MOXA CP-138U-I-T PCI Interface Card Adapter with 8-Port RS-422/485, Isolation Protection and Data Transfer Rates up to 921.6 Kbps

The MOXA CP-138U-I-T PCI Interface Card Adapter is a robust 8-port RS-422/485 communication solution engineered specifically for demanding industrial environments. Designed to facilitate stable long-distance data transmission, this smart serial board integrates advanced hardware features to ensure reliable multi-point communication in PC-based systems. Equipped with the Turbo Serial Engine chip, it delivers top-tier performance for various automation and networking tasks.

Advantages

This PCI interface card provides exceptional reliability through built-in optical isolation protection and electrostatic discharge defense, helping to prevent equipment damage in electrically noisy industrial settings. The inclusion of on-chip Automatic Data Direction Control simplifies RS-485 communication by managing line driver timing automatically. Furthermore, the high data throughput and support for fast baud rates ensure efficient handling of large volumes of serial data.

Suitable for

• Industrial automation and control systems
• Long-distance multi-point data acquisition
• Legacy serial device integration
• Connecting up to 31 daisy-chained RS-485 devices per port

When it may not be suitable

This adapter is not designed for standard consumer desktop computers lacking compatible PCI slots, nor is it suitable for basic home networking applications that rely on Ethernet or USB connections.

Key specifications

• 8-port RS-422/485 serial interface
• Data transfer rates up to 921.6 Kbps
• 2 KV optical isolation protection
• 15 KV ESD protection
• 128-byte FIFO and on-chip hardware and software flow control
• Compatible with 3.3/5V PCI and PCI-X slots
• Broad operating system compatibility including Windows, Linux, FreeBSD, and QNX

How to use

To install the adapter, power down the host computer, open the chassis, and insert the card firmly into an available PCI or PCI-X slot. Secure the bracket, close the computer, and power it back on. Install the appropriate drivers for your operating system—such as Windows COM or Linux TTY drivers—provided by the manufacturer. Once installed, configure the serial ports through the management software and connect your RS-422 or RS-485 serial devices using appropriate cabling.

What to consider before purchase

• Verify that your computer system has an available compatible PCI or PCI-X slot.
• Check your operating system version against the supported driver list.
• Ensure your peripheral devices utilize RS-422 or RS-485 communication standards.

Usage recommendations

For optimal performance and equipment safety in industrial installations, always ensure proper grounding and verify that cable lengths and daisy-chain configurations adhere to recommended RS-485 operational limits.