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Product Features
Technical Overview
This parallel adapter card utilizes the Asix AX99100 controller chip to deliver robust parallel communication with support for SPP, Byte, Nibble, and ECP operating modes. It maintains full compliance with IEEE 1284 parallel port standards while achieving data transfer speeds up to 2.5 Mbps.
The card's PCI Express 2.0 x1 interface ensures broad compatibility with modern motherboards, operating within the PCI Express Base Specifications Revision 1.1 framework with PCI Power Management 1.2 support. This technical foundation provides reliable parallel connectivity without compromising system stability or power efficiency.
Relevant factors for this section include Host Interface, Platform Supported, Number of Parallel 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
StarTech.com engineered this parallel adapter to address the specific needs of IT professionals managing mixed-technology environments. The inclusion of both full-profile and low-profile brackets eliminates compatibility concerns across diverse desktop form factors, while the robust controller chip ensures stable operation with demanding parallel devices.
Dual Bracket Design
Includes both standard full-profile and space-saving low-profile brackets for installation in traditional desktops, small form factor PCs, and specialized chassis without requiring additional parts or modifications.
- Fits standard PCIe slots
- Low-profile for compact systems
- No tools required for bracket swap
Enterprise-Grade Support
Backed by StarTech.com's 30+ years of IT hardware expertise, including comprehensive technical support and a solid 2-year warranty with free 24/5 multi-lingual assistance for North American customers.
- 2-year manufacturer warranty
- 24/5 technical support
- North America based assistance
Deployment / Use Cases
This parallel PCIe card serves critical functions in environments where legacy parallel devices remain integral to operations. Its robust design and broad compatibility make it suitable for maintaining existing hardware investments while transitioning to modern computing platforms.
Common deployment scenarios include retail point-of-sale systems with parallel receipt printers, manufacturing facilities using PLCs and control equipment with parallel interfaces, scientific laboratories with specialized measurement instruments, medical offices with legacy diagnostic equipment, and engineering environments utilizing parallel-connected plotters or oscilloscopes.
Industrial & Manufacturing
Provides reliable parallel connectivity for programmable logic controllers (PLCs), factory automation systems, and industrial control equipment that require stable parallel communication interfaces for process monitoring and control applications.
Business & Retail Operations
Enables continued use of parallel receipt printers, label makers, and document scanners in retail environments, banking institutions, and office settings where upgrading entire device ecosystems proves impractical or cost-prohibitive.
Physical Profile
The half-height/low-profile card design measures 2.90 inches wide by 0.70 inches tall (73.66 × 17.78 mm), with a lightweight construction at approximately 1.59 ounces (45 grams). This compact form factor ensures compatibility with both standard desktop chassis and space-constrained small form factor systems. The card's environmentally conscious manufacturing complies with EU RoHS, REACH, and WEEE directives, reflecting StarTech.com's commitment to sustainable electronics production.
- Width
- 2.90" (73.66 mm)
- Height
- Half-height/Low-profile
- Weight
- 1.59 oz (45 g)
What's in the Box
The package includes everything needed for immediate installation and operation across different computer form factors.
Highlights
- Adds DB25 parallel port via PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot
- Includes both full-profile and low-profile mounting brackets
- Supports SPP, Byte, Nibble, and ECP parallel modes
- Compatible with Windows (XP through current) and Linux (2.6.X+)
- Utilizes Asix AX99100 controller chip for reliable performance
- IEEE 1284 compliant with speeds up to 2.5 Mbps
- Half-height/low-profile form factor for flexible installation
- Backed by StarTech.com's 2-year warranty and technical support
- Environmentally compliant with RoHS, REACH, and WEEE directives
- Ideal for printers, scanners, industrial equipment, and POS systems
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | PEX1P2 |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | 1-Port Parallel PCIe Card |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 |
| Product Type | Parallel Adapter |
| Technical Information | |
| Host Interface | PCI Express 2.0 x1 |
| Platform Supported | PC,Linux |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Number of Parallel Ports (External) | 1 |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Form Factor | Plug-in Card |
| Card Height | Half-height/Low-profile |
| Height | 0.70" (17.78 mm) |
| Width | 2.90" (73.66 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 1.59 oz (45 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | 1-Port Parallel PCIe Card Full Profile Bracket Low Profile Bracket Quick Start Guidel |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Certification | EU RoHS |
| Environmental Compliance | Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) 2,Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH),Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 2 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What type of PCI Express slot does this parallel card require?
The StarTech.com PEX1P2 requires a PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot for installation. It is fully compliant with PCI Express Base Specifications Revision 1.1 and PCI Power Management 1.2 standards. The card will also function in larger PCIe slots (x4, x8, or x16) while only utilizing a single lane of connectivity, providing broad compatibility with modern desktop motherboards and workstation systems.
Which operating systems are supported by this parallel adapter?
This parallel PCIe card supports Windows operating systems including Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, and 11, as well as Windows Server 2003 and later versions. It also provides native compatibility with Linux distributions using kernel version 2.6.X and above. The included drivers and broad chipset support ensure stable operation across both current and legacy operating environments commonly found in business and industrial settings.
What parallel port modes does this card support?
The adapter supports four parallel port operating modes: Standard Parallel Port (SPP), Byte mode, Nibble mode, and Extended Capabilities Port (ECP) mode. This comprehensive mode support ensures compatibility with a wide range of parallel devices, from basic printers to advanced equipment requiring bidirectional communication. The card maintains IEEE 1284 compliance while delivering data transfer speeds up to 2.5 Mbps across all supported modes.
Can this card be installed in small form factor computers?
Yes, the card includes both a pre-installed full-profile bracket and an additional low-profile bracket specifically for small form factor installations. The half-height/low-profile card design measures just 0.70 inches (17.78 mm) in height, making it suitable for compact desktop systems, slim chassis, and specialized industrial computers where space is limited. The quick-swap bracket system requires no special tools for configuration changes.
What types of devices typically connect to this parallel adapter?
This parallel PCIe card connects to various DB25 parallel devices including legacy printers, scanners, plotters, label makers, point-of-sale receipt printers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), factory automation equipment, scientific measurement instruments, medical diagnostic devices, and oscilloscopes. It provides essential parallel connectivity for maintaining operational continuity with specialized equipment that lacks modern USB or network interfaces.
What warranty and support does StarTech.com provide for this product?
StarTech.com backs this parallel adapter card with a comprehensive 2-year limited warranty and includes free 24/5 technical support from their North America based multi-lingual support team. This support structure reflects StarTech.com's 30+ years of experience serving IT professionals and ensures assistance is available for installation, configuration, and troubleshooting needs across business hours and emergency situations.