General
Number of ports	8
Maximum baud rate	921,6 kbps
FIFO memory	128 Bytes
Data bits	5, 6, 7, 8
Stop bits	1, 1.5, 2

The Moxa CP-138U-T is an 8-port universal PCI serial card, specifically designed for use in demanding industrial environments. It enables serial data communication between industrial PCs, servers, POS systems, ATM installations, and other industrial devices. The card is designed for RS-422/485 interfaces, making it particularly suitable for robust industrial networks and machine communication. The CP-138U-T supports a maximum baud rate of 921.6 kbps and features a 128-byte FIFO buffer, which stabilizes data transmission even under high load. The card is compatible with 3.3 V and 5 V PCI as well as PCI-X bus architectures, enabling broad applicability across various systems.

Applications

The CP-138U-T is suitable for applications requiring serial communication via RS-422/485, such as automation networks, machine control, industrial sensor networks, or integration of peripheral devices into existing systems. The card is frequently used in system integration projects and by OEMs requiring a reliable, high-performance serial interface. The support for extreme ambient temperatures (–40 to +85 °C) in the Wide-Temp variant extends its application range to harsh environments, such as in manufacturing industries or outdoor use.

Functions and Features in Detail

The card features eight serial ports, each supporting RS-422/485. Data transmission can be configured with various settings: data bits can be set to 5, 6, 7, or 8, stop bits to 1, 1.5, or 2, and parity options include None, Even, Odd, Space, and Mark. Flow control functions include both hardware and software flow control (XON/XOFF), ensuring data integrity at variable transmission rates. Integrated LEDs for Tx/Rx diagnostics allow for quick visual inspection of communication activity.

Technology Explained Simply

The 128-byte FIFO buffer ensures that data packets are not lost during brief load spikes, as they are temporarily stored. The maximum baud rate of 921.6 kbps and a throughput of over 700 kbps ensure fast and efficient data transmission. Compatibility with PCI and PCI-X bus architectures allows installation in a wide range of industrial PCs and servers. The card is designed for operation at temperatures from 0 to 55 °C, with a variant available for use from –40 to +85 °C.

Compatibility and Accessories

The CP-138U-T supports operating systems such as Windows (95 to 10, Server and Embedded, including WEPOS), Linux (kernel 2.4 to 5.x), and various UNIX systems including QNX, SCO, UnixWare, Solaris, and FreeBSD. Management software is included in the delivery scope and enables configuration and monitoring of the card. Connections are made via a DB62 socket; for industrial applications, a variant with a DB78 socket (CP-138U-I) is available.

Mounting and Installation

The card is installed into a free PCI or PCI-X slot of an industrial PC or server. Installation is performed using the provided driver software, available for the specified operating systems. The maximum number of cards that can be installed per system is eight, enabling scalability for larger applications.

Operational Advantages

The card offers high reliability for serial data transmission, supports multiple operating systems, and enables easy diagnostics via integrated LEDs. Support for RS-422/485 makes it particularly robust against interference and suitable for long transmission distances. The high baud rate and FIFO buffer ensure efficient data processing, even under load conditions. Compatibility with various operating systems and bus architectures increases flexibility during system integration.