The ESP-2 MI is a compact Multi-Interface, 2-port serial hub that provides versatile support of RS-232/422/485 protocols for industrial/manufacturing environments and commercial applications, including hospitality, medical and security access control operations. Through direct connection with the ESP-2 MI, serial peripherals can be enabled to function as IP-based devices. Using Equinox software driver technology, operating systems can transparently access serial COM ports as if installed within the server locally -- while the server actually remains securely isolated in a back-office or remote location.

The ESP-2 MI operates independent of specific network operating systems and protocols and provides for easy and reliable network access of serial devices, eliminating the cost burdens imposed by extensive cable runs and dedicated computers for application support. The compact size of the ESP-2 MI enables connectivity to almost any serial device anywhere while satisfying the rigorous environmental demands and unique needs of the industrial/factory automation marketplace.

Features & Benefits

• NEW! Web Browser Management - Web browser management utility simplifies configuration and administration. Click for more details!   
• Serial Signaling - Serial signaling support for RS-232, RS-422 and RS-485
• Multi-drop Versatility - RS-485 configurable for RTS or Automatic Data Detection Control (ADDC enables simplified RS-485 half-duplex control for multi-drop applications)
• Versatile Port Options - Convenient ‘single port’ option allows users to hide unused ports in network topology views
• Mounting Capabilities - Versatile mounting capabilities enable quick deployment in desktop, wall mount and/or DIN-rail environments
• Durable Chassis - Durable enclosure for Industrial Automation applications
• Surge Protection - Surge protection for each port up to 15,000 volts ESD
• High Availability - Multi-host attachment allows for high availability solutions
• OS Support - Operating system support for Windows 2000/NT/XP, AIX, Linux and SCO OpenServer/UnixWare
• Port Management - Provided with EquiView Plus software including SNMP support and 'built-in' datascope diagnostic functionality under Windows and ESPDIAGS for manageability under UNIX and Linux operating systems
• One Click 'Replace' Option - Enables the addition of a new unit to the network without reconfiguring installation parameters 
• Flexible Power Connection - Multiple input power connection options allow for either a detachable barrel connector or a secure latching connector with screw-type clamp terminals for power source connection

Applications

• Industrial Automation
• Process Control
• Back Office
• Medical/Healthcare
• Retail POS
• Hospitality
• Security/Access Control
   

Manage Ports with EquiView Plus

Monitor and manage on a port by port basis serial devices connected to the ESP-2 MI Serial Hub. EquiView Plus is the only SNMP-based network management software that simplifies serial I/O diagnostics and management with its 'built-in' datascope.

Features & Benefits
Network Management and Monitoring
Point and click ESP port views and statistics using pause/resume or even add additional statistics to configuration files. View TCP segment measurements for connections between locations in real time in Server Monitor view.
 

Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Capture data to files for analysis with Datascope. Select from multiple views or freeze captures based on text strings or control signals. Troubleshoot cabling, configuration and hardware with EquiView Plus' exclusive built-in break-out box diagnostic tool.

Intuitive Three-level Help Displays
Rapidly build ESP management skill with schemes that enable administrators to easily identify features and functions.

NEW! Web Browser Management Utility

The ESP-2 MI web browser management utility provides intuitive monitoring and administration capabilities that simplify the configuration process of serial devices
with open protocols. In addition to the already available methods for configuring the ESP-2 MI via EquiView Plus and ESPDIAG utilities for Unix and Linux platforms, similar functions may now be performed with any standard HTML-based web browser able to communicate with the ESP-2 MI’s embedded web server.

Figure 1: Intuitive Main Menu Screen provides quick and easy navigation.


Figure 2: Control ESP-2 MI access methods with flexibility. Fewer fields are required, so configuration is simple and quick.

Features & Benefits
 Intuitive Graphical Main Menu
All options remain static on the left side, with the right side providing drill-down for configuration parameters.

Unit Hardware, Network and Port Configuration Menus
Quickly configure the unit itself for connectivity to both LAN and serial devices.
 

Display and Update Flash Components
View the current version of flash components in operation and perform update operations.
 

Network Statistics and Server Connections
View important statistics indicative of the health of your server communications across the LAN (e.g., byte counts, packet counts and connection states, etc.) via any browser.
ESP-2 MI Technical Specifications

Serial Ports Over IP

Connect a wide range of industrial and commercial serial devices to the ESP-2MI.
Its unique ‘single port’ option allows the appliance to appear as a single port device in large network management topologies.