Multiplexer Overview

The Advanced Communications Controller (ACC) Subsystem is an intelligent serial communication product for HP e3000 Workstations and Servers. It provides a high performance Wide Area Network (WAN) platform for customers who have large synchronous and asynchronous networks. A complete HP ACC subsystem consists of both the multiplexer hardware and ACC software. This manual describes the 8-port PCI ACC Multiplexer hardware. This multiplexer is compatible with the Peripheral Component Interface (PCI) format. Refer to the manuals provided with your ACC software products for information on the ACC software.

Multiplexer Features

The major features of the HP multiplexer are:

Serial communications at high speeds.
Ideally suited for Wide Area Networks (WAN).
Data rates configurable up to 128k baud on RS-232 and V.35 ports.
Synchronous support.
Support of the following telecommunications protocols:
- LAPB
- HDLC normal mode (SDLC)
- HDLC-Level 1
Level 1 support for RS-232 and V.35.
Each port can be set to the following modes.
- RS-232
- V.35
- Differential Loopback

8-Port PCI Multiplexer Maximum Baud Rates

Although the ACC MUX card can handle rates above 19.2 Kbps for RS-232 and 64 Kbps for V.35, it is the customer's responsibility to ensure that the cable type and length are chosen appropriately.

Per Port

RS-232: 128 Kbps
V.35: 128 kbps

Aggregate

RS-232: 1024 Kbps
V.35: 1024 kbps

Multiplexer Architecture

The 8-port PCI ACC Multiplexer is an intelligent microprocessor-based interface that supports a wide variety of serial data communication protocols. The architecture allows the protocols to be implemented as downloaded modules which enhance the flexibility of the interface. The multiplexer has sufficient memory to provide data buffering and configuration tables, as well as space for multiple downloaded protocol modules. Figure 1-1 “Block Diagram of the 8-Port PCI ACC Multiplexer” shows a functional block diagram of the multiplexer card.

Figure 1-1 Block Diagram of the 8-Port PCI ACC Multiplexer

Multiplexer Hardware Requirements

The 8-port PCI ACC multiplexer consists of the major hardware components described in Figure 1-2 “HP Z7340A 8-Port PCI ACC Card with Interchange Panels” and shows the components and how they combine to provide the functionality of the ACC subsystem.

Figure 1-2 HP Z7340A 8-Port PCI ACC Card with Interchange Panels




	NOTE: Interchange panels and cables are not included with the Z7340A 8-port PCI ACC product. These must be ordered separately. Refer to the section on “Accessories” for a list of interchange panel and cable products.

Multiplexer

The multiplexer (or MUX) installs as an I/O interface card in the HP e3000 computer. The MUX is a one-half length PCI card, which supports eight synchronous or asynchronous ports at speeds up to 128 Kbps on RS-232 and V.35 ports.

Interchange Panel

An Interchange Panel acts as an intermediary between the MUX and the Packet Switching Network (PSN). Each individual interchange panel is designed for a specific serial communications standard, such as RS-232, and V.35 specifications.

Rack Mounting Plate

A rack mounting plate allows up to two interchange panels to be mounted in the HP e3000 computer system's rack. Panels can be mounted in any orientation.

HP Z7325A MUX/Interchange Panel Cable

The MUX connects to the interchange panel by a 160-conductor (28 AWG) cable, three meters (10.77 feet) in length. The cable has male connectors on each end, refer to Figure 1-3 “HP Z7325A Cable Connector (Male)”. The signals for each of the pins are listed in Appendix A “Interchange Panels”

Figure 1-3 HP Z7325A Cable Connector (Male)

Octopus Cables

Two-meter octopus cables with a 160-conductor connector on one end and eight RS-232 or V.35 female connectors on the other end are also available for connecting the MUX and the Packet Switching Network. This cable replaces the 160-conductor cable and interchange panels for RS-232 or V.35 connections. Figure 1-4 “HP Z7340A 8-Port PCI ACC Card with Octopus Cable” shows the MUX card with an octopus cable.




	NOTE: The octopus cables do not support dual configuration (high-availability systems). You must use the 160-conductor cable and interchange panel to implement the dual configuration feature if you require an highly available system.

Figure 1-4 HP Z7340A 8-Port PCI ACC Card with Octopus Cable