Moxa UPort 407A 4-Port RS-232 Industrial Automation Serial Device Server

The Moxa UPort 407A stands as a robust 4-port RS-232 industrial automation serial device server, engineered for demanding environments. Its core advantages lie in its industrial-grade design, high reliability, and flexible connectivity, making it an indispensable tool for bridging legacy serial devices with modern Ethernet networks. Key technical parameters include its DIN-rail mountable form factor, a wide operating temperature range of -40 to 75°C, and support for RS-232 communication. This device server is designed to facilitate seamless data acquisition and control in critical industrial applications.

Product Specifications

| Feature              | Specification                                     |

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

| Ports                | 4 x RS-232 serial ports                           |

| Interface            | RS-232 (DB9 male connector)                       |

| Data Bits            | 5, 6, 7, 8                                        |

| Parity               | None, Even, Odd, Space, Mark                      |

| Stop Bits            | 1, 2                                              |

| Baud Rate            | 50 bps to 115.2 kbps                              |

| Flow Control         | None, XON/XOFF, RTS/CTS                           |

| Ethernet Interface   | 10/100BaseT(X) auto-sensing, Auto MDI/MDI-X       |

| Protocols            | TCP Server, TCP Client, UDP, Real COM             |

| Mounting             | DIN-rail                                          |

| Power Input          | 12-48 VDC, 1.1 A @ 12 VDC (max)                   |

| Operating Temperature| -40 to 75°C                                       |

| Dimensions           | 31.5 x 103 x 106 mm (W x D x H)                   |

| Weight               | 430 g                                             |

Core Features & Market Positioning

The Moxa UPort 407A distinguishes itself through its rugged industrial construction, ensuring reliable operation in harsh conditions such as extreme temperatures and vibration, a critical factor for industrial automation. Its support for Moxa's patented Real COM technology is a significant differentiator, simplifying the integration of serial devices into Ethernet networks by allowing existing serial communication software to connect as if the device were directly attached via a COM port. This eliminates the need for costly software redevelopment. Furthermore, its robust Ethernet connectivity options and wide operating temperature range position it as a superior choice for mission-critical applications where downtime is not an option, contrasting with less durable or feature-rich alternatives.

Key Application Scenarios

The versatility of the Moxa UPort 407A makes it ideal for a wide array of industrial automation scenarios. It excels in connecting legacy serial devices like PLCs, sensors, and barcode scanners to an industrial Ethernet network, enabling remote monitoring and control in manufacturing plants. In the oil and gas sector, it facilitates data acquisition from remote wellheads and processing units, even in challenging environmental conditions. For transportation systems, it can be deployed in traffic control systems or railway signaling to integrate serial-based communication devices. Its ability to reliably extend serial connectivity over long distances via Ethernet makes it invaluable for SCADA systems and distributed control architectures.

Practical System Integration Guidance

Integrating the Moxa UPort 407A into an industrial network is streamlined by its plug-and-play capabilities and versatile configuration options. For basic setup, connecting the RS-232 devices to the UPort's DB9 ports and the Ethernet port to the network switch is the first step. Configuration is typically performed via a web interface or Moxa's utility software, allowing users to define operating modes such as TCP Server, TCP Client, or UDP. For advanced integration, Moxa's Real COM drivers can be installed on a host PC, creating virtual COM ports that map directly to the UPort's serial interfaces, enabling seamless communication with existing applications. Proper grounding and power supply connections are essential for optimal performance and longevity.

Operation and Risk Mitigation

Operating the Moxa UPort 407A involves understanding its network modes and serial configurations. In TCP Server mode, the UPort listens for incoming connections from clients. In TCP Client mode, it initiates a connection to a specified server. UDP mode offers connectionless communication. Risk mitigation strategies include ensuring stable power supply within the specified voltage range and using appropriate cabling for both serial and Ethernet connections to prevent signal degradation or interference. Regularly updating the device's firmware can also address potential vulnerabilities and improve performance. Proper installation, including adequate ventilation and physical protection, minimizes the risk of environmental damage.

Scalability & Long-Term Value

The Moxa UPort 407A offers significant scalability and long-term value, particularly for organizations looking to modernize their industrial infrastructure without replacing existing serial equipment. Its ability to integrate diverse serial devices into an IP-based network lays the groundwork for future IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) initiatives. By leveraging Ethernet, data from serial devices can be more easily aggregated, analyzed, and used to drive intelligent decisions. Compatibility with a broad range of industrial protocols and its robust build quality ensure that it remains a reliable component within evolving automation systems for years to come, minimizing the total cost of ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I configure the Moxa UPort 407A for TCP Server mode?

To configure the UPort 407A for TCP Server mode, access its web-based management interface. Navigate to the network settings and select "TCP Server" as the operating mode. You will need to specify the IP address and port number the device will listen on for incoming client connections.

Ensure the local IP address of the UPort is set correctly within your network's subnet. Confirm that any firewalls between the UPort and potential clients are configured to allow traffic on the designated port number. This mode is ideal when multiple clients need to connect to the serial device.

After applying the settings, reboot the UPort if prompted. Verify the connection by attempting to connect from a client device using the UPort's IP address and the configured port number. Successful connection indicates proper TCP Server mode operation.

What is the advantage of using Moxa's Real COM drivers with the UPort 407A?

Moxa's Real COM drivers are crucial for simplifying the integration of serial devices into Ethernet networks. They create virtual COM ports on a Windows host PC that precisely mimic physical serial ports. This means existing applications designed for RS-232 communication can connect to the UPort 407A's serial ports without any software modification.

This driver technology eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming software redevelopment or the use of specialized middleware. Applications can communicate with the remote serial devices as if they were directly connected to the host PC's COM port, preserving the original programming logic and reducing implementation complexity.

The Real COM drivers ensure low latency and high reliability for serial data transmission over Ethernet. They are continuously updated by Moxa to maintain compatibility with new operating system versions, providing a robust and future-proof solution for industrial automation.

Can the Moxa UPort 407A operate reliably in extreme outdoor temperatures?

Yes, the Moxa UPort 407A is designed to operate reliably in extreme outdoor temperatures, with a specified operating temperature range of -40 to 75°C (-40 to 167°F). This wide temperature tolerance is critical for industrial applications deployed in environments subject to significant thermal fluctuations.

The robust industrial design and high-quality components used in the UPort 407A ensure stable performance and longevity even under harsh thermal stress. This makes it suitable for applications in sectors like oil and gas, mining, or remote monitoring stations where precise temperature control might be impractical or impossible.

When deploying in such extreme conditions, ensure proper enclosure and ventilation if necessary to prevent excessive heat buildup during direct sunlight exposure, even though the device itself is rated for these temperatures. Adhering to the power input specifications is also vital for consistent operation.