StarTech.com 21050-PC-SERIAL-LP 2-Port PCIe Serial Card - PCI Express 2.0 x 1 to RS232 DB9 - 16C1050 UART - COM Retention - Low-Profile - Windows &
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This serial adapter operates on the PCI Express 2.0 x1 bus interface, providing sufficient bandwidth for high-speed serial communication without impacting other system components. Each port supports the full RS232 standard with configurable parity modes (Odd, Even, Mark, Space, None), data bits (5-9), and features a 256-byte FIFO buffer to prevent data loss during high-throughput transfers.
The card includes built-in LED status indicators for each port, allowing quick visual confirmation of transmit and receive activity. It supplies 5V or 12V power over pin 9 of the DB9 connector, eliminating the need for external power adapters for many connected devices. The screw-locking DB9 ports ensure secure cable connections in vibration-prone environments.
Relevant factors for this section include Host Interface, Platform Supported, Number of Serial Ports (External). When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
Key Product Advantages
This PCIe serial card bridges the gap between legacy serial equipment and modern computing platforms, offering professional-grade reliability for business-critical applications. The combination of high-performance hardware and comprehensive software support makes it suitable for deployment in demanding environments where uptime and data integrity are paramount.
Professional Reliability
Built with industrial-grade components and backed by a 2-year warranty with lifetime technical support, this card meets the durability requirements of IT professionals and system integrators.
- 2-year limited warranty
- Free 24/5 multilingual technical support
- RoHS compliant construction
Legacy Device Support
Maintain compatibility with existing serial equipment without requiring costly upgrades or replacements of functional peripherals.
- RS232 DB9 interface
- Power over pin 9 capability
- Screw-locking port design
Deployment / Use Cases
This dual-port serial card finds application across numerous industries where serial communication remains essential. Its robust design and compatibility with both Windows and Linux operating systems make it versatile for diverse deployment scenarios.
In industrial automation environments, the card connects programmable logic controllers (PLCs), motor controllers, and sensor networks to monitoring and control systems. Retail and logistics operations utilize it for barcode scanners, receipt printers, and weighing scales in point-of-sale and inventory management setups. Laboratory and medical facilities employ similar cards for interfacing with diagnostic equipment, while server rooms use them for console management of network infrastructure.
Industrial Control Systems
Connect PLCs, HMIs, and industrial sensors to monitoring computers for process automation and data acquisition in manufacturing and processing facilities.
Retail & Commercial Operations
Interface barcode scanners, receipt printers, cash drawers, and weighing scales with POS systems in retail stores, restaurants, and warehouses.
Physical Profile
The card features a low-profile form factor measuring 0.70 inches in height, making it compatible with small-form-factor and rack-mounted systems where space is constrained. Both full-height and low-profile brackets are included, allowing installation in standard desktop towers or compact chassis. The compact 2.60-inch square footprint ensures it fits in virtually any available PCIe slot without interfering with adjacent components.
The physical profile is practical for deployment planning because the dimensions and weight are clearly defined: Low-profile, 2.60" (66.04 mm), 2.60" (66.04 mm), 5.64 oz (160 g). This helps confirm rack, shelf, desk, or cabinet fit before installation.
- Width
- 2.60" (66.04 mm)
- Depth
- 2.60" (66.04 mm)
- Height
- Low-profile
- Weight
- 5.64 oz (160 g)
What's in the Box
The package includes all necessary components for immediate installation and operation in various computer configurations.
Highlights
- Adds two RS232 DB9 serial ports via PCI Express 2.0 x1 interface
- Features high-performance 16C1050 UART with 921.6 Kbps maximum baud rate
- Includes both full-profile and low-profile brackets for flexible installation
- Supports COM port retention for consistent device addressing
- Compatible with Windows and Linux operating systems
- Built-in LED status indicators for each serial port
- ASIX AX99100 chipset with 256-byte FIFO buffers
- RoHS compliant construction with 2-year warranty
- Screw-locking DB9 ports ensure secure cable connections
- Includes free lifetime 24/5 multilingual technical support
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 21050-PC-SERIAL-LP |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | Two-Port PCIe Serial Card |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 |
| Product Type | Serial Adapter |
| Technical Information | |
| Host Interface | PCI Express 2.0 x1 |
| Platform Supported | PC,Linux |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Number of Serial Ports (External) | 2 |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Form Factor | Plug-in Card |
| Card Height | Low-profile |
| Height | 0.70" (17.78 mm) |
| Width | 2.60" (66.04 mm) |
| Depth | 2.60" (66.04 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 5.64 oz (160 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | Two-Port PCIe Serial Card 1 x Full Profile Bracket 2 x Low Profile Bracket 1 x Quick-Start Guide |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Compliance | Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 2 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What type of serial ports does this card provide?
This card provides two standard RS232 serial ports with DB9 male connectors. These are traditional 9-pin serial ports that support the full RS232 communication standard, including hardware flow control signals. The ports feature screw-locking mechanisms to prevent accidental cable disconnection in vibration-prone environments.
Which operating systems are supported by this PCIe serial card?
The card is compatible with both Windows and Linux operating systems. Driver support includes recent versions of Windows (such as Windows 10 and 11) as well as various Linux distributions. The included drivers enable plug-and-play installation on supported platforms, with the card appearing as standard COM ports in the operating system.
What is the maximum data transfer rate of this serial adapter?
Each port supports a maximum baud rate of 921.6 kilobits per second (Kbps). This high-speed capability, combined with the 256-byte FIFO buffers, ensures reliable data transfer for demanding applications. The card maintains signal integrity at maximum speed through its 16C1050 UART implementation and quality signal conditioning circuitry.
Can this card be installed in small form factor computers?
Yes, the card features a low-profile design with a height of just 0.70 inches (17.78 mm). The package includes both full-profile and low-profile brackets, allowing installation in standard desktop towers, small form factor systems, and rack-mounted chassis. The compact dimensions ensure compatibility with virtually any available PCIe slot.
What is COM port retention and why is it important?
COM port retention ensures that the operating system assigns consistent COM port numbers (such as COM1, COM2, etc.) to the card's ports each time the system boots. This is critical for applications and devices that rely on specific COM port assignments, particularly in automated systems where reconfiguration would be disruptive. The card maintains these assignments across reboots and power cycles.
What types of devices can I connect to this serial card?
You can connect any RS232-compatible serial device, including barcode scanners, receipt printers, label printers, weighing scales, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), industrial sensors, medical devices, scientific instruments, and console cables for network equipment. The card supplies 5V or 12V power over pin 9, eliminating the need for external power adapters for many connected peripherals.
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