StarTech.com PEX1S953LP 1-Port PCIe RS232 Serial Adapter Card - 16950 UART DB9 Port - Low Profile - Windows/Linux
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Product Features
Technical Overview
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.
Core Controller Architecture
Based on the ASIX AX99100 chipset, this serial adapter provides stable RS232 communication with configurable power options through pin 9, offering 12V, 5V, or no power selection with up to 2A total current capacity.
- 16950 UART with 256-byte FIFO buffer
- Bi-directional RS232 speeds up to 921.6 Kbps
- Configurable power options through pin 9
Physical Specifications
The low-profile design measures 5.90" (149.86 mm) in height and 2.60" (66.04 mm) in width, with an approximate weight of 1.60 oz (45.36 g). The plug-in card form factor ensures straightforward installation in compatible PCI Express x1 slots.
- Low-profile card height
- Dual bracket configuration
- Compact footprint for constrained spaces
Key Product Advantages
This PCIe serial adapter addresses the persistent need for RS232 connectivity in modern computing environments where legacy serial ports have been eliminated from motherboards. The combination of robust hardware design, comprehensive operating system support, and flexible installation options makes it an essential tool for IT professionals managing mixed-technology infrastructures.
These strengths make the product easier to deploy and manage in real environments, especially where reliability, usability, and day-to-day operational continuity matter. Notable benefits include 16950 UART Reliability, Dual Bracket Flexibility, Wide OS Compatibility, Configurable Power Options, Compact Low-Profile Design.
Deployment / Use Cases
The PEX1S953LP adapter serves critical functions in environments where legacy serial devices must interface with modern computing systems. Its reliable RS232 connectivity supports a wide range of industrial, commercial, and scientific applications that depend on serial communication protocols.
Common deployment scenarios include integrating point-of-sale terminals, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), factory automation equipment, scientific sensors, medical devices, scanners, and oscilloscopes with contemporary servers and workstations. The adapter's low-profile design makes it particularly suitable for compact systems and small form factor deployments where space is at a premium.
Industrial Automation
Connect PLCs, motor controllers, and sensor arrays to monitoring and control systems in manufacturing and process automation environments.
- Factory control systems
- Process monitoring
- Equipment diagnostics
Commercial & Scientific Applications
Interface with laboratory instruments, medical equipment, retail POS systems, and test measurement devices that require stable serial communication.
- Scientific data collection
- Medical device connectivity
- Retail transaction processing
Physical Profile
The adapter's low-profile card height and compact dimensions make it suitable for installation in space-constrained chassis and small form factor systems. The included dual bracket system allows conversion between low-profile and full-profile configurations, providing deployment flexibility across different server and desktop form factors. The card's lightweight construction and standard PCI Express retention mechanism ensure secure installation without excessive weight burden on the motherboard slot.
- Width
- 2.60" (66.04 mm)
- Height
- Low-profile
- Weight
- 1.60 oz (45.36 g)
What's in the Box
The package includes all necessary components for immediate deployment of the serial adapter in your system.
Highlights
- 1-port PCI Express RS232 serial adapter with 16950 UART
- DB9 port supports bi-directional communication up to 921.6 Kbps
- Includes both low-profile and full-profile brackets for installation flexibility
- Compatible with Windows XP through current versions and Linux
- Based on ASIX AX99100 chipset with 256-byte FIFO buffer
- Configurable power options through pin 9 (12V, 5V, or none)
- Low-profile card design for compact system installations
- Backed by StarTech.com lifetime warranty and technical support
- Environmentally compliant with EU RoHS, REACH, and WEEE directives
- Manufactured in Taiwan with strict quality controls
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | PEX1S953LP |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | 1-Port PCI Express Serial Card with 16950 UART - Low-Profile |
| 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) | 1 |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Form Factor | Plug-in Card |
| Card Height | Low-profile |
| Height | 5.90" (149.86 mm) |
| Width | 2.60" (66.04 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 1.60 oz (45.36 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | 1-Port PCI Express Serial Card with 16950 UART - Low-Profile 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 |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | Lifetime |
User Manual
FAQ
What operating systems does this PCIe serial adapter support?
The StarTech.com PEX1S953LP adapter supports Windows operating systems from Windows XP through current versions, as well as Linux distributions. This wide compatibility ensures the card can be deployed in diverse IT environments, from legacy systems running older Windows versions to modern servers and workstations using current Windows or Linux operating systems.
What is the maximum data transfer speed of this RS232 adapter?
This serial adapter supports bi-directional RS232 communication at speeds up to 921.6 Kbps per port. The 16950 UART with 256-byte FIFO buffer enables reliable high-speed data transfer for demanding serial applications, making it suitable for industrial automation, scientific instrumentation, and other scenarios requiring fast serial communication.
Can this adapter be installed in both low-profile and standard-profile systems?
Yes, the adapter comes with a pre-installed low-profile bracket and includes an additional full-profile bracket in the package. This dual-bracket configuration allows installation in both low-profile chassis (commonly used in compact desktops and servers) and standard-profile systems, providing deployment flexibility across different form factors without requiring additional components.
What type of UART does this serial adapter use?
The adapter features a 16950 UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter) with a 256-byte FIFO (First-In, First-Out) buffer. This advanced UART type supports higher data rates and more reliable communication compared to older UART versions, with the FIFO buffer helping to prevent data loss during high-speed transmission by temporarily storing data before processing.
Does this adapter require external power?
The adapter provides configurable power options through pin 9, offering choices of 12V, 5V, or no power with up to 2A total current capacity. This flexibility allows the card to accommodate different power requirements based on the connected serial devices and system configuration, making it adaptable to various deployment scenarios without requiring separate power adapters in most cases.
What warranty coverage does StarTech.com provide for this product?
StarTech.com backs this PCIe serial adapter with a lifetime limited warranty, demonstrating their confidence in the product's reliability and durability. The warranty is complemented by free 24/5 North America-based multilingual technical support, providing comprehensive assistance for installation, configuration, and troubleshooting throughout the product's service life.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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