Diamond Systems New Low Cost 4-port Multiprotocol Opto-isolated PCIe MiniCard Serial Port Module

The DS-MPE-SER4OPT offers 4 RS-232/RS-485 opto-isolated serial ports in a PCIe MiniCard form factor. Each port offers 16C550 compatibility and ultra-deep 256-byte TX/RX FIFOs. Maximum data rates are 1Mbps in RS-232 mode and 10Mbps in RS-485 mode. The board is available preconfigured for 4 RS-232 ports, 4 RS-485 ports, or a combination of 2 RS-232 and 2 RS-485 ports. I/O signals are provided on two miniature latching connectors, with 2 ports per connector.

Each pair of serial ports on the DS-MPE-SER4OPT offers up to 500V isolation from the system ground. Optoisolation increases reliability in applications with long cable runs, where a difference in ground potential can cause significant ground loop currents, damaging non-isolated boards and equipment. Isolation on this miniature board is achieved through a combination of highly integrated isolated power + data components, careful component placement and layout, and a safety-enhancing insulation film on the bottom side, which prevents accidental contact with components on the carrier board.

Extended temperature capability of -40°C to +85°C enables the board to operate in environments with extreme temperature swings, such as vehicles or outdoor installations. In addition, the board may be custom-configured with 0-ohm resistors in place of jumper blocks for increased ruggedness in high-vibration environments.

Key Features and Functions

 4 opto-isolated high speed RS-232 or RS-485 ports

SP336 multi-mode transceivers support all modes

256-byte TX/RX FIFOs

Programmable slew rate minimizes ringing on long or un-terminated cables

+/-500V ESD protection on all ports

+3.3VDC input power

Support for Windows Embedded

Standard 7, XP, Vista and Linux 2.6.xx

Rugged design: -40oC to +85oC operating temperature

PCIe MiniCard form-factor: (2 x 1.18 in. / 50.95 x 30mm)

The DS-MPE-SER4OPT serial port PCIe MiniCard is the second member of a growing family of PCIe MiniCards from Diamond Systems, following the 4-port high speed RS-232/422/485 card introduced earlier in 2013. This new board provides safe, high speed serial connectivity in harsh environments where isolation is important.

Pricing and Availability

The DS-MPE-SER4OPT 4-port opto-isolated serial PCIe MiniCard module is shipping in September, 2013. Single unit pricing starts at US$175. Contact Diamond Systems for quantity pricing and special-order options.