StarTech.com 4 Port RS232 Mini PCI Express Serial Card w/ 16650

The StarTech.com 4 Port RS232 Mini PCI Express Serial Card (MPEX4S952) is the ultimate upgrade for expanding serial connectivity in compact, embedded, or industrial systems. Designed to fit into a standard mini-PCI Express slot, this high-quality card transforms a single PCIe connector into four robust RS232 (DB9) serial channels, enabling reliable, high-speed communication wherever space is at a premium. Ideal for developers, integrators, and manufacturers, this card delivers flexible, plug-and-play serial expansion without sacrificing performance or footprint.

Engineered around a 16650-class UART architecture, the MPEX4S952 supports data rates up to 921.6 Kbps, ensuring fast, responsive serial communication for devices such as sensors, PLCs, terminals, instrumentation, and legacy equipment. With four independent RS232 ports, you gain parallel, simultaneous connections for complex automation tasks, data acquisition, and remote management. The card’s compact, low-profile design makes it a natural fit for embedded boxes, rugged enclosures, and space-constrained hardware deployments where traditional PCIe cards simply won’t fit.

Beyond raw speed and port count, this StarTech serial card emphasizes reliability and compatibility. RS232 is renowned for its simplicity and distance flexibility, and with four DB9 interfaces, you can connect multiple devices without the clutter of external hubs or adapters. The MPEX4S952 is built to withstand the rigors of industrial environments, offering stable performance across a range of operating temperatures and system configurations. Whether you are upgrading an existing system or building a new one from scratch, this card provides a straightforward path to extended serial capability without major redesigns.

In addition to performance, the card emphasizes ease of integration. The Mini PCI Express form factor leverages a familiar slot on motherboards or embedded boards, enabling a quick, clean installation. The driver and compatibility ecosystem from StarTech are designed to simplify setup, reduce time-to-value, and minimize the maintenance burden over the life of your project. For developers and technicians, the MPEX4S952 means fewer headaches when adding remote management, serial data logging, or custom control interfaces to a device lineup.

With four serial ports in one compact unit, the StarTech mini PCIe RS232 card is a versatile solution for a wide range of applications. From industrial automation and building management systems to test benches and manufacturing equipment, this card delivers predictable, consistent serial performance. The ability to drive multiple devices from a single expansion card can streamline wiring, reduce cabinet space, and lower overall system complexity. In short, if you need reliable, high-speed RS232 connectivity in a tight form factor, this card is designed to deliver.

• Four RS232 serial ports (DB9) exposed from a single mini PCIe expansion card
• Supports data rates up to 921.6 Kbps for high-speed serial communication
• 16650-class UART for efficient handling of serial data with reduced latency
• Compact, low-profile design ideal for embedded systems and industrial environments
• Plug-and-play installation with broad driver support for common operating systems

Technical Details of StarTech.com 4 Port RS232 Mini PCI Express Serial Card w/ 16650

• Form factor: Mini PCI Express expansion card
• Ports: 4 x RS232 serial ports (DB9 connectors)
• UART: 16650-class serial UART
• Data rate: Up to 921.6 kbps maximum per port
• Interface: PCI Express bus interface via mini PCIe slot
• Applications: Embedded systems, industrial controls, instrumentation, and data acquisition
• Compatibility: Designed for use in systems with available mini PCIe slots; driver support provided by StarTech for supported operating systems

How to install StarTech.com 4 Port RS232 Mini PCI Express Serial Card w/ 16650

Installing this serial expansion card is a straightforward process that enables rapid deployment of four new RS232 interfaces. Follow these practical steps to ensure a clean, reliable installation:

• Power down the host system and unplug the power source before handling internal components.
• Open the chassis and locate a free mini PCIe slot compatible with the StarTech card’s interface.
• Insert the MPEX4S952 card firmly into the slot, ensuring it is fully seated and aligned with the slot. Secure the card with the appropriate chassis screw if required.
• Reconnect power, boot the system, and install the necessary drivers from StarTech’s website or your operating system’s driver repository.
• Connect your RS232 devices to the four DB9 serial ports using standard serial cables. After driver installation, verify port visibility and assignment in the device manager or equivalent utility.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: How many RS232 ports does this card provide?
  A: Four RS232 serial ports (DB9) are exposed from a single mini PCIe card.
• Q: What is the maximum data rate supported?
  A: The card supports up to 921.6 kbps per port, enabling high-speed serial communication for demanding devices.
• Q: What slot does it require?
  A: It uses a mini PCI Express (mini PCIe) slot on the host motherboard or embedded board.
• Q: Is the card compatible with multiple operating systems?
  A: StarTech provides drivers for common operating systems; check the current compatibility list on StarTech’s support site for your specific OS version.
• Q: Is this card suitable for embedded or rugged environments?
  A: Yes. The compact design and robust serial interfaces make it well-suited for embedded systems, automation, and other industrial applications where space is at a premium.