SeaLevel ULTRA 485.PCI User manual

Part # 7105
Sealevel Systems, Inc
155 Technology Place
P.O. Box 830
Liberty, SC 29657 USA
Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
www.sealevel.com
ULTRA 485.PCI
USER MANUAL
TM

Contents
INTRODUCTION........................................................................ 1
OVERVIEW......................................................................................1
WHAT’S INCLUDED.........................................................................1
FACTORY DEFAULT SETTINGS ........................................................1
CARD SETUP ............................................................................ 2
RS-485 ENABLE MODES.................................................................2
CLOCK MODES ...............................................................................3
BAUD RATES AND DIVISORS FOR THE ‘DIV1’ MODE .......................4
ADDRESS AND IRQ SELECTION.......................................................5
LINE TERMINATION ........................................................................5
INSTALLATION......................................................................... 6
OPERATING SYSTEM INSTALLATION ...............................................6
For Windows Users.....................................................................6
Other Operating Systems.............................................................6
SYSTEM INSTALLATION...................................................................6
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION ...................................................... 7
CONNECTOR PIN ASSIGNMENTS......................................................7
RS-422/485/530 Pin Assignments (DB-25 Male DTE)..............7
SPECIFICATIONS...................................................................... 8
ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS .................................................8
MANUFACTURING...........................................................................8
POWER CONSUMPTION....................................................................8
MEAN TIME BETWEEN FAILURES (MTBF).....................................8
PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS...................................................................8
APPENDIX A -TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................ 9
APPENDIX B -HOW TO GET ASSISTANCE............................ 10
APPENDIX C -ELECTRICAL INTERFACE .............................. 11
RS-422.........................................................................................11
RS-485.........................................................................................11
RS-530.........................................................................................12
APPENDIX D -ASYNCHRONOUS COMMUNICATIONS............ 13
APPENDIX E -SILK-SCREEN................................................. 14

APPENDIX F -COMPLIANCE NOTICES.................................. 15
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION STATEMENT...............15
EMC DIRECTIVE STATEMENT ......................................................15
WARRANTY............................................................................ 16
Figures
Figure 1-Switch SW2, RS-422..................................................................3
Figure 2 –Switch SW2, RS-485 ‘Auto’ Enabled, with ‘No Echo’..........3
Figure 3 -Switch SW2, RS-485 ‘Auto’ Enabled, with ‘Echo’................3
Figure 4 -Switch SW1, Line Termination ...............................................5
Figure 5 -Asynchronous Communications Bit Diagram......................13
© 2001e Sealevel Systems, Incorporated. All rights reserved.

Introduction
Sealevel Systems ULTRA 485.PCI Page 1
Introduction
Overview
The Sealevel Systems ULTRA 485.PCI is a one channel PCI Bus serial I/O
adapter. It provides one field selectable RS-422/485/530 serial port supporting
asynchronous data rates up to 460.8K bps.
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 a 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, our special auto-enable feature allows the RS-485 ports to be
viewed by the operating system as a COM: port. This allows the standard COM:
driver to be utilized for RS-485 communications. Our on-board hardware
automatically handles the RS-485 driver enable.
What’s Included
The ULTRA 485.PCI is shipped with the following items. If any of these items
is missing or damaged, contact the supplier.
??ULTRA 485.PCI Serial I/O Adapter
??Sealevel Software
Factory Default Settings
The ULTRA 485.PCI factory default settings are as follows:
Port # Electrical Specification
Port 1 RS-530

Card Setup
Sealevel Systems ULTRA 485.PCI Page 2
Card Setup
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 Request To Send (RTS) is typically
used to control the state of the driver. Some communication software packages
refer to RS-485 as RTS enable or RTS block mode transfer.
One of the unique features of the ULTRA 485.PCI is the ability to be RS-485
compatible without the need for special software or drivers. This ability is
especially useful in Windows and OS/2 environments where the lower level I/O
control is abstracted from the application program. This ability means that the
user can effectively use the ULTRA 485.PCI in an RS-485 application with
existing (i.e. standard RS-232) software drivers.
Switch SW2 is used to control the RS-485 mode functions for the driver circuit.
The selections are:
‘Auto’ enable (silk-screen ‘AT’). The ‘Auto’ enable feature automatically
enables/disables the RS-485 interface via on board circuitry.
‘RTS’ enable (silk-screen ‘RT’) The ‘RTS’ mode uses the ‘RTS’ modem control
signal to enable the RS-485 interface and provides backward compatibility with
existing software products.
‘No Echo’ (silk-screen ‘NE’) is used to control the RS-485 enable/disable
functions for the receiver circuit and determine the state of the RS-422/485
driver. The RS-485 ‘Echo’ is the result of connecting the receiver inputs to the
transmitter outputs. Every time a character is transmitted; it is also received. This
can be beneficial if the software can handle echoing (i.e. using received
characters to throttle the transmitter) or it can confuse the system if the software
does not. To select the ‘No Echo’ mode select silk-screen position ‘NE’.

Card Setup
Sealevel Systems ULTRA 485.PCI Page 3
Clock Modes
The ULTRA 485.PCI employs a unique clocking option that allows the end user
to select from divide by 4 and divide by 1 clocking modes. SW2 positions 1 and
2 select the Divide by 1 (silk-screen D1) and Divide by 4 (silk-screen D4)
modes.
To select the Baud rates commonly associated with COM: ports (i.e. 2400,
4800, 9600, 19.2, … 115.2K Bps ) set switch SW2 in the divide by 4 mode (silk-
screen D4).
To select the maximum data rate up to 460.8K bps set switch SW2 in the divide
by 1 (silk-screen D1) position. Please refer to the following page for these
additional data rates.
Caution: Do not set both switches on or invalid clocking will occur.
RS-485 Mode and Clock Mode Examples (Switch SW2)
Figure 1-Switch SW2, RS-422, Divide by 4
Figure 2 –Switch SW2, RS-485 ‘Auto’ Enabled, with ‘No Echo’ Divide by 4
Figure 3 -Switch SW2, RS-485 ‘Auto’ Enabled, with ‘Echo’ Divide by 4
1 2 3 4
ON
OFF 5
D
1D 4A TR TN E
1 2 3 4
ON
OFF 5
D
1D 4A TR TN E
1 2 3 4
ON
OFF 5
D
1D 4A TR TN E

Card Setup
Sealevel Systems ULTRA 485.PCI Page 4
Baud Rates and Divisors for the ‘Div1’ mode
The following table shows some common data rates and the rates you should
choose to match them if using the adapter in the ‘Div1’ mode.
For this Data Rate Choose this Data Rate
1200 bps 300 bps
2400 bps 600 bps
4800 bps 1200 bps
9600 bps 2400 bps
19.2K bps 4800 bps
57.6 K bps 14.4K bps
115.2 K bps 28.8K bps
230.4K bps 57.6 K bps
460.8K bps 115.2 K bps
If your communications package allows the use of Baud rate divisors, choose the
appropriate divisor from the following table:
For this Data Rate Choose this Divisor
1200 bps 384
2400 bps 192
4800 bps 96
9600 bps 48
19.2K bps 24
38.4K bps 12
57.6K bps 8
115.2K bps 4
230.4K bps 2
460.8K bps 1

Card Setup
Sealevel Systems ULTRA 485.PCI Page 5
Address and IRQ selection
The ULTRA 485.PCI is automatically assigned resources by your motherboard
BIOS. Only the I/O address may be modified by the user.
Adding or removing other hardware may change the assignment of I/O addresses
and IRQs.
Line Termination
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 1K-ohm pull-up/pull-down combination that
biases the receiver inputs. Switch SW1 allows customization of this interface to
specific requirements. Each switch position corresponds to a specific portion of
the interface. If multiple ULTRA 485.PCI adapters are configured in an RS-485
network, only the boards on each end should have switches T, P & P ON. Refer
to the following table for each position’s operation:
Name Function
TAdds or removes the 120 ohm termination.
PAdds or removes the 1K ohm pull-down resistor in the
RS-422/RS-485 receiver circuit (Receive data only).
PAdds or removes the 1K ohm pull-up resistor in the RS-422/RS-
485 receiver circuit (Receive data only).
LConnects the TX+ to RX+ for RS-485 two-wire operation.
LConnects the TX-to RX-for RS-485 two-wire operation.
Figure 4 -Switch SW1, Line Termination
1 2 3 4
ON
OFF 5
P P T L L

Installation
Sealevel Systems ULTRA 485.PCI Page 6
Installation
Operating System Installation
For Windows Users
Start by choosing Install Software at the beginning of the CD. Choose
Asynchronous COM: Port Software, SeaCOM.
Other Operating Systems
Refer to the appropriate section of the Serial Utilities Software .System
Installation
System Installation
The ULTRA 485.PCI can be installed in any of the PCI expansion slots and
contains several jumper straps for each port that must be set for proper
operation.
1. Turn off PC power. Disconnect the power cord.
2. Remove the PC case cover.
3. Locate an available PCI slot and remove the blank metal slot cover.
4. Gently insert the ULTRA 485.PCI into the slot. Make sure that the adapter
is seated properly.
5. Replace the screw.
6. Replace the cover.
7. Connect the power cord.
Installation is complete.

Technical Description
Sealevel Systems ULTRA 485.PCI Page 7
Technical Description
The Sealevel Systems ULTRA 485.PCI provides an additional asynchronous
serial port, field selectable as RS-422/485/530 for industrial automation and
control applications.
The ULTRA 485.PCI utilizes the EXAR 16C850 UART. This chip features
programmable baud rates, data format, interrupt control and an industry leading
128 byte FIFOs.
Connector Pin Assignments
RS-422/485/530 Pin Assignments (DB-25 Male DTE)
Signal Name Pin # Mode
GND Ground 7
RDB RX+ Receive Positive 16 Input
RDA RX-Receive Negative 3Input
CTSB CTS+ Clear To Send Positive 13 Input
CTSA CTS-Clear To Send Negative 5Input
TDB TX+ Transmit Positive 14 Output
TDA TX-Transmit Negative 2Output
RTSB RTS+ Request To Send Positive 19 Output
RTSA RTS-Request To Send Negative 4Output
Note: These assignments meet the EIA/TIA/ANSI-530 DTE.

Specifications
Sealevel Systems ULTRA 485.PCI Page 8
Specifications
Environmental Specifications
Specification Operating Storage
Temperature
Range 0º to 50º C (32º to 122º F) -20º to 70º C (-4º to 158º F)
Humidity Range 10 to 90% R.H.
Non-Condensing 10 to 90% R.H. Non-Condensing
Manufacturing
??All Sealevel Systems Printed Circuit boards are built to U. L. 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
Supply line +5 VDC
Rating 480 mA
Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF)
Greater than 150,000 hours. (Calculated)
Physical Dimensions
Board length 4.9 inches (12.446 cm)
Board Height including Goldfingers 2.80 inches (7.112 cm)
Board Height excluding Goldfingers 2.475 inches (6.287cm)

Appendix A -Troubleshooting
Sealevel Systems ULTRA 485.PCI Page 9
Appendix A -Troubleshooting
Sealevel Software is supplied with the Sealevel Systems adapter and may be
used in the troubleshooting procedures. By using this software and following
these simple steps, most common problems can be eliminated without the need
to call Technical Support.
1. Identify all I/O adapters currently installed in your system. This includes
your on-board serial ports, controller cards, sound cards etc. The I/O
addresses used by these adapters, as well as the IRQ (if any) should be
identified.
2. Configure your Sealevel Systems adapter so that there is no conflict with
currently installed adapters. No two adapters can occupy the same I/O
address.
3. Make sure the Sealevel Systems adapter is using a unique IRQ. While the
Sealevel Systems adapter does allow the sharing of IRQs, many other
adapters (i.e. SCSI adapters & on-board serial ports) do not. The IRQ is
typically selected via an on-board header block. Refer to the section on Card
Setup for help in choosing an I/O address and IRQ.
4. Make sure the Sealevel Systems adapter is securely installed in a
motherboard slot.
5. When running DOS or Windows 3.x refer to the supplied Sealevel Software
and this User Manual to verify that the Sealevel Systems adapter is
configured correctly. This software contains a diagnostic program ‘SSD’
that will verify if an adapter is configured properly. This diagnostic program
is written with the user in mind and is easy to use.
6. For Windows95/98/ME/NT/2000, the diagnostic tool ‘WinSSD’ is installed
in the SeaCOM folder on the Start Menu during the setup process. First find
the ports using the Device Manager, then use ‘WinSSD’ to verify that the
ports are functional.
7. Always use the Sealevel Systems diagnostic software when troubleshooting
a problem. This will eliminate any software issues from the equation.

Appendix B -How To Get Assistance
Sealevel Systems ULTRA 485.PCI Page 10
Appendix B -How To Get Assistance
Please refer to Appendix A -Troubleshooting prior to calling Technical Support.
1. Read this manual thoroughly before attempting to install the
adapter in your system.
2. When calling for technical assistance, please have your user
manual and current adapter settings. If possible, please have the
adapter installed in a computer ready to run diagnostics.
3. Sealevel Systems maintains a Home page on the Internet. Our
home page address is www.sealevel.com. The latest software
updates, and newest manuals are available via our FTP site that can
be accessed from our home page.
4. Technical support is available Monday thru Friday from 8:00 a.m.
to 5:00 p.m. eastern time. Technical support can be reached at
[phone].
RETURN AUTHORIZATION MUST BE OBTAINED FROM SEALEVEL
SYSTEMS BEFORE RETURNED MERCHANDISE WILL BE
ACCEPTED. AUTHORIZATION CAN BE OBTAINED BY CALLING
SEALEVEL SYSTEMS AND REQUESTING A RETURN
MERCHANDISE AUTHORIZATION (RMA) NUMBER.

Appendix C –Electrical Interface
Sealevel Systems ULTRA 485.PCI Page 11
Appendix C -Electrical Interface
RS-422
The RS-422 specification defines the electrical characteristics of balanced
voltage digital interface circuits. RS-422 is a differential interface that defines
voltage levels and driver/receiver electrical specifications. On a differential
interface, logic levels are defined by the difference in voltage between a pair of
outputs or inputs. In contrast, a single ended interface, for example RS-232,
defines the logic levels as the difference in voltage between a single signal and a
common ground connection. Differential interfaces are typically more immune to
noise or voltage spikes that may occur on the communication lines. Differential
interfaces also have greater drive capabilities that allow for longer cable lengths.
RS-422 is rated up to 10 Megabits per second and can have cabling 4000 feet
long. RS-422 also defines driver and receiver electrical characteristics that will
allow 1 driver and up to 32 receivers on the line at once. RS-422 signal levels
range from 0 to +5 volts. RS-422 does not define a physical connector.
RS-485
RS-485 is backwardly compatible with RS-422; however, it is optimized for
partyline or multi-drop applications. The output of the RS-422/485 driver is
capable of being Active (enabled) or Tri-State (disabled). This capability allows
multiple ports to be connected in a multi-drop bus and selectively polled.
RS-485 allows cable lengths up to 4000 feet and data rates up to 10 Megabits
per second. The signal levels for RS-485 are the same as those defined by
RS-422. RS-485 has electrical characteristics that allow for 32 drivers and 32
receivers to be connected to one line. This interface is ideal for multi-drop or
network environments. RS-485 tri-state driver (not dual-state) will allow the
electrical presence of the driver to be removed from the line. Only one driver
may be active at a time and the other driver(s) must be tri-stated. RS-485 can be
cabled in two ways, two wire and four wire mode. Two wire mode does not
allow for full duplex communication, and requires that data be transferred in
only one direction at a time. For half-duplex operation, the two transmit pins
should be connected to the two receive pins (Tx+ to Rx+ and Tx-to Rx-). Four
wire mode allows full duplex data transfers. RS-485 does not define a connector
pin-out or a set of modem control signals. RS-485 does not define a physical
connector.

Appendix C –Electrical Interface
Sealevel Systems ULTRA 485.PCI Page 12
RS-530
RS-530 (a.k.a. EIA-530) compatibility means that RS-422 signal levels are met,
and the pin-out for the DB-25 connector is specified. The EIA (Electronic
Industry Association) created the RS-530 specification to detail the pin-out, and
define a full set of modem control signals that can be used for regulating flow
control and line status. The RS-530 specification defines two types of interface
circuits, Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) and Data Circuit-Terminating
Equipment (DCE). The Sealevel Systems adapter is a DTE interface.

Appendix D -Asynchronous Communications
Sealevel Systems ULTRA 485.PCI Page 13
Appendix D -Asynchronous Communications
Serial data communications implies that individual bits of a character are
transmitted consecutively to a receiver that assembles the bits back into a
character. Data rate, error checking, handshaking, and character framing
(start/stop bits) are pre-defined and must correspond at both the transmitting and
receiving ends.
Asynchronous communications is the standard means of serial data
communication for PC compatibles and PS/2 computers. The original PC was
equipped with a communication or COM: port that was designed around an 8250
Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (UART). This device allows
asynchronous serial data to be transferred through a simple and straightforward
programming interface. A start bit, followed by a pre-defined number of data bits
(5, 6, 7, or 8) defines character boundaries for asynchronous communications.
The end of the character is defined by the transmission of a pre-defined number
of stop bits (usually 1, 1.5 or 2). An extra bit used for error detection is often
appended before the stop bits.
Remain Idle or
next start bit
Odd, Even
or
Unused
STOP
P
BIT
5 to 8 Data Bits
Idle state of
line
1
0
1
1.5
2
Figure 5 -Asynchronous Communications Bit Diagram
This special bit is called the parity bit. Parity is a simple method of determining
if a data bit has been lost or corrupted during transmission. There are several
methods for implementing a parity check to guard against data corruption.
Common methods are called (E)ven Parity or (O)dd Parity. Sometimes parity is
not used to detect errors on the data stream. This is refereed to as (N)o parity.
Because each bit in asynchronous communications is sent consecutively, it is
easy to generalize asynchronous communications by stating that each character is
wrapped (framed) by pre-defined bits to mark the beginning and end of the serial
transmission of the character. The data rate and communication parameters for
asynchronous communications have to be the same at both the transmitting and
receiving ends. The communication parameters are baud rate, parity, number of
data bits per character, and stop bits (i.e. 9600, N, 8, 1).

Appendix E -Silk-Screen
Sealevel Systems ULTRA 485.PCI Page 14
Appendix E -Silk-Screen
2.8"
4.9"

Appendix F -Compliance Notices
Sealevel Systems ULTRA 485.PCI Page 15
Appendix F -Compliance Notices
Federal Communications Commission Statement
FCC -This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for
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 such case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.
EMC Directive Statement
Products bearing the CE Label fulfill the requirements of the
EMC directive (89/336/EEC) and of the low-voltage directive
(73/23/EEC) issued by the European Commission.
To obey these directives, the following European standards must be met:
EN55022 Class A -“Limits and methods of measurement of radio
interference characteristics of information technology equipment”
EN55024 -'Information technology equipment Immunity characteristics
Limits and methods of measurement'
EN60950 (IEC950) -“Safety of information technology equipment,
including electrical business equipment”
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.
Always use cabling provided with this product if possible. If no cable is
provided or if an alternate cable is required, use high quality shielded cabling to
maintain compliance with FCC/EMC directives.

Warranty
Sealevel Systems ULTRA 485.PCI Page 16
Warranty
Sealevel Systems, Inc. warrants this product to be in good working order for a
period of one year from the date of purchase. Should this product fail to be in
good working order at any time during this period, Sealevel Systems will, at its
option, replace or repair it at no additional charge except as set forth in the
following terms. This warranty does not apply to products damaged by misuse,
modifications, accident or disaster.
Sealevel Systems assumes no liability for any damages, lost profits, lost savings
or any other incidental or consequential damage resulting from the use, misuse
of, or inability to use this product. Sealevel Systems will not be liable for any
claim made by any other related party.
RETURN AUTHORIZATION MUST BE OBTAINED FROM SEALEVEL
SYSTEMS BEFORE RETURNED MERCHANDISE WILL BE
ACCEPTED. AUTHORIZATION CAN BE OBTAINED BY CALLING
SEALEVEL SYSTEMS AND REQUESTING A RETURN
MERCHANDISE AUTHORIZATION (RMA) NUMBER.
Sealevel Systems, Incorporated
155 Technology Place
P.O. Box 830
Liberty, SC 29657 USA
[phone] FAX: [phone]
www.sealevel.com
email: [email protected]
Technical Support is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time.
Monday -Friday
Trademarks
Sealevel Systems, Incorporated acknowledges that all trademarks referenced in
this manual are the service mark, trademark, or registered trademark of the
respective company.
ULTRA 485.PCI is a trademark of Sealevel Systems, Incorporated.