Mini PCI Express 4 Port RS232 Serial Card with 16650 UART (MPEX4S552) StarTech.com

This Mini PCI Express 4 Port RS232 Serial Card is designed for users who need to add serial communication capabilities to systems that lack built-in support. It provides four high-speed RS232 serial ports with data transfer rates up to 921.6 Kbps, making it suitable for industrial, embedded, and networking applications. The card uses a 16650 UART chip, which enhances performance and reliability compared to older serial communication solutions. It is ideal for environments where multiple serial devices need to be connected simultaneously, such as in automation or data acquisition systems.

The card features a native single-chip, single-lane PCI Express design, which ensures improved speed and reduces CPU load by up to 48% compared to traditional bridge chip-based serial cards. This makes it a more efficient option for systems that require high performance without additional overhead. Each port includes a 256-byte deep FIFO buffer for both transmitter and receiver, which helps in managing data flow efficiently and reducing the risk of data loss during high-speed transfers.

The card comes with four 30cm IDC to DB9 serial cables, allowing for easy connection to standard DB9 serial devices. It is compatible with mini-PCIe slots found in many embedded systems and industrial computers. The compact design ensures it fits into systems with limited space while still delivering robust performance. Users should ensure their system has a mini-PCIe slot and proper power availability before installation.

Installation is straightforward, requiring only the insertion of the card into an available mini-PCIe slot and connecting the provided cables to the desired devices. No additional drivers are typically required, as the card is designed for plug-and-play functionality. However, users should verify compatibility with their specific system's BIOS or operating system to ensure full functionality.

Brand: StarTech.com
Model: MPEX4S552
Specifications: 4 x RS232 ports, 921.6 Kbps data rate, 16650 UART, 256-byte FIFO, mini-PCIe form factor
Features: High-speed serial communication, native PCIe design, compact size, includes cables