The Abaco Systems IP-Octal-232 is a single-wide IndustryPack module providing eight asynchronous RS-232 serial communication ports in a compact 1.8 × 3.9 inch footprint. Built around the Signetics SCC2698B octal UART, the module delivers high serial port density with full handshaking support (RXD, TXD, RTS, CTS) on each channel, plus eight TTL-level general-purpose input lines. Each receiver incorporates a 3-character FIFO buffer to tolerate extended interrupt latencies without data loss.

Technical Specifications

• Serial Ports: 8 × EIA-232 asynchronous channels
• UART: Signetics SCC2698B octal controller
• Receiver FIFO: 3 characters per channel
• Baud Rates: 18 programmable steps, up to 38.4 kbps
• Data Bits, Parity, Stop Bits: Fully programmable per channel
• Timers: 4 × independent 16-bit timers
• Interrupts: 32 maskable, vectored sources; channels a–d on IRQ0, channels e–h on IRQ1
• DMA Support: 2 channels (RTS unavailable when enabled)
• Power: +5 VDC @ 170 mA (typical), +12 VDC @ 22 mA, −12 VDC @ 9 mA
• Connector: 50-conductor ribbon cable; optional panel with 16 DB-9 connectors available

– Key Features

• Compact single-wide form factor complying with ANSI/VITA-4
• Dual interrupt request lines distribute channel load across IRQ0 and IRQ1
• Two channels support DMA operation for reduced CPU overhead
• User-selectable shunts configure IndustryPack Strobe pin as clock input or output
• Three-character RX FIFO per channel reduces interrupt servicing demands

– Typical Applications

Industrial automation, data acquisition systems, legacy serial device integration, and embedded systems requiring multiple asynchronous communication ports within space-constrained environments.

– Compatibility & Integration

Complies with ANSI/VITA-4 IndustryPack standard. VxWorks and Windows NT/2000 drivers available. Interfaces via standard 50-conductor ribbon cable with optional DB-9 connection panel for field deployment.