The Async Sharing Unit (ASU) shares a single data port with 4, 8, 16, 24 or 32 others. Data received on the shared common port is broadcast to all the other ports. The ASU makes it easy to share async polling networks. The ASU can be used with terminal devices, multipoint modems, point-to-point modems, DSUs, over ISDN, or over frame relay.

   Async Data Sharing Unit 4 to 32 Ports  ASU Async Port Sharing

Share one asynchronous port with 4, 8, 16, 24 or 32 ports Async RS-232 interface up to 38,400 bps Broadcasts from 1 port to many, concentrates many ports to one port Use for financial, traffic, POS, SCADA networks Control sharing with RTS/CTS Combiner mode in lieu of RTS/CTS Anti-streaming option

FEATURES

• Share one asynchronous port with 4, 8, 16, 24 or 32 other ports
• Async RS-232 interface up to 38,400 bps
• Broadcasts from 1 port to many, concentrates many ports to one port
• Use for financial, traffic, POS, SCADA networks
• Control sharing with RTS/CTS
• Combiner mode in lieu of RTS/CTS
• Anti-streaming option

One method of selecting ports is using terminal device RTS/CTS RS-232 control leads. The ASU constantly scans all ports for Request to Send (RTS). When a terminal device asserts RTS, the RTS signal is passed from that port to the common shared port. On the common shared port, the RTS lead is passed out to the modem. The common shared port Clear to Send (CTS) response is passed back to the terminal that asserted RTS. The connected device will send data upon receiving CTS. After the terminal device completes its transmission and lowers RTS, the scanning resumes. In the RTS/CTS control mode, data from a port is discarded if RTS is not asserted.

The anti-streaming timer option for the ASU blocks transmission from a port if that port holds RTS on for more than 8 seconds. This is useful in systems that experience "hung" ports due to terminal device RTS or modem DCD staying on in error. Turning RTS off and back on or a reset of the ASU will reset the anti-streaming timer.

The combiner mode of the ASU is perfect for polled systems that do not have RTS/CTS control. For example, many RTUs used in SCADA and other control system environments are implemented with just three RS232 leads, transmit data, receive data and signal ground. The ASU may be used at the host end of a system, where the multiple ports are connected to line drivers, modems, DSUs, etc, and where the Carrier Detect (DCD) signal is constantly on, rather than switched. In these applications, the ASU combiner mode takes all data from the ports and passes that data to the network composite without RTS/CTS control. RTS is ignored in the combiner mode.

The ASU can be used at the remote locations where the common shared port connects to a modem, ISDN TA or DSU. The ASU can also be used at the host end of a network to share one host port with many modems, ISDN TAs or DSUs.

General

• Rates: Async port to 38.4 kbps (9.6 kbps default)
• Application: Share one port with 4, 8, 16, 24 or 32 other asynchronous ports.
• All ports are async RS-232
• Supports data rates to 38.4 kbps

Indicators (front panel)

Power, Activity, Line Error, Modem Ready, Port 1 Setup, Loopback Activity indicates incoming or outgoing data. Line Error indicates an improper port speed. Modem Ready indicates DCD on the Network port.

Controls

Front panel push button for loopback RTS/CTS contention control or combiner mode, anti-streaming option Side door accessible firmware cartridge for installing firmware upgrades Setup via the "Port One Setup", activated by the front panel push-button, or setup rear panel setup port. Use to define port speeds, anti-streaming, etc.

Data Port

Interface: RS-232, V.24, speeds up to 38,400 bps
Connector: RJ-45 per EIA/TIA 561 pin outs
 

Physical/Electrical

Power requirements: 120 VAC, external Supply, 220 VAC and DC supplies also available 60 Hz 8 and 16 channel units:10 c" x 9 e" x 2 c" 24 and 32 channel units: 10 c" x 9 e" x 4 c" One pound plus external power supply

Rear view of 16 port ASU
 

part numbers with list price - call for discount

ARC ELECTRONICS
301-924-7400 EXT 25

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