Moxa NPort 5150A 1-Port RS-232/422/485 Serial Device Server

How the NPort 5150A puts serial devices on Ethernet

NPort 5150A is listed by Moxa as: 1-port RS-232/422/485 device server, 0 to 60°C operating temperature. A one-port serial device server that makes a single RS-232, RS-422 or RS-485 instrument available on Ethernet, with configurable pull-high/low resistors and a built-in terminator for RS-485.

On the datasheet side, the power input is 12 to 48 VDC; operating temperature is 0 to 60°C (32 to 140°F); dimensions are 75.2 x 80 x 22 mm (2.96 x 3.15 x 0.87 in); weight is 340 g (0.75 lb).

Standards and approvals printed for this model include safety standard UL 60950-1. Approvals can differ between variants of a series, so check the one on the exact order code.

Technical specifications

Where it fits and what to check

Use it to network flow computers, gas analysers, scales and meters, either through Real COM or TTY drivers for legacy software or through TCP server/client and UDP modes.

On the practical side, mounting is listed as desktop; din-rail mounting (with optional kit); wall mounting; the housing is metal; the stated MTBF is 2,231,530 hrs; the warranty period is 5 years. Treat the MTBF as a manufacturer prediction under its stated method, not a guarantee for your site.

Before ordering, confirm the power supply (12 to 48 VDC input jack, adapter not always included) and the 0 to 60 or -40 to 75 degree grade. Seven Star LLC is an independent supplier in Muscat and quotes against the exact code you give us.

Related models in the NPort 5150A family

The Moxa product list shows these models in the same family page (6 entries): NPort 5110A, NPort 5110A-T, NPort 5130A, NPort 5130A-T, NPort 5150A, NPort 5150A-T. Suffixes such as -T generally mark wide-temperature versions and fiber suffixes (M, S, MM, SS with SC or ST) mark the connector and fiber type, but the order code printed on the datasheet governs.

Choosing the right operation mode for the serial device

The NPort 5150A supports several operation modes, and the right one depends on how the host software expects to talk to the instrument. If an older SCADA or metering package can only open a COM port, Real COM mode lets the host computer see the remote serial device as if it were connected locally. Where the application is written to use network sockets, TCP Server or TCP Client mode is usually simpler, and UDP suits cases where many hosts need the same data and occasional loss is acceptable. Pair Connection mode links two serial devices across an Ethernet network without a computer in between.

• Identify whether the field device speaks RS-232, RS-422 or two-wire or four-wire RS-485, and match the wiring to the pin assignment table.
• Note the baudrate, data bits, parity and stop bits used by the instrument, since all of them must be set identically on the device server.
• For RS-485 lines, decide whether the NPort sits at the end of the bus and should use the built-in terminator and pull-high/low resistors.
• Check which flow control the device uses; hardware handshaking is listed for RS-232 only.

Installation and commissioning

The metal housing can be placed on a desk, fixed to a wall or mounted on DIN rail with the optional kit, so plan the location inside the panel before wiring. Keep serial cables short and away from power wiring, use shielded twisted pair for RS-422 and RS-485, and connect signal ground consistently. Supply the unit from a stable DC source within the input voltage range shown in the table.

During commissioning, assign an IP address that fits the plant network plan, set the serial parameters, choose the operation mode and then test communication with the actual instrument before closing the panel. Record the final settings so a replacement unit can be configured in the same way later.

Network and site considerations in the Gulf

Control panels in Oman and other GCC countries can get very hot, particularly in outdoor kiosks or rooms without air conditioning. The standard NPort 5150A has a stated operating temperature range, so measure or estimate the real temperature inside the enclosure and consider the wide-temperature -T model listed in the family where needed. Keep humidity non-condensing as specified, and seal cable entries against dust. On the network side, treat the device as part of the control system: place it in a segregated network, use the encryption and HTTPS options listed in the specification where your policy requires them, and keep the configuration under change control.

What to send with an enquiry

Give the exact order code, the serial standard and protocol of the connected device, the required operating temperature grade, mounting method, power arrangement and quantity. If you are replacing an existing unit, include the old model and its operation mode so the new device server can be matched to the same application.

Documents and quotation

The Moxa datasheet for this family (moxa-nport-5100a-series-datasheet-v2.0) is attached to this page. Request a quotation with the exact order code, quantity and delivery location, and we will respond with availability.

More products in this range: Industrial Communications.