StarTech.com PEX2S953 2-Port PCI Express RS232 Serial Adapter Card - PCIe x1 to Dual DB9 - 16950 UART - Windows/Linux
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This serial adapter card implements a PCI Express 1.1 x1 host interface, providing sufficient bandwidth for dual-port RS-232 operation without consuming valuable motherboard resources. The 16950 UART architecture ensures compatibility with legacy serial protocols while delivering modern performance characteristics.
Each of the two DB9 ports supports individual power configuration through pin 9, offering choices of 12V, 5V, or no power with up to 2A total current capacity. This flexibility allows the card to adapt to various peripheral power requirements without external adapters.
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
This serial adapter card combines legacy connectivity with modern installation flexibility. The inclusion of both standard and low-profile brackets ensures compatibility with various chassis types, from full-height servers to compact workstations.
Flexible Installation Options
The card ships with a standard bracket pre-installed and includes two additional low-profile brackets, allowing installation in both standard and small-form-factor systems without requiring separate purchases.
- Standard bracket pre-installed
- Two low-profile brackets included
- Compatible with various chassis types
Enhanced Configuration Control
Each serial port features individually configurable power settings through pin 9, providing 12V, 5V, or no power options to match peripheral requirements precisely.
- Individual port power configuration
- 12V/5V/no power options
- Up to 2A total capacity
Deployment / Use Cases
This PCIe serial adapter card serves critical roles in environments where legacy serial devices must integrate with modern computing infrastructure. Its dual-port design and flexible power options make it suitable for connecting multiple serial devices simultaneously.
Common deployment scenarios include industrial automation systems where PLCs and control equipment require serial communication, retail environments with point-of-sale terminals and receipt printers, laboratory settings with scientific sensors and measurement equipment, healthcare facilities using medical monitoring devices, and engineering applications involving oscilloscopes and test equipment.
Industrial Control Systems
Connect programmable logic controllers (PLCs), motor controllers, and automation equipment in manufacturing and process control environments where RS-232 remains the standard communication protocol.
Retail & Hospitality
Support legacy point-of-sale terminals, receipt printers, cash drawers, and customer display systems that rely on serial connectivity for reliable transaction processing.
Physical Profile
The low-profile card design measures just 0.60 inches (15.24 mm) in height and 2.50 inches (63.50 mm) in width, making it suitable for installation in space-constrained systems. The plug-in card form factor ensures secure mounting in any available PCI Express x1 slot, with the low-profile height preventing interference with adjacent components in densely packed chassis.
The physical profile is practical for deployment planning because the dimensions and weight are clearly defined: Low-profile, 2.50" (63.50 mm). This helps confirm rack, shelf, desk, or cabinet fit before installation.
- Width
- 2.50" (63.50 mm)
- Height
- Low-profile
What's in the Box
The package includes everything needed for immediate installation and operation of the serial adapter card.
Highlights
- Adds two external DB9 RS-232 serial ports via PCI Express x1 interface
- 16950 UART with speeds up to 921.6 Kbps per port for reliable data transfer
- Includes both standard and low-profile brackets for versatile installation
- Individually configurable power per port (12V/5V/none) with up to 2A total
- 256-byte FIFO buffer and 9th data bit support for efficient data handling
- Compatible with Windows XP through current versions and Linux operating systems
- Based on ASIX AX99100 chipset for stable performance
- Upgraded version of popular PEX2S952 model with enhanced features
- Backed by StarTech.com's lifetime warranty and technical support
- RoHS, REACH, and WEEE compliant for environmental responsibility
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | PEX2S953 |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | 2-Port PCI Express RS232 Serial Adapter Card - 16950 UART |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 |
| Product Type | Serial Adapter |
| Technical Information | |
| Host Interface | PCI Express 1.1 x1 |
| Platform Supported | PC,Linux |
| UART Type | 16950 |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Number of Serial Ports (External) | 2 |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Form Factor | Plug-in Card |
| Card Height | Low-profile |
| Height | 0.60" (15.24 mm) |
| Width | 2.50" (63.50 mm) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | 2-Port PCI Express RS232 Serial Adapter Card - 16950 UART 1 x Low Profile Bracket 1 x Quick Start Guide |
| 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 serial adapter card support?
The StarTech.com PEX2S953 serial adapter card supports Windows operating systems from Windows XP through current versions, as well as various Linux distributions. Driver availability and specific compatibility details can be found in the included documentation and manufacturer support resources.
How many serial ports does this PCIe card provide?
This adapter card provides two external DB9 RS-232 serial ports. Both ports operate independently and support bidirectional communication at speeds up to 921.6 Kbps per port, making the card suitable for connecting multiple legacy serial devices simultaneously.
What is the maximum data transfer speed per port?
Each of the two DB9 ports supports data transfer speeds up to 921.6 kilobits per second (Kbps). This speed is sufficient for most legacy serial applications including industrial control systems, point-of-sale equipment, and scientific instruments that traditionally use RS-232 communication.
Does this card include low-profile brackets for small form factor systems?
Yes, the card ships with a standard bracket pre-installed and includes two additional low-profile brackets in the package. This allows installation in both standard desktop/server chassis and compact small form factor systems without requiring separate bracket purchases.
What power configuration options are available for the serial ports?
Each of the two serial ports features individually configurable power settings through pin 9. You can configure each port for 12V power, 5V power, or no power, with up to 2A total current capacity across both ports. This flexibility allows the card to adapt to various peripheral power requirements.
What warranty coverage does StarTech.com provide for this product?
StarTech.com backs this PCIe serial adapter card with a lifetime limited warranty. This warranty coverage includes access to free 24/5 technical support from North America-based multilingual support teams, ensuring long-term reliability and assistance throughout the product's service life.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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