The
TCF-142 media converters are equipped with a multiple interface
circuit that can handle RS-232 or RS-422/485 serial interfaces
and multi-mode or single-mode fiber. TCF-142 converters are
used to extend serial transmission up to 5 km (TCF-142-M with
multi-mode fiber) or up to 40 km (TCF-142-S with single-mode
fiber). The TCF-142 converters can be configured to convert
either RS-232 signals, or RS-422/485 signals, but not both at
the same time.
Automatic
Baudrate Detection
The
TCF-142 converters can automatically detect the serial baudrate.
This is an extremely convenient feature. Even if a device's
baudrate is changed, the signal will still be transmitted through
the media converter without any data loss.
Ring
Operation
The TCF-142 converters
can be used to connect serial devices to a fiber ring. To form
the ring, connect the Tx port of one TCF-142 to the Rx port
of a neighboring converter. Once the ring is set up, simply
use the DIP switches to configure the TCF-142 converters for
"ring mode." When one node transmits a signal, the signal travels
around the ring until it returns to the transmitting unit,
which then blocks the signal. With the TCF-142, you can set
up fiber rings that have a total circumference of up to 100
km.
Automatic
Data Direction Control (ADDC®)
ADDC®
is a patented hardware data flow solution developed by Moxa
to handle RS-485 data direction control. ADDC® senses and controls
RS-485 data direction automatically, making it unnecessary to
use the hand shaking signal.
TCF-90
Series
Port-powered
RS-232 to optical fiber media converters
Introduction
The TCF-90 is a
compact media converter that transmits RS-232 signals over optical
fiber. Power is derived from either the serial port or an external
power source. The TCF-90 extends RS-232 transmission up to 5
km with multi-mode fiber, or up to 40 km with single-mode fiber.
A pair of TCF-90 converters can be used to connect two RS-232
devices with optical fiber in full duplex mode. The optical
fiber isolates the data signals from dangerous increases in
ground potential, ground loops, and electrical EMI/RFI noise,
and enhances data security by eliminating the harmful effects
of RF radiation and susceptibility to electromagnetic radiation.
Self-powered
RS-232 to Optical Fiber
Connecting
RS-232 devices to the TCF-90 is easy. The
ST-type optical fiber connector is designed especially for
data communication applications that transmit data either
between or within buildings. The TCF-90 can be used for industrial
applications and for applications that require secure data
transfer.
The RS-232 port on the TCF-90 uses a DB9 female socket to
connect directly to the host PC, with power drawn from the
TxD, RTS, and DTR lines. Although the TCF-90 can obtain enough
power from the three data/handshake lines whether the signal
is high or low, we strongly recommend setting either the RTS
or DTR signal to ON.
LED
Port Power Indicator
It's
easy enough to use a multimeter to test if the serial device
is supplying the TCF-90 with enough power through the serial
connection, but why bother when the TCF-90 can do the testing
for you? Connect the TCF-90 to the device's RS-232 port and
set the SW4 switch to Test mode. If the port power LED indicator
lights up, the TCF-90 is receiving enough power. If the LED
does NOT light up, you will need to attach an external power
source to the TCF-90.
Optional
External Power Source
In most circumstances,
the TCF-90 should be able to operate without using an external
power source. However, an external USB power cord or DC power
supply can be used in situations where the handshake lines are
not available, both the RTS/DTR signals are set to OFF, or the
attached device's serial interface chip provides less power
than required.
Connecting
RS-232 devices to the TCF-90 is easy. The 
It's
easy enough to use a multimeter to test if the serial device
is supplying the TCF-90 with enough power through the serial
connection, but why bother when the TCF-90 can do the testing
for you? Connect the TCF-90 to the device's RS-232 port and
set the SW4 switch to Test mode. If the port power LED indicator
lights up, the TCF-90 is receiving enough power. If the LED
does NOT light up, you will need to attach an external power
source to the TCF-90. 
