PC-HELPER
RS-422A/485 1ch Serial I/O Board
with Isolation for PCI Express Low Profile
COM-1PDH-LPE
User’s Guide
CONTEC CO., LTD.
COM-1PDH-LPE
i
Check Your Package
Thank you for purchasing the CONTEC product.
The product consists of the items listed below.
Check, with the following list, that your package is complete. If you discover damaged or missing
items, contact your retailer.
Product Configuration List
- Board [COM-1PDH-LPE] …1
- First step guide … 1
- Disk *1 [COM Setup Disk] …1
- Transmission line connection terminal…1
- Standard size bracket …1
- Warranty Certificate…1
- Serial Number Label…1
*1 The bundled disk contains the driver software and User’s Guide (this guide)
COM-1PDH-LPE
First step guide
First step guide
Serial Number LabelWarranty Certificate
Warranty
Certificate
Standard size bracket
+ +
Transmission line
connection terminal
Disk
[COM Setup Disk]
ii
COM-1PDH-LPE
Copyright
Copyright 2017 CONTEC CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
No part of this document may be copied or reproduced in any form by any means without prior written
consent of CONTEC CO., LTD.
CONTEC CO., LTD. makes no commitment to update or keep current the information contained in this
document. The information in this document is subject to change without notice.
All relevant issues have been considered in the preparation of this document. Should you notice an
omission or any questionable item in this document, please feel free to notify CONTEC CO., LTD.
Regardless of the foregoing statement, CONTEC assumes no responsibility for any errors that may
appear in this document or for results obtained by the user as a result of using this product.
Trademarks
MS, Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Other brand and
product names are trademarks of their respective holder.
COM-1PDH-LPE
iii
Table of Contents
Check Your Package .................................................................................................................................... i
Copyright ..................................................................................................................................................... ii
Trademarks .................................................................................................................................................. ii
Table of Contents ....................................................................................................................................... iii
1. BEFORE USING THE PRODUCT 1
About the Product........................................................................................................................................ 1
Features ................................................................................................................................................. 1
Support Software.................................................................................................................................. 3
Customer Support ........................................................................................................................................ 4
Web Site................................................................................................................................................ 4
Limited Three-Year Warranty .................................................................................................................... 4
How to Obtain Service ................................................................................................................................ 4
Liability ........................................................................................................................................................ 4
Safety Precautions ....................................................................................................................................... 5
Safety Information ............................................................................................................................... 5
Handling Precautions ........................................................................................................................... 6
Environment ......................................................................................................................................... 8
Inspection.............................................................................................................................................. 8
Storage .................................................................................................................................................. 8
Disposal ................................................................................................................................................ 8
2. SETUP 9
What is Setup? ............................................................................................................................................. 9
Using the Board under Windows Using the Standard COM Driver Software COM Setup Disk . 9
Using the Board under an OS Other than Windows ......................................................................... 9
Step 1 Setting the Hardware ..................................................................................................................... 10
Replacing the Bracket ........................................................................................................................ 10
Parts of the Board and Factory Defaults .......................................................................................... 11
Setting the Board ID .......................................................................................................................... 11
Setting Transmission Mode .............................................................................................................. 12
LED Indicator ..................................................................................................................................... 12
Setting of Terminator......................................................................................................................... 13
Plugging the Board ............................................................................................................................ 15
Step 2 Installing the Hardware ................................................................................................................. 16
Turning on the PC .............................................................................................................................. 16
Windows 8, 7...................................................................................................................................... 17
The check method of the completion of hardware installation ...................................................... 19
Step 3 Initializing the Software ................................................................................................................ 20
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COM-1PDH-LPE
Step 4 Checking Operations with the Diagnosis Program..................................................................... 23
What is the Diagnosis Program? ...................................................................................................... 23
Check Method .................................................................................................................................... 23
Using the Diagnosis Program ........................................................................................................... 24
Setup Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................. 25
If your problem cannot be resolved.................................................................................................. 25
3. EXTERNAL CONNECTION 27
Connecting it directly from the on-board connector ....................................................................... 27
Types of Cable and Example Connections ............................................................................................. 28
4. FUNCTIONS 29
Communication Function ......................................................................................................................... 29
Serial Data Transmission .................................................................................................................. 29
Send and Receive Data Buffers ........................................................................................................ 29
Setting the Baud Rate ........................................................................................................................ 30
Automatic RTS Control Functions ................................................................................................... 31
Other Functions ......................................................................................................................................... 31
Bus Isolation ....................................................................................................................................... 31
Surge Protection ................................................................................................................................. 31
5. ABOUT SOFTWARE 33
About Sample programs ........................................................................................................................... 33
Uninstalling the driver software............................................................................................................... 35
How to uninstall ................................................................................................................................. 35
CD-ROM Directory Structure .................................................................................................................. 36
6. ABOUT HARDWARE 37
For detailed technical information ........................................................................................................... 37
Hardware specification ............................................................................................................................. 38
1. Before Using the Product
COM-1PDH-LPE
1
1.
Before Using the Product
This chapter provides information you should know before using the product.
About the Product
This product is a low profile sized PCI Express bus-supported board designed for extending RS-
422A/485 compatible serial communication functionality on your PC.
The product has one RS-422A/485 communication ports.
Higher noise-resistant models with isolation between a PC and bus line as well as a surge protection
circuit for communication ports. With a 128byte built-in FIFO buffer for transmission and reception of
each channel, the product supports a baud rate of up to 921,600bps.
It also comes with a Windows driver, which allows boards to be used as OS-standard COM ports.
Features
- Max. 921,600bps RS-422A/485 Serial Communication
The product has one RS-422A/485-standard serial ports.
Baud rates from 30 to 921,600bps can be set.
- Possibly used as Windows-standard COM ports, using the bundled driver library
Comes with a driver software that allows the products to be used under Windows in the same way as
COM ports on the PC. Under Windows, the product supports the OS-standard Win32 API
communication function as well as Visual Basic MSComm. In addition, supplies a diagnostic program
to confirm hardware operation and to perform a communication test with equipment.
- Isolation between PCs, surge protection for all signal lines
Between PCs are electrically isolated.
As isolation of the bus is provided, this prevents electrical noise between the PC and external circuits.
As surge protection is provided on all signal lines, you can safely use the boards in environments where
you are concerned about surges causing incorrect operation or damage to the PC.
- Max. 16 boards can be installed as configured in the range COM1 - COM256.
Up to 16 boards can be mounted on a single PC.
COM1 - COM256 can be set using the device manager.
-
LEDs for operation check within
LEDs are installed to check the operations and enable you to view communication status.
- Equipped with 2- piece terminal
The transmission line connection terminal that is linked to calbles can be connected or disconnected to
the board simultaneously. With tightened screws that prevent the terminal coming off, you can safely
use the boards without unnecessary troubles.
1. Before Using the Product
2
COM-1PDH-LPE
- Each channel is equipped with separate 128-byte FIFO buffers for transmit and receive.
Employed a buffer memory 128-byte dedicated to transmission and 128-byte for each channel.
These are FIFO format, useful for high speed communications and to reduce the load to the CPU when
transmitting/receiving. As the device manager can be used to enable/disable the use of FIFO and set
the FIFO trigger size, you can build an optimum system according to your use.
- Support for Low Profile size slot / standard size slot
Bundled with each bracket for Low Profile size slot / standard size slot. Exchanges it for the standard
size bracket when mounting on the standard size slot.
1. Before Using the Product
COM-1PDH-LPE
3
Support Software
You should use CONTEC support software according to your purpose and development environment.
Standard COM Driver Software
COM Setup Disk
(Bundled)
The purpose of this software is to allow the CONTEC serial communication boards to be used under Windows in the
same way as the standard COM ports on the PC. By installing additional boards, you can use COM ports in the range
COM1 - COM256.
The boards can be used for all types of serial communications such as for remote access service (RAS) and
uninterruptible power supply (UPS) applications.
Under Windows, the serial ports can be accessed using the standard Win32 API communication routines (CreateFile( ),
WriteFile( ), ReadFile( ), and SetCommState( ), etc.) The serial ports are also compatible with the Visual Basic
communication control (MSComm). Supports the communication class of .NET Framework 2.0 (SerialPort class).
For more details on the supported OS, applicable language and new information, please visit the CONTEC’s Web site.
1. Before Using the Product
4
COM-1PDH-LPE
Customer Support
CONTEC provides the following support services for you to use CONTEC products more efficiently
and comfortably.
Web Site
https://www.contec.com/
Latest product information
CONTEC provides up-to-date information on products.
CONTEC also provides product manuals and various technical documents in the PDF.
Free download
You can download updated driver software and differential files as well as sample programs available in
several languages.
Note! For product information
Contact your retailer if you have any technical question about a CONTEC product or need its price,
delivery time, or estimate information.
Limited Three-Year Warranty
CONTEC Interface boards are warranted by CONTEC CO., LTD. to be free from defects in material
and workmanship for up to three years from the date of purchase by the original purchaser.
Repair will be free of charge only when this device is returned freight prepaid with a copy of the
original invoice and a Return Merchandise Authorization to the distributor or the CONTEC group
office, from which it was purchased.
This warranty is not applicable for scratches or normal wear, but only for the electronic circuitry and
original boards. The warranty is not applicable if the device has been tampered with or damaged
through abuse, mistreatment, neglect, or unreasonable use, or if the original invoice is not included, in
which case repairs will be considered beyond the warranty policy.
How to Obtain Service
For replacement or repair, return the device freight prepaid, with a copy of the original invoice. Please
obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization number (RMA) from the CONTEC group office where you
purchased before returning any product.
* No product will be accepted by CONTEC group without the RMA number.
Liability
The obligation of the warrantor is solely to repair or replace the product. In no event will the
warrantor be liable for any incidental or consequential damages due to such defect or consequences that
arise from inexperienced usage, misuse, or malfunction of this device.
1. Before Using the Product
COM-1PDH-LPE
5
Safety Precautions
Understand the following definitions and precautions to use the product safely.
Safety Information
This document provides safety information using the following symbols to prevent accidents resulting
in injury or death and the destruction of equipment and resources. Understand the meanings of these
labels to operate the equipment safely.
DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury or in property damage.
DANGER
WARNING
C
A
UT
I
O
N
1. Before Using the Product
6
COM-1PDH-LPE
Handling Precautions
Do not use the product where it is exposed to flammable or corrosive gas. Doing so may result in
an explosion, fire, electric shock, or failure.
- There are switches or jumper on the board that need to be set in advance. Be sure to check these
before installing the board.
- Only set the switches and jumpers on the board to the specified settings.
Otherwise, the board may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
- Do not strike or bend the board. Doing so could damage the board.
Otherwise, the board may malfunction, overheat, cause a failure or breakage.
- Do not touch the board's metal plated terminals (edge connector) with your hands.
Otherwise, the board may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
If the terminals are touched by someone's hands, clean the terminals with industrial alcohol.
- Do not install or remove the board to or from the slot while the computer's power is turned on.
Otherwise, the board may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
Be sure that the personal computer or the I/O expansion unit power is turned off.
- Make sure that your PC or expansion unit can supply ample power to all the boards installed.
Insufficiently energized boards could malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
- The specifications of this product are subject to change without notice for enhancement and quality
improvement.
Even when using the product continuously, be sure to read the manual and understand the contents.
- Do not modify the product. CONTEC will bear no responsibility for any problems, etc., resulting
from modifying this product.
- Regardless of the foregoing statements, CONTEC is not liable for any damages whatsoever
(including damages for loss of business profits) arising out of the use or inability to use this
CONTEC product or the information contained herein.
DANGER
CAUTION
1. Before Using the Product
COM-1PDH-LPE
7
FCC PART15 Class A Notice
EN55032 Class A Notice
Warning: Operation of this equipment in a residential environment could cause radio interference.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a 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 which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
NOTE
FCC WARNING
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void
the user's authority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two 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.
1. Before Using the Product
8
COM-1PDH-LPE
Environment
Use this product in the following environment. If used in an unauthorized environment, the board may
overheat, malfunction, or cause a failure.
Operating temperature
0 - 50°C
Operating humidity
10 - 90%RH (No condensation)
Corrosive gases
None
Floating dust particles
Not to be excessive
Inspection
Inspect the product periodically as follows to use it safely.
Storage
When storing this product, keep it in its original packing form.
(1) Put the board in the storage bag.
(2) Wrap it in the packing material, then put it in the box.
(3) Store the package at room temperature at a place free from direct sunlight, moisture, shock,
vibration, magnetism, and static electricity
Disposal
When disposing of the product, follow the disposal procedures stipulated under the relevant laws and
municipal ordinances.
- The gold-plated leads of the bus
connector have no stain or corrosion
- Check that the board has no dust
or foreign matter adhering.
- Check that the bus connector of the board
and its cable have been plugged correctly.
2. Setup
COM-1PDH-LPE
9
2.
Setup
This chapter explains how to set up the board.
What is Setup?
Setup means a series of steps to take before the product can be used.
Different steps are required for software and hardware.
The setup procedure varies with the OS and applications used.
Using the Board under Windows
Using the Standard COM Driver Software COM Setup Disk
This section describes the setup procedure to be performed before you can start developing application
programs for the board using the bundled disk “Standard COM Driver Software -
COM Setup Disk”.
Taking the following steps sets up the software and hardware. You can use the diagnosis program later
to check whether the software and hardware function normally.
Step 1 Setting the Hardware
Step 2 Installing the Hardware
Step 3 Initializing the Software
On the bundled disk, refer to the \PCI\Readmee.txt file and the installation instructions files for each OS
located in the \PCI\InstDoc.
If Setup fails to be performed normally, see the “Setup Troubleshooting” section at the end of this
chapter.
Using the Board under an OS Other than Windows
For using the board under an OS other than Windows, see the following parts of this user’s guide.
This chapter Step 1 Setting the Hardware
Chapter 4 External Connection
Chapter 6 About Hardware
2. Setup
10
COM-1PDH-LPE
Step 1 Setting the Hardware
This section describes how to set the board and plug it on your PC.
The board has some switches and jumper to be preset.
Check the on-board switches and jumpers before plugging the board into an expansion slot.
The board can be set up even with the factory defaults untouched. You can change board settings later.
Replacing the Bracket
This board is shipped with a Low Profile size bracket mounted. To plug the board into a standard size
slot, replace the bracket with the bundled standard size bracket. The replacing method is as follows:
Figure 2.1. Replacing the Bracket
Standard size bracket
Low Profile size bracket
- Remove the screws and replace with the standard size bracket.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to screw or unscrew.
RxD TxD
SG RxD TxD
-
+
-
+
2. Setup
COM-1PDH-LPE
11
Parts of the Board and Factory Defaults
Figure 2.2. shows the names of major parts on the board.
Note that the switch setting shown below is the factory default.
Figure 2.2. Component Locations
Setting the Board ID
If you install two or more boards on one personal computer, assign a different ID value to each of
the boards to distinguish them.
The board IDs can be set from 0 - Fh to identify up to sixteen boards.
If only one board is used, the original factory setting (Board ID = 0) should be used.
Setting Procedure
To set the board ID, use the rotary switch on the board. Turn the SW1 using, for example, a standard
screwdriver, to set the arrow to the board ID.
Figure 2.3. Board ID Settings (SW1)
SW1
BOAR
D ID
COM-1PDH-LPE
SW1
BOARD ID
(SW1)
0
D
E
F
8
- Interface connector
(CN1)
RxD TxD
SG
RxD TxD
-
+
-
+
- Data trancefer, terminator setting SW
(SW2)
SW2
1
2
3
4
5
6
O
N
TERM MODE
- Board ID setting SW
1
2
3
4
5
6
0
7
9
A
B
C
D
E
F
8
BOARD ID
SW1
(Board ID = 0)
Factory setting:
2. Setup
12
COM-1PDH-LPE
Setting Transmission Mode
The data transfer mode setting switch is used to switch between full duplex and half duplex and to
specify whether to use RTS/CTS in full duplex mode. Set the appropriate data transfer mode for the
device with which you are communicating. Bits 3 - 5 are used to set the data transfer mode. Always
set bit 6 is to OFF.
Setting Procedure
Table 2.1. Setting Transmission Mode
LED Indicator
Table 2.2. LED Indicator
LED
Operation
Meaning
RxD(Green)
Flashing
When receiving RS-422A/485
OFF
When not receiving RS-422A/485
TxD(Green)
Flashing
When transmitting RS-422A/485
OFF
When not transmitting RS-422A/485
RTS
CTS
1
2
3
4
5
6
O
N
TERM
MODE
1
2
3
4
5
6
O
N
TERM
MODE
Harf duplex
Transmission
mode
Setting
mode
When there are no
RTS and CTS
Full duplex
TXD is only used for data
transmission; the sending
and receiving modes should
be switched over using the
modem control register.
With abobe setting, RTS
and CTS are connected in
the board.
Communication is available
without wiring of RTS
and CTS.
2. Setup
COM-1PDH-LPE
13
Setting of Terminator
The terminator setting switch controls whether or not a terminator is inserted into each signal line. Set
the terminators on or off in accordance with the devices with which you are communicating. The
terminators on the board are 100
Ω
resistors.
Setting Procedure
If you wish to use a terminator of other than 100
Ω
, set the terminator switch OFF and insert an external
terminator. The diagrams below show examples of terminator installation for half and full duplex setting.
Table 2.3. Setting of Terminator
- Half-duplex
Figure 2.4. Multi Drop Connection
SW2
[Term OFF]
1
2
3
4
5
6
O
N
TERM MODE
RxD
TxD
Not inserted
Figure 2.4. B or C
(Other than both
terminators of the line)
Setting
method
[A or D]
Terminator
(Bit 9)
Terminator
(Bit 9)
(A) (D)(C)(B)
[B or C]
SW2 SW2
SW2
1
2
3
4
5
6
O
N
TERM
MODE
1
2
3
4
5
6
O
N
TERM
MODE
1
2
3
4
5
6
O
N
TERM
MODE
RxDTxD
RxDTxD
RxDTxD
Inserted
Not inserted
Not inserted
2. Setup
14
COM-1PDH-LPE
- Full -duplex
Figure 2.5. Connecting the RTS, CTS to the remote device
The figure below shows the circuit associated with the data transfer mode setting switch and terminator
setting switch.
Figure 2.6. Setting Switch Circuits
RxD
TxD
Terminator (Bit 9)
Terminator (Bit 7)
Terminator (Bit 7) Terminator (Bit 9)
TxD
RxD
SW2 SW2
1
2
3
4
5
6
O
N
TERM
MODE
1
2
3
4
5
6
O
N
TERM MODE
RxD
TxD
RxD
TxD
Inserted Not inserted
TxD+
TxD-
RxD+
RxD-
RTS
DCD
DTR
DSR
RI
CTS
SIN
SOUT
Terminator
1/2W 100
Ω
2 1
Terminator
3
4 5 6
Data transfer mode
162850
or equivalent to it
2. Setup
COM-1PDH-LPE
15
Plugging the Board
(1) Before plugging the board, shut down the system, unplug the power code of your PC.
(2) Remove the cover from the PC so that the board can be mounted.
(3) Plug the board into an expansion slot.
(4) Attach the board bracket to the PC with a screw.
(5) Put the cover back into place.
- Do not touch the board's metal plated terminals (edge connector) with your hands.
Otherwise, the board may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
If the terminals are touched by someone's hands, clean the terminals with industrial alcohol.
- Do not install or remove the board to or from the slot while the computer's power is turned on.
Otherwise, the board may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
Doing so could cause trouble. Be sure that the personal computer or the I/O expansion unit power is
turned off.
- Make sure that your PC or expansion unit can supply ample power to all the boards installed.
Insufficiently energized boards could malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
CAU
TION
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