IO Crest PCI-Express Serial Card

Enhance your workstation or industrial controller with the IO Crest PCI-Express Serial Card, a high-performance multi-port RS-232 expansion built around the XR17V358 series. This card delivers reliable, scalable serial communication for legacy devices, CNC machines, sensors, and data loggers while leveraging the ubiquity of the 16C550 UART standard. Ideal for both home labs and demanding industrial environments, it provides robust COM port expansion through a compact PCIe interface, enabling seamless integration into modern computer systems without sacrificing performance or value.

• 4-port RS-232 expansion for PCIe, enabling multiple serial connections from a single add-in card and reducing the need for multiple USB adapters in industrial or lab setups.
• Powered by the XR17V358 multi-I/O controller, combining four independent RS-232 channels on one PCIe card for efficient handling of concurrent serial traffic with minimal CPU overhead.
• 16C550 UART compatibility ensures broad driver support and straightforward software integration, enabling familiar register-level control and reliable operation with legacy and modern applications alike.
• PCIe interface with x1 bandwidth and easy plug-and-play installation on standard motherboards; supports stable, reliable operation in desktop, workstation, and small-form-factor systems without complex configuration.
• Designed for industrial environments with durable connectors and stable signaling, delivering long-term, dependable serial communication for automation, data acquisition, instrumentation, and embedded projects.

Technical Details of IO Crest PCI-Express Serial Card

• Ports: Four RS-232 serial interfaces with DB9 connectors on the bracket, allowing independent serial channels for device control, monitoring, and data collection.
• Interface: PCI Express (PCIe) add-in card, typically in an x1 configuration, compatible with most modern desktops and workstations that provide PCIe slots.
• Controller: XR17V358 multi-I/O controller, a high-performance serial controller designed to manage multiple RS-232 channels efficiently and with low CPU utilization.
• UART Compatibility: 16C550-compatible UARTs, ensuring broad software driver support and familiar port programming across a wide range of operating systems and applications.
• Data Rates: Supports common RS-232 baud rates, including speeds up to 921.6 kbps per port, enabling reliable communication with legacy devices and modern equipment alike.
• Driver and OS Support: Broad driver compatibility intended for Windows and Linux environments, with standard utilities to manage and configure the four COM ports after installation.
• Power and Consumption: Draws power from the PCIe slot; designed for efficient operation with minimal heat, making it suitable for dense PCIe configurations in compact systems.
• Form Factor: PCIe add-in card with a standard mounting bracket, designed to fit in typical desktop and workstation chassis and be secured with a single screw.
• Connectors: Four DB9 serial connectors provide direct, plug-and-play connectivity to external devices without requiring adapters.
• System Integration: Optimized for industrial automation, instrumentation, SCADA, and data-logging setups where multiple serial devices must operate concurrently with stable, predictable performance.

how to install IO Crest PCI-Express Serial Card

• Power down your computer, unplug the power cord, and discharge any static electricity before handling the card to protect sensitive components.
• Open the chassis and locate a vacant PCIe slot on the motherboard; this card uses a PCIe interface and fits in standard desktop or workstation systems equipped with PCIe slots.
• Insert the IO Crest PCI-Express Serial Card firmly into the PCIe slot until it is fully seated, then secure the card to the chassis panel with a mounting screw for mechanical stability.
• Attach serial devices to the four DB9 connectors on the card’s bracket using appropriate RS-232 cables (DB9 to DB9 or DB9 to DE9 cables as required by your devices).
• Power on the system and boot into the operating system; install the official drivers from IO Crest or the supplier’s download page to enable the four COM ports and any accompanying management utilities.
• Configure each port in your software with the desired baud rate, data bits, parity, and stop bits; typical defaults include 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit.
• Test port operation by sending and receiving data across all four ports; confirm the OS recognizes the ports in Device Manager (Windows) or the equivalent system utility in Linux, and verify there are no IRQ or resource conflicts.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: How many serial ports does the card provide?

  A: It offers four RS-232 serial ports, enabling simultaneous communication with multiple devices or controllers from a single PCIe expansion card.

• Q: What PCIe interface does it use?

  A: The card uses a PCIe x1 interface, making it compatible with a wide range of modern motherboards and chassis configurations while delivering reliable serial throughput.

• Q: Is it compatible with Windows and Linux?

  A: Yes, the IO Crest PCI-Express Serial Card supports major operating systems, leveraging standard 16C550 UART drivers and XR17V358-based control to ensure broad software compatibility.

• Q: What baud rates are supported?

  A: Each port supports common RS-232 baud rates up to 921.6 kbps, with typical options such as 9600, 19200, 38400, 115200, and higher as supported by connected devices and cables.

• Q: Does the card require external power?

  A: No external power is needed; the card draws power directly from the PCIe slot, simplifying installation and reducing cabling in compact systems.