StarTech.com 4 Port PCI Express RS232 Serial Card

StarTech Serial Card, 4 Ports, 921.6 kbps Maximum Baud Rate - PEX4S953LP

This serial card provides four RS232 ports on a PCI Express Interface for adding serial connectivity to desktop systems. Designed for industrial and technical environments, it enables communication with legacy equipment and instrumentation across multiple operating systems including Mac, Windows Vista/XP/7/8/10, and Linux.

Features and Benefits:

• Four independent RS232 ports for multiple device connections
  Supports up to 921.6 kbps for high-throughput serial links
  2048‑bit FIFO buffers to reduce CPU interrupts
  PCI Express bus for low-latency data transfer
  CE, RoHS and FCC approvals for regulatory compatibility

Applications

• Suitable for connecting CNC controllers to PCs via RS232
  Ideal for integrating PLCs into computerised monitoring systems
  Used with laboratory instruments requiring serial data logging
  Can be used for serial console access on industrial servers
  Suitable for bespoke test rigs requiring multiple COM ports

Which operating systems will recognise the card?

Drivers and compatibility exist for Mac, Windows Vista/XP/7/8/10 and distributions of Linux enabling serial port enumeration and use.

How does the buffer size affect performance in heavy traffic?

The 2048‑bit FIFO reduces CPU overhead by queuing incoming and outgoing bytes, lowering interrupt frequency during bursty transmissions.

Is this suitable for high-speed serial sensors?

With a maximum baud rate of 921.6 kbps it supports fast serial devices that operate within that rate.

Which physical connection does it provide for equipment interfacing?

It exposes standard RS232 connection ports for direct connection to serial devices.

What bus form factor does the card use for host installation?

It installs in a PCI Express slot to provide serial expansion on compatible motherboards.