Moxa CP-134EL-A-I Industrial Wide Temperature Serial Board

The Moxa CP-134EL-A-I is a robust PCI Express multiport serial board engineered for demanding industrial environments. It offers four RS-422/485 serial ports, supporting high-speed data transmission up to 921.6 kbps. Key technical parameters include a 128-byte FIFO buffer, on-chip software flow control, and compliance with PCI Express 1.0. This board is designed for seamless integration into industrial automation systems, POS, and ATM applications, providing reliable serial connectivity for a wide range of peripherals.

Product Specifications

| Feature                  | Specification                                                                                                                            |

| :----------------------- | :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |

| Comm. Controller     | 16C550C compatible                                                                                                                       |

| Bus Interface        | PCI Express 1.0                                                                                                                          |

| Serial Ports         | 4                                                                                                                                        |

| Serial Standards     | RS-422, RS-485                                                                                                                           |

| Max. Baudrate        | 921.6 kbps (supports non-standard baudrates)                                                                                              |

| FIFO Buffer          | 128 bytes                                                                                                                                |

| Flow Control         | None, XON/XOFF                                                                                                                           |

| Isolation            | 2 kV electrical isolation                                                                                                                |

| Surge Protection     | 4 kV surge protection                                                                                                                    |

| Connector            | DB44 female                                                                                                                              |

| Operating Temperature| 0 to 55°C (32 to 131°F)                                                                                                                  |

| Dimensions           | 67.21 x 103 mm (2.65 x 4.06 in)                                                                                                            |

| Operating Systems    | Windows (95/98/ME/NT/2000, XP/2003/Vista/2008/7/8/8.1/10/11, 2008 R2/2012/2012 R2/2016/2019/2022), Linux (kernel 2.4.x to 5.x), UNIX (Solaris 10, UnixWare 7, SCO OpenServer 5/6) |

Core Features & Market Positioning

The Moxa CP-134EL-A-I distinguishes itself in the industrial serial communication market through its combination of high performance, robust protection, and extensive software support. Its PCI Express interface ensures high throughput, crucial for modern industrial applications demanding rapid data exchange. The integrated 2 kV electrical isolation and 4 kV surge protection are vital for safeguarding sensitive equipment and ensuring operational continuity in environments prone to electrical noise and surges, a common concern in factory automation and SCADA systems. Furthermore, Moxa's "Intelligent RS-485" technology, featuring "One-Click Installation" and "One-Click Troubleshooting," significantly simplifies the often complex setup and maintenance of RS-485 networks, positioning the CP-134EL-A-I as a user-friendly yet powerful solution for system integrators and engineers. This focus on ease of deployment and reliability underpins its strong market position for industrial automation and critical infrastructure applications.

Key Application Scenarios

The Moxa CP-134EL-A-I finds its primary utility in industrial automation, where reliable serial communication is paramount for connecting diverse control systems and devices. Its four high-speed RS-422/485 ports make it ideal for applications such as Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) communication, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, and factory floor data collection. The board's compatibility with POS (Point of Sale) and ATM systems further extends its application reach into retail and financial sectors, enabling robust connectivity for transaction terminals and networking equipment. Additionally, its suitability for embedded systems and industrial PCs, coupled with support for a wide array of operating systems including various Windows versions, Linux, and UNIX, makes it a versatile choice for custom industrial solutions and upgrades.

Practical System Integration Guidance

Integrating the Moxa CP-134EL-A-I into an existing system is streamlined by its PCI Express x1 interface, allowing installation in a wide range of compatible slots. Moxa provides comprehensive drivers for numerous operating systems, including Windows (versions from 95 up to 11, including server editions), Linux (kernels 2.4.x to 5.x), and various UNIX variants, simplifying software setup. For RS-485 networks, Moxa's "Intelligent RS-485" feature is particularly beneficial. This technology automates the analysis of network topology and adjustment of terminators and pull-up/down resistors via a "One-Click Installation" process, reducing the need for manual configuration and troubleshooting. Detailed pin assignments for RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 (4-wire and 2-wire) are available in documentation, crucial for correct cabling and device interconnection. Built-in Tx and Rx LEDs on each port also aid in diagnosing communication status during installation and operation.

Operation and Risk Mitigation

The CP-134EL-A-I is designed for reliable operation within a specified temperature range of 0 to 55°C (32 to 131°F). Its robust construction and protective features, such as 2 kV electrical isolation and 4 kV surge protection, mitigate risks associated with power surges and electrical interference common in industrial settings. These protective measures are critical for preventing damage to the serial board and connected devices, thus ensuring system stability and reducing downtime. Furthermore, the board's compliance with EMC, EMI, and EMS standards (EN 55032/35, CISPR 32, FCC Part 15B Class B, IEC 61000-4-x series) ensures it performs reliably without causing or being susceptible to electromagnetic disturbances. The availability of built-in LEDs and management software facilitates proactive monitoring and easier troubleshooting of potential communication issues.

Scalability & Long-Term Value

The Moxa CP-134EL-A-I offers significant long-term value through its scalability and broad compatibility. The ability to install up to eight boards per PC allows for substantial expansion of serial port density, accommodating growing industrial networks and complex automation projects. Its wide operating system support, spanning legacy and modern Windows versions, multiple Linux kernel versions, and various UNIX systems, ensures backward compatibility and future-proofing, enabling integration with existing infrastructure and facilitating upgrades. This broad OS support also makes it adaptable for deployment in diverse computing platforms, including those based on Arm® processors. Moxa's commitment to long-term product availability for serial connectivity solutions further underscores the CP-134EL-A-I's value as a reliable component in evolving industrial automation and Industrial IoT (IIoT) architectures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the primary serial interface standards supported by the Moxa CP-134EL-A-I?

The Moxa CP-134EL-A-I primarily supports RS-422 and RS-485 serial standards. It is designed to handle both 4-wire (full-duplex) and 2-wire (half-duplex) configurations for RS-485 communication. This versatility allows it to interface with a broad spectrum of industrial devices and legacy equipment.

This industrial serial board offers advanced signaling capabilities for each port. For RS-422, it provides dedicated transmit (Tx+, Tx-) and receive (Rx+, Rx-) lines, plus a ground connection. For RS-485, it supports both 4-wire operation with Tx+, Tx-, Rx+, Rx-, and GND, and 2-wire operation using Data+ and Data- lines along with GND.

The flexibility in supported standards and wiring configurations ensures that the CP-134EL-A-I can be effectively deployed in various network topologies and application requirements, from simple point-to-point links to multi-drop industrial networks.

What are the key advantages of using the CP-134EL-A-I in an industrial setting?

Key advantages include robust electrical isolation and surge protection, crucial for reliable operation in harsh industrial environments. It offers high-speed serial communication up to 921.6 kbps for efficient data transfer.

The board features Moxa's Intelligent RS-485 technology, simplifying network setup and troubleshooting with features like "One-Click Installation." This significantly reduces configuration time and potential errors.

Extensive driver support for Windows, Linux, and UNIX operating systems, coupled with a wide operating temperature range (0 to 55°C), ensures broad compatibility and dependable performance in diverse industrial applications.

How does the "Intelligent RS-485" feature simplify installation and troubleshooting?

Moxa's Intelligent RS-485 technology simplifies RS-485 network deployment through two main features. "One-Click Installation" automatically analyzes the network topology.

This analysis allows the system to intelligently adjust necessary terminators and pull-up/down resistors, eliminating manual tuning. "One-Click Troubleshooting" then guides users on necessary changes for network viability.

This automated approach drastically reduces the complexity and time typically associated with configuring RS-485 networks, especially for engineers less familiar with manual resistor and terminator settings.

What are the operating temperature and environmental specifications for the Moxa CP-134EL-A-I?

The CP-134EL-A-I operates reliably within an industrial temperature range of 0 to 55°C (32 to 131°F). Its storage temperature range is broader, from -20 to 85°C (-4 to 185°F).

It is designed to function in environments with an ambient relative humidity of 5% to 95% (non-condensing). These specifications highlight its suitability for demanding industrial conditions.

The board also boasts significant protection against electrical disturbances, including 2 kV electrical isolation and 4 kV surge protection, alongside ESD protection, further enhancing its resilience in challenging operational settings.

Can the CP-134EL-A-I be used with older operating systems like Windows XP or Windows 98?

Yes, the Moxa CP-134EL-A-I offers broad compatibility with older operating systems. It provides drivers for Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, and XP, including server versions.

This extensive backward compatibility is crucial for maintaining legacy industrial systems. It ensures that organizations can integrate modern hardware without immediately overhauling their existing software infrastructure.

This feature allows for phased upgrades and ensures the longevity of investments in automation equipment, making the CP-134EL-A-I a flexible choice for diverse operational environments.

What kind of surge protection and electrical isolation does this serial board provide?

The CP-134EL-A-I offers robust protection mechanisms. It features 4 kV of surge protection, safeguarding against transient voltage spikes.

Additionally, it includes 2 kV of electrical isolation, which prevents ground loops and protects connected devices and the host system from damaging voltage differences.

These protective features are critical for ensuring stable communication and hardware longevity in industrial settings where electrical noise and interference are common.

What is the maximum data transfer rate supported by the CP-134EL-A-I?

The Moxa CP-134EL-A-I supports a maximum data transfer rate of 921.6 kbps. This high baud rate ensures fast and efficient communication.

This speed is essential for applications that involve large data volumes or require real-time data exchange between devices. It is capable of handling non-standard baud rates as well.

The high throughput capacity allows the board to be used in demanding industrial automation scenarios where performance is critical.

What operating systems are supported by the Moxa CP-134EL-A-I?

The CP-134EL-A-I supports a wide range of operating systems. This includes various versions of Windows, from Windows 95 up to Windows 11 and their server counterparts.

It also offers comprehensive driver support for Linux, including kernel versions from 2.4.x up to 5.x, and for UNIX systems like Solaris 10 and SCO OpenServer.

This broad compatibility ensures flexibility for deployment across different computing platforms and environments common in industrial automation.

How many serial ports does the CP-134EL-A-I offer, and what are their configurations?

The CP-134EL-A-I features four serial ports on a single board. These ports are configurable for RS-422 or RS-485 communication standards.

For RS-422, the ports provide full modem control signals, including Tx+, Tx-, Rx+, Rx-, and GND. For RS-485, they support both 4-wire (Tx+, Tx-, Rx+, Rx-, GND) and 2-wire (Data+, Data-, GND) modes.

This offers flexibility in connecting to a variety of industrial equipment and network types.

What is the physical form factor and installation interface of the CP-134EL-A-I?

The CP-134EL-A-I is a low-profile PCI Express card, specifically designed for PCI Express x1 slots. Its compact dimensions (67.21 x 103 mm) make it suitable for space-constrained industrial PCs and embedded systems.

Installation involves inserting the card into an available PCI Express slot in the host computer. The board typically uses a DB44 female connector, requiring appropriate breakout cables (often sold separately or included depending on the specific model) to terminate into standard serial connectors like DB9 or DB25.

The plug-and-play nature of PCI Express, combined with Moxa's driver support, simplifies the hardware installation process.