StarTech.com 2-Port Serial PCIe Card – Dual-Port RS232/RS422/RS485 with 16C1050 UART and ESD Protection

Expand your desktop or small form factor system with reliable, flexible serial communication using the StarTech.com 2-Port Serial PCIe Card. Designed to adapt to a variety of peripherals, each DB9 port can be independently configured to support RS-232, RS-422, and 2- or 4-wire RS-485, enabling seamless connections to modems, POS devices, industrial controllers, sensors, and other serial equipment. Built around a high-performance UART core and protected against electrostatic discharge, this PCIe card delivers robust data transmission, broad OS compatibility, and compliance for professional environments.

• Flexible dual-port serial expansion: Each of the two DB9 connectors can be configured independently for RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 (2-wire or 4-wire). This means you can run two different serial devices on one card without compromising signal integrity or requiring separate adapters, simplifying system design and reducing cable clutter.
• Wide protocol support for diverse apps: Whether you’re interfacing with legacy devices that rely on RS-232, industrial field devices using RS-422, or multi-drop RS-485 networks, this card provides the versatility you need. It’s ideal for factory floors, retail kiosks, automated test benches, and data collection systems where multiple serial standards converge.
• High-performance UART for dependable communication: Powered by a capable 16C1050 UART core, the card offers efficient data handling with generous buffering and low latency. Expect smooth baud rate synchronization, reliable data transmission in electrically noisy environments, and improved error handling for critical serial links.
• ESD protection and rugged build: The card is equipped with electrostatic discharge protection to safeguard the UART signals during installation and operation. Its PCIe interface and included mounting options make it suitable for both standard desktops and compact SFF chassis, delivering durable performance in busy workspaces.
• Windows and Linux compatibility with TAA compliance: This StarTech card is designed for broad OS support, simplifying driver installation and integration with existing software environments. It’s TAA-compliant, making it an attractive option for government, education, and enterprise deployments that require compliance and traceability.

Technical Details of StarTech.com 2-Port Serial PCIe Card

• Get this information from the "specifications" section of the product from https://ec.synnex.com/ using product "UPC" or "SKU" as reference

How to install StarTech.com 2-Port Serial PCIe Card

Preparing your system for installation is straightforward. Begin by powering down the computer, unplugging it from power, and grounding yourself to avoid any static discharge. Open the chassis and locate an available PCIe slot. In most desktops, a PCIe x1 or x4 slot is sufficient for this card, but consult your motherboard specifications if you’re unsure.

Step 1: Insert the card firmly into the PCIe slot until it seats completely. Align the backplate with the expansion slot opening and secure the card to the chassis with a screw to prevent movement during operation. If your chassis uses a low-profile design, switch to the included low-profile bracket so the card fits neatly inside the enclosure.

Step 2: Install drivers. Windows and Linux users typically obtain drivers from StarTech’s website or from the driver CD included with some packages. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the driver installation, then reboot your system to finalize integration with the operating system.

Step 3: Connect serial devices. Attach your serial peripherals to the two DB9 ports on the card. For RS-232 devices, connect TX and RX as standard; for RS-422, configure the differential pair according to your device’s requirements; for RS-485, determine whether you’ll use 2-wire or 4-wire mode and wire A and B accordingly. Keep in mind that proper grounding and cable quality can influence performance, especially over longer cable runs.

Step 4: Configure ports in the operating system. After the system comes back online, you’ll typically see new COM ports (for example, COM1 and COM2) exposed by the driver. Use your application’s serial settings (baud rate, parity, data bits, and stop bits) to match the connected devices. If your software supports port configuration utilities, you can assign each port to the appropriate protocol (RS-232, RS-422, RS-485) per device, ensuring clean, error-free communication.

Step 5: Verify operation. Open a terminal program or your application’s test tool and perform a loopback or data exchange test with each connected device. Check for correct data transmission, proper handshake settings, and consistent performance across typical workloads. If you encounter issues, re-check cable wiring, ensure the correct protocol selection per port, and verify driver updates are installed.

Notes for optimal performance: Keep the system firmware and drivers up to date to ensure compatibility with newer software environments. When using RS-422 or RS-485 in long-distance configurations, consider proper termination and biasing per your device requirements to maintain signal integrity. The dual-port design provides independent channels, so you can tailor each port’s settings to the exact needs of separate devices without cross-interference.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What protocols can the two ports support?
• A: Each port can be independently configured to RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 (2-wire or 4-wire) depending on the connected peripheral’s requirements. This grants you maximum flexibility in a single card without swapping hardware.
• Q: Is driver support available for Windows and Linux?
• A: Yes. The card provides drivers for Windows and Linux, enabling seamless integration with most common software environments. Check StarTech’s website for the latest driver packages compatible with your OS version.
• Q: Does this card include ESD protection?
• A: Yes. Electrostatic discharge protection is integrated to safeguard delicate serial signals during installation and operation, helping to reduce the risk of damage in busy or static-prone environments.
• Q: Is this card suitable for small form factor (SFF) systems?
• A: Absolutely. The card is designed to fit standard desktops and SFF chassis, and it includes a low-profile bracket to adapt to compact enclosures without compromising performance or stability.
• Q: What compliance or warranty terms apply?
• A: The product is TAA-compliant, which supports procurement in regulated environments. Warranty terms vary by region; refer to the official product page for the current warranty details provided by StarTech.