StarTech.com PEX2S953LP 2-Port PCIe RS232 Serial Adapter Card - 16950 UART - Low-Profile - Dual DB9 Ports - Windows/Linux Support
Business volume discounts
Technical guidance
Preparation & staging
QC · ON · AB · BC
Product Features
Technical Overview
Built around the ASIX AX99100 chipset, the PEX2S953LP delivers robust serial connectivity with two individually configurable DB9 ports. Each port supports optional configurable power through pin 9, offering choices of 12V, 5V, or none with up to 2A total current. The 256-byte FIFO buffer and 9th data bit support ensure efficient data handling and compatibility with legacy protocols.
The card operates on a PCI Express x1 interface, providing ample bandwidth for high-speed serial communication. It is designed for low-profile installations with a pre-installed low-profile bracket, and includes a full-profile bracket for standard chassis. The green PCB and compact dimensions make it easy to integrate into various system configurations.
Relevant factors for this section include Host Interface, Platform Supported, UART Type, 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
The StarTech.com PEX2S953LP stands out with its combination of reliable performance, flexible installation options, and long-term support. The inclusion of both low-profile and full-profile brackets ensures compatibility with a wide range of desktop and server systems, from compact point-of-sale terminals to full-size industrial workstations.
Versatile Power Configuration
Each of the two serial ports supports individually configurable power options, allowing tailored setups for different peripheral requirements without external power adapters.
- 12V, 5V, or no power via pin 9
- Up to 2A total current
- Individual port configuration
Robust Data Handling
The 16950 UART with 256-byte FIFO buffer minimizes CPU overhead and ensures smooth data flow, even in demanding industrial environments with continuous serial communication.
- 256-byte FIFO buffer
- 9th data bit support
- Bidirectional RS232 communication
Deployment / Use Cases
This serial adapter card is ideal for environments where legacy serial devices need to connect to modern PCIe-based systems. Its robust design and flexible configuration make it suitable for industrial control systems, laboratory equipment, and commercial applications that require reliable serial connectivity.
Common deployment scenarios include integrating programmable logic controllers (PLCs) into factory automation networks, connecting scientific sensors and oscilloscopes in research facilities, and supporting point-of-sale terminals and barcode scanners in retail environments. The card's compatibility with both Windows and Linux operating systems extends its utility across diverse IT infrastructures.
Industrial Automation
Connect PLCs, motor controllers, and other industrial equipment to modern control systems for factory automation and process control applications.
Scientific & Medical Equipment
Interface with laboratory instruments, medical devices, and measurement equipment that rely on serial communication protocols for data acquisition and control.
Physical Profile
The PEX2S953LP features a green PCB with compact dimensions designed for space-constrained installations. With a low-profile height of 3.10 inches (78.74 mm), width of 0.90 inches (22.86 mm), and depth of 4.10 inches (104.14 mm), it fits easily into small form factor systems. The card weighs approximately 3.35 ounces (95 grams) and comes with both low-profile and full-profile brackets for installation flexibility.
- Width
- 0.90" (22.86 mm)
- Depth
- 4.10" (104.14 mm)
- Height
- Low-profile
- Weight
- 3.35 oz (95 g)
What's in the Box
The package includes everything needed for installation and operation of the serial adapter card.
Highlights
- 2-port PCIe RS232 serial adapter with 16950 UART controller
- Dual DB9 ports supporting bidirectional communication up to 921.6 Kbps
- Low-profile bracket pre-installed with full-profile bracket included
- Optional configurable power (12V, 5V, or none) via pin 9
- Compatible with Windows XP and later, plus Linux systems
- 256-byte FIFO buffer with 9th data bit support
- Lifetime warranty from StarTech.com
- EU RoHS, REACH, and WEEE compliant
- TAA compliant for government procurement
- Made in Taiwan with environmentally friendly materials
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | PEX2S953LP |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | 2-Port RS232 Serial Adapter Card with 16950 UART |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 |
| Product Type | Serial Adapter |
| Technical Information | |
| Host Interface | PCI Express x1 |
| Platform Supported | PC,Linux |
| UART Type | 16950 |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Number of Serial Ports (External) | 2 |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Product Color | Green |
| Form Factor | Plug-in Card |
| Card Height | Low-profile |
| Height | 3.10" (78.74 mm) |
| Width | 0.90" (22.86 mm) |
| Depth | 4.10" (104.14 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 3.35 oz (95 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | 2-Port RS232 Serial Adapter Card with 16950 UART 1 x Full-Profile Bracket 1 x User Manual |
| 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 | Taiwan |
| TAA Compliant | Yes |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | Lifetime |
User Manual
FAQ
What operating systems does this serial adapter card support?
The StarTech.com PEX2S953LP supports Windows operating systems from Windows XP onward, including Windows 10 and Windows 11, as well as various Linux distributions. Driver availability varies by operating system version, with Windows typically using built-in or downloadable drivers and Linux often supporting the card through kernel modules. The card's compatibility with both major operating system families makes it suitable for diverse IT environments.
Can this card be used in low-profile computer cases?
Yes, the PEX2S953LP comes with a low-profile bracket pre-installed, making it compatible with compact desktop and server chassis designed for low-profile expansion cards. The card also includes a full-profile bracket in the package for standard computer cases. The dual-bracket approach ensures installation flexibility across different system form factors without requiring additional hardware.
What is the maximum data transfer speed of this serial adapter?
Each of the two DB9 ports on this adapter card supports bidirectional RS232 communication at speeds up to 921.6 kilobits per second (Kbps). This speed is sufficient for most legacy serial devices, including industrial equipment, scientific instruments, and point-of-sale terminals. The 16950 UART controller with 256-byte FIFO buffer helps maintain reliable data transfer at these speeds.
Does this card require external power for the serial ports?
The PEX2S953LP offers optional configurable power through pin 9 on each DB9 connector. You can configure each port individually for 12V, 5V, or no power, with up to 2A total current available across both ports. This flexibility allows the card to power connected serial devices directly when needed, eliminating the requirement for separate power adapters in many deployment scenarios.
What type of UART does this serial adapter use?
This adapter card uses a 16950 UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter) controller based on the ASIX AX99100 chipset. The 16950 UART includes advanced features like a 256-byte FIFO (First-In, First-Out) buffer that reduces CPU interrupt overhead during data transmission. This UART type provides reliable serial communication with support for modern data handling techniques while maintaining compatibility with legacy serial protocols.
Is this serial adapter card compliant with government procurement regulations?
Yes, the PEX2S953LP is TAA (Trade Agreements Act) compliant, making it suitable for government and educational procurement in the United States. The card also meets multiple environmental standards including EU RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances), REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals), and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive) requirements. These compliance certifications ensure the product meets stringent regulatory standards for materials and manufacturing.
| Qty | Price | Available |
|---|
