The Abaco Systems PMC422FP is an eight-port serial controller on a PCI Mezzanine Card (PMC) that extends embedded systems with multiple serial communication channels. Designed for VMEbus, CompactPCI, and single-board computer platforms, it consolidates RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 serial I/O into a single module with flexible signaling options configured via on-board DIP switches.
Technical Specifications
• Form Factor: Standard PMC module
• Serial Channels: 8 ports
• UART Architecture: Octal UART with 16C550-compatible register set
• Receive/Transmit Buffer: 64 bytes per channel (RX and TX)
• PCI Interface: PCI 2.2 compliant, 32-bit data transfers, 33 MHz clock
• Data Transfer Modes: Read/write burst operation; byte, word, and double-word transfers
• Baud Rate Range: 100 bits/sec to 921.6 kbits/sec (up to 6.2 Mb/s with alternative crystal)
• Supported Protocols: RS-232, RS-422, RS-485 (full duplex and half duplex with selectable termination)
• General Purpose I/O: 8-bit switch input; 16-bit timer/counter with 8 general inputs
– Key Features
• Multi-protocol support with DIP switch configuration eliminates firmware complexity
• Front panel connectivity options: four ports via RJ-45 connectors or all eight ports via 68-pin SCSI cable
• Rear panel access available with optional PIM422 I/O module on J4
• 64-byte FIFO per channel reduces CPU interrupt overhead
• Full-duplex and half-duplex RS-485 with termination control
– Typical Applications
• Industrial embedded systems requiring multiple serial instruments
• Rugged field deployment in VMEbus or CompactPCI chassis
• Legacy device integration in modernized SBC architectures
• Real-time monitoring and telemetry collection
– Compatibility & Integration
Works with any host processor featuring a PMC slot. Direct compatibility with VMEbus and CompactPCI backplanes. PCI 2.2 compliant for standard 32-bit, 33 MHz operation.
