General
Model	CP-138U-I
Number of ports	8
Serial standards	RS-422, RS-485
Maximum baud rate	921.6 kbps
Data bits	5, 6, 7, 8
Stop bits	1, 1.5, 2
MTBF	1.147.210 Stunden

The Moxa CP-138U-I is an intelligent 8-port serial card designed specifically for use in POS systems, ATMs, and industrial automation applications. As part of the CP-118U/138U series, it provides a robust and flexible interface for communication with serial devices. The card is fully compatible with Universal PCI (32-bit, 3.3 V/5 V, PCI/PCI-X) and supports only the serial standards RS-422 and RS-485, making it suitable for applications requiring high noise immunity and long transmission distances. The CP-138U-I is designed for use in systems requiring high reliability and long service life, and is deployed in industrial environments with elevated requirements for operating temperature.

Applications

The card is primarily designed for use in Point-of-Sale systems, cash dispensers, and industrial automation installations. It enables the connection of serial peripheral devices such as printers, scanners, sensors, or industrial controllers to a PC via the PCI bus. Support for RS-422 and RS-485 makes it particularly suitable for applications requiring high noise immunity and transmission over long distances, for example in factories, logistics centers, or public transportation.

Functions and Features in Detail

The CP-138U-I features eight serial ports, each equipped with a DB78 socket. Each port supports a maximum baud rate of 921.6 kbps, enabling fast and efficient data transfer. Communication is handled by a 16C550C-compatible controller (MU860) that integrates a 128-byte FIFO buffer to prevent data loss at high data rates. The card supports various data formats, including data bits from 5 to 8, stop bits of 1, 1.5, or 2, and parity types such as none, even, odd, Space, and Mark. Integrated hardware and software flow control (XON/XOFF) ensures stable communication, even under high load or variable data rates.

Technology Explained Simply

The use of RS-422 and RS-485 enables differential signal transmission, which is robust against interference and operates reliably over long distances. In contrast to RS-232, which is only suitable for short connections, RS-422 and RS-485 are designed for industrial applications requiring high noise immunity and long cable runs. The DB78 socket provides a secure mechanical connection and is designed for use in harsh environments. Integrated Tx/Rx LEDs per port facilitate diagnostics and maintenance by visually indicating data traffic. The included management software supports configuration and monitoring of the interfaces.

Compatibility and Accessories

The card is designed for operation under various operating systems, including Windows (95 to 10, including server and embedded versions such as WEPOS), Linux (kernel 2.4 to 5.x), and various UNIX systems such as QNX 6, SCO OpenServer, UnixWare 7, Solaris 10, and FreeBSD. Support for multiple operating systems increases the flexibility and longevity of the solution. The card can be installed up to eight times in a single PC, enabling high scalability. The CP-138U-I is part of a product series that also includes the CP-118U-I model, which additionally supports RS-232.

Installation and Mounting

Installation is performed via the PCI bus of a computer. The card is inserted into a free PCI slot and connected to the system. The DB78 socket enables connection to serial devices. Configuration is done using the included management software, which allows setting of baud rate, data format, parity, and flow control. The card requires no additional drivers or hardware components for operation.

Operational Advantages

The CP-138U-I offers high reliability with an MTBF of 1,147,210 hours (according to Telcordia SR332). Integrated LEDs and the management software simplify maintenance and fault diagnosis. Support for RS-422 and RS-485, along with the high baud rate, ensures stable and fast communication. The card is designed for use in harsh environments, with the CP-138U-I model offering an extended operating temperature range of -40 to +85 °C, making it suitable for industrial applications in extreme conditions. The 5-year warranty underscores the product’s quality and durability.

The card is certified to RoHS, CRoHS, and WEEE. EMC and EMS certifications (EN 55032/35, CISPR 32, FCC Part 15B Class B, IEC 61000-4-2, IEC 61000-4-3) ensure electromagnetic compatibility and immunity. An international KC certification is also available.