StarTech.com 2 Port PCI RS422/485 Serial Adapter Card with 161050 UART

The StarTech.com PCI2S4851050 is a reliable, dual-port PCI serial adapter that brings RS422 and RS485 capabilities to a desktop PC through a single PCI expansion slot. Built around the robust 161050 UART core, this card is designed for environments where legacy serial devices, POS systems, industrial controllers, or embedded peripherals still rely on dependable serial communication. With two DB9 RS422/RS485 ports, flexible signaling modes, and straightforward installation, this PCI serial card delivers a practical solution for upgrading or modernizing systems that require dependable, standards-based serial connectivity.

• Dual RS422/RS485 serial ports — Two DB9 connectors provide independent RS422/RS485 channels, enabling point-to-point and multi-drop configurations for a wide range of peripherals and industrial equipment. This makes it easy to connect sensors, barcode scanners, POS devices, or legacy controllers without sacrificing performance or reliability.
• High-performance 161050 UART — The PCI2S4851050 uses a dedicated 161050 UART core engineered for stable, low-latency serial communication. This translates to dependable data transfer with minimal timing jitter, making it well-suited for real-time control applications and data logging where consistency matters.
• Supports 2-wire and 4-wire RS485 modes — Flexible RS485 signaling supports both two-wire half-duplex and four-wire full-duplex configurations. This enables efficient bus topologies for multi-device networks and long-distance communications, with robust collision avoidance and improved noise immunity.
• Single PCI slot installation with broad compatibility — Designed for standard PCI slots in desktop workstations, the card fits easily into most PC chassis. It offers straightforward driver support to help you integrate RS422/RS485 functionality quickly, allowing you to focus on your application rather than hardware setup.
• Driver support and practical deployment — The StarTech PCI RS422/RS485 card is supported by widely used drivers for common operating systems, enabling seamless application development and easy maintenance. It is a practical choice for IT environments that value compatibility, reliability, and long-term availability of spare parts.

Technical Details of StarTech.com 2 Port PCI RS422/RS485 Serial Adapter Card with 161050 UART

• Product type: 2-Port PCI Serial Adapter Card (RS422/RS485)
• UART core: 161050
• Serial ports: 2 x DB9 RS422/RS485
• Interface: PCI (not PCIe)
• Port signaling support: RS422 and RS485, with 2-wire RS485 half-duplex and 4-wire RS485 full-duplex configurations
• Supported baud rates: Supports standard RS422/RS485 baud rates commonly used by serial devices (typical ranges up to 115,200 bps, configurable via software)
• Operating system compatibility: Windows and Linux (drivers provided by StarTech and/or motherboard vendors; check latest availability)
• Form factor: PCI adapter card for desktop PCs; standard PCI slot compatibility
• Power/voltage requirements: Bus-powered via PCI slot (no separate power connector required)
• Warranty: Typically backed by StarTech hardware warranty and technical support (check current terms)

how to install StarTech.com 2 Port PCI RS422/RS485 Serial Adapter Card

Installing the PCI2S4851050 is a straightforward process suitable for most standard desktop PCs. Follow these general steps to add the dual RS422/RS485 serial ports to your system:

1) Power down your computer and disconnect from power. Open the PC case and locate an available PCI expansion slot.

2) Remove the slot cover plate on the back of the chassis that corresponds to the PCI slot you will use. Align the card with the slot and firmly press it into place until the edge connector seats securely. Attach the metal bracket to the chassis with a screw to secure the card.

3) Connect your RS422/RS485 devices to the two DB9 connectors on the card. Plan your wiring for RS422 or RS485 mode as required by your devices and network topology, keeping wiring neat and within recommended cable lengths.

4) Reassemble the case, plug in the power, and boot the computer. Install the appropriate drivers and utilities. You can use the driver CD if included or download the latest drivers from StarTech’s website. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete installation.

5) After installation, verify port status in your operating system’s device manager (Windows) or using a suitable lsubsys/termios tool (Linux). Configure the serial port settings (baud rate, data bits, parity, stop bits) to match your connected devices, and test communication with a loopback or a simple terminal program.

Note: For Windows systems, ensure you install the correct driver version corresponding to your OS (32-bit or 64-bit). Linux users should load the appropriate kernel modules and verify device nodes (typically /dev/ttySx or similar) are created after driver installation.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What systems does this card support? A: It is designed for Windows and Linux operating systems, with drivers provided by StarTech or vendor partners. Always check the latest driver compatibility for your specific OS version.
• Q: Do I need a specific PCI slot type? A: This is a PCI (not PCIe) card, so it requires a standard PCI slot on the motherboard. It will not fit PCIe slots without an adapter, and performance is tied to PCI bus speed and motherboard configuration.
• Q: Can I use RS422 and RS485 simultaneously on the two ports? A: Yes. Each port can be configured independently for RS422 or RS485 operation according to your device requirements.
• Q: What baud rates can I expect? A: The card supports common RS422/RS485 baud rates used by serial devices, with software configuration to match the connected peripherals. If you have a highly time-sensitive device, verify the supported rate range in the driver documentation.
• Q: Is termination or biasing required for RS485? A: In some RS485 installations, proper termination and biasing are recommended for long cables or multi-drop networks. Review your network layout and device manuals to determine whether line termination is needed.
• Q: Is there a warranty? A: StarTech typically offers a hardware warranty and technical support; check the current terms at the time of purchase for length and coverage details.