StarTech.com 2 Port PCI Express RS232 Serial Card

StarTech Serial Card, 2 Ports, 921.6 kbps Maximum Baud Rate - PEX2S953

This serial card provides two RS232 connections via a PCI Express Interface for adding legacy serial ports to industrial and embedded systems. It is designed to integrate with desktop and rack-mount PCs running common operating systems, offering a stable serial communication option where USB alternatives are unsuitable.

Features and Benefits:

• Two serial ports enable simultaneous device communications
  Supports up to 921.6 kbps for high-speed data transfer
  2048-bit FIFO reduces CPU load during burst transmissions
  PCIe bus connection ensures low-latency communication
  Compliant with FCC, CE and RoHS for regulated deployments

Applications

• Suitable for legacy instrument control in automation lines
  Ideal for factory-floor data logging with PLCs
  Used with serial-based test equipment in electronics labs
  Can be used for point-of-sale Terminal integration in retail
  Used for serial console access in embedded systems development

Which operating systems are supported for driver availability and runtime?

Drivers and runtime support are provided for Windows Vista/XP/7/8/10, Linux distributions and Mac environments, enabling cross-platform deployment.

How does the card handle intensive serial traffic without dropping data?

The on-board large FIFO buffer stores incoming and outgoing bytes during bursts, reducing interrupt frequency and preventing data loss under heavy loads.

What Interface does the card present to connected peripherals?

It provides standard RS232 connections compatible with common serial devices and industrial equipment that expect a legacy COM port interface.

Is the card suitable as an alternative to USB for permanent serial connections?

Yes, it offers a PCIe-based COM port solution intended for fixed installations where a direct bus-mounted serial port is preferred over external USB adapters.