PCIe controller Axagon PCEA-S4N 4x serial

The AXAGON PCEA-S4N PCI-Express card adds four RS-232 serial ports with DB-9 connectors to a desktop PC. It uses the ASIX AX99100 chipset and a PCI-Express x1 interface (PCIe 2.0, 5 Gbit/s) compatible with x1/x4/x8/x16 slots, and includes both standard and low-profile brackets for installation in various PC cases.

Advantages

The controller provides reliable serial communication through proven ASIX chipset compatibility, 256-byte FIFO buffers per port and support for 16C550 series UARTs. It delivers stable data flow up to 250 kBd, broad OS compatibility including modern 32- and 64-bit Windows and Windows Server versions, and extensive ESD protection for ports. Flexible bracket options allow mounting in standard and low-profile systems.

Suitable for

• Connecting industrial and retail serial devices (ATMs, cash registers, POS, barcode readers)
• Machine control and automation interfaces (CNC machines, PLCs)
• Legacy serial peripherals such as modems, PDAs and serial tablets
• System integrators and service technicians adding RS-232 ports to PCs

Key specifications

• Host interface: PCI-Express 2.0 x1 (compatible with PCIe 1.0a/1.1/2.1/3.0), 5 Gbit/s per 1-lane
• Output: 4× RS-232 serial ports with DB9 male connectors (ports on card bracket and on separate cable-attached bracket)
• UART compatibility: 16C550 / Extended 16C550 / 16C950
• Maximum guaranteed baud rate: up to 250 kBd (driver-dependent)
• Transmit/receive FIFO: 256 bytes per port
• Signals supported: TXD, RXD, RTS, CTS, DTR, DCD, DSR, RI
• Configurable: baud rate, word length (5–9 bits), parity (none, even, odd, mark, space), stop bits (1, 1.5, 2), flow control (Xon/Xoff, hardware, none)
• ESD protection: >±15 kV air gap, ±8 kV contact
• Chipset: ASIX AX99100
• Supported OS: Windows XP / Vista / 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10 and later; Windows Server 2003 / 2008 / 2012 / 2016 and later (32/64-bit)

How to use

Install the AXAGON PCEA-S4N into an available PCIe slot (x1/x4/x8/x16) on the desktop motherboard. Select and attach the appropriate bracket (standard or low-profile) before securing the card. Connect external serial devices to the DB-9 ports located on the card bracket or the separate cable-attached bracket. Install drivers if required by the operating system; the card supports Plug and Play for automatic IRQ and I/O address assignment on supported Windows versions.

Usage recommendations

For stable serial communication, use quality DB-9 cables and ensure device baud rates and flow control settings match those configured in the host system. When installing in electrically noisy or industrial environments, verify grounding and use the provided ESD protection features to reduce risk of damage.