Serial Communications Computer Boards Specifications

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General Specifications

	Serial Protocol
	Your choices are...
	RS232		RS232 is a popular serial communications standard which provides asynchronous communication capabilities with hardware flow control, software flow control, and parity check. Most gears and instruments with a digital-control interface use RS232. The typical transmission speed for RS232 is 9600 bps at 15 m.
	RS422		RS422 uses a differential transmission technology and provides high-speed transmissions up to 10 Mbps, and maximum transmission distances up to 1.2 km at 110 kbps. RS422 supports much longer transmission distances than RS232, but with less signal line. Unlike RS423, a serial interface which supports only point-to-point connections, RS422 supports multipoint connections.
	RS485		RS485 is similar to RS232, but uses three-way instead of two-way transmissions. Often, RS485 is used in applications where a single controller needs to control multiple devices (as many as 64). RS485 is an enhanced, backwards-compatible version of RS422 and provides a two-wire bus topology. Although this two-wire bus can be used to establish an inexpensive network, RS485 only defines electronic signal specifications. Users must define the software protocol for two-wire communications by themselves.
	RS232/422/485		The device has selectable ports.
	Other		Other unlisted serial protocols such as I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit), SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), Microwire, 1-Wire, etc.
	Search Logic:		All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches.
	Network / Bus		An agreed-upon format for transmitting data between two devices.
	Your choices are...
	ARCNET		Attached resource computer network (ARCNET) is an embedded, high-speed, token-based network technology that provides local area network (LAN) communications between computers. ARCNET relies on a bus or star topology and can support up to 255 nodes. Different versions run at speeds of 1.5 Mbps, 20 Mbps (ARCNET Plus), and 100 Mbps.
	BACnet		Building automation and control networks (BACnet) is a data communication protocol especially designed for building automation and control. BACnet is developed, supported, and maintained by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
	Bluetooth®		Bluetooth® provides wireless connectivity for short-range radio communication applications. Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
	CANbus		Controller area network bus (CANbus) is a high-speed serial data network designed for harsh electrical environments and real-time control applications. It operates at data rates up to 1 Mbps and provides excellent error detection and confinement capabilities.
	CompactPCI (cPCI)		Compact PCI (cPCI) is a high-performance industrial bus that uses the electrical standards of the PCI bus and is packaged in a Eurocard. Specifications for the CompactPCI bus are developed and maintained by the PCI Industrial Computers Manufacturers Group (PICMG). cPCI buses are used extensively in systems that require high speed data transfers. Examples include data communication routers and switches, real-time machine control, real-time data acquisition, military systems, etc.
	ControlNet		Control network (ControlNet) allows multiple controllers to control I/O on the same link. It is well-suited for peer-to-peer systems and offers deterministic, repeatable performance for both discrete and process applications.
	DeviceNet		DeviceNet uses controller area network (CAN) network protocol to connect industrial devices such as limit switches, photoelectric cells, valve manifolds, motor starters, drives, and operator displays to programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and personal computers (PCs).
	DNP3		Distributed network protocol 3 (DNP3) is a suite of data communication protocols used in process-control and automation systems.
	10Base-2		10-Base 2 uses 50-ohm coaxial cable (RG-58 A/U) with a maximum length of 185 m. This adaptation of the IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet) standard is also called thinnet. 10-Base 2 cables connect with BNC connectors and are thinner and more flexible than the coaxial cables used with 10Base-5. 10-Base 2 networks operate at 10 Mbps and use baseband-type transmission
	10Base-T		10Base-T uses twisted-pair cables with a maximum length of 100 m. This adaptation of the IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet) standard is also called twisted-pair or twisted-pair Ethernet. 10Base-T cables connect with RJ-45 connectors and are thinner and more flexible than the coaxial cables used with 10Base-2 and 10Base-5. 10Base-T networks operate at 10 Mbps and use baseband-type transmission.
	100Base-T		100Base-T or Fast Ethernet is the 100-Mbps Ethernet specification. Although 100Base-T uses the medium access control (MAC) protocol, different options are used with different transmission media. For example, 100Base-X alternatives use two physical links between nodes. One link is for transmission. The other link is for reception.
	10/100Base-T		Fiber distributed data interface (FDDI) is a reliable, high-speed backbone for mission-critical and high-traffic networks. FDDI can transport data at a rate of 100 Mbps, and can support up to 500 stations on a single network. FDDI was designed to run through fiber cables, transmitting light pulses to convey information between stations, but can also run on copper using electrical signals.
	Gigabit Ethernet		Gigabit Ethernet is the high-speed Ethernet standard approved by the IEEE 802.3z Gigabit Task Force in 1996.
	Fibre Channel		Fibre channel is a high-speed, serial data transfer architecture that uses links of twisted-pair, coaxial, or fiber optic cable. Small computer system interface (SCSI) devices can use fibre channel arbitrated loop (FC-AL), the most popular fiber channel typology. Using optical fiber, FC-AL supports full-duplex data transfer rates of 100 Mbps. Eventually, FC-AL is expected to replace SCSI in high-performance storage systems.
	Fieldbus		Fieldbus is a bi-directional communications protocol used for communications among field instrumentation and control systems.
	GPIB		The general-purpose interface bus (GPIB) is designed to connect computers, peripherals and laboratory instruments so that data and control information can pass between them. It was originally developed by Hewlett Packard (HP) and called the HPIB bus. GPIB is also known as the IEEE 488 bus, and is electrically equivalent to the IEC 625 bus.
	IEEE 1394 (Firewire®)		IEEE 1394 or FireWire® (Apple Computer) is an interface standard adopted by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) for very fast digital data transfers such as streaming video. IEEE 1394 connections are used to transmit and receive data among FireWire devices, and are designed to replace external high-speed peripheral connections to personal computers (PCs), including hard disks, CD-ROMs, DVDs, graphics cards, high-speed scanners, direct video, monitors, etc.
	Modbus®		Modbus® is a family of simple, vendor-neutral, serial communication protocols that are designed for the supervision and control of automation equipment. Modbus is both a registered trademark and fully-owned product of Schneider Automation.
	PC/104 (PC/104-Plus, EBX, ETX)		PC/104 derives its name from the acronym for personal computers (PC) and the number of pins used to connect cards (104). PC/104 cards are much smaller than ISA bus cards and stack together, eliminating the need for a motherboard, backplane, and/or card cage. PC/104-Plus combines the PCI bus with the PCI/104 form factor for faster data transfers. Embedded board expandable (EBX) is a small (5.75” x 8”) form factor for single-board computers that supports PC/104 expansion.   Embedded technology extended (ETX) is a form factor for developing embedded systems that eliminates cables and connectors. The ETX-PC has a small footprint, 114mm x 95mm, and a maximum thickness of 12mm.
	PCI		Peripheral component interconnect (PCI) is a local bus system designed for high-end computer systems. PCI buses transfer 32 or 64 bits of data at a clock speed of 33 MHz. They also support 3 to 5 critical peripherals, which are either integrated directly onto the motherboard or added via expansion cards. PCI buses fully support cards that were developed for standard I/O buses.
	PCMCIA (PC Card)		PCMCIA devices or PC cards are credit card-sized peripherals used mainly in laptop and notebook computers. They plug into a 68-pin host socket that is connected either to the motherboard or an expansion bus. An adapter takes the place of a COM port and translates the PCMCIA signals into a format that is usable by the computer’s bus. PC cards adhere to standards developed by the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA). Originally, these standards were designed for adding memory to portable computers; however, standards now apply to many types of devices. There are three types of PC cards: Type I, Type II, and Type III. All types have the same width (54 mm) and length (85.6 mm), but vary in thickness.
	PROFIBUS®		The process fieldbus (PROFIBUS®) is a popular, open communication standard used in factory automation, process automation, motion control, and safety applications. PROFIBUS is standardized in IEC 71158 and IEC 61784 and is suitable for both fast, time-critical applications and complex communication tasks. PROFIBUS is a registered trademark of PROFIBUS International.
	PXI		PCI extensions for instrumentation (PXI) is a superset of CompactPCI that adds timing and triggering functions, imposes requirements for documenting environmental tests, and establishes a standard Windows®-based software framework. Windows is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation.
	SCSI		Small computer systems interface (SCSI) is an intelligent I/O parallel peripheral bus with a standard, device-independent protocol that allows many peripheral devices to be connected to the SCSI port. A single SCSI bus can drive up to eight devices or units: the host adapter or controller, and seven other devices. Each device is assigned a different SCSI ID, ranging from 0 to 7.  SCSI formats include SCSI-1, SCSI-2, SCSI-3, Wide SCSI, Fast SCSI, Wide Fast SCSI, Ultra SCSI, Ultra2 SCSI, Ultra3 SCI (Ultra160), Ultra 320 SCSI, and Ultra640 SCSI.
	USB		Universal serial bus (USB) is a 4-wire, 12-Mbps serial bus for low-to-medium speed peripheral device connections to personal computers (PC), including keyboards, mice, modems, printers, joysticks, audio functions, monitor controls, etc. The USB design is standardized by the USB Implementers Forum (USBIF), an organization that includes leading companies from the computer and electronics industries. The current USB specification is USB 2.0, which supports data transfer rates of up to 480 Mbps.
	VME / VXI		VersaModule Eurocard bus (VMEbus) is a popular, 32-bit bus used in industrial, commercial and military applications. The VMEbus is based on the VME standard, which defines mechanical specifications such as board dimensions, connector specifications and enclosure characteristics, as well as the electronic specifications for sub-bus structures, signal functions, timing, signal voltage levels, and master/slave configurations.  The VMEbus uses 3U and 6U Eurocards, rugged circuit boards that provide a 96-pin plug instead of an edge connector for durability. Several VMEbus varieties are available.  VME extensions for instrumentation (VXI) are an electrical and mechanical standard used mainly with automatic test equipment (ATE). VXI allows equipment from different vendors to work together in a common control and packaging environment.
	Wi-Fi / WiMAX / Wi-Mesh		WiFi is based on the IEEE 802.11 standard. WiMAX is based on the IEE 802.16 standard. WiFi is an abbreviation for wireless fidelity. WiMAX is an abbreviation for worldwide interoperability for microwave access. The IEEE 802.16 or WiMAX standard is also known as WirelessMAN®, a registered trademark of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Wi-Mesh is designed to extend the reach of WiFi networks over long distances by allowing multiple access points to carry each others' traffic. Unlike Wi-Fi hotspots, which need a direct connection to the Internet, mesh networks pass the data request until a network connection is found.
	ZigBee		ZigBee (802.15.4) is a cost-effective, standards-based, wireless networking solution that provides low data-rates, low-power consumption, security, and reliability.
	Other		Other unlisted network / bus protocol.
	Search Logic:		All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches.

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Performance

	Data Rate		The rate (in bits/sec) at which serial data is transferred.
	Search Logic:		All matching products will have a value greater than or equal to the specified value.
	Number of Ports		The number of available serial ports.
	Search Logic:		User may specify either, both, or neither of the "At Least" and "No More Than" values. Products returned as matches will meet all specified criteria.
	Connector
	Your choices are...
	DB9		D-Subminiature connectors are shaped like the letter "D" and referred to by their number of pins or sockets. Examples include DB-9 and DB-25 connectors. Except for the color of their shell, D-Subminiature connectors vary little between manufacturers.
	DB25		D-Subminiature connectors are shaped like the letter "D" and referred to by their number of pins or sockets. Examples include DB-9 and DB-25 connectors. Except for the color of their shell, D-Subminiature connectors vary little between manufacturers.
	RJ-11		RJ-11 connectors are used for telephone connections and network connections.
	RJ-45		RJ-45 connectors resemble standard telephone connectors, but are twice as wide with eight wires. RJ-45 connectors are used for connecting computers to local area networks (LANs), and for telephones with many lines.
	BNC		Bayonet Neil-Concelman (BNC) connectors were designed for military applications, but are used widely in video and RF applications to 2 GHz. BNC connectors have a slotted outer conductor and a plastic dielectric that causes increasing losses at higher frequencies. BNC connectors are usable above 4 GHz as long as the slots radiate signals; however, these devices may not be mechanically stable to 10 GHz. Both 50-ohm and 75-ohm BNC connectors are available. BNC connectors are also known as bayonet navy connectors or baby Neil connectors.
	Wireless Link		The device uses a wireless link to communicate with the network.
	Other		Other unlisted port type.
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Features

	Features
	Your choices are...
	Direct Memory Access (DMA)?		DMA allows computer peripherals to communicate directly with the computer's RAM memory, bypassing the processor. With DMA, peripherals work faster and use less processor power. In modern computers, DMA access is negotiated by the computer's BIOS during startup, or by the operating system.
	Military Standard?		The controller / card conforms to a military standard.
	Plug and Play?		A plug and play device will attempt to auto-configure itself during the boot up sequence.
	ESD Protection		The device has built-in capabilities to protect against electrostatic discharges (ESD).
	Built-In Monitor		The device has a monitor as part of the system.
	Mouse Port		The device has a port that can be used to connect a computer mouse.
	Keyboard Port		The device has a port that can be used to connect a computer keyboard.
	Indicators		The device has light, or other types of indicators to signal features such as power-on, transmission, collisions, etc.
	Search Logic:		All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches.
	Agency Approvals
	Your choices are...
	FCC		Under Rules and Regulations, Title 47, Part 15 Subpart B, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates all commercial electronic devices (unintentional radio-frequency radiators) destined for sale in the United States that have clocks / oscillators that operate at a frequency greater than 9 kHz and that use digital techniques. This includes most products that employ microprocessors, as well as RF devices.
	CE Conformity Marks		CE Marking indicates that a product complies with the essential requirements of relevant European Union (EU) directives that uphold national standards for health, safety and environmental protection. CE Marking is required in the countries of the European Economic Area (EEA), an organization that consists of the twenty five member states of the EU and the three members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). CE Marking refers to the safety of a product. It is not a quality standard.
	CSA Mark (US, C and US, NRTL/C)		Products that bear a CSA Mark have been tested by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and meet applicable standards for safety and/or performance. These standards are written and administered by organizations such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and CSA International. CSA Marks may appear alone or with indicators. CSA Marks that appear alone are used with products certified primarily for the Canadian market, to the applicable Canadian standards. CSA Marks that appear with the indicators “C” and “US” or “NRTL/C” are used with products certified for both the U.S. and Canadian markets, to the applicable U.S. and Canadian standards.
	C-UL US Listing Mark		The C-UL US Listing Mark from Underwriters Laboratories (UL) indicates compliance with both Canadian and U.S. requirements. UL encourages manufacturers with products certified for both countries to use this optional mark; however, they may also use separate UL Marks for the United States and Canada.
	RoHS		Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) is a European Union (EU) directive that requires all manufacturers of electronic and electrical equipment sold in Europe to demonstrate that their products contain only minimal levels of the following hazardous substances: lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyl, and polybrominated diphenyl ether. RoHS will become effective on July 1, 2006.
	TÜV Rheinland (US, C, US & C)		TÜV Rheinland/Berlin-Brandenburg provides third-party product testing, system assessment, and certification services. TÜV Rheinland of North America is a member of the TÜV Rheinland Group and accredited by national organizations such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Standards Council of Canada (SCC). Products that bear the TUVus Mark are certified for the U.S. market. Products that bear the cTUV Mark are certified for both the U.S. and Canadian markets.
	UL Listing Mark		The UL Listing Mark indicates that Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) has determined that representative samples of the product meet UL's safety requirements. These requirements are primarily based on UL's own published Standards for Safety. The UL Listing Mark is seen commonly on appliances and computer equipment, furnaces and heaters, fuses, electrical panelboard, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems, personal flotation devices like life jackets and life preservers, bullet resistant glass, and thousands of other products.
	WEEE		Waste Electrical and Electronics Equipment (WEEE) is a European Union (EU) directive designed to encourage the reuse, recycling and recovery of electrical and electronic equipment. WEEE is also designed to improve the environmental impact and performance of this equipment. The WEEE directive establishes requirements and criteria for the collection, treatment, recycling and recovery of electrical and electronic equipment. It also makes producers responsible for financing these activities. Retailers and distributors must provide a way for consumers to return used or obsolete equipment without charge.
	Other		Other unlisted certification, approval or quality markings.
	Search Logic:		All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches.

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Environment

	Operating Temperature		This is the full-required range of ambient operating temperature.
	Search Logic:		User may specify either, both, or neither of the limits in a "From - To" range; when both are specified, matching products will cover entire range. Products returned as matches will meet all specified criteria.
	Operating Humidity		This is the full-required range of ambient operating humidity.
	Search Logic:		User may specify either, both, or neither of the limits in a "From - To" range; when both are specified, matching products will cover entire range. Products returned as matches will meet all specified criteria.

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