Eight-channel serial communication architecture employs a Signetics SCC2698B octal UART controller with integrated 3-character receive FIFOs per channel to buffer incoming data streams and extend interrupt service latency tolerance. The IP-Octal-422 delivers differential EIA-422 signaling across eight independent asynchronous ports within a single-wide Type I IndustryPack form factor.
## Technical Specifications
• Eight EIA-422 asynchronous serial ports with differential signaling (RXD+/-, TXD+/-, GND)
• Signetics SCC2698B octal UART controller with 3-character receive FIFO per channel
• Eighteen programmable baud rates from 50 bps to 38,400 bps maximum
• Configurable data format: 5-8 bit characters, programmable parity, 0-2 stop bits in 1/16 increments
• Four independent 16-bit timer/counters for precise timing operations
• Eight general-purpose digital inputs with TTL switching levels (0-5V)
• Direct Memory Access (DMA) support on channels C and D
• 32 maskable interrupt sources with vectored handling across IRQ0 and IRQ1 lines
• Single-wide Type I IndustryPack module compliant with ANSI/VITA-4 standard
• 50-conductor ribbon cable interface with optional rack-mount connection panel
## Key Features
Receive FIFO buffering prevents data loss during high-latency interrupt scenarios common in real-time industrial systems. Differential EIA-422 signaling maintains signal integrity over extended cable runs up to 1200 meters in electrically noisy environments. DMA capability on two channels reduces CPU overhead for high-throughput data logging applications. Independent timer resources enable precise protocol timing without external clock generation. Vectored interrupt architecture allows deterministic response prioritization across multiple active channels.
## Typical Applications
Industrial automation systems requiring RS-422 connectivity for distributed I/O networks and PLC communication links. Process control installations connecting remote sensor packages and actuator controllers over long-distance serial networks. Military and aerospace systems implementing MIL-STD-1553 protocol conversion and avionics bus interfaces. Manufacturing test equipment requiring multiple simultaneous instrument connections with deterministic timing. Data acquisition systems interfacing legacy serial instruments in laboratory automation environments.
## Compatibility & Integration
Mounts in any ANSI/VITA-4 compliant IndustryPack carrier board including VME, CompactPCI, and PCI-based systems. Software drivers support VxWorks, Linux, and Windows real-time operating systems with direct register access capability. Hardware integrates with existing differential line drivers and requires standard twisted-pair cabling for EIA-422 networks. Module operates from carrier-supplied +5V power with typical consumption under 2W during full eight-channel operation.
