StarTech.com PEX2S552B User manual

PCI Express Serial Adapter
Card
2-Port PCI Express to RS232
Serial Adapter Card
with Breakout Cable
PEX2S552B
Instruction Manual

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.

i
Table of Contents
Introduction..................................................................... 1
Packaging Contents.....................................................................1
System Requirements .................................................................1
Installation....................................................................... 2
Hardware Installation...................................................................2
Driver Installation.........................................................................2
Verifying Installation.....................................................................3
Specifications.................................................................. 4
Technical Support........................................................... 5
Warranty Information...................................................... 5

1
Introduction
The StarTech.com PCI Express to RS232 Serial Adapter Card will
add two DB9 serial ports to any PC, using only one PCI Express
expansion slot. Featuring a native single chip design that provides
optimal reliability and speed, while reducing CPU load by as much as
48% over conventional serial cards that utilize a “bridge chip” design. A
cost-effective solution for connecting legacy serial devices to modern
PCIe enabled computers, and includes both a full profile and low profile
bracket to ensure compatibility with both standard and small form factor
computers.
Packaging Contents
• 1 x PEX2S552B card
• 1 x DB9 breakout cable
• 1 x Full Profile Bracket
• 1 x Driver Installation CD
• 1 x Instruction Manual
System Requirements
• PCI Express enabled computer system with available slot
• Microsoft®Windows®2000/XP/Server 2003/Vista/Server 2008 R2/7
(32/64-bit), or Apple®Mac OS®10.4/10.5, or Linux®

2
Installation
WARNING! PCI Express cards, like all computer equipment, can be
severely damaged by static electricity. Be sure that you are properly
grounded before opening your computer case or touching your PCI
Express card. StarTech.com recommends that you wear an anti-static
strap when installing any computer component. If an anti-static strap
is unavailable, discharge yourself of any static electricity build-up by
touching a large grounded metal surface (such as the computer case)
for several seconds. Also be careful to handle the PCI Express card by
its edges and not the gold connectors.
Hardware Installation
1. Turn your computer off and any peripherals connected to the
computer (i.e. Printers, external hard drives, etc.). Unplug the power
cable from the rear of the power supply on the back of the computer
and disconnect all peripheral devices.
2. Remove the cover from the computer case. See documentation for
your computer system for details.
3. Locate an open PCI Express slot and remove the metal cover plate
on the rear of the computer case (Refer to documentation for your
computer system for details.). Note that this card will work in PCI
Express slots of additional lanes (i.e. x4, x8 or x16 slots).
4. Insert the card into the open PCI Express slot and fasten the bracket
to the rear of the case.
5. Place the cover back onto the computer case.
6. Insert the power cable into the socket on the power supply and
reconnect all other connectors removed in Step 1.
Driver Installation
Windows 2000/XP/Server 2003
1. When the Found New Hardware wizard appears on the screen,
insert the Driver CD into your CD/DVD drive. If you are prompted

3
to connect to Windows Update, please select the “No, not this time”
option and click Next.
2. Select the option “Install Drivers Automatically (Recommended)” and
then click the Next button.
3. Windows should now start searching for the drivers. Once this has
completed, click the Finish button.
Windows Vista/7
1. When the Found New Hardware window appears on the screen,
click on the “Locate and install drivers software (recommended)”
option. If prompted to search online, select the “Don’t search online”
option.
2. When prompted to insert the disc, insert the Driver CD that
came with the card, into your CD/DVD drive and Windows will
automatically proceed to search the CD.
3. If a Windows Security dialog window appears, click the “Install this
driver software anyway” option to proceed.
4. Once the driver is installed, click the Close button.
Verifying Installation
From the main desktop, right-click on “My Computer” (“Computer”
in Vista/7), then select Manage. In the new Computer Management
window, select Device Manager from the left window panel.
Double-click on the “Ports (COM & LPT)” option. The appropriate
number of additional COM ports should be visible. The port(s) are
ready to connect to new devices.

4
Specications
Bus Interface PCI Express rev1.0a
(x1 slot connector)
Chipset ID Moschip MCS9901
Connectors 2 x DB9 male
(via breakout cable)
Supported Protcols RS232
Buffer 256-byte Tx/Rx FIFO (onchip)
Maximum Data Transfer Rate 250Kbps
Operating Temperature 0°C ~ 70°C (32°F ~ 158°F)
Storage Temperature -40°C ~ 85°C (-40°F ~ 185°F)
Humidity 5 ~ 85% RH
Compatible Operating
Systems
Windows 2000/XP/Server 2003/
Vista/Server 2008 R2/7 (32/64-
bit), Mac OS 10.4/10.5, Linux

5
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.

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