Tough, New RS-232/422/485 PCI Card Released by Advantech

Advantech announced today the launch of PCI-1612CU, a 4-port RS-232/422/485 Universal PCI communication card for both 3.3 and 5 V systems and solid surge protection and isolation protection functions for long-distance communication through harsh environments.

The surge-protected design shields the system from abrupt high voltages up to 2,500 VDC, furthermore, PCI-1612CU supports optical isolation up to 2,500 VDC to improve signal quality and protect the circuitry of the PC and other connected equipment against damages from ground loops. With a selection of RS-232, RS-422 or RS-485, the PCI-1612 cards are very popular. The new PCI-1612 with improved protection should also prove popular as it is an ideal solution for outdoor serial communication over long distances. RS-232 is supported up to 15 m, while RS-422/485 is supported up to 1 km.

With a Universal PCI connector for 3.3 V and 5 V signals, the card can be used in both old and new systems. Configuration is also easy with Plug & Play, and four cards can be used in the same system for communication with up to 16 devices.

PCI-1612CU and other PCI serial communication card such as PCI-1612U, PCI-1612A, PCI-1612B and PCI-1620U are all available for Windows® 98/2000/ME/XP and Linux® , with full driver support. Also, with Advantech's bundled ICOM Tools software, you can test the PCI card's performance by analyzing the port status, and easily configure the settings of the card.

PCI-1612CU is scheduled to be ready in the end of March, and Advantech is confident that PCI-1612CU will be as well received as the previous products in the PCI-1612 series.