StarTech.com PEX1S1P950 PCIe Serial & Parallel Combo Adapter Card - 1x DB25 Parallel Port & 1x RS232 Serial Port - PCI Express 2.0 x 1
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This PCIe combo adapter leverages PCI Express 2.0 technology for efficient data throughput between the host system and connected legacy devices. The 16C950 UART includes a 256-byte FIFO buffer that minimizes CPU overhead during serial communication, while the parallel interface handles bidirectional data transfer with support for multiple operational modes.
The card automatically manages IRQ and I/O address assignments, simplifying installation across supported operating systems. It complies with PCI-E Base Specification Revision 2.0 and PCI Power Management 1.2, ensuring reliable power management and compatibility with modern motherboard architectures.
Relevant factors for this section include Host Interface, Number of Parallel Ports (External), 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
StarTech.com designs this adapter for IT professionals who need dependable legacy connectivity without compromising system stability. The lifetime warranty and free 24/5 North American technical support provide long-term assurance for deployment in critical environments.
Reliable Legacy Connectivity
Maintains compatibility with essential legacy equipment while integrating seamlessly into modern PCI Express systems.
- DB25 parallel port for printers and plotters
- RS232 serial port for industrial controllers and sensors
- Full backward compatibility with legacy protocols
Simplified Installation
Automatic configuration features reduce setup time and technical complexity across diverse computing environments.
- Auto IRQ and I/O address assignment
- Supports IRQ sharing
- Includes full-profile bracket for standard cases
Deployment / Use Cases
This PCIe combo adapter serves numerous professional and industrial applications where legacy device support remains essential. Its robust design handles continuous operation in demanding environments while maintaining data integrity across both parallel and serial connections.
Common deployment scenarios include point-of-sale systems requiring receipt printers, manufacturing facilities with programmable logic controllers, scientific laboratories using specialized measurement instruments, healthcare environments with older medical devices, and engineering workstations connecting to plotters or oscilloscopes. The adapter's compatibility with Windows 7 through current versions, Windows Server 2003 onward, and Linux kernels 2.6.X and later ensures broad deployment flexibility.
Industrial Automation
Connect PLCs, sensors, and control systems in factory environments where serial communication remains standard.
Retail & Hospitality
Support legacy receipt printers, cash drawers, and kitchen display systems in point-of-sale configurations.
Physical Profile
Measuring 0.90 inches in height and 3.70 inches in width, this low-profile adapter card fits comfortably in standard and compact system builds. The lightweight 2.15-ounce design minimizes strain on the PCI Express slot while the included full-profile bracket ensures secure mounting in most desktop computer cases. The card's compact dimensions make it suitable for deployment in space-constrained environments without sacrificing functionality.
- Width
- 3.70" (93.98 mm)
- Height
- 0.90" (22.86 mm)
- Weight
- 2.15 oz (61 g)
What's in the Box
The package includes all components necessary for immediate installation and operation.
Highlights
- Adds one DB25 parallel port and one RS232 serial port via PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot
- Parallel speeds up to 2.5 Mbps with support for SPP, Byte, and ECP modes
- Serial speeds up to 921.6 Kbps using 16C950 UART with 256-byte FIFO buffer
- Compatible with Windows 7+, Windows Server 2003+, and Linux 2.6.X+
- Automatic IRQ and I/O address assignment with IRQ sharing support
- Compact low-profile design measuring 0.90" x 3.70" (22.86 mm x 93.98 mm)
- Includes full-profile bracket for standard computer case installation
- Backed by StarTech.com lifetime warranty and 24/5 technical support
- RoHS and WEEE compliant for environmentally responsible deployment
- Manufactured in Taiwan with strict quality control standards
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | PEX1S1P950 |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | 1S1P Native PCI Express Serial Parallel Combo Card with 16C950 UART |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 |
| Product Type | Serial/Parallel Combo Adapter |
| Technical Information | |
| Host Interface | PCI Express 2.0 x1 |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Number of Parallel Ports (External) | 1 |
| Number of Serial Ports (External) | 1 |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Height | 0.90" (22.86 mm) |
| Width | 3.70" (93.98 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 2.15 oz (61 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | 1S1P Native PCI Express Serial Parallel Combo Card with 16C950 UART 1 x Full Profile Bracket 1 x Quick-Start Guide |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Compliance | Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS),Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | Lifetime |
User Manual
FAQ
What types of devices can I connect to this PCIe combo adapter?
This adapter supports legacy parallel and serial devices including dot matrix printers, label printers, plotters, barcode scanners, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), industrial sensors, medical equipment, scientific instruments, point-of-sale terminals, and older test equipment. The DB25 parallel port handles IEEE 1284-compliant printers and peripherals, while the RS232 serial port connects to devices using standard serial communication protocols.
Which operating systems are compatible with this expansion card?
The adapter is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11; Windows Server 2003, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2019, and 2022; and Linux distributions with kernel versions 2.6.X and later. The card uses standard Windows Plug and Play drivers and includes automatic configuration features that simplify installation across supported platforms without requiring manual driver updates in most cases.
What are the maximum data transfer speeds for the parallel and serial ports?
The parallel port supports transfer speeds up to 2.5 megabits per second (Mbps) with compatibility for Standard Parallel Port (SPP), Byte, and Enhanced Capabilities Port (ECP) modes. The RS232 serial port achieves speeds up to 921.6 kilobits per second (Kbps) using the integrated 16C950 UART with 256-byte FIFO buffer, which helps maintain stable communication with connected serial devices.
Does this card require manual configuration of IRQ or I/O addresses?
No, the adapter features automatic IRQ and I/O address assignment, eliminating the need for manual configuration in most deployment scenarios. The card also supports IRQ sharing, which allows it to operate efficiently alongside other PCI Express devices without resource conflicts. These automatic configuration capabilities streamline installation and reduce technical complexity during setup.
What physical dimensions does this PCIe card have, and will it fit in my computer?
The card measures 0.90 inches (22.86 mm) in height and 3.70 inches (93.98 mm) in width, with a weight of approximately 2.15 ounces (61 grams). This compact low-profile design fits standard PCI Express slots in most desktop computer cases. The package includes a full-profile bracket for installation in standard-sized cases, ensuring compatibility with the majority of desktop system configurations.
What warranty and support does StarTech.com provide for this product?
StarTech.com backs this PCIe combo adapter with a lifetime limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship for the product's usable life. Additionally, the product includes access to free 24/5 technical support from North America-based multilingual support teams. This comprehensive support structure ensures reliable long-term deployment in professional and industrial environments where continuous operation is essential.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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