StarTech.com 8-Port PCI Express RS232 Serial Adapter Card - PCIe to Serial DB9 Controller 16C1050 UART - Low Profile - 15kV ESD - Win/Linux

Upgrade your desktop with a robust, scalable solution for serial connectivity. The StarTech.com 8-Port PCI Express RS232 Serial Adapter Card is engineered to add eight reliable RS-232 DB9 serial ports to your workstation using just two PCIe expansion slots. Built for durability in demanding environments, this PCIe to serial controller leverages the proven 16C1050 UART architecture, a low-profile design that fits compact chassis, and 15kV ESD protection to guard against static and electrical transients. Whether you’re expanding legacy device support in a manufacturing setting, connecting POS peripherals in a retail environment, or integrating data loggers and instrumentation in labs, this card delivers consistent performance, broad OS compatibility, and simple deployment. It’s an excellent upgrade when USB-to-serial adapters fall short on reliability or when a centralized, multi-port serial solution is required for mission-critical applications.

• Eight RS-232 DB9 serial ports are provided through a single card, enabling bulk serial connectivity for peripherals such as barcode scanners, POS printers, CCTV equipment, PLCs, and other legacy devices—streamlining wiring and reducing clutter in crowded workstations.
• Powered by 16C1050 UART technology, the card delivers robust per-port data handling with dedicated buffering and error-control mechanisms to minimize data loss and ensure dependable communication across all eight ports.
• Low-profile/half-height form factor fits into compact desktops and small form-factor enclosures, while the dual-slot design accommodates rear clearance and cable management in dense rack or workstation setups.
• 15kV electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection provides added resilience in environments with static-prone equipment, factory floors, or retail locations, helping to safeguard both the card and connected devices.
• Broad operating system support with certified drivers for Windows and Linux ensures a smooth installation experience and broad compatibility with a wide range of software, terminals, and virtualization environments.

Technical Details of StarTech.com 8-Port PCI Express RS232 Serial Adapter Card

• Ports: 8 x RS-232 DB9 serial ports for versatile, multi-device connectivity
• UART technology: 16C1050 UART-based controller architecture for reliable, per-port serial communication
• Interface: PCI Express (PCIe) compatible; dual-slot wide card design (uses two expansion slots) to support eight ports while maintaining motherboard bandwidth
• Form factor: Low-profile/half-height PCIe card with standard and optional low-profile brackets to suit a range of chassis
• Operating system support: Windows and Linux drivers available from StarTech; broad compatibility with modern desktop and server environments
• Protection: 15 kV ESD protection to guard against static discharge and electrical transients
• Performance: Supports standard RS-232 data rates per port (typical implementations reach up to 115,200 bps per port); independent port buffering helps maintain throughput when multiple ports are in use
• Reliability and applications: Ideal for POS systems, industrial automation, data-collection, SCADA interfaces, instrumentation, and other legacy device integrations requiring multiple stable serial connections
• Notes: Installation requires two PCIe slots; ensure adequate rear clearance for DB9 connectors and the card’s bracket

How to install StarTech.com 8-Port PCI Express RS232 Serial Adapter Card

• Power down your computer, unplug the power cord, and open the chassis to access the motherboard area where expansion slots are located.
• Locate two available PCIe expansion slots; the card is designed to span two slots, so verify there is sufficient space behind the case for the rear DB9 connectors and bracket clearance.
• Gently insert the card into the PCIe x1 slots until the card is seated securely; use the chassis screws or mounting hardware to fasten the card to the case for stability.
• Reassemble the system, reconnect power, and boot into your operating system; install the StarTech driver package for Windows or Linux from the official StarTech website or the included media.
• Connect your eight DB9 serial devices to the ports on the card; in the operating system, configure each COM port as needed within your software, terminal emulator, or device manager, and verify visibility of all eight ports.
• Test connectivity with representative devices or loopback tests to confirm proper operation, data integrity, and port assignments; adjust port settings (baud rate, parity, stop bits) per device requirements as necessary.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: How many serial ports does this card provide? A: It provides eight RS-232 DB9 ports, allowing simultaneous connections to multiple serial devices from a single PCIe card.
• Q: What operating systems are supported? A: The card is designed for Windows and Linux with driver support provided by StarTech; check the StarTech product page for the latest driver versions and compatibility notes.
• Q: Does the card require two PCIe slots? A: Yes. The 8-port design uses a dual-slot PCIe card to accommodate all eight ports and the internal signal routing; ensure your chassis has two slots available and adequate rear clearance.
• Q: What is the maximum data rate per port? A: RS-232 functionality typically supports standard serial rates up to 115,200 bps per port; actual throughput may vary with cable length, device, and system performance.
• Q: Are cables included with the card? A: No, serial DB9 cables or breakout cables are not included; you can use standard DB9 serial cables appropriate for your devices.
• Q: Is driver support ongoing? A: StarTech provides driver packages for Windows and Linux and typically releases updates to maintain compatibility with newer OS versions and fix issues; check the official site for the latest updates.
• Q: Can I use the ports independently? A: Yes. Each of the eight ports operates independently within the OS, allowing you to assign different COM ports to different applications or devices.