Moxa Technologies UC-8100 Series Instructions for use

UC-8100 Series Hardware User’s Manual
Edition 3.1, September 2018
www.moxa.com/product
© 2018 Moxa Inc. All rights reserved.

UC-8100 Series Hardware User’s Manual
The software described in this manual is furnished under a license agreement and may be used only in accordance with
the terms of that agreement.
Copyright Notice
© 2018 Moxa Inc. All rights reserved.
Trademarks
The MOXA logo is a registered trademark of Moxa Inc.
All other trademarks or registered marks in this manual belong to their respective manufacturers.
Disclaimer
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of
Moxa.
Moxa provides this document as is, without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including, but not limited
to, its particular purpose. Moxa reserves the right to make improvements and/or changes to this manual, or to the
products and/or the programs described in this manual, at any time.
Information provided in this manual is intended to be accurate and reliable. However, Moxa assumes no responsibility for
its use, or for any infringements on the rights of third parties that may result from its use.
This product might include unintentional technical or typographical errors. Changes are periodically made to the
information herein to correct such errors, and these changes are incorporated into new editions of the publication.
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction...................................................................................................................................... 1-1
Overview ...........................................................................................................................................1-2
Model Descriptions..............................................................................................................................1-2
Package Checklist ............................................................................................................................... 1-2
Hardware Specifications ...................................................................................................................... 1-2
Hardware Block Diagram .....................................................................................................................1-3
2. Hardware Introduction...................................................................................................................... 2-1
Appearance........................................................................................................................................2-2
LED Indicators....................................................................................................................................2-3
Default Programmable Button Operations ..............................................................................................2-4
Diagnosing Device and Subsystem Failures.....................................................................................2-4
Reset to Default Button .......................................................................................................................2-5
Real Time Clock..................................................................................................................................2-5
Placement Options ..............................................................................................................................2-5
DIN Rail Mounting .......................................................................................................................2-5
Wall or Cabinet Mounting .............................................................................................................2-6
3. Hardware Connection Description ..................................................................................................... 3-1
Wiring Requirements...........................................................................................................................3-2
Connecting the Power .................................................................................................................. 3-2
Grounding the Unit ......................................................................................................................3-2
Connecting to the Console Port............................................................................................................. 3-3
Connecting to the Network...................................................................................................................3-3
Connecting to a Serial Device...............................................................................................................3-4
Inserting the SD and SIM Card .............................................................................................................3-4
USB Port............................................................................................................................................3-4
Installing the Cellular/Wi-Fi Module.......................................................................................................3-5
A. Regulatory Approval Statements....................................................................................................... A-1

1
1. Introduction
The UC-8100 series computing platform is designed for embedded data acquisition applications. The computer
comes with one or two RS- 232/422/485 serial ports and dual 10/100 Mbps Ethernet LAN ports, as well as a
Mini PCIe socket to support cellular modules. These versatile communication capabilities let users efficiently
adapt the UC-8100 computers to a variety of complex communications solutions.
The following topics are covered in this chapter:

Overview

Model Descriptions

Package Checklist

Hardware Specifications

Hardware Block Diagram

UC-8100 Series Introduction
1-2
Overview
The UC-8100 Series is built around an ARMv7 Cortex-A8 RISC processor that has been optimized for use in
energy monitoring systems, but is widely applicable to a variety of industrial solutions. With flexible interfacing
options, this tiny embedded computer is a reliable and secure gateway for data acquisition and processing at
field sites as well as a useful communication platform for many other large-scale deployments.
Model Descriptions
The UC-8100 Series includes the following models:
•UC-8131-LX: RISC-based platform with 300 MHz CPU, 2 Ethernet ports, 1 serial port, 8 GB eMMC, SD
socket, USB port, and Moxa Industrial Linux pre-installed
•UC-8132-LX: RISC-based platform with 300 MHz CPU, mPCIe socket for cellular/Wi-Fi module, 2 Ethernet
ports, 2 serial ports, 8 GB eMMC, SD socket, USB port, and Moxa Industrial Linux pre-installed
•UC-8162-LX: RISC-based platform with 600 MHz CPU, mPCIe socket for cellular/Wi-Fi module, 2 Ethernet
ports, 2 serial ports, 8 GB eMMC, SD socket, USB port, and Moxa Industrial Linux pre-installed
•UC-8112-LX: RISC-based platform with 1 GHz CPU, mPCIe socket for cellular/Wi-Fi module, 2 Ethernet
ports, 2 serial ports, 8 GB eMMC, SD socket, USB port, and Moxa Industrial Linux pre-installed
Package Checklist
Before deploying the UC-8100 computer, verify that the package contains the following items:
•UC-8100 embedded computer
•Console cable
•Power jack
•3-pin terminal block for power (Pre-installed on the UC-8100)
•5-pin terminal block for UART x 2 (Pre-installed on the UC-8100)
NOTE: Notify your sales representative if any of the above items are missing or damaged.
Hardware Specifications
NOTE
The latest specifications for Moxa’s products can be found at
https://www.moxa.com.

UC-8100 Series Introduction
1-3
Hardware Block Diagram

2
2. Hardware Introduction
The UC-8100 Series of embedded computers are compact and rugged, making them suitable for industrial
applications. The LED indicators allow users to monitor performance and identify trouble spots quickly, and the
multiple ports can be used to connect a variety of devices. The UC-8100 Series comes with a reliable and stable
hardware platform that lets you devote the bulk of your time to application development. In this chapter, we
provide basic information about the embedded computer’s hardware and its various components.
The following topics are covered in this chapter:

Appearance

LED Indicators

Default Programmable Button Operations
Diagnosing Device and Subsystem Failures

Reset to Default Button

Real Time Clock

Placement Options
DIN Rail Mounting
Wall or Cabinet Mounting

UC-8100 Series Hardware Introduction
2-2
Appearance
Front View
Top & Bottom Views
Top Bottom

UC-8100 Series Hardware Introduction
2-3
Dimensions [units: mm (in)]
LED Indicators
Refer to the following table for information about each LED.
LED Name Color Function
USB Green Steady On USB device is connected and working normally
Off USB device is not connected.
SD Green Steady On SD Card inserted and working normally
Off SD Card is not detected
Power
Green Power is on and the computer is working normally.
Off Power is off.
LAN1/2 (On RJ45
connector)
Green Steady On 100 Mbps Ethernet link
Blinking Data transmitting
Yellow Steady On 10 Mbps Ethernet link
Blinking Data transmitting
Off Ethernet is not connected
Wireless Signal
Strength
Green
Yellow
Red
Number of glowing LEDs indicates signal strength
3 (Green + Yellow + Red): Excellent
2 (Yellow + Red) : Good
1 (Red) : Poor
Off Wireless module is not detected
Diagnosis
Programmable
Green
Yellow
Red
Refer to the section Chapter 3 in Hardware Manual for details.
These 3 LEDs are programmable; refer to Chapter 5 in Hardware
Manual for details.

UC-8100 Series Hardware Introduction
2-4
Default Programmable Button Operations
The push button is used to diagnose device failure or to perform firmware restoration. After depressing the
button, release it at the appropriate time to enter the desired mode to either diagnose your device or restore
your device to the default configuration. See below for detailed instructions.
The LED indicators behave differently when diagnosing a device failure compared to performing a firmware
restoration. See the following table for details.
Status Red LED Yellow LED Green LED
Executing diagnostics program Blinking Off On
Resetting to default configuration Blinking Blinking On
Diagnosing Device and Subsystem Failures
The red LED will start blinking once you press the push button. Keep the button pressed until the green LED is
lit for the first time and then release the button to enter diagnostic mode to check which peripherals are
available on the UC-8100-LX. When the diagnostic program is executing, the red LED will be blinking.
Status Red LED Yellow LED Green LED
Diagnostics program is executing
Blinking
Off
On
The following two tables describe the diagnostics results related to hardware defects and system operation.
Hardware Defects
If you observe any of these hardware issues, contact Moxa for further instructions.
Status Red LED Yellow LED Green LED
UART1 device issue On On Off
UART2 device issue
(except UC-8131)
On On Blinking
LAN 1 device issue On Off Off
LAN 2 device issue On Off Blinking
Button device issue On Blinking Off
TPM device issue On Blinking Blinking
LED device issue On Off Off
System Operation
If you observe any of the following issues, check the item indicated by the LEDs.
Status Red LED Yellow LED Green LED
CPU usage (over 90%) Blinking On Off
RAM usage (over 90%) Off On Off
Disk usage (over 90%) Off On Blinking
File system corrupted Blinking On Blinking
RED LED
Blinking
GREEN LED
On
RED LED
Blinking
GREEN LED
On NO ACTION
0 2 4 7 8
Release the button during
this time to diagnose
device failure
Time (s)
Release the button during this
time to perform restoration
Button pressed

UC-8100 Series Hardware Introduction
2-5
Reset to Default Button
Press and hold the Reset Button continuously for at least 5 seconds to load the factory default
configuration. After the factory default configuration has been loaded, the system will reboot automatically.
The Ready LED will blink on and off for the first 5 seconds, and then maintain a steady glow once the system
has rebooted.
We recommend that you only use this function if the software is not working properly and you want to load
factory default settings. The Reset to Default functionality is not designed to hard reboot the UC-8100.
ATTENTION
Reset to Default preserves user
’s data
The
Reset to Default function will NOT format the user directory and erase the user’s data.
Using the Reset
to default function will
only load the configuration file. The rest of the user’s data stored in the Flash RO
M will
remain intact.
Real Time Clock
The UC-8100’s real time clock is powered by a non-rechargeable battery. When the computer is not plugged
into a power supply, the battery has an estimated life around 1 year. When the computer is plugged into power
supply, the standby current source will be switch to the power supply. We strongly recommend that you do not
replace the battery without help from a qualified Moxa support engineer. If you need to change the battery,
contact the Moxa RMA service team.
WARNING
There is a risk of explosion if the battery is replaced by an incorrect type.
Placement Options
There are two sliders on the back of the unit for DIN rail and wall mounting.
DIN Rail Mounting
Pull out the bottom slider, latch the unit onto the DIN rail, and push the slider back in.

UC-8100 Series Hardware Introduction
2-6
Wall or Cabinet Mounting
Pull out both the top and bottom sliders and align the screws accordingly.
Another method for wall mounting installation is to use the optional wall mounting kit. Attach two mounting
brackets on the side panel of the computer, and fasten with screws. Install the computer on a wall or cabinet
by fastening two screws for each bracket.
NOTE
Before tightening the screws into the wall, make sure the screw head and
shank size are suitable by inserting
the screw into one of the keyhole
-shaped apertures of the wall mounting plates.

3
3. Hardware Connection Description
This section describes how to connect the UC-8100 to a network and various devices for first time testing
purposes.
The following topics are covered in this chapter:

Wiring Requirements
Connecting the Power
Grounding the Unit

Connecting to the Console Port

Connecting to the Network

Connecting to a Serial Device

Inserting the SD and SIM Card

USB Port

Installing the Cellular/Wi-Fi Module

UC-8100 Series Hardware Connection Description
3-2
Wiring Requirements
In this section, we describe how to connect various devices to the embedded computer. You should heed the
following common safety precautions before proceeding with the installation of any electronic device:
•Use separate paths to route wiring for power and devices. If power wiring and device wiring paths must
cross, make sure the wires are perpendicular at the intersection point.
NOTE: Do not run signal or communication wiring and power wiring in the same wire conduit. To avoid
interference, wires with different signal characteristics should be routed separately.
•You can use the type of signal transmitted through a wire to determine which wires should be kept separate.
The rule of thumb is that wiring that shares similar electrical characteristics can be bundled together.
•Keep input wiring and output wiring separate.
•When necessary, it is strongly advised that you label wiring to all devices in the system.
ATTENTION
Safe
ty First!
Be sure to disconnect the power cord before doing installations and/or wiring.
Electrical Current
Caution!
Calculate the maximum possible current in each power wire and common wire. Observe all electrical codes
dictating the maximum current allow
able for each wire size.
If the current goes above the maximum ratings, the wiring could overheat, causing serious damage to your
equipment.
Temperature Caution!
Be
careful when handling the unit. When the unit is plugged in, the internal components genera
te heat, and
consequently the
outer casing may feel hot to the touch.
Connecting the Power
Terminal Block
The UC
-8100 has a 3-pin terminal block for a 12 to 24 VDC power input.
The figure show how the power input interface connect
s to external power sources. If the
power is properly supplied,
the Power LED will light up. The
Ready LED will glow a solid green
color when
the operating system is ready (it may take 30 to 60 seconds for the operating
system to boot up)
.
ATTENTION
The power for this product is intended to be supplied by a Listed Power
Supply Unit that is rated to deliver
12
to
24 VDC at a minimum of 450 mA @ 12 VDC, and 225 mA @ 24 VDC.
Grounding the Unit
Grounding and wire routing help limit the effects of noise due to electromagnetic interference (EMI). Run the
ground connection from the ground screw to the grounding surface prior to connecting devices.
ATTENTION
This product is intended to be mounted to a well
-grounded mounting surface, such as a metal panel.

UC-8100 Series Hardware Connection Description
3-3
SG: The Shielded Ground (sometimes called Protected Ground) contact is the
bottom
contact of the 3
-
pin power terminal block connector when viewed from the angle shown
here. Connect the SG wire to an appropriate grou
nded metal surface.
ATTENTION
A shielded power cor
d is required to meet FCC emission limits and also to prevent interference with
nearby
radio and television reception. It is essential that only the supplied power cord be
used.
You are cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void your authority to operate the equipment.
Connecting to the Console Port
The UC-8100’s console port is a 4-pin pin-header RS-232 port located on the top panel of the case. It is
designed for serial console terminals, which are useful for identifying the boot up message, or for debugging
when the system cannot boot up.
Serial Console Port & Pinouts Serial Console Cable
Pin Signal
1 TxD
2 RxD
3 NC
4 GND
Connecting to the Network
Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to one of the UC-8100’s 10/100M Ethernet ports (8-pin RJ45) and the
other end of the cable to the Ethernet network. If the cable is properly connected, the UC-8100 will indicate a
valid connection to the Ethernet in the following ways:
The LED indicator in the lower right corner glows
a solid green color
when the cable is properly
connected to a 100 Mbps Ethernet
network. The
LED will flash on and off when Ethernet packets are
being transmitted or received.
Pin Signal
1 ETx+
2 ETx-
3 ERx+
4
–
5 –
6 ERx-
7 –
8 –
The LED indicator in the upper right corner glows a
solid orange color
when the cable is properly
connected to a 10 Mbps Ethernet
network.
The LED will flash on and off when Ethernet packets are
being transmitted or received.

UC-8100 Series Hardware Connection Description
3-4
Connecting to a Serial Device
Use properly wired serial cables to connect the UC-8100 to serial devices. The serial ports of the UC-8100 use
the 5-pin terminal block. The ports can be configured by software for RS-232, RS-422, or 2-wire RS-485. The
precise pin assignments are shown in the following table:
Terminal Block
RS
-232/422/485 Pinouts
Pin RS-232 RS-422 RS-485
1 TXD TXD+ –
2 RXD TXD- –
3 RTS RXD+ D+
4 CTS RXD- D-
5 GND GND GND
Inserting the SD and SIM Card
The UC-8100 comes with an SD socket for storage expansion, and a SIM card socket that can be installed with
a SIM card for cellular communication. The SD card/SIM card sockets are located on the lower part of the front
panel. To install them, remove the screw and the protection cover to access the socket, and then plug the SD
card and the SIM card into the sockets directly. Remember to push in on the SD card or SIM card first if you
want to remove them.
ATTENTION
The
UC-8100 does not support SD hot swap and PnP (Plug and Play) functionality
. It is necessary to remove
power source first before inserting or removing the SD card.
USB Port
The UC-8100 provides 1 USB 2.0 full speed port (OHCI), type A connector, which supports a keyboard or mouse,
as well as an external flash disk for storing large amounts of data.

UC-8100 Series Hardware Connection Description
3-5
Installing the Cellular/Wi-Fi Module
The UC-8100 provides an mPCIe socket for installing a cellular/Wi-Fi socket. Follow these steps:
1. Remove the screws on the side panel, and take off the cover.
2. Find the location of the PCIe socket. Insert the cellular module into the socket, and then tighten the screws
to fasten the socket.
3. Next, you need to install the antenna cable. There are two antenna connectors on the cellular module.
Connect the cable to either connector.

UC-8100 Series Hardware Connection Description
3-6
4. Plug the other end of the cable into the connector on the front panel of the UC-8100. Remove the black
plastic cover first.
5. Install the connector; place the locking washer first, and then tighten the nut.
6. Connect the antenna to the connector.

A
A. Regulatory Approval Statements
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
tw
o conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Class A: FCC Warning! This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
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 case the users will be required to correct the
interference at their own expense.
European Community
WARNING
This is a class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio interference in which case
the user may be required to take adequate measures.