Description
3. Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Serial Ports | 2 × DB9 male |
| Serial Interfaces | RS-232 (DTE), RS-422, RS-485 (2-wire / 4-wire) |
| Baud Rate | 110 to 230.4 kbps |
| Serial Buffer | 8 kb per port |
| Ethernet Port | 1 × RJ45, 10/100 Mbps auto-detecting |
| Protocols | TCP, UDP, IP, ARP, DHCP, Telnet, HTTP, ICMP |
| Power Input | 9–48 VDC or 8–24 VAC (external supply required) |
| Power Consumption | Approx. 340 mA @ 12 VDC |
| Operating Temperature | –10 °C to +80 °C |
| Enclosure | IP30, DIN-rail mountable |
| Dimensions (approx.) | 4.46 × 15.52 × 10.46 cm (1.75 × 6.1 × 4.1 in) |
| Configuration | Vlinx Manager, web page, Telnet, console |
| Status | Obsolete (recommended substitute: EKI-1522I-CE) |
4. Product Introduction
The Advantech BB-ESR902 (B&B SmartWorx Vlinx series) is a 2-port industrial Ethernet serial server. It converts two RS-232/422/485 serial ports into network-accessible virtual COM ports or direct TCP/UDP sockets, allowing remote configuration, monitoring, and control of serial devices over a LAN or WAN.
This unit is designed for harsh industrial environments with a wide temperature range, DIN-rail mounting, and IP30 enclosure. It remains a practical replacement for existing ESR900-series installations where serial devices must be brought onto an Ethernet network without changing the field equipment.
5. Troubleshooting Quick Reference
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Relevance to this Part | Quick Check Method | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Ethernet link | Cable fault, wrong speed, or power issue | ✅ High | Check Link LED; verify 10/100 cable and switch port | Confirm power and Ethernet cable first |
| Serial port not responding | Incorrect interface mode or baud rate | ✅ High | Verify RS-232/422/485 setting and baud in Vlinx Manager | Match serial parameters to the connected device |
| Virtual COM fails to open | Driver or firewall issue | ✅ Medium | Reinstall Vlinx drivers; check Windows Device Manager | Update or reinstall virtual COM drivers |
| Intermittent communication | Power fluctuation or noise | ✅ Medium | Measure supply voltage under load; check grounding | Use stable power supply and proper shielding |
| Unit not reachable via IP | Wrong IP or DHCP conflict | ✅ High | Reset to factory defaults; connect via console | Reconfigure IP settings |
If the problem continues, note all LED states, current IP configuration, and serial settings, then contact technical support with the information.

BB-ESR902

BB-ESR902
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the BB-ESR902 still manufactured?
A: No. It is obsolete. Advantech recommends the EKI-1522I-CE as a modern substitute. New-surplus and tested refurbished units remain available for legacy systems.
Q: Does it include a power supply?
A: No. An external 9–48 VDC or 8–24 VAC supply is required and sold separately.
Q: Can both serial ports run different protocols at the same time?
A: Yes. Each port is independently configurable for RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 and can use different baud rates and TCP/UDP settings.
Q: What software is needed for configuration?
A: Vlinx Manager (Windows), the embedded web server, Telnet, or a direct RS-232 console connection.
Q: Does it support virtual COM ports?
A: Yes. Virtual COM drivers are provided for Windows, allowing serial applications to treat the remote ports as local COM ports.
Q: What is the maximum serial distance?
A: Limited by the RS-232/422/485 standard and cable quality. Typical RS-485 runs can reach 1200 m under proper conditions; RS-232 is much shorter.
Q: Why choose a tested refurbished unit?
A: These industrial serial servers are no longer in production. Fully tested units restore network-to-serial connectivity quickly while carrying a warranty, avoiding the long lead times of scarce new-surplus stock.

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