Internal Parallel Interface Card Microcom MC-PCIE-MCS1P2S — PCIe host, Parallel output, MSC9901 chipset

Microcom MC-PCIE-MCS1P2S is an internal interface card that provides a PCIe host connection and a parallel output interface. Built around the MSC9901 chipset, the card offers a single parallel DB25 port and two serial DB9 ports on a compact board (146×111×28 mm) weighing approximately 100 g. It is intended for installation in systems with an available PCI Express slot and enables connection of parallel peripherals such as printers, legacy control devices or other equipment that uses standard parallel communications.

Advantages

The single-chip MSC9901 design integrates PCIe host functionality with parallel and serial I/O, optimising board space and reducing system complexity. Native PCI Express support ensures stable throughput and reliable device communication. With built-in UART compatibility and on-chip FIFOs for each serial port, the card handles high-speed serial streams while the parallel interface supports Standard Parallel Port (SPP), Enhanced Parallel (EPP) and Enhanced Capability Port (ECP) modes for broad peripheral compatibility.

Suitable for

• Connecting parallel printers and legacy parallel peripherals to modern PCIe systems
• Integrating control systems or instrumentation that require a DB25 parallel interface
• Adding two RS-232 serial ports alongside a parallel port for mixed legacy I/O

Key specifications

• Host interface: PCI Express (PCIe x1 compatible, compliant with PCI Express Base Specification 1.0a)
• Parallel output: single DB25 parallel port; supports SPP, EPP and ECP modes
• Parallel transfer rate: up to 1.5 Mbps
• Serial ports: two DB9 serial ports (UART-based)
• Serial transfer rate: up to 230400 bps per serial port
• UART compatibility: 16C450/550 compatible with on-chip 256-byte FIFOs for transmit and receive paths
• Chipset: MSC9901 single-chip design
• Form factor and weight: compact internal module, approx. 146×111×28 mm, ~100 g

How to use

Install the MC-PCIE-MCS1P2S into an available PCI Express slot on a powered-off computer following standard anti-static procedures. Secure the card to the chassis and connect the parallel DB25 and serial DB9 cables to the external devices. Once the system is powered on, install any required drivers or allow the operating system to detect the MSC9901 device; verify port assignment in the system device manager or equivalent utility. Configure serial port parameters (baud rate, parity, data bits, stop bits) and parallel port mode (SPP/EPP/ECP) in the host software or operating system as required by connected peripherals.

Usage recommendations

Use high-quality shielded cables for serial and parallel connections to minimise interference. For reliable serial communication at higher speeds, enable the on-chip FIFO buffering and select appropriate flow control. When connecting older parallel printers or controllers, test each parallel mode (SPP, EPP, ECP) to determine which mode provides the best compatibility and performance with your device.