ARCNET PCA66 Series Legacy Product

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  2. Legacy
  3. ARCNET PCA66 Series
ARCNET PCA66 Series

Product Overview

  • Utilizes COM90C66 16-bit ARCNET controller
  • Interfaces ARCNET with AT (ISA ) bus computers
  • Zero wait-state arbitration typical
  • Deterministic, high-speed 2.5 Mbps ARCNET token-passing local area network (LAN)
  • COM90C26/90C65 software compliant
  • Command chaining for enhanced performance
  • Supports coaxial, fiber optic and twisted-pair cabling
  • Supports either memory mapped or I/O mapped RAM buffer
  • Node address switch selects one of 255 possible station addresses
  • Boot ROM socket for diskless workstations
  • Suitable with all the Contemporary Controls' MOD HUB and AI series active hubs
  • CMOS design for low-power consumption
  • CE Mark

More Information

The PCA66 Series of network interface modules (NIMs) connects ISA compatible computers with the ARCNET local area network (LAN).
ARCNET is classified as a token-bus LAN operating at 2.5 Mbps while supporting 255 nodes. Interfacing ARCNET to a host computer usually requires a Network Interface Module which plugs into the host computer's bus.

The PCA66 is manufactured with the 16-bit COM90C66 ARCNET controller chip with improved attributes over earlier ARCNET chips. New features are command chaining and sequential I/O mapping of the internal RAM buffer. There is typically no requirement for wait-state arbitration. The PCA66 is backward compatible with earlier 90C26 and 90C65 8-bit ARCNET controllers and will operate as a replacement. In order to use the expanded features of the COM90C66, an enhanced software driver is necessary.

Each PCA66 module has two LEDs on the board. The green LED indicates that the module is transmitting data on the network, and the yellow LED indicates bus access to the module. The PCA66 also has an external DIP switch so that node addresses can be easily reassigned without removing the module.
An 8-bit DIP switch is used to set the ARCNET node address. Any value except zero is a valid ARCNET node address. If zero is set in the switches, the ARCNET LAN adapter will disable its transmitter and not join the network until a non-zero node ID is set via software. The RAM buffer cannot be accessed when the node ID is zero.

Five versions of the PCA66 exist. The PCA66-CXS supports coaxial star configurations requiring external active or passive hubs to extend a bus segment beyond 1000 feet. The PCA66-CXB accommodates coaxial bus configuration usually requiring no hubs. The maximum segment length is 1000 feet, and the maximum number of Network Interface Modules that can be connected to a segment is eight. Other models are the PCA66-FOG that supports fiber optic cable with either ST or SMA connectors. With fiber optic connections only star and distributed star topologies are supported. The PCA66-TPB supports twisted-pair bus cabling using RJ-11 or screw terminal connectors.

Replacement Information

The PCA66 Series of NIMs has no drop-in replacement. This series used the COM90C66 ARCNET controller chip that is no longer available. Second-hand PCA66 NIMs might be obtained from vendors of used ARCNET equipment, but Contemporary Controls does not know of any such vendors.

For users willing and able to modify their application-layer software, currently available NIMs could possibly substitute. PCX20 NIMs fit in ISA slots and use the COM20020 ARCNET controller chip. PCI20U NIMs fit in PCI slots and use the COM20022 ARCNET controller chip. Due to the differences between the COM90C66 chip and the COM20020/22 chips, ARCNET functionality will change. If you are thinking of replacing a PCA66 NIM with a NIM that uses the COM20020/22 chip, note the following important considerations:

  • Memory mapping can no longer be used for data operations because a COM20020/22 chip transfers data through its I/O space.
  • 16-bit data operations are not supported by our drivers, but 16-bit operation is possible for those writing their own drivers.
  • Although PCX20 and PCI20 software drivers are available, they alone will not provide an upgrade. A software rewrite will still be required.
  • Contemporary Controls does not rewrite software for users.

PCX20 NIMs have free null-stack drivers available for Windows NT/95/98/ME/2000/XP use of NDIS drivers is strongly discouraged. Each downloadable driver file is actually a set of files which includes a programmer guide and sample applications. PCX20 drivers, more driver information and utilities are available here.

PCI20U NIMs have free null-stack drivers available for Windows NT/95/98/ME/2000/XP/Vista use of NDIS drivers is strongly discouraged. Each downloadable driver file is actually a set of files which includes a programmer guide and sample applications. PCI20U drivers, more driver information and utilities are available here.

PCX20 and PCI20U NIMs provide most of the same transceiver options as PCA66 NIMs except that the twisted-pair star option is no longer supported and fiber ports are no longer supported. If you need to replace a PCA66-CXS, you should use a 93-ohm terminator attached to a Tee on the BNC connector of the replacement NIM. If you need fiber connectivity for a PCX20 or PCI20U NIM, you should use an AI Series hub for the media conversion.