Even though the RS-232 serial standard was developed almost half a century ago, it is still considered one of the most cost-effective communication interfaces in the world. RS-232 supports baudrates from 50 to 921.6 Kbps, and can be used to connect legacy devices to each other or to more modern devices. RS-232 is regarded as the best solution for machine to machine communication in a variety of applications, such as connecting a GPS receiver in a navigation system, connecting a magnetic card reader in a surveillance system, or connecting a control robot in a production line.

A major limitation of RS-232 is that it cannot be used over distances greater than 100 meters. For long distances, RS-422 and RS-485 are often considered good alternatives, but even their 1.2 km range may be insufficient for today’s large networks. Better solutions are needed for protection against dangerous increases in ground potential, ground loops, and electrical EMI/RFI noise.

Serial-to-fiber optic transmission was developed to meet these needs.

Compared to similar converters, MOXA’s TCF-90 supports longer distances for fiber optic transmission by providing the highest power budget. The TCF-90-S single-mode fiber optic converter provides a power budget of 19 dB (-5 to -24 dBm), which can transmit data up to an amazing 40 km. The TCF-90-M multi-mode fiber optic converter provides 15 dB (-5 to -20 dBm), which supports communication distances up to 5 km. In comparison, similar products on the market support only 2 km. With just two efficient MOXA TCF-90 converters, direct communication is now possible between serial devices that are 40 km apart.

Power Budget = Tx_Output - Rx_Sensitivity
Total Loss Budget = Connectors x (Loss/Connector) + (Fiber_Length) x (Loss/Length)

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The TCF-90-M and TCF-90-S are designed with serial port power technology. Extremely low power consumption (< 0.1W) allows the converters to operate solely using power provided over the serial port. The female DB9 RS-232 port can connect directly to a host PC and draws power from the TxD, RTS, and DTR lines.

In short, using only port power and no external power adaptor, the TCF-90 is still able to transmit serial signals over 5 km of multi-mode fiber or 40 km of single-mode fiber, with data traveling at up to 115.2 Kbps.

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One of the challenges of using port powered converters is being able to determine if the attached serial device provides enough power to operate the converter. The TCF-90 solves this problem by providing a built-in port power tester, which can easily determine if enough power is coming through the RS-232 port. You won't need to guess if the device provides enough power, there's no need to carry a separate multi-meter, and no need to analyze electrical specifications.

The LED port power indicator tells you immediately if enough power is provided through the serial port. Simply connect the RS-232 side of the TCF-90 to the serial device and then turn the SW4 switch to Test. If enough power is coming through the RS-232 port, the LED lights up; if not enough power is provided, the LED stays dark. With the flick of a switch, the converter tells you if external power is needed.

Most RS-232 devices will provide enough power through the serial port for the TCF-90 to operate. However, if the TCF-90 does not receive enough power from the attached device, power can be obtained externally with the USB port power cord or DC power adaptor. External power can also be used when the handshake lines are not available, the RTS and DTR signals are set to OFF, or the interface chip of the attached device does not provide enough power.

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The TCF-90 is available in two models for single-mode fiber and multi-mode fiber. However, if your application requires something special, MOXA is more than happy to provide customized models.

1. Connector type
The standard TCF-90 comes with ST connectors, which are the most popular type of connector for fiber optic transmission. However, special models with SC or FC connectors are also available by request.

ST Connector	SC Connector	FC Connector

2. Higher power budget
If a higher power budget is required, a special TCF-90 model is available by request that offers 30dB/60km over single-mode fiber.

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EM-1240 Embedded Module (90 x 80 mm) EM-1240 Development Kit (177 x 115 mm)

The new EM-1240 embedded module is designed for system integration and software development in industrial data applications. The module features four software-selectable RS-232/422/485 serial ports, two 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports, and an SD function based on the MOXA ART ARM9 32-bit 192 MHz communication processor.

In addition, an EM-1240 Development Kit is also available. The kit includes an EM-1240 embedded module, an EM-1240-DK carrier board, and the items needed for setting up a basic layout. The kit makes it easy to evaluate the functionality of the EM-1240, and lets you develop and integrate specific systems on the module to make the EM-1240 completely compatible with industrial systems and applications.

The pre-installed open Linux operating system makes the EM-1240 suitable for developing the control programs used on a standard PC. The software you develop for your own applications can be stored in the onboard Flash memory, making it possible to build an application that has a powerful serial communication capability, but which is still small in size. The EM-1240 is well-suited for control systems that use a distributed, embedded architecture, such as the systems used for gas stations, vending machines, and ticketing machines.

Features:

• MOXA ART ARM9 32-bit 192 MHz processor
• 16 MB RAM and 8 MB Flash ROM integrated
• 4 software-selectable RS-232/422/485 serial ports
• Dual 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports
• RS-232 serial console port supports PPP
• Ready-to-run µClinux Kernel 2.6.9 communication platform
• SD signals supported for external SD socket connection
• 10 GPIO reserved for system integration
• Full-function development kit for quick evaluation and application development

Ordering Information:

Detailed product information is available on MOXA's global website at http://www.moxa.com/product/EM_1240.htm.

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The VPort 2141 is an advanced, RoHS-ready, 4-channel MJPEG video encoder that adopts a new chip solution to bring quad view up to 15 FPS. This new video server includes most of the key functions of the MOXA VPort 2140, but also provides additional advanced functions, such as privacy mask, PPPoE, UPnP, and DDNS.

The MOXA VPort 2141 video encoder comes equipped with a 4-ch video input, image compressor with MJPEG compression, 3-region selector for motion detection, and web server with 10/100 Mbps Ethernet interface. It can digitize analog video sources and distribute digital images over an IP network. In addition, the VPort 2141 is equipped with 4 digital inputs (DIs) and 4 relay outputs (DOs) to connect with sensors and alarms.

The following chart compares the MOXA VPort 2141 and VPort 2140.

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We are pleased to announce that the MXIO library for MOXA's UC-711X embedded computer has been updated to support control of the ioLogik remote I/O server. PC-based control, which is a major tool for industry, benefits many aspects of a company's operation, including product development, idea generation, and the creation of new revenue streams.

The official version of the MXIO programming library, which now supports the UC-711X platform for the ioLogik E2000 Active Ethernet I/O Server, the ioLogik R2000 Remote I/O server, and the ioLogik 4000 Expandable I/O Server, can be downloaded from MOXA's website. The library provides access to I/O data and Active I/O messages from ioLogik Active Ethernet I/O over Ethernet, TCP/IP, and RS-485 networks. Unlike traditional solutions, reading or setting the digital I/O or analog I/O status simply follows the "IP: I/O channel number" concept. In other words, you no longer need to calculate the Modbus address.

Supported I/O products:

• ioLogik 4000 series: Expandable Remote I/O
• ioLogik E2000 series: Active Ethernet I/O
• ioLogik R2000 series: Serial Ethernet I/O

Supported programming platforms:

• UC-7110 and UC-7112:
  Mini RISC-based Ready-to-Run Embedded Computers with 2 Serial Ports, Dual LANs, SD

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The latest firmware for MOXA's UC-7420-LX embedded computer supports 3G/UMTS/HSDPA PCMCIA cards to allow long-range wireless communication. The UC-7420-LX supports the latest communication technology to provide a complete wireless solution suitable for any industrial application.

Basic short-range wireless communication is already offered by the UC-7420-LX through a built-in PCMCIA socket that supports 802.11 b/g WLAN. Now, the UC-7420-LX can offer long-range communication that expands the reach of the network through support for 3G cards.

This feature is particularly convenient for applications that are not easily reached with a land line, or for locations that require long-range service. 3G/HSDPA support makes the UC-7420-LX an ideal solution for harsh industrial environments where traditional WLAN service may not be available.

The UC-7420-LX has been fully tested with the following 3G cards:

1. Vodafone 3G data card
2. NVM-U740
3. Vodafone Mobile Connect HSDPA/UMTS/EDGE datacard

Support for 3G/UMTS/HSDPA is provided in the latest UC-7420-LX firmware (v. 2.0). However, this firmware is only compatible with UC-7420-LX hardware versions 1.3 and above.

Click here to downloaded the latest UC-7420-LX firmware.

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It is commonly believed that television will be the next media to make heavy use of the maturing IP technology. In fact, large telecommunication companies in the United States and Europe have begun merging small television providers, and are moving forward to integrate voice, data, and video transmission.

The IPTV symbolizes the ultimate exploration of Internet technologies and is regarded as the next life-line for the already declining telecom industry. In this regard, the business opportunities created by the IPTV are tremendous, and MOXA, as a leading brand in the device networking market, is playing a role in the management of IPTV networks. The biggest challenge for Telecom firms is that IPTV involves a large volume of data transmission, which makes it hard for traditional cable and ADSL providers to manage the task. For this reason, service providers have turned to the establishment of neighborhood PBXs to deal with the large volume of data flow.

Because the PBX units are scattered around at different locations, remote management has proved to be an important tool for IPTV providers, with PPPoE used to control and manage the PBXs. Dedicated ADSL lines are also used to ease concerns about information exposure, and data encryption has become a fundamental requirement for network-equipment-managing tools. MOXA's NPort 6000 secure terminal server not only supports PPPoE mode, but also provides security protection, thus eliminating concerns about hackers. The rugged industrial design makes the NPort 6000 secure terminal server more reliable, ensuring that no unexpected losses will be incurred.

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GSM/GPRS wireless communication is one of the most widely used communication systems in the world today. In fact, it is fair to say that mobile phones are now a necessity in most people's lives, and with the debut of 3G technologies, mobile communication technologies carry not only voice, but also video and multi-media messages.

An exciting trend for industry is that mobile technologies are expanding into the field of system monitoring and control. Since this trend applies to a variety of applications from many different fields, system providers are under pressure to eliminate deadspots in cell phone communication so that no messages or calls are missed. Because of this need, system providers are using signal repeaters and distribution equipment to extend their services into environments, such as elevators, tunnels, and underground passageways, that formerly were shielded from cell phone signals. The equipment involved in this kind of exxpansion is, by its very nature, spread out over large areas, making central management and system stability absolutely necessary. This is where MOXA's device servers come in.

MOXA's NPort device servers provide a reliable data transmission route that helps system providers manage their monitoring systems. NPort device servers link the control host to the repeater, allowing engineers to configure, maintain, and control various aspects of the system, including the direction of antennas, fault alarms, performance, and emergency shutdowns. This particlar application is another good example of how MOXA's device servers can be used to establish reliable data communication routes.

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Power substations require many types of devices to construct a system that generates and distributes power. Traditionally, human beings were employed to monitor the performance of the devices, but this solution is costly and unreliable due to the possibility of human error. For these and other reasons, power substations have moved to unmanned, automated monitoring systems.

A company in China is using MOXA's DA-662 embedded computers in a power substation as part of a completely automated system for power distribution management. The application uses the DA-662 front-end controllers at both remote and local sites. MOXA's UC-7408 embedded computers are also used as part of this application, allowing devices such as switch gears to be controlled. In addition, data can be transmitted safely back to the control center for power distribution, and the DA-662 can analyze data collected from remote devices to deliver highly reliable and powerful computing, and ensure the high performance expected of multifunctional controller usage.

DA-662 embedded computers provide the following benefits:

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One characteristic shared by all modern cities is the need to provide its citizens with an adequate number of parking lots. Although most automated parking lots alert drivers to the number of empty spaces that are available, it can still be quite frustrating to search for a parking space once you enter a large parking lot.

A particular solution provider is using MOXA's Active Ethernet I/O products to implement an automated parking system that makes it easier for drivers to find parking spaces. The solution uses one ioLogik E2210 for each section of the parking lot, and a distance sensor for each parking space. In addition, they also use Click&Go logic, which requires very little learning effort, to implement simple control logic. In effect, a light turns on automatically when the space is empty. When a space is occupied, the light turns off.

The system may sound simple, but it gives drivers a big advantage by making it easy to identify which spaces are empty. As you might imagine, drivers only need to spend a few minutes to locate an empty space.

Why choose Active Ethernet I/O?

• Easy-to-use Click&Go logic
• Active I/O messaging is trigged by events without polling
• High speed Ethernet I/O

System Architecture:

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Fans of two well-known soccer clubs—Bayern Munich and TSV Munich 1860—will have no trouble identifying which team is playing on any given night. This is because Munich's new stadium has an advanced lighting control system that displays complicated patterns on a sophisticated, enormous LED screen on the stadium's facade. The beacon used to create the patterns has a shell created from huge, translucent, lozenge-shaped ETFE foil panels. Each individual panel can be lit in white, red, blue, or light blue, and the light can be made to pulsate or glow steadily to bask the entire stadium in white, red, or blue light. Goals and other exciting events that occur during the game can be displayed in light on the facade. In addition, areas away from the immediate vicinity of the field can be included in the festive atmosphere. For example, when the match is over, fans will be delighted as the light follows them home, helping to maintain the atmosphere generated on the field. The grand opening of this new and improved stadium took place on May 31, 2005. In addition, the Munich clubs FC Bayern and TSV 1860 played at home on June 9, 2006, to warm up the stadium for the FIFA World Cup Opening Match.

Creating such an advanced display system requires using advanced and reliable communication products. For this reason, the system designers decided to use a redundant Ethernet network with a multi mode fiber backbone.

The backbone topology consists of redundant rings coupled together with managed, industrial switches to assure the greatest reliability.

Most of the system's active components are installed in cabinets that are mounted on the arena stadium's roof. The harsh environmental conditions require components that are robust and reliable.

The engineers who designed the system decided on MOXA's ED6008-MM-SC* rail switches, which have a rugged design suitable for harsh environments. The ED6008-MM-SC* series supports optical fiber and a Turbo Ring feature to provide the reliability required for system operations during the many events held in the arena stadium. Another advantage of using MOXA's switches is the availability of software to monitor the network and its redundancy. The software tool is MOXA's EDS-SNMP OPC Server, which supports the use of OPC-based software to monitor the health of the system and discover failures.

MOXA's solution has helped integrators combine art, multimedia, and architecture in an amazing way. The variety of the translucent, lozenge-shaped cushions of glowing colors adds an amazing aesthetic appeal and functionality to the structure. In addition to the advanced lighting, the panels are self-cleaning, are resistant to fire, heat, and cold, and are inflated to a permanent pressure of 350 Pascals. The unique façade guarantees that Munich has one of the most unique and spectacular sporting stadiums in the world.

*NOTE: ED6008-MM-SC has been upgraded to EDS-408A-MM-SC.

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MOXA is pleased to announce the launch of a new vertical market theme site that focuses on using MOXA's products in the ATM industry. The theme site provides comprehensive information related to the ATM industry, including types of ATMs, MOXA case studies, related white papers, and MOXA solutions for ATMs. Our multiport serial boards, USB-to-serial hubs, and embedded computers are well-suited for the demands of ATM applications. The website was designed to provide system integrators with an excellent tool for introducing some of MOXA's hottest selling products to the ATM industry.

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