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StarTech.com PS74ADF-SERIAL-CARD 4-Port Serial PCIe Card - Quad-Port RS232/RS422/RS485 - 16C1050 UART - ESD Protection - Windows/Linux - TAA-Compliant
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This PCI Express 2.0 x1 serial adapter implements four fully independent serial channels, each capable of operating in RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 mode simultaneously. The Asix AX99100 controller provides hardware-level UART emulation compatible with 16C450 through 16C950 standards, while 256-byte FIFO buffers per port minimize CPU overhead during high-throughput serial communication. Configurable power delivery allows each port to supply 12V at 1.5A, 5V at 1.5A, or no power via pin 9, with per-port settings adjustable through jumper blocks.
The card maintains backward compatibility with legacy serial protocols while incorporating modern protection features including ESD safeguards on all port connections. Its low-profile design measures 4.30 inches wide by 4.80 inches deep with a 0.60-inch height, weighing approximately 2.12 ounces for minimal impact on system airflow and mechanical stress. The implementation supports all standard parity modes (Odd/Even/Mark/Space/None), data bits from 5 to 9, and maintains COM port assignments across system reboots for consistent device addressing.
Key Product Advantages
This serial adapter distinguishes itself through flexible deployment options and robust industrial-grade construction. Each port operates independently with configurable protocol support, allowing mixed RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 devices on the same card without performance compromise. The inclusion of both standard and low-profile brackets ensures compatibility with virtually any desktop or server chassis, while screw-locking DB9 connectors provide secure cable retention in vibration-prone environments.
Configurable Power Delivery
Individual ports can supply 12V or 5V power at 1.5A per port, or operate without power delivery, via auxiliary SATA power connection and jumper-configurable settings.
- Per-port power configuration
- 12V/5V/No power options
- Auxiliary SATA power input
Protocol Flexibility
On-board DIP switches enable each port to operate in RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 mode independently, supporting diverse legacy device requirements within a single installation.
- Independent port configuration
- Mixed protocol operation
- DIP switch control
Deployment / Use Cases
The PS74ADF-SERIAL-CARD serves critical connectivity needs in environments where legacy serial devices must interface with modern computing systems. Its quad-port design and protocol flexibility make it ideal for point-of-sale systems requiring multiple receipt printers, cash drawers, and customer displays; industrial automation applications connecting PLCs, motor controllers, and sensor arrays; and laboratory settings interfacing with scientific instruments, oscilloscopes, and environmental monitoring equipment.
Medical facilities deploy these cards for diagnostic equipment connectivity, while manufacturing environments utilize them for factory control systems and production line automation. The card's TAA compliance makes it suitable for government, educational, and institutional procurement where regulatory requirements mandate specific sourcing standards. With support for both Windows and Linux platforms, it integrates seamlessly into heterogeneous IT environments spanning commercial workstations, server racks, and embedded systems.
Industrial Automation
Connect PLCs, motor controllers, HMI panels, and sensor networks in manufacturing and process control environments where RS-422/485 communication dominates.
- PLC connectivity
- Sensor networks
- Factory control systems
Commercial & Retail
Support legacy POS peripherals including receipt printers, cash drawers, customer displays, and barcode scanners in retail and hospitality settings.
- POS systems
- Receipt printers
- Barcode scanners
Physical Profile
Designed for versatile installation, this low-profile serial card measures 4.30 inches in width, 4.80 inches in depth, and 0.60 inches in height (109.22 × 121.92 × 15.24 mm), with an approximate weight of 2.12 ounces (60 grams). The included bracket set comprises two standard-profile brackets pre-installed for conventional desktop and server chassis, plus four additional low-profile brackets for small form factor systems. This dual-bracket approach ensures compatibility across diverse enclosure designs while maintaining professional-grade construction with RoHS and WEEE environmental compliance.
- Width
- 4.30" (109.22 mm)
- Depth
- 4.80" (121.92 mm)
- Height
- Low-profile
- Weight
- 2.12 oz (60 g)
What's in the Box
The complete package includes all components necessary for immediate deployment across various system configurations.
Highlights
- Adds four DB9 serial ports via PCI Express 2.0 x1 interface
- Each port independently configurable for RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 operation
- Asix AX99100 chipset with 16C1050 UART compatibility
- Configurable power delivery: 12V/5V per port or no power via auxiliary SATA
- Includes both standard and low-profile brackets for flexible installation
- ESD protection on all port connections
- Supports Windows and Linux operating systems
- TAA-compliant for government and educational procurement
- 256-byte FIFO buffers per port with COM retention
- 2-year limited warranty with RoHS/WEEE environmental compliance
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | PS74ADF-SERIAL-CARD |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | 4-Port Serial Card |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 |
| Product Type | Serial Adapter |
| Technical Information | |
| Host Interface | PCI Express 2.0 x1 |
| Platform Supported | PC,Linux |
| UART Type | 16C450,16C550,16C650,16C750,16C950 |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Number of Serial Ports (External) | 4 |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Form Factor | Plug-in Card |
| Card Height | Low-profile |
| Height | 0.60" (15.24 mm) |
| Width | 4.30" (109.22 mm) |
| Depth | 4.80" (121.92 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 2.12 oz (60 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | 4-Port Serial Card 4 x Low-Profile Bracket 3 x Ribbon Cable 1 x Quick-Start Guide |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Compliance | Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS),Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) |
| TAA Compliant | Yes |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 2 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What types of serial devices can I connect to this PCIe card?
This 4-port serial card supports RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 devices through its DB9 connectors. You can connect legacy peripherals such as receipt printers, barcode scanners, PLCs, industrial sensors, medical equipment, scientific instruments, and point-of-sale terminals. Each port operates independently, allowing mixed device types on the same card—for example, RS-232 printers on some ports while RS-485 sensors connect to others.
Does this serial card require external power?
The card includes configurable power options that may require auxiliary power depending on your configuration. It features an auxiliary SATA power connector that enables each port to deliver 12V at 1.5A, 5V at 1.5A, or no power via pin 9. Per-port power modes are individually configurable through jumper blocks, giving you flexibility based on your connected devices' requirements.
Is this card compatible with small form factor computers?
Yes, the card includes both standard and low-profile brackets for flexible installation. Two standard-profile brackets come pre-installed for conventional desktop and server chassis, while four additional low-profile brackets are included for compatibility with small form factor systems. The card itself has a low-profile height of 0.60 inches (15.24 mm), making it suitable for compact enclosures.
What operating systems does this serial adapter support?
This serial card supports Windows and Linux operating systems. It includes drivers for both platforms and maintains compatibility across various distributions and versions. The card implements standard UART emulation through its Asix AX99100 chipset, ensuring reliable operation without requiring proprietary software in most deployment scenarios.
What is the maximum data transfer rate per port?
Each serial port supports a maximum baud rate of 921.6 Kbps (kilobits per second). This high-speed capability, combined with 256-byte FIFO buffers per port, ensures efficient data transfer for demanding applications while minimizing CPU overhead. The card maintains this performance across all supported protocols: RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485.
What does TAA compliance mean for this product?
TAA (Trade Agreements Act) compliance indicates that this serial card meets U.S. government procurement requirements for products supplied under federal contracts. It certifies that the product is manufactured or substantially transformed in a designated country, making it suitable for government, educational, and institutional purchasing where regulatory sourcing standards apply. This compliance expands the card's deployment options in regulated procurement environments.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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