Description

Product Overview

The ICS Triplex T8403CX is a high-capacity,industrial-grade serial communication module designed for large-scale automation and control systems requiring extensive serial connectivity.Manufactured by International Communications Solutions(ICS)under the trusted Triplex brand,the ICS Triplex T8403CX delivers an impressive 32 independent serial ports via a single PCI Express(PCIe)host interface.This dual-board design integrates two high-performance serial controllers into one PCIe x4(or higher)slot,making it ideal for applications where space efficiency and maximum port density are critical.

Engineered for mission-critical environments such as power generation,oil and gas,water treatment,and manufacturing,the ICS Triplex T8403CX supports both RS-232 and RS-422 standards across all 32 ports.Each port is equipped with a 16C550C-compatible UART featuring 16-byte FIFO buffers,ensuring reliable,low-latency data transmission even under heavy load conditions.The module enables seamless integration of legacy devices—including PLCs,RTUs,HMIs,modems,and terminal servers—into modern SCADA(Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition)and DCS(Distributed Control Systems).

Designed for 24/7 operation,the ICS Triplex T8403CX offers robust ESD protection,optional galvanic isolation per port(on isolated variants),and compatibility with both Windows and Linux operating systems.It is typically deployed using an external breakout box that converts the internal 68-pin SCSI-style connector into multiple DB25 or DB9 interfaces,allowing flexible DIN rail or rack-mounted installation in control cabinets.With its exceptional reliability,scalability,and performance,the ICS Triplex T8403CX serves as a cornerstone for centralized monitoring and control in complex industrial networks.

Technical Specifications

Product Model ICS Triplex T8403CX

Manufacturer International Communications Solutions(ICS)Triplex

Product Type 32-Port Serial Communication Module

Host Interface PCI Express x4(backward compatible with x8/x16)

Number of Ports 32

Port Type Internal 68-pin HD PIM Connector(requires external breakout cable/box)

Communication Standard EIA/TIA-232-F,EIA/TIA-422-B

UART Chipset Dual 16C550C-Compatible Controllers with 16-byte FIFO per port

Baud Rate Up to 921.6 kbps(programmable)

Data Bits 5,6,7,8

Stop Bits 1,1.5,2

Parity None,Even,Odd,Mark,Space

Flow Control XON/XOFF(Software),RTS/CTS,DTR/DSR(Hardware)

Electrical Isolation Optional 500 V RMS(Model variant:T8403CX-I)

ESD Protection±15 kV Air Gap,±8 kV Contact

Operating Temperature 0°C to+60°C

Storage Temperature-20°C to+85°C

Humidity 5%to 95%RH,non-condensing

Power Consumption<8 W(from PCIe slot)

Driver Support Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10/11,Windows Server,Linux Kernel 2.6+

Installation Internal PCIe Slot with External Breakout Box(e.g.,DB25-to-DB9 Terminal Blocks)

Form Factor Full-height PCIe card with dual PCB stack

Main Features and Advantages

The ICS Triplex T8403CX stands out as a premier solution for industrial applications demanding ultra-high serial port density and system reliability.Its ability to provide 32 fully independent serial ports on a single PCIe card significantly reduces hardware footprint,simplifies cabling,and lowers total cost of ownership in large control systems.This makes the T8403CX particularly valuable in central SCADA servers,DCS engineering stations,and telecom aggregation points where hundreds of serial devices must be managed from a single host.

A key advantage is its dual-controller architecture,which balances the communication load between two independent UART engines,minimizing CPU overhead and preventing bottlenecks during simultaneous multi-port operations.Each port supports programmable baud rates up to 921.6 kbps and includes 16-byte FIFO buffers to prevent data loss during peak traffic.The flexibility to configure each port for RS-232(short-range point-to-point)or RS-422(long-distance,noise-resistant differential signaling)allows integration of diverse field devices without additional converters.

Built for harsh industrial environments,the ICS Triplex T8403CX features robust ESD and surge protection,with an optional isolated version(T8403CX-I)offering 500 V galvanic isolation per port to eliminate ground loops and protect against voltage transients.It is fully supported by mature drivers for Windows and Linux,ensuring long-term stability in continuous operation.When paired with rugged breakout enclosures,the T8403CX can be mounted on DIN rails or in standard 19″racks,providing a clean,serviceable installation in control rooms and substations.

Application Field

The ICS Triplex T8403CX is widely deployed in industries where massive serial device connectivity is essential:

Electric Power Utilities:Used in substation automation and grid control centers to connect protective relays,meters,and RTUs via Modbus RTU or DNP3 protocols.

Oil&Gas:Integrates wellhead sensors,flow computers,and safety systems into central control networks for remote monitoring and leak detection.

Water/Wastewater Treatment:Aggregates data from pump stations,chemical feeders,and level sensors across geographically dispersed facilities.

Manufacturing&Process Control:Connects PLCs,CNC machines,barcode scanners,and HMIs to MES/SCADA systems for real-time production tracking.

Telecommunications:Manages banks of modems,DSLAMs,and legacy PBX systems in central offices and remote access hubs.

Transportation:Supports signaling systems,train control units,and baggage handling equipment in rail and airport infrastructure.

Its 32-port capacity makes the T8403CX ideal for centralized master stations that must maintain persistent connections to dozens—or even hundreds—of remote serial devices.

Related Products

ICS Triplex T8402CX–16-port PCIe serial module for mid-density applications.

ICS Triplex T8403CX-I–Isolated version with 500 V galvanic isolation for high-noise environments.

ICS Triplex T8310–16-port RS-232/422/485 PCIe card for mixed-protocol integration.

ICS Triplex T8191–8-port serial module for smaller control systems.

ICS Triplex Breakout Box 32P-DB25–External enclosure with 32 DB25 ports for DIN rail mounting.

MOXA C3552–Competitive 32-port PCIe serial card for cross-platform comparison.

ProSoft Technology MVI56-MCM–ControlLogix-based communication module for Rockwell ecosystems.

Honeywell Experion®PKS–Distributed control system often interfaced via T8403CX for legacy device integration.

Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500–PLC series frequently connected through T8403CX in hybrid networks.

Red Lion Controls N-Tron 6000 Series–Managed industrial switches used alongside T8403CX deployments.

Installation and Maintenance

Pre-installation:Ensure the host system has a PCIe x4(or larger)slot and sufficient physical space.Download the latest drivers from ICS.Use a compatible breakout cable(e.g.,68-pin to four DB25 connectors)and terminal blocks.Power down the system before installation.Secure the card firmly and connect breakout cables with proper strain relief.

Maintenance:Regularly inspect connectors and cabling for corrosion or looseness.Monitor system logs for port errors or timeouts.Use ICS diagnostic tools to test individual ports.Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent overheating.Apply driver updates only after testing in non-production environments.The T8403CX requires minimal maintenance but benefits from periodic checks in harsh environments.

Product Guarantee

The ICS Triplex T8403CX is backed by a comprehensive warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship,reflecting its industrial-grade construction and long lifecycle design.Every unit undergoes rigorous factory testing for signal integrity and thermal stability.Technical support is available for driver setup,configuration,and troubleshooting.Built with long-availability components,the T8403CX is engineered for sustained deployment in critical infrastructure.With global distribution and responsive service,ICS ensures reliable,high-density serial connectivity for decades of dependable operation.