Contemporary Controls ARCNET PCI20 Installation Manual

PCI20
ARCNET® Network Interface Modules for PCI Bus Computers
INSTALLATION GUIDE
INTRODUCTION
The PCI20 series of ARCNET network interface modules (NIMs) links PCI
compatible computers with the ARCNET local area network (LAN). The
high performance PCI bus allows for jumperless configuration or plug and
play operation.
ARCNET is classified as a token-bus LAN operating at a nominal 2.5 Mbps
while supporting 255 nodes. Interfacing ARCNET to a host computer
usually requires a NIM which plugs into the host computer's bus.
The PCI20 incorporates the newer COM20020 ARCNET controller chip
with enhanced features over the earlier generation ARCNET chips. New
performance and integration enhancements include command chaining
operation and an internal 2K x 8 RAM buffer. There is no requirement for
wait-state arbitration.
Each PCI20 module has two LEDs on the board. The green LED indicates
that the module is transmitting data on the network and the yellow LED
indicates bus access to the module. The PCI20 also has an external DIP
switch so that node addresses can be easily reassigned without removing the
module.
There are several versions of the PCI20 ARCNET NIM. The PCI20-CXS
supports coaxial star configurations requiring external active or passive
hubs. The PCI20-CXB supports coaxial bus configuration usually requiring
no hubs. Other versions include the PCI20-FOG which supports fiber optic
cable with either ST or SMA connectors. The PCI20-TB5 supports twisted-
pair bus cabling using RJ-45 connectors. There are some versions that
support EIA-485 communication each using RJ-45 and screw terminal
connectors.
On some models, operation up to 5.0 Mbps is possible. These models are
identified with a /5 designation.