General
Serial standards	RS-232, RS-422, RS-485
Maximum baud rate	921.6 kbps
FIFO memory	128 Byte
Data bits	5, 6, 7, 8
Stop bits	1, 1.5, 2

The Moxa CP-114EL is a 4-port PCI Express serial card designed for use in industrial automation systems, POS and ATM applications. The device is based on the PCI Express 1.0 specification and provides four serial interfaces supporting RS-232, RS-422 and RS-485 standards. The card is designed for use in compact systems and features a low-profile design that fits into any PCI Express x1 slot. Power supply is via 3.3 VDC, enabling compatibility with a wide range of host computers, including small systems such as shoebox PCs.

Applications

The CP-114EL is suitable for applications requiring multiple serial devices to be connected to a computer, for example in industrial automation, point-of-sale environments or ATMs. Support for multiple serial standards enables connection to various peripheral devices such as sensors, printers, terminals or industrial controllers. The high baud rate of up to 921.6 kbps ensures fast data transfer, which is beneficial for time-critical applications.

Features and equipment in detail

Each of the four serial ports features a 128-byte FIFO buffer, which optimizes data transfer and reduces buffer overflow. The card supports hardware and software flow control (RTS/CTS, XON/XOFF), increasing communication reliability. Integrated LED indicators for transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) on each port facilitate diagnosis and maintenance. The card provides full modem control signals (TxD, RxD, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, GND) to ensure compatibility with a wide range of serial devices.

Technology explained simply

The CP-114EL uses a communication controller compatible with the 16C550C, a standard for serial interfaces. The maximum baud rate of 921.6 kbps enables fast data transfer, including support for non-standard baud rates. The card can support up to eight identical boards per PC, enabling scalability in systems with a high number of serial devices. Power consumption is 835 mA at 3.3 VDC for the standard version (CP-114EL), while the isolated variant (CP-114EL-I) consumes 1.170 mA.

Compatibility and accessories

The card comes with drivers for a wide range of operating systems, including Windows (from DOS to Windows 10, including embedded versions), various Linux kernels (2.4.x to 5.x), and UNIX systems such as QNX 6, Solaris 10, UnixWare 7 and SCO OpenServer. Driver support ensures broad applicability in different environments. The card is supplied with a connection cable that converts an M44 connector to four DB9-M connectors (for models with -DB9M designation). For models with -DB25M designation, a cable with four DB25-M connectors is included. The cables have a length of 50 cm.

Installation and mounting

Installation is done by inserting the card into a free PCI Express x1 slot of the host computer. Due to the low-profile design, no additional mounting bracket is required. Power supply is via the PCI Express slot, eliminating the need for additional power cables. Configuration is done via the provided drivers and management software, enabling easy setup and maintenance.

Operational advantages

High reliability is underscored by an MTBF of 2,347,197 hours (standard version) and 603,671 hours (isolated version). The card meets EMC requirements according to EN 55032/35 and is suitable for use in environments requiring electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Operating temperature ranges from 0 to 55 °C, storage temperature from -20 to 85 °C. Relative humidity is 5 to 95 % (non-condensing). The card is RoHS- and WEEE-compliant and meets the Telcordia (Bellcore) standard TR/SR. Warranty is five years.

Protection rating

The card is not designed for outdoor use, as no protection rating such as IP67 is specified. The operating environment is limited to indoor spaces, where environmental conditions (temperature, humidity) must remain within the specified limits.

Isolation

The isolated variant (CP-114EL-I) provides galvanic isolation of 2 kV, increasing noise immunity and improving safety when connecting to devices with different ground potentials. The standard version (CP-114EL) does not feature galvanic isolation.

Operating systems

The card supports Windows, Linux and UNIX, with specific versions such as Windows XP Embedded, Linux kernel 2.4.x to 5.x and QNX 6 mentioned. Drivers are provided for the respective systems.

LED indicators

Integrated LED indicators for transmit and receive on each port facilitate visual monitoring of communication and support fault diagnosis.

Certifications

The card meets EMC requirements according to EN 55032/35, is FCC Part 15B Class B and CISPR 32 compliant. EMS tests include ESD, RS, EFT, Surge and CS, with specified values (e.g. 4 kV contact ESD) indicated. The card is RoHS- and WEEE-compliant and meets the Telcordia standard TR/SR.

Dimensions

The standard version (CP-114EL) has dimensions of 67.21 x 103 mm, while the isolated version (CP-114EL-I) measures 67.21 x 135 mm. The card is designed for low-profile installations.

Power supply

The card is powered via the PCI Express slot at 3.3 VDC. Power consumption is 835 mA (standard) or 1.170 mA (isolated).