables.
11. Power up the system.
12. Install the drivers as described in Chapter 3.

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3. DRIVER SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
INSTALLING WINDOWS 7 DRIVER SOFTWARE
Windows 7 does not have a “Found New Hardware Wizard.” Therefore the MIPort
Driver must be installed manually.
1. Install the MIPort Card and place the CD in the CD ROM Drive.
2. Open Device Manager.
3. PCI Serial Port will be listed under “Other Devices.”
4. Select PCI Serial Port, right click, and select “Update Driver.”
5. Select “brows my computer” and locate the drivers on the CD ROM.
6. A windows security notice will be displayed. Select “install.” This notice will be
displayed again. Select “install.”
7. “Windows successfully updated driver software” will be displayed. Select
close.
8. In device manager, the MIPort Card will be listed under Multiport Serial
Adapter. Additional COM Ports will be listed under “Ports (COM & LPT).”
INSTALLING WINDOWS XP DRIVER SOFTWARE
Installation of the MIport driver software on Windows XP is a three-step process:
1. Windows XP searches and identifies new hardware that has been installed.
2. Use the Found New Hardware Wizard to install the driver software for the
card.
3. You use the Found New Hardware Wizard to install the software for each port
on the card.
There are several possible methods for installing the software. The procedure
outlined here is recommended for most situations.
NOTE:If, at some point in the future, you want to update these
drivers, remove the old drivers before installing the new
version. Refer to Chapter 6 for driver removal procedures.
PRE-INSTALLATION STEPS
1. Configure the port(s) on the card for the desired mode (RS-232, RS-422 or
RS-485) using the three DIP switches on the card.
2. If configuring for RS-422 or RS-485 Modes, and bias or termination resistors
are needed, add them at this time.
NOTE: For information on DIP switch settings and
bias/termination resistors, refer to Chapter 2.
3. Install the card in the slot. Use appropriate ESD handling precautions.
4. Power up the computer.
5. Insert your driver disc in the CD-ROM drive.

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USING THE FOUND NEW HARDWARE WIZARD
Windows will detect the PCI card and start the Found New Hardware Wizard to
begin the driver installation. Driver software (on CD-ROM) is provided with your
MIport card. Do not connect to Windows Update to search for software.
1. Select No, not at this time and click Next.
PCI CARD SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
Once the new hardware has been detected, the wizard will proceed to install the
software for the card. The following dialog box will appear:
1. To begin the installation of the software for the PCI card, click Install the
software automatically. Click Next.
2. Windows will find the appropriate files on the CD, then display a dialog box
concerning Window Logo testing for Vista. This feature of Vista simply
indicates that these drivers have not yet undergone the Microsoft testing
procedure required to use the Windows Vista Logo on the packaging. Diver
compatibility is not affected.
3. Click Continue Anyway.
4. A dialog box will appear indicating the software installation is proceeding.
5. When the Completing the Found New Hardware Wizard dialog appears,
click Finish.
Port Driver Installation
The Welcome to the Found New Hardware Wizard will appear again, indicating it
has detected a port on the PCI card. Repeat the steps above to install the port driver
software.
If the cared you are installing has more than one port, Windows Vista will find each
port in sequence and re-launch the Found New Hardware Wizard for each port.
Repeat the previous steps for each port.
CHECKING THE DRIVER INSTALLATION
You may want to check to verify that the new B+B COM ports are now available.
1. From the Widows Desktop, click Start → Control Panel →System and
Maintenance→ Device Manager
2. In the Device Manager, click Multi-port serial adapters. All serial adapter
cards should appear in the list. Additional information about the cards can
be obtained by double-clicking the name of the card.
3. Click Ports (COM & LPT) All installed ports should appear in the list. The
COM port number assigned to each port will be shown.

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4. SETTING DRIVER OPTIONS
CONFIGURING PORT SETTINGS
By entering the Properties dialog a variety of information can be obtained and
several port parameters can be configured.
1. On the Ports (COM & LPT) list, double-click the name of the port to be
configured.
2. On the Port Properties dialog, click the Port Settings tab.
The dialog will display the current settings for Bits per second, Data
bits, Parity, Stop bits and Flow control. If necessary, change these
settings to the required values.
Figure 5: Port Setting Dialog
3. Click Advanced…
The Advanced Port Settings dialog will appear. This screen allows
you to set the Receive and Transmit FIFO buffer thresholds, RTS
Control parameters, Hardware handshaking hysteresis level and the
COM port name.

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Figure6: Advanced Port Settings
SETTING THE FIFO BUFFERS
MIport cards use UARTs that contain 64-byte transmit and receive FIFO (first in, first
out) buffer registers. The transmit buffer holds the data to be sent; the receive buffer
holds the data received.
Transmit Buffer: Low parameter in the Advanced Port Settingsdialog allows you
to set the minimum value at which the UART will request more data from the
computer. As the MIport card is transmitting data, the number of bytes left in the
transmit buffer will decrease. When the buffer reaches the value set, the UART will
request more data from program memory. This is intended to optimize the
throughput of the data. Typically this parameter is set at zero and usually does not
have to be changed.
Receive Buffer: Low parameter in the Advance Port Settings dialog allows you to
set the value at which the UART will request that the computer read the data that
has been received. As the MIport card is receiving data the contents of the receive
buffer increases, when it reaches the value set, the UART will request that the
computer transfer the contents of the buffer to program memory. This is intended to
optimize the throughput of the data. The default value is 14. Usually this parameter
does not have to be changed.

Multi-Interface PCI Serial Cards
13
SETTING THE RTS CONTROL PARAMETER
1. Set RTS Control to Normal for RS-232; set RTS Control to RS-485 Mode for
2-wire or 4-wire RS-485 operation. Either setting can be used for RS-422.
Typically the COM parameters set in this dialog box are overridden by the
software application.
Note: For proper operation the DIP switches on the PCI card must be
set for the same mode. Refer to Chapter 2 for more information on
configuring the DIP switches.
2. The Direction Control Delay (bit times) box allows you to set the length of
time the Transmit driver continues to be enabled after the last bit of data in the
transmit register has been sent. The purpose of this setting is to maintain the
transmission line in a known (idle) state until the data has reached its
destination. If the line is released too soon it can pick up noise that could
cause problems on the communications system. This parameter is preset to a
value of 10 bit times and typically will not have to be changed. For longer
transmission lines this value may have to be increased.
SETTING THE HARDWARE HANDSHAKING LEVEL
The Hardware Handshaking Hysteresis Level (characters) parameter allows
you to set how long the local UART will continue to accept data after its receive
buffer has reached the point at which it asks the computer to transfer the data to
program memory. When this point is reached the UART de-asserts the RTS
hardware handshake line (which is connected to the remote UART’s CTS line),
stopping the remote device from sending data until its CTS line is re-asserted.
This will occur when the local receive FIFO buffer has been cleared. The default
value for this parameter is 0. Typically this value will not need to be changed.
CHANGING THE COM PORT NAME/NUMBER
1. To change the COM port number assigned to the port, click the COM Port
Name arrow and select the new COM Port Name from the list.
Available names for COM numbers are shown. Select a new number from those
not “in use”. COM numbers from COM1 to COM256 may be available. COM
numbers “in use” may be used by motherboard ports, modems, virtual COM
ports for network serial server devices or FAX modems. Formerly installed USB
to serial adaptors, PCI cards or other hardware may have reserved a COM
number. The device may need to be added back to the system, then software
removed. Advanced editing of the registry may be required to clean up the
problem. Special permissions are required with 2000 or XP.