SeaLevel Ultra 530.LPCIe User manual

1
© Sealevel Systems, Inc. 7106e Manual | SL9268 11/2022
Ultra 530.LPCIe
User Manual | 7106e

2
© Sealevel Systems, Inc. 7106e Manual | SL9268 11/2022
Contents
CONTENTS...........................................................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................... 3
BEFORE YOU GET STARTED ...............................................................................................................................4
CARD SETUP ........................................................................................................................................................7
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION ..............................................................................................................................10
HARDWARE INSTALLATION .............................................................................................................................13
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION ...............................................................................................................................15
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS..........................................................................................................................16
APPENDIX A – TROUBLESHOOTING................................................................................................................17
APPENDIX B – HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS.....................................................................................................22
APPENDIX C – ELECTRICAL INTERFACE ........................................................................................................23
APPENDIX D – ASYNCHRONOUS COMMUNICATIONS ..................................................................................25
APPENDIX E – GROUND LOOP PHENOMENON ..............................................................................................26
APPENDIX F – MECHANICAL DRAWING .........................................................................................................27
APPENDIX G – COMPLIANCE NOTICES ..........................................................................................................28
WARRANTY ........................................................................................................................................................29

3
© Sealevel Systems, Inc. 7106e Manual | SL9268 11/2022
Introduction
The Sealevel Ultra 530.LPCIe (Item# 7106e) is a PCI Express 2.0 Gen 1 compliant interface adapter with
one field selectable RS-232/422/485/530 asynchronous serial port supporting data rates up to 921.6K bps
for industrial automation and control applications.
Configure the serial port as RS232 for standard serial COM port requirements. Choose the RS-422 mode
for long distance device connections up to 4000ft. where noise immunity and high data integrity are
essential. Select RS-485 and capture data from multiple peripherals in an RS485 multi-drop network. Up to
31 RS-485 devices can be connected to each port to automate your data collection.
In RS-485 mode, the transmitter is automatically enabled in hardware, eliminating the need for application
software control. This allows the 7106e to be used with standard serial communications applications and
removes the risk of bus contention and data corruption. In RS-232 mode, all modem control signals are
implemented for maximum compatibility with a wide range of serial peripherals. The Sealevel SeaCOM
software driver and utilities make installation and operation easy in Windows 7/8.1/10 and Linux operating
systems.
The Ultra 530.LPCIe ships with a Low Profile PCIe bracket that will only work in a Low Profile PCIe slot. If
you need a standard size PCIe bracket, please order Item# 7106eS. The product is RoHS compliant and
meets the requirements of RoHS (2011/65/EU) directive.
Features
•Serial port configurable for RS-232/422/485/530
•On board DIP switch configuration with software override
•UART with 256-byte TX and RX FIFOs
•Asynchronous data rates to 921.6K bps
•Automatic RS-485 enable/disable
•Software selectable 250K slew rate limiting, to minimize electromagnetic interference
•The PCIe adapter includes one DB25M connector

4
© Sealevel Systems, Inc. 7106e Manual | SL9268 11/2022
Before You Get Started
What’s Included
The Ultra 530.LPCIe is shipped with the following items. If any of these items are missing or damaged,
please contact Sealevel for replacement.
•Ultra 530.LPCIe Adapter
Advisory Conventions
Warning
The highest level of importance used to stress a condition where damage could result to the
product, or the user could suffer serious injury.
Important
The middle level of importance used to highlight information that might not seem obvious or a
situation that could cause the product to fail.
Note
The lowest level of importance used to provide background information, additional tips, or other
non-critical facts that will not affect the use of the product.

5
© Sealevel Systems, Inc. 7106e Manual | SL9268 11/2022
Optional Items
Depending upon your application, you are likely to find one or more of the following items useful with the
7106e. All items can be purchased from our website (www.sealevel.com)by calling our sales team at (864)
843-4343.
DB25 Female to DB25 Male Extension Cable (Part Number CA104)
The CA104 is a standard DB25F to DB25M serial extension
cable. Extend a DB25 cable or locate a piece of hardware where
it is needed with this six foot (72) cable. The connectors are
pinned one-to-one, so the cable is compatible with any device
or cable with DB25 connectors. The cable is fully shielded
against interference and the connectors are molded to provide
strain relief. Dual metal thumbscrews secure the cable
connections and prevent accidental disconnection.
DB25 Female (RS-530) to DB9 Male (RS-422) Cable (Part Number CA175)
DB25 Female (RS-530) to DB9 Male (RS-422) Cable, 10-inch
Length. Convert any DB25 Female RS-530 Async Adapter to the
Sealevel RS-422 DB9 Male pinout. Useful in situations where
cabling is already in place for the Sealevel DB9 implementation
of RS-422.
DB25 Female to DB37 Male Cable (Part Number CA107)
DB25 Female (RS-530) to DB37 Male (RS-449 DTE) Cable, 10-
inch Length. RS-530 was designed to replace the bulky DB37
RS-449 connector. The CA107 cable allows any Sealevel RS-530
adapter to be used in an RS-449 application.

6
© Sealevel Systems, Inc. 7106e Manual | SL9268 11/2022
Terminal Block
Terminal Block Kit - (Part Number KT104)
The TB05 terminal block breaks out a DB9 connector to
9 screw terminals to simplify field wiring of serial
connections. It is ideal for RS-422 and RS-485 networks,
yet it will work with any DB9 serial connection, including
RS-232. The TB05 includes holes for board or panel
mounting. The TB05 is designed to connect directly to
Sealevel DB9 serial cards or any cable with a DB9M
connector.

7
© Sealevel Systems, Inc. 7106e Manual | SL9268 11/2022
Card Setup
Address and IRQ Selection
The 7106e is automatically assigned memory addresses and IRQs by your motherboard BIOS or by a “Plug-
n-Play” Operating System. Adding or removing other hardware or moving the adapter to another slot may
change the assignment of memory addresses and IRQs.
Clock Modes and Baud Rates
The 7106e derives a 125MHz clock from the PCI express link for the Baud Rate Generator (BRG) which is
divided by a clock prescaler (1 or 4) and a 16-bit clock divisor to obtain a sampling clock of 16X, 8X, or 4X
the serial data rate. The BRG offers a wide range of possible baud rates. Under Windows and Linux the best
choice of divisor is made automatically by the driver. The bit rate error is within the +/– 2% recommended
tolerance for proper serial communication.
Isochronous Clocking
The 7106e operates asynchronously only and does not support isochronous clocking modes.
Electrical Interface Selection via Hardware
Serial port on the 7106e has the ability to be used as RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485. This is selectable via DIP-
switch SW1 configuration. When ON, the DIP switch connects the signal to ground (‘0’) and when OFF, the
signal is pulled high (‘1’.) Please use the following examples to configure your adapter.
Mode selection via hardware (DIP switches)
M1 Switch
M0 Switch
Mode
OFF
OFF
RS-232
OFF
ON
RS-422 (Default)
ON
OFF
RS-485 with Echo
ON
ON
RS-485 without Echo
RS-485 Enable Modes
RS-485 is ideal for multi-drop or network environments. RS-485 requires a tri-state driver that will allow the
electrical presence of the driver to be removed from the line. The driver is in a tri-state or high impedance
condition when this occurs. Only one driver may be active at a time and the other driver(s) must be tri-
stated. The output modem control signal Data Terminal Ready (DTR) is used to control the state of the
driver automatically.

8
© Sealevel Systems, Inc. 7106e Manual | SL9268 11/2022
Line Termination Selection via Hardware
Typically, each end of the RS-485 bus must have line-terminating resistors (RS-422 terminates at the receive
end only). A 120-ohm resistor is across each RS-422/485 input in addition to a 510-ohm pull-up/pull-down
combination that biases the receiver inputs. DIP switches SW1 allow the user to customize this interface
to their specific requirements. Each switch position corresponds to a specific portion of the interface. If
multiple 7106e adapters are configured in a RS-485 network, only the boards on each end should have
switches T, PU, and PD ON.
If using the board in an RS-485 two-wire network, enable the two switches labeled ‘L’, which tie the
positive/negative transmit/receive pairs together.
Switch
Default
Selection if ON
T
ON
Enables RS-422/RS-485 120 ohm termination between RD+ and
RD–
PU
ON
Enables RS-422/RS-485 RD+ 510 ohm pull-up to 5V (biasing)
PD
ON
Enables RS-422/RS-485 RD– 510 ohm pull-down to GND
(biasing)
L
OFF
Enables RS-485 two-wire mode, connecting TX– to RX–
L
OFF
Enables RS-485 two-wire mode, connecting TX+ to RX+

9
© Sealevel Systems, Inc. 7106e Manual | SL9268 11/2022
Electrical Interface, Line Termination, and Echo Selection via Software
DIP switch configuration can be overridden by software settings if so desired, via Port Settings tab in
Control Panel.
Slew Rate Limiting
Slew Rate Limiting (250kbps) is an additional configuration setting available only via software selection. It
helps minimize electromagnetic interference in applications where higher baud rates are not required.
RS-485 Auto-Enable Delay
RS-485 Auto-Enable Delay is an additional configuration setting available only via software selection. It
provides an ability to select a 0 to 15 bit-time delay after the end of the last stop-bit of the last transmitted
character. This delay controls when to automatically disable the RS-485 transmitter. This delay may be
useful in long-cable networks.

10
© Sealevel Systems, Inc. 7106e Manual | SL9268 11/2022
On-board LED signal indicators
Driver
D1
D2
D3
D4
Loaded
Heartbeat (1 sec on/off)
M1
M0
T
Not Loaded
Heartbeat
Heartbeat
Heartbeat
Heartbeat
(a) If the driver is not loaded, all four (4) LEDs flash with the heartbeat signal and the
serial port remains in tristate mode until the driver loads.
(b) If the driver is loaded, the LEDs reflect the current port mode and termination state,
be it DIP switch or software controlled in accordance with the table above.
(c) M1 and M0 are lit if the value is ‘1’ (equivalent to DIP switch OFF.)
(d) T is lit if termination is enabled (equivalent to DIP switch ON.)
Software Installation
Do not install the Adapter in the machine until the software has been fully installed.
Only users running Windows 7 or newer should utilize these instructions for accessing and
installing the appropriate driver via Sealevel’s website. If you are utilizing an operating system
prior to Windows 7, please contact Sealevel by calling 864.843.4343 or emailing
[email protected] to receive access to the proper driver download and installation
instructions.
This section contains helpful information pertaining to the installation of supported Sealevel Systems, Inc.
software packages. First, the process of acquiring the software is discussed. Next, the installation is
detailed in a step-by-step guide for Windows and Linux operating systems.
Where to Get Sealevel Software
The current versions of Sealevel software packages can be obtained from the Sealevel website (see
following instructions). If you already have the Sealevel software, proceed to the Windows or Linux
installation section.
•Sealevel software for Windows and Linux operating systems is available at these links:
oSoftware for Windows
oSoftware for Linux
•Choose the link for the desired software package and click on the ‘Download File’ link to download
the current driver.
•Proceed to the Manual Software Installation guide for your operating system.

11
© Sealevel Systems, Inc. 7106e Manual | SL9268 11/2022
Windows Installation
Do not connect the hardware until the software has been successfully installed.
To install Sealevel software, you must log in as an administrator or have administrator privileges
in Window Guided Software Installation. .
1. Type the part number for your adapter in the text box and press the ‘Enter’ key or click on
the drop box to scroll from the listing to select your product.
If you installed your hardware prior to loading/installing the software, please click on the ‘Click
here if you installed hardware before software’ link and follow the listed instructions.
2. Click the ‘Install Drivers’ button to launch the Installation Wizard.
3. When the InstallShield Wizard’ window appears, click the ‘Next’ button to initiate the
software installation.
4. When the ‘License Agreement’ window appears, accept the terms, and click ‘Next’ to
continue. You can click the ‘Print’ button to print out a copy of the agreement for your
records. If you do not accept the terms of the agreement, the installation will stop.

12
© Sealevel Systems, Inc. 7106e Manual | SL9268 11/2022
5. When the ‘Ready to Install the Program’ window appears, click the ‘Install’ button to install
the software onto the hard drive of your computer. Some versions of Windows will halt the
installation and provide you with a dialog box which will ask you for permission for the
installer to make changes to your computer. Click on the ‘Allow’ button to continue
installation of your Sealevel software.
6. If prompted, reboot your computer for changes to take effect.
Upgrading to the current SeaCOM driver
1. Download the current driver using the Instructions from the Where to Get Sealevel Software
section above. Please take note of the destination directory for download.
2. Uninstall the currently loaded driver SeaCOM driver found in the Control Panel.
3. Launch the SeaCOM installer executable from the directory where it was downloaded.
4. When the InstallShield Wizard’ window appears, click the ‘Next’ button to initiate the
software installation.
5. When the ‘License Agreement’ window appears, accept the terms, and click ‘Next’ to
continue. You can click the ‘Print’ button to print out a copy of the agreement for your
records. If you do not accept the terms of the agreement, the installation will stop.
6. When the ‘Ready to Install the Program’ window appears, click the ‘Install’ button to install
the software onto the hard drive of your computer. Some versions of Windows will halt the
installation and provide you with a dialog box which will ask you for permission for the
installer to make changes to your computer. Click on the ‘Allow’ button to continue
installation of your Sealevel software.
7. If prompted, reboot your computer for changes to take effect.
Linux Support
The 7106e is supported natively in Linux kernels 3.7.0-rc6 and later.

13
© Sealevel Systems, Inc. 7106e Manual | SL9268 11/2022
Hardware Installation
Do not install the PCI Express board until the software has been successfully installed
Once you have installed the software, install the 7106e into an available PCI Express slot and boot the
computer. The drivers that were installed during the software installation process will automatically be
used to configure the adapter.
Once the hardware installation completes, you may need to restart the computer to finalize the
installation process. .
Verifying Installation
To confirm that the serial port has been successfully installed, look in Device Manager under ‘Ports (COM
&LPT)’ and the COM assignment will be included with the associated COM number in parentheses.
Your system will assign the next available COM number, which will vary by computer (COM8 is
shown in this example).

14
© Sealevel Systems, Inc. 7106e Manual | SL9268 11/2022
Uninstall Instructions
The SeaCOM software program adds entries to the system registry that are necessary for specifying the
operating parameters for your device. To completely remove the hardware and associated software, follow
the steps in the order they appear.
Start with the hardware installed in a PCI Express slot. Do not remove until instructed to do so. .
Remove Hardware Using Device Manager
To access Device Manager, follow the steps below:
1. Right click on ‘My Computer’ icon on your desktop or in the Start menu.
2. Click ‘Manage’ in the fly out menu to launch the ‘Computer Management’ console window.
3. In the left pane under ‘System Tools’, click ‘Device Manager’.
4. In right pane near the bottom, expand the ‘Multi-port serial adapters’ section by clicking the ‘+’
symbol.
5. Locate the ULTRA 530.LPCIe device in the listing.
6. Right click on the entry for the ‘ULTRA 530.LPCIe’ device and click ‘Uninstall’
7. Confirm that you want to uninstall the device by clicking the ‘OK’ button. This will remove the
hardware, COM ports and all registry entries from your computer. Keep the device installed.
8. The window will refresh and the entry for the device will no longer appear. Proceed with
removing the software via Windows Control Panel.
If you want to completely remove the hardware and software from your computer, power down your
computer, remove the device from the PCI Express slot, and then reboot your computer to complete the
uninstallation.

15
© Sealevel Systems, Inc. 7106e Manual | SL9268 11/2022
Technical Description
The Sealevel Systems 7106e provides a PCIe interface adapter with 1 asynchronous serial port providing a
versatile, field selectable RS-232 interface for modems, printers, and plotters, as well as RS-422/485/530
for industrial automation and control applications.
The 7106e provides a UART with a 256 byte TX and RX FIFOs, providing programmable baud rates, data
format, and interrupt control.
DB25 Male Connector Pin Assignments
Pin#
RS-232
RS-422/485/530
Pin#
RS-232
RS-422/485/530
1
N/C
N/C
14
–
TX+ (O)
2
TD (O)
TX– (O)
15
–
–
3
RD (I)
RX– (I)
16
–
RX+ (I)
4
RTS (O)
RTS– (O)
17
–
–
5
CTS (I)
CTS– (I)
18
N/C
N/C
6
DSR (I)
DSR– (I)
19
–
RTS+ (O)
7
GND
GND
20
DTR (O)
DTR– (O)
8
DCD (I)
DCD– (I)
21
–
RI– (I)
9
–
–
22
RI (I)
DSR+ (I)
10
–
DCD+ (I)
23
–
DTR+ (O)
11
–
–
24
–
–
12
–
–
25
–
RI+ (I)
13
–
CTS+ (I)
“N/C” = Not Connected (unused)
“–” = Reserved
(I) = Input
(O) = Output

16
© Sealevel Systems, Inc. 7106e Manual | SL9268 11/2022
Technical Specifications
Environmental Specifications
Specification Operating Storage
Temperature Range 0º to 70º C (32º to 122º F) -50º to 105º C (-40º to 221º F)
Humidity Range 10 to 90% R.H. Non-Condensing 10 to 90% R.H. Non-Condensing
MTBF (Telcordia SR-332 prediction method)
Mean Time Between Failure 1,500,000 hours At 25º C ambient
Manufacturing
All Sealevel Systems Printed Circuit boards are built to UL 94V0 rating and are 100% electrically tested.
These printed circuit boards are solder mask over bare copper or solder mask over tin nickel.
Power Consumption
Typical Power Draw 2.5W
Supply voltage +3.3 VDC +12 VDC
Rating 200 mA 150mA

17
© Sealevel Systems, Inc. 7106e Manual | SL9268 11/2022
Appendix A – Troubleshooting
Once you have confirmed that the serial adapter COM ports are listed in Device Manager, use the Sealevel
WinSSD utility to verify communications. Detailed help is included in the WinSSD utility.
Please set the adapters Electrical Interface for either RS-232 or RS-422.
If you have a loopback plug, put it on the adapter connector. If you do not have a loopback plug, you can
use female jumper wires to make the connection to verify the functionality.
RS-232 requires pins 2 (Receive) & 3 (Transmit) to be jumpered as shown in this graphic:
If you do not have a loopback plug or jumper wires handy, you can use a metal device such as a
knife, screwdriver, key, or paperclip to short pins two and three.
RS-422 requires pins 14 & 16 (Transmit+ and Receive+) and also pins 2 & 3 (Transmit- and Receive-) to be
jumpered as shown in this graphic:

18
© Sealevel Systems, Inc. 7106e Manual | SL9268 11/2022
To test communications, launch the WinSSD utility in the SeaCOM folder in the ‘Start’ menu.
On the ‘Port Information’ tab, select the associated COM port and click the ‘Open’ button.
This will first open the COM port. From this tab the port can also be closed (See image below). Click the
‘Settings’ button to open the COM Port Properties dialog box. This will allow the Port Settings to be altered.

19
© Sealevel Systems, Inc. 7106e Manual | SL9268 11/2022
Change your parameters to 9600 bits per second, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, and no flow control, as
pictured below.
Click ‘Apply’ and ‘OK’.

20
© Sealevel Systems, Inc. 7106e Manual | SL9268 11/2022
In the main WinSSD window, click on the ‘BERT’ tab (Bit Error Rate test).
Click on the ‘Start’ button.