StarTech.com 4-Port PCIe RS232 Serial Card 921.6Kbps AX99100 PEX4S953
The StarTech.com PEX4S953 4-Port PCIe RS232 Serial Card enables businesses to seamlessly integrate up to four legacy serial peripherals into modern computer systems, supporting data transfer rates up to 921.6 Kbps for critical operations.
- Four RS232 Ports: Connect multiple legacy devices like POS terminals, industrial sensors, or specialized printers, extending the lifespan of existing hardware investments.
- 921.6 Kbps Baud Rate: Ensures rapid and reliable data exchange with high-speed serial peripherals, preventing bottlenecks in critical data streams.
- PCIe Interface: Provides native serial port integration into modern server and desktop systems, offering stable and high-performance connectivity without external adapters.
- 256 Byte FIFO Buffer: Minimizes data loss and ensures consistent communication, crucial for maintaining data integrity in high-volume or sensitive applications.
Product Overview
Product Overview
The StarTech.com PEX4S953 is a full-height/low-profile PCI Express serial adapter card designed to add four native RS232 (DB9) serial ports to any compatible computer system. Powered by the Asix AX99100 chipset, it supports data transfer rates up to 921.6 Kbps, ensuring high-speed communication for connected devices.
This internal card offers broad operating system compatibility, including various Windows and Linux versions, alongside Windows Server 2003 through 2016, making it a versatile solution for diverse IT environments. Its robust design, featuring a 256-byte FIFO buffer and a high MTBF of 214358 hours, ensures reliable and stable performance for mission-critical applications.
- Core Functionality: Adds four high-speed RS232 serial ports to modern PCIe-enabled systems, enabling the integration of essential legacy peripherals.
- Broad OS Support: Compatible with a wide range of Windows (including Server) and Linux operating systems, ensuring flexible deployment across diverse IT infrastructures.
- High Data Throughput: Supports baud rates up to 921.6 Kbps, facilitating rapid and efficient data exchange with connected serial devices like POS systems or industrial controls.
- Reliable Data Handling: Features a 256-byte FIFO buffer, which significantly reduces the risk of data loss during high-volume transfers, maintaining operational integrity.
- Operational Value: Engineered with an MTBF of 214358 hours and a wide operating temperature range, providing long-term stability and reducing maintenance overhead in demanding environments.
This serial adapter card is an essential component for businesses seeking to maintain compatibility with existing serial infrastructure while upgrading to modern computing platforms.
Technical Specifications
1Performance & Business Impact
2Connectivity & I/O
3Physical & Environmental
4Lifecycle, Warranty & Compliance
Full Specifications
Ports & interfaces5
Features7
Weight & dimensions4
Design4
Operational conditions1
System requirements1
Technical details1
Packaging data1
Logistics data1
What This Solves
Legacy Device Integration
Many businesses operate with essential peripherals like barcode scanners, POS terminals, or specialized industrial equipment that rely on RS232 serial connections. This card provides four native serial ports, allowing these devices to connect directly to modern PCIe-enabled computers or servers.
Retail operations, manufacturing plants, healthcare clinics, logistics warehouses
Industrial Automation Connectivity
In industrial settings, reliable communication with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), CNC machines, and sensor arrays is critical for operational continuity. The card's high baud rate and robust FIFO buffer ensure stable, high-speed data exchange for automated processes.
Factories, industrial control rooms, automated warehouses, process manufacturing facilities
Point-of-Sale System Modernization
Upgrading POS systems often means replacing computers, but not necessarily all peripherals like receipt printers, cash drawers, or PIN pads. This adapter card allows businesses to retain their functional serial-based POS peripherals, reducing upgrade costs and minimizing disruption.
Retail franchises, restaurant chains, hospitality groups, small business storefronts
Key Features
Four RS232 (DB9) Serial Ports
Enables simultaneous connection of multiple legacy peripherals, extending the operational life of existing hardware investments.
921.6 Kbps Baud Rate
Ensures high-speed and efficient data transfer for critical serial devices, preventing communication bottlenecks in busy environments.
Asix AX99100 Chipset
Provides reliable and stable serial communication performance, crucial for maintaining data integrity and system uptime.
256 Byte FIFO Buffer
Minimizes data loss during high-volume data transfers, ensuring consistent and accurate communication for sensitive applications.
Full-height / Low-profile Form Factor
Offers flexible installation options in various server and desktop chassis, accommodating diverse IT infrastructure requirements.
Industry Applications
Manufacturing & Industrial
This card connects essential industrial control systems and specialized machinery to modern computing platforms, ensuring continuous production and data acquisition.
Retail & Hospitality
It enables the integration of legacy point-of-sale (POS) systems, receipt printers, and PIN pads into updated retail infrastructure, maintaining transaction efficiency.
Healthcare & Life Sciences
Healthcare providers use this card to interface with older diagnostic equipment and lab instruments, preserving functionality and compliance within existing systems.
Government & Public Sector
Government agencies deploy this card to integrate specialized data collection devices or legacy communication equipment into secure, modern IT environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of serial devices are compatible with this card?
This card is compatible with a wide range of RS232 serial devices, including POS terminals, barcode scanners, receipt printers, modems, industrial control equipment, and diagnostic tools. It supports standard DB9 serial connections.
Does this card require special drivers for Windows Server operating systems?
The card includes broad OS support and is compatible with various Windows Server versions, including 2003, 2008 R2, 2012, 2012 R2, and 2016. Drivers are typically provided by StarTech.com for seamless integration.
Can this card be installed in a small form factor (SFF) computer?
Yes, the card features a full-height / low-profile expansion card form factor and includes mounting brackets, allowing it to be installed in both standard and small form factor computer cases.
What is the significance of the 256 Byte FIFO buffer for business use?
The 256 Byte FIFO (First In, First Out) buffer is critical for reliable data transfer, especially at high baud rates. It temporarily stores data, preventing overflow and loss during peak communication, which is essential for maintaining accuracy in business-critical applications.
Warranty & Returns
Manufacturer Warranty
Lifetime
Warranty is provided directly by the manufacturer and covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.
Return Policy
Returns subject to manufacturer approval
Hardware returns are governed by the manufacturer's return policy. Some products are non-returnable or subject to restocking fees. Defective items are handled under the manufacturer warranty. Contact Zent Networks before initiating any return.