SIIG, Inc LP-P10011-S6 Low Profile PCI Serial Port Expansion Card 16550 230 Kbps

Low Profile PCI Serial Card

This low-profile PCI expansion card adds one 9-pin RS232 serial port to desktop systems with limited bracket space. It is intended for users who need a single legacy serial connection for industrial, point-of-sale or older peripheral equipment. The card fits 32-bit PCI and PCI-X slots operating at 3.3 V or 5 V. It is not suited for buyers who require multiple serial ports or a PCI Express interface.

Build Quality and Daily Use

The adapter uses a CyberPro UART with 16550 compatibility and 32-byte FIFO buffers to maintain throughput under multitasking loads. An enhanced bend-resistant bracket secures the DB9 connector against cable strain. IRQ sharing reduces conflicts with other expansion cards, and PME support allows the port to wake the system from low-power states. The port can be configured for standard RS232 signalling or for 5 V and 12 V power output to run scanners or POS displays without external supplies.

Practical Limits of the PCI Interface

Data transfer tops out at 230 Kbps, which matches the UART specification but is far below modern bus capacities. Driver support ends with Windows Vista and Server 2003 in both 32-bit and 64-bit editions, so the card will not function on Windows 7 or later without unverified third-party drivers. The 32-bit PCI bus limits installation to older motherboards or industrial boards that retain legacy slots. Buyers needing higher speeds or current operating-system support should consider USB-to-serial alternatives.