PEX2S550 - Electronic board StarTech.com - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	PCI Express Serial Port Card
Model	PEX2S550
Number of Ports	2
Interface	RS-232
Bus Type	PCI Express x1
Data Rate	Up to 921.6 Kbps
Connector Type	2 x DB9 Male (via included bracket)
Dimensions	120 mm x 64 mm x 20 mm
Weight	90 g
Power Supply	Powered by PCIe slot (3.3V)
Operating Temperature	0°C to 70°C
Storage Temperature	-20°C to 80°C
Operating Humidity	5% to 90% (non-condensing)
Chipset	Oxford Semiconductor OXPCIe952
FIFO Buffer	128 bytes per port (transmit and receive)
Compatible Operating Systems	Windows, Linux, macOS
Surge Protection	15 kV ESD protection on serial ports
Regulatory Approvals	CE, FCC, RoHS
Package Contents	Serial card, low-profile bracket, driver CD
Warranty	2 years
Cleaning Instructions	Use dry cloth; avoid liquids and abrasive cleaners
Safety Precautions	Install in grounded chassis; disconnect power before installation
Spare Parts Availability	Contact StarTech.com support for replacement brackets or cables

Frequently Asked Questions - PEX2S550 StarTech.com

How do I install the PEX2S550 serial card?

First, power off your computer and unplug it. Open the case, insert the card into a free PCI Express x1 slot, and secure it with the screw. Replace the bracket if using a low-profile case. Close the case, power on, and install the drivers from the included CD or download from StarTech.com.

Which operating systems are supported?

The PEX2S550 supports Windows (including 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP), Linux (kernel 2.6.x and later), and macOS (10.8 and newer). Drivers are available on the StarTech.com website.

What is the maximum data rate of the serial ports?

Each serial port supports data rates up to 921.6 Kbps, enabling high-speed serial communication.

Does the card work with a 64-bit PCI Express slot?

Yes, the PEX2S550 works with both x1, x4, x8, and x16 PCI Express slots, provided they are physically compatible. It is backward compatible with all PCI Express generations.

Can I use the card in a low-profile case?

Yes, the card includes a low-profile bracket. Replace the full-height bracket with the low-profile one for installation in slim cases.

How do I connect serial devices?

Connect your RS-232 devices using standard DB9 male-to-female cable (or gender changer if needed). The ports are male DB9 connectors on the included bracket.

Is the card hot-pluggable?

No, PCI Express cards are not hot-pluggable. Always power off the system before installing or removing the card.

What should I do if my system does not detect the card?

Ensure the card is fully seated in the slot. Try a different PCI Express slot. Check that the necessary drivers are installed. If using Windows, open Device Manager to see if the card appears under 'Ports (COM & LPT)'. If not, try reinstalling drivers.

Does the card support hardware flow control?

Yes, the PEX2S550 supports full hardware flow control (RTS/CTS) as well as software flow control (XON/XOFF).

Can I use the card with a null modem cable?

Yes, the card works with null modem cables for direct connection between two serial devices. Ensure the cable is wired correctly for the desired communication.

USER MANUAL PEX2S550 StarTech.com

PCI Express Serial Card

1 Port 16650 PCI Express Serial Card

2 Port 16650 PCI Express Serial Card

PEX1S550

PEX2S550

Instruction Manual

Close-up of a black electronic circuit board with multiple ports and connectors (no visible text or symbols)

Actual product may vary from photo

StarTech.com

The Professionals' Source for Hard-to-Find Computer Parts

FCC Compliance Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Use of Trademarks, Registered Trademarks, and other Protected Names and Symbols

This manual may make reference to trademarks, registered trademarks, and other protected names and/or symbols of third-party companies not related in any way to StarTech.com. Where they occur these references are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent an endorsement of a product or service by StarTech.com, or an endorsement of the product(s) to which this manual applies by the third-party company in question. Regardless of any direct acknowledgement elsewhere in the body of this document, StarTech.com hereby acknowledges that all trademarks, registered trademarks, service marks, and other protected names and/or symbols contained in this manual and related documents are the property of their respective holders.

Instruction Manual

Table of Contents

Introduction ....1

Features ....1

Before you begin....1

System requirements ....1

Contents 1

Installation 2

Installing the PCI Express serial card ....2

Driver installation 2

Verifying installation....3

Adjusting COM port addresses 4

Specifications 4

Technical Support ....5

Warranty Information ....5

Instruction Manual

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing a PCI Express Serial Card. This card allows you to add 1 (PEX1S550) or 2 (PEX2S550) independent DB9 or DB25 RS-232 serial ports to your computer, for industrial communication, automation applications and more. The card is compliant with PCI Express Base Specification 1.0a, and offers data transfer rates of up to 230.4Kbps, to help ensure smooth operation of your serial peripherals.

Features

• Compliant with PCI Express base specification rev. 1.0a
  • Supports 1x UART serial port
  • 1 or 2 independent RS-232 serial ports built-in
  • Built-in 16C650 UART with 16 byte transmit-receive FIFO data transfer rates up to 230.4Kbps
  • Supports Microsoft Windows 2000/XP/2003 Server

Before You Begin

System Requirements

• PCI Express enabled computer with one available PCI Express slot
• Operating systems supported: Windows 2000/XP/2003

Contents

This package should contain:

• PCI Express serial card (1)
• Software CD ROM (1)
• User's Manual (1)

Instruction Manual

Installation

Installing the PCI Express serial card

1. Shut down all power connected to the computer, as well as all devices connected to the computer peripherally (i.e. Printers, Monitors, Scanners etc.). As an added step to ensure safe installation, unplug the power supply from the computer.
2. Remove the computer cover. For more detailed instruction on how to perform this step, please refer to the documentation that was included with your computer at the time of purchase.
3. Locate an empty PCI Express slot, removing the metal bracket covering the corresponding empty port/socket.
4. Position the serial card above the open PCI Express slot, ensuring that the card is properly aligned with the slot. Insert the card firmly into the slot, distributing force evenly across the length of the board. Once inserted, secure the card into the adjoining socket (previously covered by metal bracket), using the correct size screw (if necessary, please consult documentation included with computer at time of purchase).
5. Replace the computer cover and re-connect all power to the computer.

Driver installation

Please note: To ensure proper installation, please perform the physical installation prior to installing the accompanying drivers.

Windows 2000:

1. Upon rebooting the computer for the first time following the installation of the serial card, Windows will detect the PCI serial card, and prompt for driver installation, with the Found New Hardware Wizard. Please click on Next, to advance to the next screen.
2. You will then be notified that This wizard will complete the installation for this device: PCI Simple Communications Controller. Please select Search for a suitable driver for my device (recommended) and click Next.
3. The Found New Hardware Wizard will then ask what you want the wizard to do. Please select Search for a suitable driver for my device (recommended) and click on Next.
4. At the next screen, please select Specify a location and ensure that all other checkboxes are empty. Click Next.
5. Insert the Drivers CD into your CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive. Here, you can either browse to the folder in which the drivers are located, or type in the exact path. To browse, please click the Browse button, and select D:\PCIe\2S\2000, where D:\ is the letter designated for your CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive. Click Next, followed by Finish.

Instruction Manual

Windows XP:

1. Upon rebooting the computer for the first time following the installation of the serial card, Windows will detect the PCI serial card, and prompt for driver installation, with the Found New Hardware Wizard. Please select Install from a list or specific location (Advanced), then click Next.
2. Insert the Drivers CD, and select Include this location in the search, ensuring that this is the only selection made (no other checkmarks present). In the text box provided, either type in D:\PCIe\2S\XP, or browse to this file by clicking the Browse button and navigating to the file. Once the file path has been entered, please click Next.
3. If the Hardware Installation window pops up, click Continue Anyways, then Finish.
4. You will be required to follow steps 1-3 twice more, for installation to complete. Once finished, please restart your computer for the settings/installation to take effect.

Windows Server 2003:

1. Upon rebooting the computer for the first time following the installation of the serial card, Windows will detect the PCI serial card, and prompt for driver installation, with the Found New Hardware Wizard. Please select Install from a list or specific location (Advanced), then click Next.
2. Insert the Drivers CD, and select Include this location in the search, ensuring that this is the only selection made (no other checkmarks present). In the text box provided, either type in D:\PCIe\2S\2003, or browse to this file by clicking the Browse button and navigating to the file. Once the file path appears in the text box, please click Next.
3. If the Hardware Installation window pops up, click Continue Anyways, then Finish.
4. You will be required to follow steps 1-3 twice more, for installation to complete. Once finished, please restart your computer for the settings/installation to take effect.

Verifying Installation

1. Right-click My Computer, then click Manage. Click on Device Manager.
2. Click on the + symbol located to the left of Ports (COM & LPT). You should see NetMos PCI Serial Port listed (once for PEX1S550, twice for PEX2S550)
3. Click on the + symbol located to the left of Multifunction adapters. Here, you should see NetMos 9835 listed(once for PEX1S550, twice for PEX2S550).

Instruction Manual

Adjusting COM Port Addresses

Some serial devices need a specific COM port in order to work. If your serial devices work properly, there is no need to modify the COM port settings.

1. From the Device Manager window, double-click on Ports (COM & LPT), then double-click the NetMos PCI Serial Port you wish to change.
2. Select the Settings tab and click Advanced.
3. Click the down arrow that is next to the COM Port Number box, select a COM port that is not in use, then click OK and close the Device Manager to save the changes.
4. (PEX2S550 only): Please follow steps 1-3 again to change the second Serial port if necessary.

Specifications

Certifications (Regulatory) FCC, CE, RoHS, WEEE
Bus Type PCI Express (PCIe)
Connectors	PEX1S550: DB9 Male Serial x 1PEX2S550: DB9 Male Serial x 2
Maximum Data Transfer Rate	230.4 Kbps/sec
Chipset	PEX1S550: MOSCHIP MCS9820CVPEX2S550: MOSCHIP MCS9835CV
Operating system support	Windows: 2000/XP/Server 2003
Operating Temperature	0°C - 70°C
Data bits	5,6,7,8-bit
Parity	Even, odd, none, or force parity generations
Dimensions	92 x 21 x 120mm
Weight	PEX1S550: 90gPEX2S550: 100g

Instruction Manual

Technical Support

StarTech.com's lifetime technical support is an integral part of our commitment to provide industry-leading solutions. If you ever need help with your product, visit

www.startech.com/support and access our comprehensive selection of online tools, documentation, and downloads.

Warranty Information

This product is backed by a lifetime warranty. In addition, StarTech.com warrants its products against defects in materials and workmanship for the periods noted, following the initial date of purchase. During this period, the products may be returned for repair, or replacement with equivalent products at our discretion. The warranty covers parts and labor costs only. StarTech.com does not warrant its products from defects or damages arising from misuse, abuse, alteration, or normal wear and tear.

Limitation of Liability

In no event shall the liability of StarTech.com Ltd. and StarTech.com USA LLP (or their officers, directors, employees or agents) for any damages (whether direct or indirect, special, punitive, incidental, consequential, or otherwise), loss of profits, loss of business, or any pecuniary loss, arising out of or related to the use of the product exceed the actual price paid for the product.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages. If such laws apply, the limitations or exclusions contained in this statement may not apply to you.

About StarTech.com

StarTech.com is “The Professionals’ Source for Hard-to-Find Computer Parts”. Since 1985, we have been providing IT professionals with the quality products they need to complete their solutions. We offer an unmatched selection of computer parts, cables, server management solutions and A/V products and serve a worldwide market through our locations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Taiwan.

Visit www.startech.com for complete information about all our products and to access exclusive interactive tools such as the Parts Finder and the KVM Reference Guide. StarTech.com makes it easy to complete almost any IT solution. Find out for yourself why our products lead the industry in performance, support, and value.