StarTech.com 4-Port PCI Express RS232 Serial Adapter Card - PCIe Serial DB9 Controller Card 16950 UART - Low Profile - Windows/Linux

The StarTech.com 4-Port PCI Express RS232 Serial Adapter Card is built for professionals who need to expand hardware connectivity without sacrificing space or reliability. This PCIe serial card delivers four independent RS232 (DB9) ports through a single PCI Express interface, making it ideal for connecting legacy equipment, serial consoles, industrial controllers, POS devices, lab instruments, and network gear to modern desktops and workstations. With a 16950 UART chipset, a robust low-profile design, and broad Windows and Linux support, this card brings dependable, plug-and-play serial communication to your system, whether you’re outfitting a compact workstation or a dense server chassis. The inclusion of both low-profile and full-height brackets ensures easy integration into a wide range of chassis, while the card’s durable construction and optimized cooling help maintain stability even in multiterminal setups or data-intensive environments. If you’re looking to maximize your system’s versatility and keep RS-232 devices fully functional, this StarTech PCIe serial adapter is a trusted choice that blends performance, compatibility, and scalability in a compact form factor.

• Expand your computer’s connectivity with four independent RS232 (DB9) serial ports delivered through a PCI Express (PCIe) slot, enabling seamless communication with multiple serial devices from a single computer.
• Equipped with a 16950 UART chipset for reliable, full-duplex serial communication across each port, supporting a broad range of baud rates and standard serial signaling conventions used by industrial equipment and legacy peripherals.
• Low-profile PCIe form factor that fits compact HTPCs, small form factor desktops, and other tight installations, while including both low-profile and full-height brackets for flexible mounting in diverse chassis.
• Broad operating system compatibility, with driver support for Windows and Linux environments, enabling straightforward installation and consistent device recognition across professional IT environments.
• Ideal for demanding environments where serial connectivity is essential—industrial automation, kiosk and POS networks, data logging, and console management—providing reliable multi-port access without adding complexity to the system.

Technical Details of StarTech.com 4-Port PCI Express RS232 Serial Adapter Card - PCIe Serial DB9 Controller Card 16950 UART - Low Profile - Windows/Linux

• Interface: PCI Express (PCIe) card that plugs into a PCIe slot on the motherboard, providing four RS232 serial ports via DB9 connectors.
• Ports: 4 x RS232 serial ports (DB9 connectors) allowing simultaneous communication with four separate serial devices.
• UART: 16950-compatible chipset, enabling robust, reliable serial communication with standard signaling and error-checking capabilities.
• Form Factor: Low-profile PCIe card suitable for compact systems, with both low-profile and full-height brackets included for versatile installation.
• Operating System Support: Driver support for Windows and Linux, with common kernel drivers and vendor-provided utilities to simplify installation and port configuration.
• Data Rates and Signaling: Supports a wide range of baud rates per port, typically from a few tens of bps up to standard RS-232 levels (e.g., 115200 bps and beyond, depending on host and device capabilities), with proper parity, stop bits, and flow control options as required by connected devices.

How to install StarTech.com 4-Port PCI Express RS232 Serial Adapter Card

Before you begin, power down your computer and unplug it from the wall. Ground yourself to prevent static discharge, and open the case to access the motherboard and PCIe slots. Remove any obstructing components if necessary to gain clear access to an available PCI Express slot. Insert the StarTech PCIe serial card firmly into the slot until it seats completely, then secure the bracket to the chassis with a screw. If the card ships with both low-profile and full-height brackets, attach the bracket that corresponds to your system form factor. Connect your RS232 devices to the four DB9 ports using shielded serial cables, routing cables neatly to minimize airflow disruption. Replace the computer cover and reconnect power, then boot the system. Install the appropriate drivers from StarTech or your operating system’s native driver package if prompted. After installation, verify that four ports are detected by your OS and assigned to typical COM ports in Windows (e.g., COM1–COM4) or corresponding device paths in Linux (e.g., /dev/ttyS0–ttyS3). Finally, configure your terminal programs, data rates, parity, and flow control settings to match the connected devices’ requirements, and test each port with a representative serial device to ensure proper operation and reliable communication.

Tips for a smooth installation: keep firmware and drivers up to date, ensure BIOS settings permit PCIe device initialization, and verify that another card or device in the system isn’t occupying interrupt lines or conflicting with the card’s I/O range. In multi-user or server environments, consult your IT policy regarding hot-plug capabilities and port assignment conventions to maintain consistent access for all users or services relying on these serial connections.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What does this card do?

A: This StarTech 4-Port PCI Express RS232 Serial Adapter Card adds four independent RS232 serial ports to a computer via a PCIe slot, enabling you to connect multiple DB9 devices such as barcode scanners, industrial controllers, serial consoles, lab instruments, and network gear from a single system.

Q: Is the card compatible with Windows and Linux?

A: Yes. The card is designed for broad operating system support, with drivers and compatibility for Windows and Linux environments to ensure straightforward installation and reliable operation with a variety of serial devices.

Q: How many ports are available, and can I use them all at the same time?

A: The card provides four RS232 ports that can be used concurrently, enabling you to manage multiple serial devices simultaneously without requiring separate expansion cards or adapters.

Q: Do I need external power for this card?

A: No. The card draws power from the PCIe slot, so no external power supply is required for typical operation. Ensure the system’s power and cooling are adequate for stable performance in multi-port usage scenarios.