Add RS232/422/485 ports on an Ethernet network

One of Amplicon's latest additions, and the first time the company has carried Industrial Ethernet products in its catalogue, is the NPort Server lite from Moxa, which enables users to add one, two or four RS232 or RS422/485 ports anywhere on an Ethernet network. Moxa, a world leader in the design and manufacture of multiport serial boards and interface devices, is one of Amplicon's key Taiwanese partners. The industrial strength serial NPort server lite may be set up with a PC or be programmed locally, and is housed in an industrial strength case with DIN rail mountings.

It has an auto detecting 10/100M Ethernet interface, and also an in-built human interface with Liquid Crystal Display.

The LCD displays data and status, and together with control buttons provided, it is possible to input data or select operating mode, therefore easing operator use.

Fully hot-swappable, all ports are surge protected to 15KV.

Any RS232 or RS422/485 device may be controlled anywhere via the Ethernet, and all this at the extremely reasonable cost of just £265 for a single port device up to œ395 for four RS422/485 ports.

Software supplied with the units enables operation under pair connection mode or host-based mode, allowing serial devices to be connected transparently over long distances using Ethernet.

Alternatively extra serial ports may be added to a host, without the need for rebooting the server.

Such a versatile product may be used in applications including factory automation, building security, building environmental and lighting control, and with electronic instrumentation/equipment manufacturers.

It is also useful to systems integrators working in any of the applications mentioned above, and OEM's wishing to incorporate such a device into their equipment.

The NPort Server lite is provided with support for Windows NT, 2000, 95, 98 and Linux in addition to driver support.

Amplicon is well placed to expand in the Industrial Ethernet arena.

It has sold industrial communications products for many years and is well known for the supply of RS232/422/485 industrial products.

The Ethernet products are a logical extension and eight and 16 port versions of this particular device are planned for the future.

Offering a complete family of products such as the NPort server lite allows the company to provide components to a full system integrated with industrial 19 inch rack mounted PC's.

Amplicon provides full pre and post sales support, and all products meet EU directives and are CE marked where appropriate.