PCIe Serial Adapter Boasts Error-Free High-Speed Operation

A new PCI Express serial interface adapter, Sealevel’s 7204e, provides two serial ports individually configurable for RS-422 or RS-485 communications. For error-free operation in high-speed serial applications, the board's high-performance 16C950 UART includes 128-byte FIFOs. Additionally, the 16C950 UART supports 9-bit framing and is fully software compatible with legacy UART applications. The PCIe adapter is ideal for a variety of applications including point of sale, process control, and test and measurement. The adapter’s 14.7456 MHz oscillator and the UART’s flexible clock prescalar support the widest range of standard and non-standard baud rates, with each serial port capable of data rates to 921.6 Kbps. In RS-485 mode, the transmitter is automatically enabled in hardware, eliminating the need for application software control. This allows the device to be used with standard serial applications while removing the risk of bus contention and data corruption. The serial interface adapter is available from stock, priced at $239 for low profile (7204e) and standard size (7204eS) PCI Express slots. Standard operating temperature range is 0 to +70°C with extended temperature versions available.

SEALEVEL SYSTEMS