StarTech.com 2-Port PCI Express Serial Card, Dual Port PCIe to RS232 (DB9) Serial Card, 16C1050 UART, COM Retention, Windows & Linux

The StarTech.com 2-Port PCI Express Serial Card brings reliable RS232 connectivity to desktops and Small Form Factor (SFF) systems. With two DB9 serial ports, this PCIe-based solution is designed to deliver dependable, high-integrity serial communication for legacy peripherals, industrial equipment, POS devices, and embedded controllers. Built around robust 16C1050 UART technology and featuring COM Retention, the card ensures stable port assignments across reboots, simplifying software configuration and reducing downtime. It’s engineered for broad Windows and Linux compatibility, making it an adaptable choice for mixed-OS environments where serial communication remains essential.

• Dual RS232 serial ports (DB9) extend your computer’s connectivity to legacy devices, CNC machines, point-of-sale terminals, and other serial peripherals.
• 16C1050 UART architecture provides reliable, standard-compliant serial signaling and stable data transfer across a wide range of baud rates.
• COM Retention preserves port numbers, so software configurations and device drivers continue to map to the same COM ports after reboots or software updates.
• Windows and Linux compatibility ensures easy integration into diverse workflows without requiring excessive driver tinkering or third-party software.
• Plug-and-play friendly design with a PCI Express interface makes it suitable for desktop and Small Form Factor systems that need extra serial I/O without sacrificing space or performance.

Technical Details of StarTech.com 2-Port PCI Express Serial Card

• Two RS-232 serial ports using DB9 connectors for standard, widely compatible serial communication.
• 16C1050 UARTs powering each serial channel for robust performance and broad compatibility with serial devices.
• COM Retention capability to maintain consistent COM port assignments across reboots and driver reloads.
• Windows and Linux driver support, enabling straightforward installation and operation in common workstation and server environments.
• PCI Express form factor designed to slot into compatible desktop and Small Form Factor systems, providing additional serial I/O without major hardware changes.

How to install StarTech.com 2-Port PCI Express Serial Card

• Power down your computer, unplug the power cord, and open the chassis to access the PCIe expansion slots.
• Identify an available PCI Express slot (typically PCIe x1 or larger) and remove the rear bracket screw to prepare for mounting.
• Carefully insert the StarTech.com 2-Port PCI Express Serial Card into the PCIe slot until it seated firmly, then secure the card with the bracket screw.
• Close the chassis, reconnect power, and boot your computer. If your operating system requires drivers, install the provided StarTech drivers or use the built-in OS driver support as appropriate.
• Connect your RS232 devices to the two DB9 ports using standard serial cables. Verify that the devices are powered and configured to the correct baud rate, parity, and data settings.
• Power on the devices and your system, then open your operating system’s device manager (Windows) or a terminal to confirm that the two COM ports appear as expected (e.g., COM1 and COM2 or /dev/ttyS0 and /dev/ttyS1).
• Test communication with a loopback test or by exchanging data with a connected serial peripheral to ensure proper signaling and reliability.
• If needed, adjust application software to reference the retained COM port numbers and verify ongoing stability after reboots.

Frequently asked questions

• What does COM Retention mean for this card? It means the system preserves the assigned COM port numbers for each serial port after restarts or driver updates, simplifying software configuration and reducing rework when devices are redeployed.
• Which operating systems are supported? The card provides driver support for Windows and Linux, enabling broad compatibility across common workstation and server environments.
• How many serial devices can I connect with this card? The card offers two RS232 DB9 serial ports, allowing two independent serial connections simultaneously.
• Do I need special software to use the serial ports? Basic operating system drivers typically provide access to the ports; many applications will recognize the ports once drivers are installed and ports are assigned. Some scenarios may benefit from vendor-specific or terminal software depending on the use case.
• What types of devices are suitable for connection? Serial printers, POS terminals, point-of-sale peripherals, industrial equipment, CNC controllers, lab instruments, and other legacy serial devices commonly work with RS232 interfaces.
• Is this card compatible with small form factor (SFF) systems? Yes, the PCI Express serial card is designed to work in desktop and Small Form Factor systems where extra serial I/O is needed without compromising space or performance.