Sealevel Systems Introduces Four Port Software-Selectable Multi-Interface PC/104 Serial I/O Board

Sealevel Systems, Inc. announces the C4-104.ULTRA, the first multi-interface PC/104 serial I/O card that allows the user to select the desired interface via software. RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 modes may be selected independently for each of the four ports, eliminating the need for setting jumpers or DIP-switches on the board. Designed to meet the core needs of PC/104 applications requiring high reliability, small size, and long term availability, the C4-104.ULTRA is available in both standard and extended temperature range models (-40°C to 85°C).

Conforming strictly to the PC/104 specification, the C4-104.ULTRA supports standard PC data rates and boasts a top speed of 921.6K bps. The board is designed using the XR16C864 UART, which provides a 128-byte FIFO, 8 times larger than boards designed with 16C550 compatible parts. The larger buffers allow error-free operation even in high-speed applications. In RS-485 mode the C4-104.ULTRA offers automatic control of the RS-485 driver enable for trouble-free network master arbitration. Additionally, the C4-104.ULTRA allows RS-485 network termination, critical to robust multi-drop communication, to be selectively added to the circuit via a simple software command.

The C4-104.ULTRA ships with Sealevel SeaCOM suite of Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP drivers. Sealevel also includes WinSSD, a full-featured application providing powerful testing and diagnostic capabilities. Use WinSSD for BERT (Bit Error Rate Testing), throughput monitoring, loopback tests, and transmit test pattern messages.

In addition to Windows drivers and utilities, SeaCOM includes drivers, utilities, application notes, and technical details to simplify installations in DOS, QNX, and LINUX.

Like all Sealevel products, the C4-104.ULTRA is backed by a lifetime warranty.