Moxa UPort 1250-G2 2-Port Serial Device Server G2

The Moxa UPort 1250-G2 is a robust 2-port serial device server engineered for seamless industrial automation and control applications. This G2 model enhances its predecessor with improved performance and advanced features, ensuring reliable serial-to-Ethernet connectivity for critical systems. It boasts industrial-grade construction, extensive protocol support, and sophisticated security features, making it an ideal choice for demanding environments. Key technical parameters include two RS-232/422/485 serial ports, a 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet port, and a wide operating temperature range of -40 to 75°C.

Product Specifications

| Feature             | Specification                                         |

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

| Serial Ports        | 2 x RS-232/422/485 (DB9 male)                         |

| Ethernet Port       | 1 x 10/100/1000 Mbps (RJ45)                           |

| Protocol Support    | TCP/IP, UDP/IP, DHCP, BOOTP, Telnet, RFC 2217, Modbus   |

| Serial Baudrate     | Up to 921.6 kbps                                      |

| Power Input         | 12-48 VDC, 2 x Terminal Blocks                        |

| Operating Temp.     | -40 to 75°C                                           |

| Dimensions          | 33 x 140 x 99 mm                                      |

| Mounting            | DIN-rail, Wall-mount                                  |

| Approvals           | CE, FCC, UL, ATEX                                     |

Core Features & Market Positioning

The Moxa UPort 1250-G2 distinguishes itself through its industrial-grade reliability and advanced networking capabilities, essential for modern industrial IoT (IIoT) deployments. Its dual serial ports offer flexible connectivity for a variety of legacy and modern serial devices, while the Gigabit Ethernet port ensures high-speed data transfer, crucial for bandwidth-intensive applications. The device supports Moxa's patented Turbo Ring and Turbo Chain technologies, enabling redundant Ethernet connections with millisecond recovery times, significantly enhancing network uptime. This positions the UPort 1250-G2 as a superior solution for critical control systems where network resilience is paramount, offering a significant advantage over standard serial converters.

Key Application Scenarios

The versatility of the Moxa UPort 1250-G2 makes it suitable for a wide array of industrial applications. It excels in connecting serial-based Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), remote I/O modules, and industrial sensors to an Ethernet network, enabling centralized monitoring and control in manufacturing environments. Furthermore, it is widely deployed in energy sectors for managing serial communication from power substations, SCADA systems, and distributed energy resources. Its ability to handle harsh environmental conditions and support multiple serial protocols also makes it invaluable for applications in transportation, such as railway signaling systems and intelligent traffic management.

Practical System Integration Guidance

Integrating the Moxa UPort 1250-G2 into existing industrial networks is straightforward. The device supports standard TCP/IP and UDP/IP protocols, allowing for easy network configuration. For initial setup, Moxa's Device Discovery utility simplifies finding and configuring devices on the network. Wiring the serial ports involves connecting the appropriate RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 cables to the DB9 male connectors, ensuring correct termination for RS-485 communication to prevent signal reflection. Power is supplied via the dual 12-48 VDC terminal blocks, with polarity protection included. For Modbus TCP/IP integration, the device can be configured to act as a Modbus gateway, translating Modbus RTU/ASCII commands from serial devices into Modbus TCP/IP packets for communication with SCADA systems.

Operation and Risk Mitigation

Operating the Moxa UPort 1250-G2 involves configuring its network settings, serial port parameters, and operational modes through its web-based interface or command-line interface. To mitigate operational risks, it's crucial to implement proper network segmentation and security measures, such as access control lists (ACLs) and firewall rules, to prevent unauthorized access to serial devices. Regular firmware updates are recommended to patch potential vulnerabilities. In case of communication failures, common troubleshooting steps include verifying network connectivity, checking serial cable integrity, ensuring correct baud rate and serial port settings on both the device server and the connected serial device, and confirming the chosen operational mode (e.g., TCP Server, TCP Client, UDP). The device's robust design and wide operating temperature range also minimize the risk of hardware failure in demanding industrial settings.

Scalability & Long-Term Value

The Moxa UPort 1250-G2 offers significant scalability and long-term value for industrial automation projects. Its ability to connect up to two serial devices to a Gigabit Ethernet network allows for the integration of numerous legacy systems, extending their operational lifespan and facilitating a phased migration towards more modern, IP-based infrastructures. Compatibility with Moxa's broader portfolio of industrial Ethernet switches and network management solutions ensures seamless integration into larger IIoT architectures. Furthermore, the device's support for protocols like Modbus TCP/IP directly enables its participation in digital transformation initiatives, providing a bridge between operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) systems for enhanced data analytics and predictive maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I connect multiple serial devices to the UPort 1250-G2?

The UPort 1250-G2 features two distinct serial ports, typically DB9 connectors. These ports can be individually configured for RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 communication protocols. You will need to use the appropriate cabling for each serial device, ensuring correct pinouts for the chosen interface.

2. What is the maximum serial baud rate supported by the UPort 1250-G2?

The UPort 1250-G2 supports serial communication speeds of up to 921.6 kbps. This high baud rate capability ensures efficient data transfer for serial devices that require rapid communication, such as advanced PLCs or high-speed data acquisition systems.

3. Can the UPort 1250-G2 be used for Modbus TCP/IP communication?

Yes, the UPort 1250-G2 is fully capable of acting as a Modbus gateway. It can translate Modbus RTU or Modbus ASCII protocols from serial devices into Modbus TCP/IP packets, allowing them to be integrated into SCADA systems and other industrial automation platforms over Ethernet.

4. How do I access the UPort 1250-G2's web interface for configuration?

After connecting the UPort 1250-G2 to your Ethernet network, you can use Moxa's Device Discovery utility to locate its IP address. Once identified, you can access its web interface by typing this IP address into your web browser.

5. What power supply is required for the UPort 1250-G2?

The UPort 1250-G2 operates on a wide DC input voltage range of 12 to 48 VDC. It features dual power input terminal blocks for connecting the power supply, offering redundancy options for enhanced reliability.

6. Is the UPort 1250-G2 suitable for harsh industrial environments?

Yes, the UPort 1250-G2 is designed for industrial use with a wide operating temperature range of -40 to 75°C. Its robust construction and industrial certifications make it reliable in demanding conditions like those found in manufacturing plants or outdoor installations.

7. How do I configure the serial port type (RS-232, 422, 485) on the UPort 1250-G2?

The serial port type is configured through the device's management interface, either via its web UI or command-line interface. Within the serial port settings, you can select the desired communication standard (RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485) for each port.

8. What is the benefit of the Gigabit Ethernet port on the UPort 1250-G2?

The Gigabit Ethernet port provides a data transfer rate of up to 1000 Mbps, significantly faster than standard Fast Ethernet. This high bandwidth is crucial for applications that involve transferring large amounts of data quickly and efficiently over the network.

9. Does the UPort 1250-G2 support network redundancy protocols?

The UPort 1250-G2, when used with Moxa's industrial Ethernet switches, can support redundancy protocols like Turbo Ring and Turbo Chain. These technologies ensure network resilience by providing rapid failover in case of a link failure.

10. Where can I find the latest firmware for the UPort 1250-G2?

You can download the latest firmware updates, drivers, and management software for the Moxa UPort 1250-G2 directly from the official Moxa website. Navigate to the product support section and search for the UPort 1250-G2 model.