Advantech / B&B Electronics 232PTC9 RS-232 Port Combiner

The Advantech/B&B Electronics 232PTC9 is an RS-232 port combiner that consolidates multiple serial devices onto a single host serial port. It enables efficient resource sharing for applications requiring intermittent access from peripherals such as scales, scanners, or terminals, eliminating the need for additional host port expansion.

– Technical Specifications

Interface Configuration
• 1× Master RS-232 port (DB9 Female)
• 2× Slave RS-232 ports (DB9 Female)
• DCE (Data Communications Equipment) configuration

Data Flow Management
Master-to-slave transmission broadcasts from the master TX line to both slave ports simultaneously. Slave-to-master access operates on a priority basis: whichever slave port raises its RTS (Request to Send) signal or begins transmitting first gains exclusive control of the master path. Once a slave achieves access, the path remains locked until that slave lowers its RTS signal or a timeout period elapses following transmission completion. Data from the competing slave port is lost during this locked period, as the unit provides no buffering.

Handshake Signals
The CTS (Clear to Send) signal on each slave port indicates path availability to the master. CTS high means the path is accessible; CTS low indicates the other slave has active control. RTS can be used for software-controlled data flow management, with the master port RTS output following the active slave’s RTS level.

Power Specifications
External 12 VDC power supply required at 100 mA nominal. Power connector: 2.5 mm phono jack. Unregulated 12 VDC available on pin 9 of all three connectors. Regulated 5 VDC available on pin 16 of both slave ports, delivering up to 225 mA total. Total unit current draw must not exceed 325 mA from the 12 V supply.

– Key Features

• Null-modem connection may be required when interfacing with other DCE-configured ports
• In-line installation
• Compact form factor: 10.19 × 5.08 × 2.29 cm
• Operating temperature range: 0 to +50 °C
• Storage temperature range: -40 to +85 °C
• Operating humidity: 0 to 95% non-condensing

– Typical Applications

Serial device multiplexing in data acquisition systems, point-of-sale environments, and industrial control stations where multiple RS-232 peripherals require access to limited host serial ports.