StarTech.com 4-Port Serial PCIe Card — Quad-Port RS232/RS422/RS485, 16C1050 UART, ESD Protection, Windows/Linux, TAA-Compliant

Expand and modernize serial I/O on your desktop or Small Form Factor (SFF) system with the StarTech.com 4-Port Serial PCI Express Card. This versatile card provides four independent DB9 serial ports that can be configured per port for RS-232, RS-422, and 2- or 4-wire RS-485. Built around reliable 16C1050 UART technology, it delivers dependable, low-latency communication with legacy peripherals, industrial equipment, data loggers, POS devices, and lab instruments. With ESD protection and broad operating system support, this PCIe card is designed to deliver secure, durable performance in demanding environments while remaining easy to install and configure.

• Independent port configuration for flexible communication. Each of the four DB9 ports can be set per-port to RS-232, RS-422, or 2-wire/4-wire RS-485, enabling you to connect mixed serial devices from a single card without adapters or multiple PCIe slots.
• High-performance UART architecture. The card uses the proven 16C1050 UART family to support reliable, multi-device serial communication with low latency and solid data integrity across all four channels.
• PCI Express x1 interface for broad compatibility. Designed for desktops and small form factor systems, this PCIe card installs into a standard PCIe slot without occupying excessive space, making it ideal for upgrading older workstations or expanding I/O on compact builds.
• Comprehensive OS support and driver availability. It delivers driver support for Windows and Linux, ensuring quick setup and dependable operation in a wide range of environments, from office IT to industrial deployments.
• Robust protection and compliance. Built with ESD protection to safeguard sensitive components and a TAA-compliant design for government, education, and enterprise purchases.

Technical Details of StarTech.com 4-Port Serial PCIe Card

• Ports: 4 DB9 serial ports, independently configurable per port.
• Interface: PCI Express (PCIe) card with PCIe x1 lane, suitable for most desktops and SFF systems.
• UART technology: Based on the 16C1050 family for reliable multi-port serial handling across all channels.
• Supported protocols: RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 (2-wire or 4-wire) on each port, enabling versatile connections to a wide range of devices.
• Operating systems: Windows and Linux support with vendor-provided drivers to ensure compatibility and easy deployment.
• Protection: Built-in ESD protection to minimize risk of damage from static discharge during installation and operation.
• Compliance: TAA-compliant, making it suitable for government and enterprise procurement programs.
• Physical characteristics: Standard PCIe card form factor with DB9 connectors for straightforward cabling and a clean installation; supports multiple serial device configurations in a single slot setup.

How to Install StarTech.com 4-Port Serial PCIe Card

• Power down and unplug the system. Safely shut down your computer, disconnect power, and open the chassis to access the motherboard and PCIe slots.
• Locate an available PCIe slot. Find a free PCIe x1 slot and remove any appropriate slot cover on the rear of the enclosure to accommodate the card’s port bracket.
• Insert the card into the PCIe slot. Gently press the card into the slot until seated firmly, then secure the card to the chassis with an expansion slot screw.
• Connect serial cables to the DB9 ports. Attach your RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 devices to the four DB9 connectors. Configure each port as needed in your OS or device manager.
• Install drivers and configure ports. Boot the system and install the appropriate Windows or Linux drivers from StarTech’s website if prompted, or allow the OS to recognize the hardware and complete driver installation automatically. Use the provided configuration utility or OS-side settings to assign port modes (RS-232/422/485) and baud rates as required by your peripherals.
• Test connectivity and verify operation. After installation and driver setup, test each port with your serial devices, confirming data transmission, baud rate accuracy, parity, and flow control as needed for reliable operation.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What devices can I connect to the four ports? A: The four DB9 ports support RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 configurations (2-wire or 4-wire) independently, so you can connect a mix of serial peripherals such as barcode scanners, lab instruments, PLCs, data loggers, and point-of-sale devices.
• Q: Which operating systems are supported? A: The card offers driver support for Windows and Linux, enabling installation in a wide range of desktops and SFF systems. Always check the latest driver package on StarTech’s site for your exact OS version.
• Q: Do I need any special drivers or software? A: Yes, install the vendor-provided drivers to ensure all four ports are correctly recognized and configurable. In many cases the OS will automatically detect the hardware and prompt for driver installation.
• Q: Is this card suitable for industrial environments? A: Yes. Its ESD protection helps guard against static discharge, and the independent port configuration supports robust serial communication with industrial devices. The card is also designed to be compliant with industry procurement standards (TAA).
• Q: Can I use all four ports simultaneously? A: Absolutely. Each port operates independently and can be configured for RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485, allowing simultaneous connections to multiple devices without mutual interference.