Ver.1.

01

RS-232C Serial I/O Board

for PCI Express 4ch
COM-4C-PE

This product is a PCI Express bus-supported board designed for

extending RS-232C compatible serial communication
functionality on your PC.
The < COM-4C-PE > has four RS-232C-standard serial ports.
With a 128byte built-in FIFO buffer for transmission and reception
of each channel, the product supports a baud rate of up to
921,600bps. Up to 16 boards can be mounted on a single PC
and the range COM1 - COM256 can be set. It also comes with
a Windows/Linux driver, which allows boards to be used as
OS-standard COM ports.
This product supports CONTEC-defined driver library
“API-PAC(W32)” that provide local routines.

* Specifications, color and design of the products are subject to

change without notice.

Features
Max. 921,600bps RS-232C Serial Communication
The < COM-4C-PE > has four RS-232C-standard serial ports.
Baud rates from 2 to 921,600bps can be set for each port.
When using the bundled “Standard COM Driver Software” and
“Driver library API-PAC(W32)”, baud rates from 15 to 921,600bps
can be set.
The control line for RS-232C can be controlled and
monitored by software.
The control lines for RTS, CTS, DTR and DSR can be controlled
and monitored using an application.
The lines can be controlled or monitored by software from the
application.

Possibly used as Windows, Linux-standard COM ports,
using the bundled driver library
Comes with a driver software that allows the boards to be used
under Windows / Linux in the same way as COM ports on the PC.
Under Windows, the product supports the OS-standard Win32
API communication function as well as Visual Basic MSComm.
Under Linux, OS-standard tty driver’s standard-function can be
used. In addition, supplies a diagnostic program to confirm
hardware operation and to perform a communication test with
equipment.
Driver library API-PAC(W32) is supported.
API-PAC(W32) is library software based on Win32 API routines
(DLL), which provides local routines specific to CONTEC. You
can create high-speed application software taking advantage of
the CONTEC hardware using various programming languages
that support Win32 API functions, such as Visual Basic and
Visual C++.

Max. 16 boards can be installed as configured in the range

COM1 - COM256.
Up to 16 boards can be mounted on a single PC.
COM1 - COM256 can be set using the device manager.

Each channel is equipped with separate 128-byte FIFO

buffers for transmit and receive.
Employed a buffer memory 128-byte dedicated to transmission
and 128-byte for each channel.
These are FIFO format, useful for high speed communications
and to reduce the load to the CPU when transmitting/receiving.
As the device manager can be used to enable/disable the use of
FIFO and set the FIFO trigger size, this permits operation to be
adjusted to achieve optional performance for your system.

To suit your application, cables and connectors are available

as optional.
Distribution cable for 4channels (PCE37/9PS, PCE37/25PS) and
37-pin D-SUB connectors (male or female type) for your own
cables are available as optional.

COM-4C-PE 1
 Ver.1.01

Specification Driver Library API-PAC(W32) (Available for downloading

(free of charge) from the CONTEC web site.)
Item Specification API-PAC(W32) is the library software that provides the
Number of channels 4ch commands for CONTEC hardware products in the form of
Interface type RS-232C Windows standard Win32 API functions (DLL). It makes it easy
Transfer method Asynchronous serial transfer to create high-speed application software taking advantage of the
Baud rate 2 - 921,600bps *1 *2
CONTEC hardware using various programming languages that
5, 6, 7, 8 bits
support Win32 API functions, such as Visual Basic and Visual
Data length
1, 1.5, 2 stop bits *1
C++.
Parity check Even, Odd, Non-parity *1
It can also be used by the installed diagnosis program to check
hardware operations.
162850 or equivalent
Controller chip (Each channel has 128-byte receive and 128-byte transmit FIFO
See http://www.contec.com/apipac/ for details and download of
buffers.)
API-PAC(W32).
Connecting distance 15m(Typ.) < Operating environment >
Interrupt requests 1 level use *3 OS Windows Vista, XP, Server 2003, 2000
I/O address Any 32-byte boundary Adaptation language Visual C++ .NET, Visual C# .NET, Visual
Power Basic .NET, Visual C++, Visual Basic,
3.3VDC 500mA(Max.)
consumption (Max.) Delphi, C++Builder, etc.
Operating condition 0 - 50°C, 10 - 90%RH (No condensation)
CAUTION
Bus specification PCI Express Base Specification Rev. 1.0a x1
This library provides local routines that are specific to
Dimension (mm) 121.69(L) x 110.18(H)
CONTEC (SioOpen( ), SioWrite( ), SioRead( ), SioStatus( ),
37-pin D-SUB, female connector DCLC-J37SAF-20L9E (mfd.by JAE)
Interface connector etc.). These are not compatible with the standard Win32 API
equivalent
communication routines (CreateFile( ) and WriteFile( ), etc.).
Weight 90g
*1 These items can be set by software.
For the "Driver Library API-PAC(W32)" and the "Standard COM Driver Software COM
Setup Disk" on the supplied CD-ROM, the range is 15 - 921,600 bps.
Cable & Connector
*2 Data transmission at high speed may not be performed normally depending on the
environment including the type of status of connected material of cable and environment. Cable(Option)
*3 The interrupt signals from all channels are connected as a single interrupt signal on the PCI
Express bus. Connection Conversion Cable (37M9M x 4, 250mm)
: PCE37/9PS
Board Dimensions Connection Conversion Cable (37M25M x 4, 250mm)
: PCE37/25PS
121.69(L) COM-4ch Board Optional Cable for CCU-78F/25M (2m)
: RSS-78M/37M
110.18(H)

Connector(Option)
Set of five 37-pin D-SUB (male) connectors : CN5-D37M

[mm]
The standard outside dimension (L) is
the distance from the end of the board Accessories
to the outer surface of the slot cover.

Accessories (Option)
Connection Conversion Unit for RS-232C(78P25P x 8)
Support Software : CCU-78F/25M *1
Standard COM Driver Software (Bundled) *1 The option cable RSS-78M or RSS-78M/37M is needed.
The purpose of this software is to allow the CONTEC serial
communication boards (cards) to be used under Windows or Packing List
Linux in the same way as the standard COM ports on the PC. Board [COM-4C-PE] …1
By installing additional boards (cards), you can use COM ports in First step guide … 1
the range COM1 - COM256. CD-ROM *1 [COM Setup Disk] …1
The boards can be used for all types of serial communications Warranty Certificate …1
such as for remote access service (RAS) and uninterruptible Serial number label …1
power supply (UPS) applications.
Under Windows, the serial ports can be accessed using the *1 The CD-ROM contains the driver software and User’s Guide.
standard Win32 API communication routines (CreateFile( ),
WriteFile( ), ReadFile( ), and SetCommState( ), etc.) The serial
ports are also compatible with the Visual Basic communication
control (MSComm).
Under Linux, the serial ports are compatible with the operating
system's standard tty driver. The standard routines including
open( ), close( ), read( ), write( ) are supported.
< Operating environment >
OS Windows Vista, XP, Server 2003, 2000, Linux
CAUTION
The maximum number of COM ports able to be used depends
on the configuration of your OS.

COM-4C-PE 2
 Ver.1.01

External Connection < Connection conversion cable (Option) >

Connection Conversion Cable (37M25M x 4, 250mm)
In addition to connecting directly to the connector on the board, PCE37/25PS
you can also connect external devices via a distribution cable or
distribution unit. < Connection cable (Option) >

Connecting directly to the port connector. RS-232C Straight Cable with D-SUB25P (1.8m) : RSS-25M/F
Using a distribution cable RS-232C Cross Cable with D-SUB25P (1.8m) : RSC-25F
Using a distribution unit RS-232C Connection
Conversion Straight Cable (25M9F, 1.8m) : RSS-25M/9F
When using a COM-4C-PE, an alternative to connecting an RS-232C Connection
external device directly to the connector on the board is to use a Conversion Straight Cable (25F9M, 1.8m) : RSS-25F/9M
connection conversion cable or connection conversion unit. RS-232C Connection
Conversion Cross Cable (25F9F, 1.8m) : RSC-25F/9F
Converting the Interface Connector to 9-pin D-SUB,
Male Connectors When using the CCU-78F/25M connection conversion
Use a PCE37/9PS connection conversion cable (purchased
separately) to connect to external devices after dividing into four
unit
Use a CCU-78F/25M connection conversion unit (purchased
9-pin D-SUB male connector channels.
separately) to connect to external devices after dividing into four
Use separately purchased 9-pin D-SUB or equivalent cables to 25-pin D-SUB male connector channels.
connect from the four individual connectors. This method has the following features.
< Specification of “PCE37/9PS” > The unit can be fitted to a DIN rail using a separately purchased
CH1
ADP-1 DIN rail adapter.
- Cable
9-conductor shielded cable
Cable length : 250mm SG 5 9 RI 1
The unit can be fitted to a wall or similar using screws.
- Connector used Conductor size : AWG#28 DTR 1 4 8 CTS 1
37-pin D-SUB, male connector CH1 TxD 1
RxD 1
3
2
7 RTS 1 By connecting an external power supply, the unit can output a
Thumb screw : 6 DSR 1
UNC #4-40 (inch screw) DCD 1 1 power supply from the 25-pin D-SUB connector.
CH2 . Use a separately purchased 25-pin D-SUB connector cable to
.
. connect from the four individual connectors.
CH3 CH4

SG 5
DTR 4 4
9 RI 4 < Connection Procedure >
8 CTS 4
CH4 TxD 4 3 7 RTS 4 RS-232C cables connecting
RxD 4 2 to external devices
6 DSR 4
DCD 4 1
- Connector used External
9-pin D-SUB, male connector equipment
Thumb screw : UNC#4-40(inch screw)
- Applicable connectors
17JE-13090-02(D8C) (mfd. by DDK, Female)

External
To Board equipment
< Connection conversion cable (Option) >
.
Connection Conversion Cable (37M9M x 4, 250mm) Option
CCU-78F/25M .
cable
: PCE37/9PS Connection conversion unit .
for the COM-8ch/4ch board

< Connection cable (Option) > 25-pin D-SUB

External
connector
equipment
RS-232C Straight Cable with D-SUB9P (1.8m) : RSS-9M/F
RS-232C Cross Cable with D-SUB9P (1.8m) : RSC-9F
19 TxD1 CH1 Transmit Data 1
CH1 Receive Data 1 RxD1 37 18 RTS1 CH1 Request to Send 1
CH1 Clear to Send 1 CTS1 36 17 DSR1 CH1 Data Set Ready 1
CH1 Signal Ground 1 SG 35 16 DTR1 CH1 Data Terminal Ready 1
Converting the Interface Connector to 25-pin D-SUB, CH1 Data Carrier Detect 1
CH2 Transmit Data 2
DCD1
TxD2
34
33
15 RI1 CH1 Ring Indicator 1
14 RxD2 CH2 Receive Data 2
Male Connectors CH2 Request to Send 2
CH2 Data Set Ready 2
RTS2
DSR2
32
31
13
12
CTS2
SG
CH2 Clear to Send 2
CH2 Signal Ground 2
CH2 Data Terminal Ready 2 DTR2 30 11 DCD2 CH2 Data Carrier Detect 2
Use a PCE37/25PS connection conversion cable (purchased CH2 Ring Indicator 2
CH4 Receive Data 4
RI2
RxD4
29
28
10 TxD4 CH4 Transmit Data 4
9 RTS4 CH4 Request to Send 4
separately) to connect to external devices after dividing into four CH4 Clear to Send 4
CH4 Signal Ground 4
CTS4
SG
27
26
8 DSR4 CH4 Data Set Ready 4
7 DTR4 CH4 Data Terminal Ready 4
CH4 Data Carrier Detect 4 DCD4 25
25-pin D-SUB male connector channels. CH3 Transmit Data 3 TxD3 24
6
5
RI4
RxD3
CH4 Ring Indicator 4
CH3 Receive Data 3
CH3 Request to Send 3 RTS3 23 4 CTS3 CH3 Clear to Send 3
Use separately purchased 25-pin D-SUB or equivalent cables to CH3 Data Set Ready 3 DSR3 22 3 SG CH3 Signal Ground 3
CH3 Data Terminal Ready 3 DTR3 21 2 DCD3 CH3 Data Carrier Detect 3
connect from the four individual connectors. CH3 Ring Indicator 3 RI3 20 1 N.C.

CN1

< Specification of “PCE37/25PS” >

- Cable
9-conductor shielded cable
CH1 < Connection conversion cable
- Connector used
Cable length : 250mm
Conductor size : AWG#28
N.C. 13
25 N.C.
& connection conversion unit(Option) >
N.C. 12
37-pin D-SUB, male connector 24 N.C.
CH1 N.C. 11
23 N.C.
Thumb screw :
UNC #4-40 (inch screw)
N.C. 10
22 RI 1
Connection Conversion Unit for RS-232C(78P25P x 8)
N.C. 9
21 N.C.
CH2
DCD 1
SG
8
7
20 DTR 1 : CCU-78F/25M
19 N.C.
DSR 1
CTS 1
6
5
18 N.C. COM-4ch Board Optional Cable for CCU-78F/25M (2m)
17 N.C.
CH3
RTS 1
RxD 1
4
3
16 N.C. : RSS-78M/37M
15 N.C.
TxD 1 2
14 N.C.
N.C. 1
< Connection cable (Option) >
CH4 .
.
. RS-232C Straight Cable with D-SUB25P (1.8m): RSS-25M/F
- Connector used
25-pin D-SUB, male connector
CH4 RS-232C Cross Cable with D-SUB25P (1.8m) : RSC-25F
Thumb screw : UNC#4-40(inch screw)
- Applicable connectors
N.C. 13
12
25 N.C. RS-232C Connection Conversion Straight Cable
N.C. 24 N.C.
17JE-13250-02(D8C)
(mfd. by DDK, Female)
N.C.
N.C.
11
10
23 N.C. (25M9F, 1.8m) : RSS-25M/9F
22 RI 4
9
N.C.
DCD 4 8
21 N.C. RS-232C Connection Conversion Straight Cable
20 DTR 4
SG 7
DSR 4 6
19
18
N.C.
N.C.
(25F9M, 1.8m) : RSS-25F/9M
CTS 4 5
RTS 4 4
17
16
N.C.
N.C.
RS-232C Connection Conversion Cross Cable
RxD 4 3
15 N.C.
TxD 4 2
1
14 N.C.
(25F9F, 1.8m) : RSC-25F/9F
N.C.

COM-4C-PE 3
 Ver.1.01

Connecting directly to the port connector Types of Cable and Example Connections
If connecting an external device directly from the connector on
the board, use a CN5-D37M or equivalent connector. When using an RS-232C interface, different cables are required
depending on the type of device to which you are connecting
< Pin Assignment > (computer or modem, etc.). Check the requirements of the
external device and select either a straight-through or crossed
(null modem) cable as appropriate. If special treatment of the
Screw nut: UNC#4-40(inch screw) signal lines in the connector is required, ensure that this is done
in accordance with the specifications.
37 19
Example Connection to a Modem (Straight cable)

TxD TxD (Transmit Data)

RxD RxD (Receive Data)

- Connector used RTS RTS (Request to Send)
20 1 37-pin D-SUB, male connector
DCLC-J37SAF-20L9E (mfd. by JAE)equivalent CTS CTS (Clear to Send)
DTR DTR (Data Terminal Ready)
- Applicable connector
17JE-23370-02(D8C)-A-CG (mfd. by DDK, Male) DSR DSR (Data Set Ready)
FDCD-37P (mfd. by HIROSE, Male)
DC-37P-N (mfd. by JAE, Male) SG SG (Signal Ground)
CN5-D37M (mfd. by CONTEC, Male) (Five connector set)
External device

19 TxD1 CH1 Transmit Data 1

CH1 Receive Data 1 RxD1 37 18 RTS1 CH1 Request to Send 1
CH1 Clear to Send 1 CTS1 36 17 DSR1 CH1 Data Set Ready 1
CH1 Signal Ground 1 SG1 35 16 DTR1 CH1 Data Terminal Ready 1 Example Connection to a PC (Cross cable)
CH1 Data Carrier Detect 1 DCD1 34 15 RI1 CH1 Ring Indicator 1
CH2 Transmit Data 2 TxD2 33 14 RxD2 CH2 Receive Data 2
CH2 Request to Send 2 RTS2 32 13 CTS2 CH2 Clear to Send 2
CH2 Data Set Ready 2 DSR2 31 TxD TxD
12 SG2 CH2 Signal Ground 2
CH2 Data Terminal Ready 2 DTR2 30 11 DCD2 CH2 Data Carrier Detect 2
CH2 Ring Indicator 2 RI2 29 RxD RxD
10 TxD4 CH4 Transmit Data 4
CH4 Receive Data 4 RxD4 28 9 RTS4 CH4 Request to Send 4
CH4 Clear to Send 4 CTS4 27 RTS RTS
8 DSR4 CH4 Data Set Ready 4
CH4 Signal Ground 4 SG4 26 7 DTR4 CH4 Data Terminal Ready 4
CH4 Data Carrier Detect 4 DCD4 25 CTS CTS
6 RI4 CH4 Ring Indicator 4
CH3 Transmit Data 3 TxD3 24 5 RxD3 CH3 Receive Data 3
CH3 Request to Send 3 RTS3 23 DTR DTR
4 CTS3 CH3 Clear to Send 3
CH3 Data Set Ready 3 DSR3 22 3 SG3 CH3 Signal Ground 3
CH3 Data Terminal Ready 3 DTR3 21 DSR DSR
2 DCD3 CH3 Data Carrier Detect 3
CH3 Ring Indicator 3 RI3 20 1 N.C. SG SG
CN1 External device

Example Connection to a Device

TxD TxD
RxD RxD

RTS RTS
CTS CTS

DTR DTR
DSR DSR

SG SG
External device

COM-4C-PE 4