CA-104

Overview

The Moxa CA-104 is a 4-port RS-232 PC/104 serial communication module designed for use with PC/104 CPU boards. It features four independent ports utilizing the 16C550C or compatible controller, supporting baud rates from 50 bps to 921.6 kbps. The board includes built-in 15 kV ESD protection and onboard Tx/Rx LED indicators for each port. Configuration of IRQ and I/O settings is managed via jumper and DIP switch selections. Standard models operate between 0°C and 55°C, while wide temperature variants support -40°C to 85°C. Power consumption is specified at 210 mA @ +5 V.

Feature Summary

• Provides reliable high-performance multiport serial communication with four dedicated RS-232 interfaces
• Features on-chip software flow control and configurable interrupt/I/O settings through hardware switches
• Includes robust 15 kV electrostatic discharge protection on all serial lines
• Offers flexible driver support across various operating systems including Windows Embedded CE and Linux

Applications

• Industrial automation systems requiring compact multi-port serial connectivity
• Embedded computing platforms utilizing the PC/104 expansion interface
• Harsh environments necessitating wide temperature operation ranges (-40°C to 85°C)
• Applications requiring high-speed data transmission up to 921.6 kbps

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific model suffix when ordering, as the standard CA-104 operates within 0 to 55°C, whereas the CA-104-T variant supports -40 to 85°C. Confirm compatibility with the target PC/104 CPU board's expansion interface requirements. Ensure that the required DB9 or DB25 connection cables are procured separately if external device interfacing is needed. Check current driver support lists for the intended operating system version before deployment.

Selection Notes

Select the CA-104 when a compact, stackable solution for four RS-232 ports is required on a PC/104 bus. Consider the CA-104-T if the deployment environment exceeds standard industrial temperatures. Evaluate the need for optional DB9 or DB25 breakout cables based on the connected peripheral connectors. Verify that the host system can accommodate the power draw of 210 mA at +5 V and supports the necessary IRQ sharing configuration.

Part Context

The CA-104 belongs to Moxa’s broader CA series of multiport serial boards, which also includes models like the CA-108 (8-port RS-232) and CA-132 (RS-422/485). These modules share similar design philosophies regarding PC/104 integration and driver support but differ in port count and serial standards. The CA-104 specifically targets applications needing exactly four asynchronous serial connections within the constrained form factor of the PC/104 standard.

Replacement Considerations

Direct replacements must maintain PC/104 compatibility and offer four RS-232 ports. The CA-104-T serves as the environmental variant for the same functional unit. For higher port density, the CA-108 provides eight ports on the same bus. Ensure any substitute supports the required baud rates and operating system drivers.