ASE BCOM8-56K I/O Boards
The BCOM8-56K is the latest addition to the ASE family of serial I/O boards. Developed to meet the need for increased communication rates in a multi-channel environment, the BCOM8-56K provides a high level of performance at a low utilization level. The BCOM8-56K utilizes its on-board ELAN ™ processor to relieve the host CPU of the burden of low-level "bit-banging" and interrupt processing. For message oriented processing such as the poll-response exchanges common with most SCADA protocols, the BCOM8-56K will only generate a few interrupts to the host CPU in the process of transmitting a poll request, receiving the data response, and storing the data in the requesting program input buffer. This is a significant benefit in reducing CPU utilization in an environment with multiple high-speed communication lines.
For viewing crucial RS-232 signals, an optional 16-channel Communication status panel is available. The panel provides six indications for RS-232 signal status and one programmable indication.
The following sections describe additional features of the BCOM8-56K I/O board.
Communications
- Contains eight independently configurable RS-232 channels
- Operates at speeds up to 56KB
- Supports both bit and byte protocols
- Includes signals for synchronous modem support
Watchdog Timer
The watchdog timer consists of a re-triggerable timer circuit and contact closure. When the Watchdog Timer is enabled (optional), the application program must periodically reset the timer to prevent a time-out condition. If a time-out condition occurs, a contact closure occurs which can be used to activate the computer reset line (re-boot) or to activate other equipment such as an audible alarm. Reset period can be programmed from 1 msec to 65 seconds.
Physical Characterics
The physical dimension of the BCOM8-56K is 11" (28 cm) long and 4" (10 cm) high.
The LED status panel is 5 3/4"(14.6cm) wide by 1 5/8"(4.12cm) high. This is a standard ½ height PC chassis mounting.
Mounting and Cabling
The BCOM8-56K mounts in any standard PCI-bus slot with sufficient clearance for the board length. Two cable connections are provided:
- DB78 female connector on the back of the card for connecting the 8-channel "octopus" cable. This cable is a 6 ft. cable with a DB78 male connector on one end that fans out to 8 separate DB25 cables, one per channel.
- RJ45 connector for cabling the BCOM8-56K I/O board to the LED Communication Status panel.
Communication Status Panel (Option)
The Communication status panel displays Request-to-send (RTS), Clear-to-send (CTS), Transmit data (TXD), receive data (RXD), Data carrier detect (DCD), Receive Clock for synchronous communication (RCL), and a program controlled Error indicator (ERR). Real-time status of the RS-232 signals is displayed for each individual channel.
ASE PC 104 I/O Boards
The ASE PC104 cards are multi-function I/O boards supporting bit and byte, asynchronous and synchronous, serial (RS232 and RS485) communications. Besides being one of the few multi-channel PC104 I/O cards that include support for bit oriented protocols, ASE has added several features which help provide a complete solution to many communication system requirements. For software, Windows NT or Windows drivers are provided at no additional charge.
I/O Channel Configuration
Each channel is treated as a separate COM port and is independently configurable for baud rate, asynchronous or synchronous operation, and for RS232 or RS485 operation.
Watchdog Timer
The watchdog timer consists of a re-triggerable timer circuit and contact closure. When the Watchdog Timer is enabled (optional), the application program must periodically reset the timer to prevent a time-out condition. If a time-out condition occurs, a contact closure occurs which can be used to activate the computer reset line (re-boot) or to activate other equipment such as an audible alarm. Reset period can be programmed from 1 msec to 65 seconds.
System Software Support
Windows I/O drivers are supplied as part of the PC104 card package and provide support for most standard COM functions plus support for bit oriented protocols. In addition, the drivers provide access to the watchdog timer. |
