ICS Advent Unveils New Communication Devices

Serial Port PC Cards and Boards Provide Business-Critical Solutions

SAN DIEGO, Calif., May 7, 2001 - ICS AdventTM, the premier provider of business-critical applied computing solutions, today unveiled its new communication devices that bridge modern bus architectures with traditional popular communication standards. The new products introduced are the PCI bus synchronous serial port boards (PCI-ACB and PCI-ROUTE56) and easy to use PCMCIA Type II serial port PC cards (PC-ACB/MP and PC-SIO/232-2) of which the asynchronous PC-SIO/232-2 is the fastest portable link device presently available in the market.

The PC-ACB/MP (multiple protocol PCMCIA synchronous) and the PC-SIO/232-2 (a high-speed RS-232 PCMCIA asynchronous dual serial) are ideal for devices that require high-speed or special serial protocols in mobile communication applications from a laptop. The multiple protocol PCI synchronous PCI-ACB serial board provides an interface to traditional military or satellite communication interfaces from any standard PC PCI bus slot. The PCI-ROUTE56 (with WAN interface) provides a higher speed PCI synchronous interface for more modern multiple protocol communications.

"We are excited to deliver these new communication cards," said Stephen Newbegin, I/O and communications product manager, ICS Advent. "In today´s world where speed and mobility are essential, these communication devices become a critical and viable solution. At the same time, we are offering a bridge between older popular communication interfaces but with the modern bus interfaces of new laptops and PCs."

The PC-ACB/MP replaces former separate models PC-ACB/232, PC-ACB/422 and PC-ACB/485. It features single channel RS-232/422/485/530 synchronous serial communications. The Zilog 85233 SCC supports software programmable baud rate rates and various protocols such as HDLC, SDLC, X.25, BISYNC or MONOSYNC. The PC-ACB/MB conforms to PCMCIA Type II specifications. The included DOS client software enabler allows the user to change the default configuration if needed. The card supports DOS and Development Toolkit for all OS applications. SDLC and HDLC drivers will be available free for Windows 95/98/NT/2000/ME OS soon The PC-ACB/MB is an excellent mobile interface choice to other ICS Advent´s synchronous port devices such as its ISA or PCI ACB synchronous boards. PC-ACB/MB is priced at $339 and comes with a software toolkit with programming samples and a source code to shorten development time.

The PC-SIO/232-2 is a dual channel asynchronous serial communications solution that links devices requiring high-speed mobile asynchronous communications, but also allows additional standard serial ports for modems, terminals, printers and PLCs where more serial connections are required. The 16C850 UART offers 128 byte FIFO to ensure that there is no data loss during faster transmission rates. The PC-SIO/232-2 also conforms to PCMCIA Type II specifications. The included interface cable comes with two standard DB9 male connectors with the same RS-232 pin-out of a standard PC-com port. The included DOS client software driver allows the user to change the default configuration if needed. It provides a data rate of up to 460kbps. The card features full modem control signals and hot-swapping/ auto configuration. It supports Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000 operating systems. PC-SIO/232-2 is priced at $299.

The PCI-ACB is the PCI version of the ISA ACB2/EX and PCMCIA PC-ACB/MP. Like all the ACB family, it uses the flexible Zilog 85233 SCC as the foundation for its high-speed communications. The Zilog 85233 SCC supports software programmable baud rate rates and various protocols such as HDLC, SDLC, X.25, BISYNC or MONOSYNC. PCI-ACB boasts 200Kbps+ maximum date rate with up to 5000-feet @ 9600 bps maximum distance. It features both programmable electrical interface selection to configure different electrical signal pin-outs for RS-232, RS-485, RS-530, RS-530A and ITU V.35 as well as transmit clock inpu

t or output options. It has a DB-25P male connector on its rear board bracket. It is PCI 2.1 compliant and so can be "seen" over bridge chips. It supports DOS, Development Toolkit for synchronous development and Windows 95/98/NT/2000/Me operating systems in async mode. HDLC and SDLC drivers will be available free for all Windows OS soon. PCI-ACB is priced at $339 and comes with a software toolkit with programming samples and a source code to shorten development time.

PCI-ROUTE56 is ideal for Wan applications such as T1, Fractional T1, E1, ISDN and others. The board utilizes the Zilog Z16C32 (1USC) with on chip DMA controller that eliminates bus bandwidth constraints that are placed on typical interface adapters. This allows data rates to reach 10 Mbps in burst mode. The Z16C32 has built in 32 byte FIFO coupled with 256k of on board memory through DMA allowing higher data rates to be achieved. It features multi-protocol capabilities including PPP, Frame Relay, HDLC, SDLC, X.25, BISYNC or MONOSYNC. The board comes with SDLC and HDLC drivers for use under Windows NT. It supports DOS, Development Toolkit, and Windows 95/98/NT/2000/Me operating systems in async mode. The board is priced at $499 and comes with a software toolkit with programming samples and a source code to shorten development time.

These products are available immediately through ICS Advent´s worldwide distribution network and direct sales channels. ICS advent also offers a complete I/O and communication product line. These products can also be ordered online at www.icsadvent.com or by calling an ICS Advent sales representative at (800) 523-2320. The products carry a two-year warranty with superior pre- and post-sales technical support.

About ICS Advent
ICS Advent is focused on helping customers meet the demands of developing and deploying open communications systems (OCS) and next-generation converged networks. The company designs, manufactures and integrates high-availability rack mount computers and single board computers to meet customers´ specific computing platform, server and application hosting solution requirements.

Founded in 1985, ICS Advent has been the leader in providing stable rack mount computer solutions, PC plug-in board level products for I/O, communications and telephony, and comprehensive integration and support services for more than 15 years to customers in the following industries: applied computing, government, medical and industrial automation and control, and industrial test and measurement. The company has moved beyond this heritage and expanded its market focus to include OCS solutions, such as IP telephony, telecommunications, voice processing and broadcasting/convergence.

ICS Advent products, solutions and services are available through the company´s worldwide distribution network of authorized integration partners and its direct sales channels. Customers can also order products online at www.icsadvent.com or by calling an ICS Advent sales representative at (800) 523-2320. The company has ISO-certified facilities in San Diego, Calif. and Chichester, UK.