StarTech.com 4 Port PCI Express PCIe Serial Combo Card - 2 x RS232 2 x RS422 / RS485

The StarTech.com 4 Port PCI Express PCIe Serial Combo Card is a powerful expansion card designed for anyone who needs reliable, multi-protocol serial communication in a modern PC. With two RS232 ports for classic, point-to-point connections and two RS422/RS485 ports for longer distances and multi-point networks, this PCIe serial card delivers flexibility without sacrificing performance. It’s an ideal solution for point-of-sale peripherals, industrial equipment control, CNC machines, GPS and telemetry devices, barcode scanners, and legacy peripherals that still rely on serial interfaces. Built to integrate smoothly into desktop workstations and servers, the card leverages a PCI Express interface to offer high-speed, low-latency communication while maintaining compatibility with a broad range of operating systems and software applications. Whether you’re upgrading an old workstation or equipping a new one for complex serial deployments, this 4-port combo card provides a compact, dependable gateway to robust serial connectivity.

• Four serial ports in one card: 2 x RS232 plus 2 x RS422/RS485 give you the flexibility to connect legacy devices and modern differential signaling networks simultaneously, reducing hardware clutter and simplifying system design.
• PCI Express interface for modern desktops: Built to plug into a PCIe slot (commonly PCIe x1), this channel-packed expansion card fits standard desktop motherboards and workstations, delivering reliable performance with minimal motherboard pressure.
• Supports multiple serial signaling standards: RS232 for straightforward, point-to-point devices and RS422/RS485 for longer distances and multi-drop configurations, enabling versatile configurations in a single expansion card.
• Driver and OS compatibility: Designed for broad compatibility with Windows and Linux environments, featuring easy-to-install drivers that integrate with existing software stacks and hardware peripherals.
• Industrial-grade reliability and support: StarTech’s reputation for durable build quality and long-term availability, backed by a solid warranty and access to global technical support for deployment in critical environments.

Technical Details of StarTech.com 4 Port PCI Express PCIe Serial Combo Card

• Ports: 2 x RS232, 2 x RS422/RS485
• Interface: PCI Express (PCIe) card, designed for desktop PCIe slots (typical: x1)
• Module type: Serial communication card allowing simultaneous use of mixed serial protocols
• Operating system support: Compatible with Windows and Linux operating systems via standard drivers
• Driver delivery: Drivers available from StarTech’s official resources (CD included where applicable and online downloads available)
• Certifications & compliance: RoHS compliant, built to meet common safety and electromagnetic compatibility standards
• Warranty & support: Backed by StarTech’s warranty and access to global technical support

How to install StarTech.com 4 Port PCI Express PCIe Serial Combo Card

Step-by-step guidance to add this PCIe serial card to your system and have it ready for use with your serial devices.

Step 1: Power down and prepare your PC. Shut down the computer, unplug the power cord, and ground yourself to avoid static discharge. Open the computer case to access the motherboard and available PCIe slots.

Step 2: Choose a suitable PCIe slot. Locate an available PCI Express slot on the motherboard (typically a PCIe x1 slot) and remove the corresponding screw from the case’s expansion slot cover to create an opening for the card.

Step 3: Install the card into the PCIe slot. Align the card with the slot and gently press it straight down until it is firmly seated. Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier. If your system uses a low-profile chassis, ensure you have the appropriate bracket as needed.

Step 4: Connect serial devices and close the case. Attach your RS232 devices to the DB9 connectors and your RS422/RS485 devices to the remaining connectors as labeled on the card. Ensure cables are not under strain and have adequate clearance for airflow before reassembling the case.

Step 5: Install drivers and configure ports. Power on the PC and install the drivers from StarTech’s website or the included media. After installation, reboot if prompted. Open your operating system’s device management or serial port configuration tools to identify the new COM ports (for example, COM1–COM4 in Windows or /dev/ttyS* in Linux) and assign appropriate baud rates, parity, and flow control settings according to your devices’ requirements. Test each port with simple loopback tests or connected peripherals to confirm proper operation.

Frequently asked questions

What devices can I connect with this StarTech PCIe serial card?

You can connect a mix of serial devices to this card, including RS232 peripherals (such as legacy modems, barcode scanners, and financial peripherals) and RS422/RS485 devices (such as industrial controllers, CNC equipment, and long-distance diagnostics). The combination of ports supports diverse installation scenarios in one compact card.

Which operating systems are supported?

The card is designed for broad compatibility with Windows and Linux operating systems. Drivers are provided by StarTech and are available for download on their official site. Ensure you select the correct driver package that matches your OS version and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).

Do I need special software to use the ports?

In most cases, no specialized software is required beyond standard serial port drivers. Once the drivers are installed, your applications can access the serial ports as standard COM ports or /dev/ttyS devices, using conventional serial communication APIs. If you are using terminal programs or custom software, configure the appropriate COM port assignments and communication settings (baud rate, data bits, parity, stop bits, and flow control) as per your device specifications.

Can I use two RS232 ports together with RS422/RS485 ports on the same bus?

Yes. The card is designed to provide mixed signaling on a single PCIe slot, allowing RS232 devices to coexist with RS422/RS485 devices. Ensure each port is configured individually in software to match the communication requirements of each connected device.

Is there hardware support or warranty for this card?

StarTech provides a standard warranty on their hardware, along with access to technical support. Warranty terms and duration can vary by region, so it is advisable to check the specific warranty details at the time of purchase or on StarTech’s official site.