PCI Express RS232 Serial Adapter Card StarTech PEX2S953 2‑Port

Description

Product Overview

The StarTech.com PCI Express RS232 Serial Adapter Card is engineered to bring robust, high‑speed serial connectivity to modern computer systems. Built around the ASIX AX99100 chipset, the card supports two independent DB9 ports, each capable of bi‑directional data rates up to 921.6 Kbps. A 256‑byte FIFO buffer per port guarantees smooth data flow even in burst‑mode applications, while the optional 9th data bit provides additional protocol flexibility for legacy equipment. The card operates on a standard PCI Express x1 slot, drawing power from the host system and offering configurable voltage options (12 V, 5 V, or none) via pin 9, with a combined current capacity of up to 2 A. This flexibility allows the adapter to meet the power requirements of a wide range of peripherals, from low‑power barcode scanners to power‑hungry industrial controllers.

Physically, the adapter follows a full‑height, standard‑profile form factor, measuring 2.95 × 2.48 × 0.59 inches and weighing just 1.97 oz. For installations where space is at a premium, the package includes two low‑profile brackets, enabling seamless integration into compact server chassis or slim desktop cases. The card is fully compatible with both Windows and Linux operating systems, with driver support that extends to the latest kernel releases. Its plug‑and‑play nature means that most users can install the card, install the appropriate drivers, and begin communicating with serial devices without extensive configuration.

Designed for reliability, the adapter meets the rigorous demands of industrial environments. The robust metal housing shields the internal circuitry from electromagnetic interference, while the gold‑plated contacts on the DB9 connectors ensure long‑term corrosion resistance. The product is TAA‑compliant, making it suitable for government procurement, and it carries a four‑year limited warranty that underscores StarTech.com’s confidence in its durability. Whether you are upgrading a legacy POS system, integrating PLCs on a factory floor, or connecting scientific instrumentation, this serial adapter provides a dependable bridge between modern computing platforms and serial‑based equipment.

Usage

The PCI Express RS232 Serial Adapter Card excels in a variety of real‑world scenarios where reliable serial communication is essential. In point‑of‑sale environments, the dual DB9 ports allow simultaneous connection of receipt printers and barcode scanners, eliminating the need for separate adapters and reducing cable clutter. Retail managers benefit from the card’s high data throughput, which minimizes transaction latency and improves customer experience during peak shopping periods.

In industrial automation, the adapter serves as a critical interface between a supervisory computer and programmable logic controllers (PLCs), motor drives, and sensor arrays. The configurable power pins enable the card to supply the necessary voltage to remote devices, simplifying wiring diagrams and reducing the number of external power supplies required. Engineers can leverage the 9th data bit to implement custom communication protocols, ensuring compatibility with legacy machinery that may not conform to standard RS‑232 specifications.

Laboratories and research facilities often rely on serial ports to communicate with oscilloscopes, spectrometers, and data acquisition modules. The low‑profile brackets make the card an ideal choice for rack‑mounted test systems where space is limited, while the high‑speed data handling ensures that large data sets are transferred without bottlenecks. Additionally, the card’s Linux driver support enables seamless integration into custom software stacks used for automated testing and data logging.

For medical equipment manufacturers, the adapter provides a secure, standards‑compliant pathway for devices such as patient monitors and infusion pumps that still use RS‑232 interfaces. The robust construction and EMI shielding meet the stringent regulatory requirements of the healthcare industry, while the easy installation process reduces downtime during equipment upgrades.

Overall, the adapter’s versatility makes it suitable for any application that demands reliable, high‑performance serial connectivity, from small office environments to large‑scale manufacturing plants.

Why Choose Us

Choosing the StarTech.com PCI Express RS232 Serial Adapter Card means selecting a solution backed by decades of expertise in connectivity hardware. StarTech.com has a reputation for delivering products that combine cutting‑edge technology with practical design, and this adapter is no exception. The use of the proven ASIX AX99100 chipset ensures that the card benefits from ongoing firmware updates and driver enhancements, providing long‑term compatibility with evolving operating system versions.

Quality assurance is at the core of the manufacturing process. Each unit undergoes rigorous testing for electrical performance, thermal stability, and mechanical durability before it leaves the factory. The result is a product that can operate continuously in demanding environments without degradation in signal integrity. The gold‑plated DB9 contacts are engineered to resist oxidation, guaranteeing a stable connection even after years of exposure to dust and humidity.

Customer support is a distinguishing factor for StarTech.com. Purchasers gain access to a dedicated technical assistance team that can help with driver installation, configuration of power pins, and troubleshooting of communication issues. The company also provides comprehensive documentation, including detailed schematics, pin‑out diagrams, and example code snippets for both Windows and Linux platforms. This wealth of resources accelerates deployment and reduces the learning curve for system integrators.

Furthermore, the adapter’s TAA compliance opens doors for organizations that must adhere to federal procurement standards, expanding its applicability to government and defense projects. The four‑year limited warranty reflects confidence in the product’s longevity, and the warranty process is streamlined to minimize downtime for customers.

In summary, the StarTech.com PCI Express RS232 Serial Adapter Card offers a blend of high performance, robust construction, extensive support, and compliance certifications that together deliver unmatched value for any serial communication need.

Key Features

• Dual DB9 ports delivering up to 921.6 Kbps per port for fast, reliable data transfer.
• Configurable power pins (12 V, 5 V, or none) allowing flexible power delivery to attached devices.
• Low‑profile and standard‑profile brackets included for easy installation in any chassis.
• Full Windows and Linux driver support with plug‑and‑play installation for quick deployment.
• Four‑year limited warranty and dedicated technical support for peace of mind.

FAQ

Can the card be used in a low‑profile server chassis?

Yes. The package includes two low‑profile brackets that replace the standard bracket, allowing the card to fit into slim server bays without sacrificing any functionality.

What operating systems are supported?

The adapter works with all modern versions of Windows (including Windows 10 and Windows Server) and Linux distributions that support the ASIX AX99100 driver, such as Ubuntu, CentOS, and Debian.

How do I configure the power pins for my devices?

Power configuration is set via pin 9 on the PCIe slot. By default the pin supplies 12 V, but you can change the voltage to 5 V or disable it entirely by adjusting the jumper settings on the card according to the included wiring diagram.

Is the card compatible with legacy RS‑232 equipment that requires a 9th data bit?

Yes. The adapter supports an optional 9th data bit on each port, enabling communication with devices that use extended parity or custom protocols beyond the standard 8‑bit data format.

What warranty coverage does the product have?

StarTech.com provides a four‑year limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. If a failure occurs within the warranty period, the company will repair or replace the unit at no charge.