RadiSys EXM-8 Serial Port Interface Module

The RadiSys EXM-8 Serial Port Interface Module delivers dual RS-422/RS-485 serial communication for embedded computing systems. Built on the Intel 82530 Serial Communications Controller, this module plugs directly into RadiSys EXM expansion carriers via a 16-bit data bus interface electrically compatible with PC ISA standards. Two female DB-9 connectors provide serial port access, each equipped with dual-color status LEDs indicating transmit and receive activity. Software configuration controls base address, interrupt assignments, DMA channels, and handshake signals. The module identifies itself at I/O address 100h with device ID F7, with configuration registers at I/O addresses 102h and 103h. Its ISA-like electrical protocol enables compatibility with standard PC software and Intel 82530 drivers, simplifying integration into diverse embedded system architectures.

– Technical Specifications

• Serial Communications Controller: Intel 82530
• Serial Ports: 2 × RS-422/RS-485
• Connectors: 2 × Female DB-9
• Data Bus: 16-bit
• EXM Interface: Electrically similar to PC ISA bus
• Device ID: F7 (at I/O address 100h)
• Configuration Registers: I/O addresses 102h and 103h

– Key Features

• Dual RS-422/RS-485 serial ports on female DB-9 connectors
• Per-port LED indicators: Green for transmit, Red for receive
• Software-configurable base address, interrupts, DMA channels, and handshake signals
• ISA bus-compatible electrical interface supports standard PC software and drivers
• Designed for insertion into EXM carrier modules

– Typical Applications

• Industrial embedded systems requiring multi-port serial communication
• Equipment needing RS-422/RS-485 data transfer in controlled environments
• Systems integrating with RadiSys Embedded PCs and EXM expansion platforms

– Compatibility & Integration

The EXM-8 integrates with RadiSys Embedded PCs (EPCs) and EXM expansion carriers. Its ISA-compatible bus architecture permits use of standard PC serial drivers and software tools without custom development. Installation requires insertion into an EXM carrier secured with thumbscrews.