The PMC-Octal Pro-422 is a PCI Mezzanine Card (PMC) that adds eight asynchronous EIA-422 serial communication channels to host systems. Built around two Quad UARTs, this module delivers high channel density in compact form factors, making it suitable for data communications and industrial control applications requiring multiple serial ports. Each channel supports data rates up to 460.8 kbps with 128-byte transmit and receive FIFOs, programmable baud rates from 50 bps to 460.8 kbps, and full control signal support. The on-board baud rate generator uses a standard 7.3728 MHz oscillator with an empty oscillator site available for custom frequency requirements.

Technical Specifications

• Channels: 8 asynchronous EIA-422 serial ports
• UART Architecture: Two Quad UART devices
• Maximum Data Rate: 460.8 kbps per channel
• FIFO Buffers: 128-byte transmit, 128-byte receive per channel
• Baud Rate Range: 50 bps to 460.8 kbps (software configurable)
• Reference Oscillator: 7.3728 MHz (standard); custom oscillator site available
• Signal Configuration: Four differential pairs per channel (TxD+/-, RxD+/-, CTS+/-, RTS+-)
• Interrupt Levels: Four programmable FIFO trigger levels (transmit/receive)
• Protocol Support: Programmable bit length, parity, stop bits for all asynchronous protocols
• Termination: Socketed resistor networks for EIA-422 termination customization
• Form Factor: IEEE P1386.1 PMC standard

– Key Features

• Dual 68-pin front connector and P4 back panel I/O routing for flexible signal access
• Socketed termination networks enable EIA-422 impedance matching without redesign
• Configurable interrupt trigger levels optimize latency and throughput per application
• Optional breakout cable and 68-pin terminal block for prototype and development environments

– Typical Applications

• Multi-channel data acquisition and logging systems
• Industrial control systems with distributed serial sensors
• Real-time data communications networks
• Legacy serial protocol modernization in embedded platforms

– Compatibility & Integration

• Operating Systems: VxWorks 5.3, Windows NT 4.0, Linux (kernel 2.6.0 and later)
• Standard Compliance: IEEE P1386.1 PMC specification
• Host Interface: PCI Mezzanine Card slot