August 2003Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Integrated Solutions
Said to be a world first, the NPort 5400 Series provides a convenient and transparent way to connect serial devices to an Ethernet, with basic configuration of all that is needed to network existing serial devices. The series protects current hardware investment, while ensuring future network expandability. The device can transparently transmit data bi-directionally between the serial and Ethernet interfaces. It is now possible to simultaneously centralise serial device management and distribute management hosts over the network.
The built-in LCM (liquid crystal module) human-machine interface displays all configuration parameters, and includes four buttons for inputting data, or for selecting the operation mode, making it easy to set up server parameters, including IP address, netmask, and gateway address. It allows monitoring of server status and data transmission, eliminating the need to prepare additional PCs during installation.
The NPort 5400 Series works like an add-on multiport serial board to the Windows host, but with one major advantage - the TCP/IP network.
With NPort's Real COM/TTY drivers, the serial ports on NPort 5400 Series products are recognised as real COM ports by the Windows operating system, or real TTY ports by Linux environments. Basic transmit/receive data functions are provided, as well as RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR and DCD (input) control signals.
Versatile operation is ensured since different modes can be used for different serial ports. NPort 5400 Series products are suitable for connecting different devices for remote data polling, event handling, or data multicasting via the TCP/IP network. For example, the NPort 5400's port 1 may be configured for driver mode, port 2 for TCP server mode, and ports 3 and 4 for TCP client mode.
Summary of features
* Easy-to-use LCM interface for setting up IP address.
* Auto-detecting 10/100 Mbps Ethernet.
* Four ports with RS232 or RS422/485 interface.
* Surge protection for all serial signals (15 kV ESD).
* Supports TCP server, TCP client, UDP and driver modes.
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