Multitech ISI551PC User manual

Intelligent Serial Interface (ISI)
Model ISI551PC Card
Owner's Manual
Multi
Tech

S
y
stems

82031702

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B 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 residential installation. 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. However, there is
no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment cause harmful interference to radio
or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different
from that of which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for
help.
WARNING: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly
approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the
users authority to operate this equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is
subject to the following 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.

Owner's Manual
P/N 82031702, Rev. C
ISI551PC
This publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without
prior expressed written permission from Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.. All
rights reserved.
Copyright © 1995, by Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc., makes no representation or warranties with
respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any implied
warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose.
Furthermore, Multi-Tech Systems, Inc., reserves the right to revise
this publication and to make changes from time to time in the content
hereof without obligation of Multi-Tech Systems, Inc., to notify any
person or organization of such revisions or changes.
Record of Revision
C Manual revised with format and editorial
(2/6/95) changes
TRADEMARKS
Multi - Tech, MultiExpress, MultiModemII and the Multi - Tech logo:
Multi - Tech Systems, Inc.
i386, i486: Intel Corporation
PC-DOS: International Business Machines Corporation
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.
2205 Woodale Drive
Mounds View, Minnesota 55112 U.S.A.
[phone] or [phone]
U. S. FAX [phone]
Technical Support [phone]
BBS [phone] or [phone]
Internet Address: http://www.multitech.com

i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION & DESCRIPTION
1.1 Introduction ........................................... 1-1
1.2 Product Description .............................. 1-2
1.3 How to Use This Manual ......................1-2
1.4 Technical Specifications ......................1-3
CHAPTER 2
HARDWARE INSTALLATION
2.1 ISI Card Installation .............................. 2-1
2.2 Determining Current System Settings . 2-1
2.3 Hardware Installation Procedure .......... 2-3
CHAPTER 3
SERVICE, WARRANTY, AND TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
3.1 Introduction ........................................... 3-1
3.2 Limited Warranty .................................. 3-1
3.3 Tech Support ........................................3-2
3.3.1 Recording ISI551PC Information 3-3
3.3.2 Service ........................................ 3-4
3.4 About the Multi-Tech BBS .................... 3-5
3.4.1 How to Use the Multi-Tech BBS . 3-6
3.5 About CompuServe/Internet ................ 3-7
Appendix A:
I/O Address Switch Settings A-1

1-1
1.1 Introduction
The introduction of high speed, data compression
modems, such as Multi-Tech's MultiModemII TM
Series, has shown that many PC serial ports are
unable to keep up, essentially becoming a bottleneck
for the entire system. The ISI551PC card provides
processing power to reliably transmit data up to
115.2K bps. Using an ISI enables your system's
processortoperform moreefficiently.This isbecause
the ISI handles all of the byte-by-byte interrupts
generated by the asynchronous terminals and stores
the data in buffers. The ISI then generates one
interrupt for an entire block of information and
transfers the block to the system's microprocessor.
This manual provides the hardware installation
procedures for the ISI551PC card. The ISI551PC
card is used with Multi-Tech's high speed modems;
and is a high speed, buffered, single-port serial card,
with its own on board processor. The operation of
thecardprovides thebasis for itsname ISI(Intelligent
SerialInterface),551 indicatingtheprocessing power
of a 16550A UART and one port support, and PC
indicating that it is an ISA bus card (8 bit), which is
abletooperate in any286,386, 486 orPentium ISA or
EISA compatible bus personal computer. The
ISI551PC card can be accessed by any software
written to the 16550A specification.

1-2
This manual contains product specifications,
installation instructions, configuration and technical
support information which will assist you in the
operation process. It is assumed that you have basic
PC skills at the very least. Therefore, we have not
included step-by-step instructions for basic
operations such as logging in and file editing, etc.
1.2 Product Description
The ISI551PC card is a single port serial expansion
card which adds data buffering for enhanced serial
port performance. The ISI551PC features a 9 - pin
connector (one DB-9), and is a "half-size" expansion
card that supports a high-speed interface (up to
115.2K bps via 32K bytes of RAM). The ISI551PC
features a bank of 8 DIP-Switches for I/O address
selectionandone jumperblock for IRQlevel selection.
1.3 How to Use This Manual
Thischapterbegins with ashort introduction, product
description, followed by a guide (which you are now
reading) to the use of this manual, as well as the
ISI551PCs technical specifications.

1-3
This manual includes hardware configuration and
installation procedures described in Chapter 2.
Chapter 3 covers technical support, warranty and
BBS information. Appendix A describes complete
information on Base I/O addressing.
1.4 Technical Specifications
Computer Requirements
· 286-, 386- or 486- based PC or compatible
Operating Temperature
· 0° to 50°C (32° to 120°F)
Serial Interface
· RS232C, RS232D
Bus Type
· IBM PC standard (ISA bus) or EISA
Power Consumption
· 750 mAmps @ +5 VDC
· 100 mAmps @ +12 VDC
· 100 mAmps @ -12 VDC

1-4
Card Dimensions
ISI551PC
· 4.95" L x 2.375" W x .062" D
· 12.5 cm L x 6.0 cm W x .16 cm D
Baud Rates
· Up to 115.2K bps
Connector Types
· One DB-9 on ISI551PC
I/O Address
· Set by hardware DIP-Switch, valid range 100H to
3F8H (See Appendix A)
InterruptRequest
· Set by hardware Jumper, valid IRQs -- 2, 3, 4, 5,
7, 10, 11, 12, & 15

2 - 1
2.1 ISI Card Installation
This chapter provides you with the procedures to
install the Multi-Tech ISI551PC card in your ISA or
EISA bus personal computer.
Hardware installation involves:
1) Opening your PC.
2) Setting card configuration (determining
I/O address DIP-Switch setting and IRQ
jumper setting).
3) Installing the card into the PC.
2.2 Determining Current System
Settings
When you install a serial device into your computer,
the processor must have a means of routing
information to and from the device and the device
must have a means of gaining the processor's
attention. These are called Input/Output (I/O)
addresses and Interrupt Requests (IRQs),
respectively. The ISI551PC card requires eight I/O
addresses and one IRQ value which are not used
by any other device in your system. When selecting
a unique base I/O address, be sure that the other
addresses are also unused. (For example, if you

2 - 2
use the base I/O address of 380h, addresses 380h-
387h must be unused.)
To select an unused I/O address and an IRQ value,
it may be necessary to find out which values are
already in use. To determine your system's current
settings, refer to Appendix A. The ISI551PC is
shipped with the IRQ set to level 3 and the base I/O
address at 2F8 hex. If you are certain that these
settings are not already in use, continue with the
hardware configuration and installation.
Note: If you choose IRQ 3 or 4, you may have to
remove the serial I/Odevice from your
configuration files. The ISI551PC cards do not
allow you to select IRQ 6 because it is almost
universally used for the floppy drive of a
computer. Also, most computers will not be
able to assign IRQ 2 to the ISI because IRQ 2 is
used for slave control.

2 - 3
2.3 Hardware Installation Procedure
Perform the procedures in Table 2-1 to configure
and install the ISI551PC card into your ISA or EISA
bus host computer.
1 Make sure your computer and
any peripheral equipment
connected to it, are turned off.
Failure to do so may damage
both your ISI card and your PC.
The card may be installed in any
286-, 386- or 486-based
computer with an ISA or EISA
bus architecture.
2 Remove the cover of your
Table 2-1
Step Procedure
ISI Configuration and Installation Procedure
Figure 2-1. I/O Address Switch/IRQ Jumpers

2 - 4
computer as instructed in your
computers documentation.
3 Locate the unused slot(s) which
you will be using for your ISI
card, and remove the slot
cover(s) per the instructions in
your computers documentation.
4a The figure below shows the
default settings for this card.
Record any changes made to
the Base I/O Address settings.
The default Base I/O Address is
2F8 (COM2). The valid range is
100H - 3F8 H; refer to Appendix
A for a full table of address
settings.
O(pen) = OFF
C(losed) = ON
Figure 2-2. I/O Address Default
Table 2-1 (cont'd)
Step Procedure
ISI Configuration and Installation Procedure

2 - 5
ISI Configuration and Installation Procedure
Table 2-1 (cont'd)
Step Procedure
Com Port I/O Address Setting IRQ Level
Figure 2-3. I/O Address and IRQ Level Settings
COM1
COM2
COM3
COM4
4b Select a unique I/O Address for
your ISI551PC card using the
block of 8-position DIP-Switches
on your ISI circuit board. Figure
2-3 shows various I/O
addressing and IRQ settings.
5Record any changes you
make to these settings and
keep them handy for the
driver installation.

2 - 6
Table 2-1 (cont'd)
ISI Configuration and Installation Procedure
Step Procedure
6 Install the ISI card into the selected
expansion slot(s) in the same
manner as any other add-on
card, as instructed in your
computers documentation.
7 Fasten the retaining bracket to
the computer chassis and
replace the cover.
8 Connect the appropriate cable to
the ISI card. The ISI551PC has
one DB-9 connector. The DB-9 is
a DTE-type serial port suited for
the connection of Data Circuit-
terminating Equipment, or DCEs.
Note: Any cables connected to
the computer should be shielded
to reduce interference.
9 Turn power on to your computer.

2 - 7
If you are using MultiExpress communication
software, note during your communication set-up
that your ISI card is activated by choosing Serial and
then Comm port selection. Do not use the MultiTech
ISI selection for this card. The MultiTech ISI selection
is used with ISI models ISI502 and ISI508, which are
older legacy products.

3-1
3.1 Introduction
This chapter starts out with statements about
your ISI551PC's 2-year warranty. The next
section, Tech Support, should be read carefully if
you have questions or problems with your
ISI551PC. It includes the technical support
telephone numbers, space for recording your
ISI551PC information, and an explanation of how
to send in your ISI551PC should you require
service. The final two sections explain how to use
our Bulletin Board Service (BBS), and a brief
section on the CompuServe/Internet forums.
3.2 LimitedWarranty
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. (MTS) warrants that
its products will be free from defects in material
or workmanship for a period of two years from
the date of purchase, or if proof of purchase is
not provided, two years from date of shipment.
MTS MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTY,
EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ALL IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE
HEREBY DISCLAIMED. This warranty does not
apply to any products which have been damaged
by lightning storms, water, or power surges or

3-2
which have been neglected, altered, abused,
used for a purpose other than the one for which
they were manufactured, repaired by the
customer or any party without MTSs written
authorization, or used in any manner inconsistent
with MTSs instructions.
MTSs entire obligation under this warranty shall
be limited (at MTSs option) to repair or
replacement of any products which prove to be
defective within the warranty period, or, at MTSs
option, issuance of a refund of the purchase
price. Defective products must be returned by
Customer to MTSs factory transportation
prepaid.
MTS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES AND UNDER NO
CIRCUMSTANCES WILL ITS LIABILITY
EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE FOR
DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS.
3.3 Tech Support
Multi-Tech has an excellent staff of technical
support personnel available to help you get the
most out of your Multi-Tech product. If you have

3-3
any questions about the operation of this unit,
call 1-800-972-2439. Please fill out the ISI551PC
information (below), and have it available when
you call. If your ISI551PC requires service, the
tech support specialist will guide you on how to
send in your ISI551PC (see Section 3.3.2).
3.3.1 RecordingISI551PC
Information
Please fill in the following information on your
Multi-Tech ISI551PC. This will help tech support
in answering your questions.
ISI551PC Model No.:
ISI551PC Serial No.:
ISI551PC Firmware Version:
DataComm Software Type/Version:
Please note the status of your ISI551PC before
calling tech support.

3-4
3.3.2 Service
If your tech support specialist decides that
service is required, ISI551PCs may be sent
(freight prepaid) to our factory. Return shipping
charges will be paid by Multi-Tech Systems.
Include the following with your ISI551PC:
 a description of the problem.
 return billing and return shipping addresses.
 contact name and phone number.
 check or purchase order number for
payment if the ISI551PC is out of warranty.
(The standard repair charge for this
ISI551PC is $95. This price is valid at the
time of this publication but could change in
the future. Check with your technical
support specialist.)
 if possible, note the name of the technical
support specialist with whom you spoke.
If you need to inquire about the status of the
returned product, be prepared to provide the serial
number of the product sent (see Section 3.3.1).