The Abaco Systems IP-Octal Serial IndustryPack module delivers eight asynchronous serial ports on a single compact card, purpose-built for industrial communication and control applications requiring multi-channel serial expansion. Built around the Signetics SCC2698B octal UART, this IndustryPack-compliant module supports three interface standards—EIA-232, EIA-422, and EIA-485—with model-specific configurations. Each serial channel includes programmable baud rates up to 38.4 kbps (115.2 kbaud for RS-232 and 460.8 kbaud for RS-422/TTL on higher-performance variants), variable data formatting, and independent FIFO buffering for reduced interrupt latency. The module incorporates four independent 16-bit timers, eight general-purpose TTL input lines, and optional DMA support on two channels. Housed in a standard single-wide Type I form factor or double-wide configurations depending on variant, it integrates directly into compatible carrier boards via the IndustryPack interface per ANSI/VITA-4.

Technical Specifications

• UART: Signetics SCC2698B octal UART
• Serial Ports: Eight asynchronous channels per module
• Baud Rates: 18 programmable rates; 38.4 kbps (standard models), 115.2 kbaud (RS-232), 460.8 kbaud (RS-422/TTL), up to 921.6 Kbps (IP521)
• Data Format: 5–8 bit length, odd/even/no parity, 1/1.5/2 stop bits
• FIFO Buffers: 3-character receiver (standard); dual 64-character per channel (Plus variants); 64-byte transmit/receive (IP521)
• DMA: Two channels configurable; RTS unavailable on DMA-enabled channels
• Timers: Four independent 16-bit counters
• General-Purpose Inputs: Eight lines at TTL levels
• Power: +5 VDC, ~170 mA typical (IP-Octal-232)
• Dimensions: 1.8 in. × 3.9 in. (single-wide Type I); double-wide available
• Weight: ~0.06 kg single-wide module
• Standard: ANSI/VITA-4 IndustryPack compliance

– Key Features

• Three interface options: EIA-232 (RXD/TXD/RTS/CTS plus optional modem signals), EIA-422 (balanced RXD/TXD pairs), EIA-485 (DX+/DX− balanced pairs)
• Flexible FIFO depths for low-latency and high-throughput applications
• Integrated timing resources eliminate external timing circuits
• Optional DMA for high-speed serial channels

– Typical Applications

• Industrial process control and monitoring
• Multi-channel data acquisition systems
• Serial device integration on embedded platforms
• Low-latency communication gateways

– Compatibility & Integration

The module mounts directly on any ANSI/VITA-4 IndustryPack carrier. Configuration and software support depend on host platform and driver availability.