RS-232/422/485 2-Port PCI Card with Opto-Isolation
The Black Box RS-232/422/485 2-Port PCI Card is engineered for IT professionals and industrial system integrators who need reliable multi-protocol serial connectivity with superior noise protection. This opto-isolated PCI expansion card delivers two independent serial ports supporting RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 standards, making it ideal for legacy equipment integration, industrial automation, and mission-critical data acquisition systems. The built-in opto-isolation technology protects your host system and connected devices from electrical surges and ground loop interference, ensuring signal integrity in harsh industrial environments. Perfect for retrofitting older PCs or expanding serial port capacity in modern systems, this card installs in any standard PCI slot for immediate deployment.
Key Features
- Dual-port RS-232/422/485 serial interface with automatic protocol switching
-
Opto-isolated design protects equipment from electrical noise and surge damage
- Fits standard PCI slots for easy integration into existing PC architectures
- Independent port configuration for flexible multi-device connectivity
- Industrial-grade reliability for 24/7 operation in demanding environments
- Backward compatible with legacy serial equipment and modern systems
- Reduces ground loop interference and improves signal quality
Technical Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Manufacturer |
Black Box |
| Part Number |
IOP24M4-LC24-LC24-N-8 |
| Interface Type |
RS-232/422/485 Multi-Protocol |
| Number of Ports |
2 |
| Form Factor |
PCI Card |
| Isolation Type |
Opto-Isolated |
| Slot Type |
Standard PCI |
| Signal Protection |
Electrical surge and noise protection |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is opto-isolation and why do I need it on a serial PCI card?
Opto-isolation uses optical couplers to electrically separate the card from connected devices, preventing ground loops and electrical surges from damaging your system. This is essential in industrial environments where equipment may be connected across different electrical grounds or subject to electrical noise from motors, power supplies, and RF equipment.
Can this RS-232/422/485 card work with legacy industrial equipment?
Yes. The Black Box 2-port PCI card supports all three serial protocols (RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485), making it compatible with virtually all legacy industrial devices, PLCs, sensors, and data acquisition systems. Each port can be independently configured for the required protocol.
How do I install the opto-isolated serial expansion card?
Installation is straightforward: power down your PC, insert the card into any available standard PCI slot, secure it with the bracket screw, power on, and install the manufacturer drivers. The card is plug-and-play compatible with most operating systems.
What operating systems support this RS-232/422/485 PCI card?
The Black Box serial card is compatible with Windows, Linux, and other operating systems that support standard PCI serial drivers. Check the manufacturer documentation for specific OS version compatibility and driver availability.
