General
EFT protection	2 kV

The Moxa OPT8S+ is an 8-port RS-232 interface box designed for connecting serial devices to an interface card in industrial applications. The device enables the connection of multiple serial end devices to a central interface card, with serial communication taking place via RS-232 interfaces. The OPT8S+ features a board-side interface of type VHDCI 68 (male), which connects directly to the corresponding interface card. On the device side, eight RS-232 connections are provided in the form of DB25 sockets (female), used for connecting to external devices. The interface box is specifically designed for use in industrial environments, with variants of the OPT8S series offering enhanced ESD and EFT protection to counteract disturbances caused by electrostatic discharges and electrical field transients.

Applications

The interface box is suitable for applications where multiple serial devices such as sensors, controls, printers, or other industrial communication end devices need to be connected to a central system. It is commonly used in automation systems, machine controls, or in process industries where stable and reliable serial data transmission is required. The robust construction and integrated protection against electromagnetic interference make the device particularly suitable for environments where high levels of interference are present.

Functions and Features in Detail

Each of the eight serial ports features an LED indicator for TxD (Transmit Data) and RxD (Receive Data), enabling visual monitoring of data transmission. This simplifies the diagnosis of communication issues, as active data transmission is immediately visible. The device supports baud rates from 50 bps to 921.6 kbps, allowing flexible adaptation to different transmission speeds. The serial interface is designed for operation in industrial environments, with the OPT8S+ offering special protection against electrostatic discharges (ESD) and electrical field transients (EFT). The specified values are 25 kV for ESD and 2 kV for EFT, ensuring high immunity to interference.

Technology Explained Simply

The OPT8S+ functions as a physical interface between a serial interface card in a computer or control device and multiple external serial devices. The board-side VHDCI 68 socket enables direct connection to the interface card, while the DB25 sockets on the device side allow connection to end devices. The integrated LED indicators signal data flow per port, enabling visual monitoring of communication. Support for baud rates up to 921.6 kbps enables fast data transmission, sufficient for time-critical applications. The ESD and EFT protection safeguards the device and connected devices from damage caused by electrical disturbances, which are common in industrial environments.

Compatibility and Accessories

The interface box includes a connection cable in the delivery scope with a length of 1.5 m. The cable connects the VHDCI 68 socket on the board side to a DB62 socket (male), which connects to the interface card. The OPT8S+ is compatible with interface cards that support a VHDCI 68 connection. The DB25 sockets on the device side enable connection to standard RS-232 devices equipped with DB25 plugs. The interface box does not include additional accessories such as adapters, cables for other connection types, or documentation, except for the connection cable already mentioned.

Installation and Mounting

Installation is performed by connecting the supplied cable between the VHDCI 68 socket of the interface box and the corresponding interface card in the host system. The DB25 sockets on the device side are connected directly to the serial devices. The interface box can be mounted in an enclosure or near the devices to be connected, taking into account the dimensions of 247 mm (length) × 108 mm (width) × 35 mm (height). Mounting requires no special tools, as connections are made via standard plug connections.

Operational Advantages

The OPT8S+ provides a reliable and stable serial interface for industrial use. The integrated LED indicators enable easy monitoring of data communication, while ESD and EFT protection safeguards the devices from interference. Support for high baud rates ensures fast data transmission, and the flexible connection option via DB25 sockets makes the device universally applicable. The included connection cable interface simplifies installation and reduces the need for additional cables or adapters.

The warranty period is 1 year, with further information available at the specified website.