MOXA TCF-142-RM Series TCF-142-M-SC-RM Serial to Fiber Converters

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Introduction

The TCF-142-RM series fiber converters are slide-in modules that can be installed in the NRack System’s rackmount chassis, such as the TRC-190 series. The slide-in module is equipped with a multiple interface circuit that can handle RS-232 or RS-422/485 serial interfaces, and multi-mode or single-mode fiber. The TCF-142 RM series slide-in modules are used to extend serial transmission distance up to 5 km (TCF-142-M-XX-RM, with multi-mode fiber) or up to 40 km (TCF-142-S-XX-RM, with single-mode fiber).

Why Convert Serial to Fiber?
Fiber communication not only extends the communication distance, but also provides many advantageous features. IMMUNITY FROM ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE: Fiber is not affected by electromagnetic interference or radio frequency interference. It provides a clean communication path and is immune to cross talk. INSULATION: Optical fiber is an insulator; the glass fiber eliminates the need for using electric currents as the communication medium. SECURITY: Fiber cannot be tapped by conventional electric means and is very difficult to tap into optically. Furthermore, radio and satellite communication signals can be captured easily for decoding. RELIABILITY & MAINTENANCE: Fiber is immune to adverse temperature and moisture conditions, does not corrode or lose its signal, and is not affected by short circuits, power surges, or static electricity.

No Configuration Required for Baudrate Settings
The TCF-142-RM slide-in modules work under any baudrate from 50 bps to 921.6 Kbps. The TCF-142-RM slide-in modules simply convert the signal back and forth between serial (RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485) and fiber, and since the TCF-142-RM slide-in modules do not need to interpret the signal, it does not need to know the baudrate of the transmitting device. For this reason, the TCF-142-RM slide-in modules do not have any DIP switches or jumpers for setting the baudrate.

Ring Mode
To allow one half-duplex serial device to communicate with multiple half-duplex devices connected to a fiber ring, you should configure the TCF-142-RM slide-in modules for “ring mode” by setting DIP switch “SW3” to the “On” position. The Tx port of a particular TCF-142-RM slide-in modules unit connects to the neighboring converter’s Rx port to form the ring. Note that when one node transmits a signal, the signal travels around the ring until it returns to the transmitting unit, which then blocks the signal. Users should ensure that the total fiber ring length is less than 100 km when using either single-mode models or multi-mode models.

Installation

The media converter slide-in module can be hot-swapped, which means the chassis doesn’t have to power off  or be removed during installation. Align the slide-in module with the chassis installation slot so that the panel fastener screw is at the top of the module. Carefully slide the slide-in module into the slot while aligning the module’s circuit board with the installation guide. Ensure the slide-in module is firmly seated inside the chassis. Push in and rotate the attached panel fastener screw clockwise to secure the module to the chassis.

Features

• “Ring” or “Point to Point” transmission
• Extend RS-232/422/485 transmission distance:
  • up to 40 km with single-mode—TCF-142-S-XX-RM slide-in modules series
  • up to 5 km with multi-mode—TCF-142-M-XX-RM slide-in modules series
• Slide-in modules of NRack system
• Decrease signal interference
• Protect against electrical degradation and chemical corrosion
• Support baudrate up to 921.6 Kbps

Package Checklist

Before installing the TCF-142-RM slide-in module, verify that the package contains the following items:

• TCF-142-RM slide-in module Fiber Converter
• Quick Installation Guide
• Warranty Card

NOTE: Please notify your sales representative if any of the above items are missing or damaged.

Mounting Dimensions (Unit: mm)

ATTENTION
Electrostatic Discharge Warning!
To protect the product from damage due to electrostatic discharge, we recommend wearing a grounding device when handling your TCF-142-RM-slide-in modules module series.

Pin Assignment and Connector

Fiber Cable

ATTENTION
This is a Class 1 Laser/LED product. Do not stare into the Laser Beam.

Switch Settings

There are three sets of DIP switches on the board. One set for fiber and another for the connector. Following are the settings for the three connector DIP switches.

ATTENTION
For Fiber Ring Users:
Before you plug the slide-in module into the chassis, make sure the DIP switch settings are correct before inserting the slide-in module into the chassis and connecting the serial and fiber cables. If the Rx LEDs of the converter glow continuously, remove the fiber cable and reconnect.
NOTE: Ring Mode” can only be used for half-duplex applications.

The settings for the RS-485 DIP switches are:

The S3 DIP Switch is located inside the TCF-142-RM. When the TCF-142-RM is in RS-485 mode, use this DIP switch to configure RS-485 data direction control, data format, and baudrate. When the TCF-142-RM is in RS-232/422 mode, the S3 DIP switch cannot affect RS-232/422 communication.
RS-485 Data Direction Control Settings

Data Format Settings

The serial data format includes one start bit, between five and eight data bits, and one stop bit. A parity bit and an additional stop bit might be included in the format as well.
For example, 8-N-1 is interpreted as eight data bits, no parity bit, and one stop bit. Users need to adjust the DIP switch to set the data format to 10 bits.

LED Indicators

There are three LEDs on the front bracket of the TCF-142-RM slide-in modules.

Specifications

Serial Communication

• Signals for RS-232
  TxD, RxD, SGND
• Signals for RS-422
  TxD+, TxD-, RxD+, RxD-, SGND
• Signals for 4-wire RS-485
  TxD+, TxD-, RxD+, RxD-, SGND
• Signals for 2-wire RS-485
  Data+, Data-, SGND
• Baudrate
  50 bps to 921.6 Kbps
• ESD protection
  15 KV ESD

Fiber Communication

• Connector type
  ST or SC
• Distance
  Single mode fiber for 40 km
  Multi-mode fiber for 5 km
• Support Cable
  Single mode: 8.3/125, 8.7/125, 9/125 or 10/125 μm
  Multimode: 50/125, 62.5/125, or 100/140 μm
• Wavelength
  Single mode: 1310 nm
  Multimode: 850 nm
• TX Output
  Single mode: > -5 dBm
  Multimode: > -5 dBm
• RX Sensitivity
  Single mode: -25 dBm
  Multimode: -20 dBm
• Point-to-Point Transmission
  Half or Full duplex
• Multi-drop Transmission
  Half duplex, fiber ring

Environmental

• Operating Temperature
  0 to 60°C (32 to 142°F), 5 to 95 % RH
• Storage Temperature
  -20 to 75°C (-4 to 185°F), 5 to 95 % RH

Power

• Input Power Voltage
  12 VDC
  Power Consumption
  150 mA @ 12V

Mechanical

• Dimensions (W × D × H)
  86.8 × 136.46 × 21 mm
• Material
  SPCC
• Gross Weight
  80 g

Regulatory Approvals

• CE
  Class A
• FCC
  Part 15 sub part B Class A
• EMS
  • EN 61000-4-2 (ESD): Contact: 4 kV; Air: 8 kV
  • EN 61000-4-3 (RS): 80 MHz to 1 GHz: 3 V/m
  • EN 61000-4-4 (EFT): Power: 1 kV;
  • EN 61000-4-5 (Surge): Power: 2 kV (AC Power); Power: 1 kV (DC Power).
  • EN 61000-4-6 (CS): 150 kHz to 80 MHz: 3 V/m
  • EN 61000-4-8 (PFMF)
  • EN 61000-4-11 (DIPS)
• Free fall
  IEC 60068-2-32

Documents / Resources

MOXA TCF-142-RM Series TCF-142-M-SC-RM Serial to Fiber Converters [pdf] Installation Guide TCF-142-RM Series, TCF-142-M-SC-RM, Serial to Fiber Converters

References

• User Manual