EXSYS EX-44044-2 High Performance Interface Cards/Adapter

EXSYS EX‑44044‑2 High Performance Interface Card

The EXSYS EX‑44044‑2 is a dedicated PCI Express (PCIe) interface card designed to provide reliable serial communication for industrial and automation applications. It delivers four independent RS‑232 / V.24 ports, each equipped with a 9‑pin connector, enabling simultaneous connections to multiple legacy devices such as PLCs, sensors, and measurement instruments.

Key Features

• PCIe Host Interface: The card plugs directly into a standard PCIe slot on a PC. It is available in both x16 and x1 form factors, allowing integration into a wide range of workstation and server platforms.
• Four Independent Serial Ports: Each port supports full duplex communication with configurable baud rates up to 115 kbaud. The ports are isolated from one another, preventing cross‑talk and ensuring data integrity in noisy industrial environments.
• Robust RS‑232 / V.24 Compliance: The card adheres to the IEC 60958 standard for serial communication, guaranteeing compatibility with a broad spectrum of serial devices worldwide.
• Low Latency and High Throughput: Built on the latest PCIe technology, the EX‑44044‑2 offers minimal latency between the host CPU and the serial ports, making it ideal for time‑critical control loops and real‑time data acquisition.
• Compact Design: The board measures only a few centimeters in width, allowing installation in tight rack spaces or compact workstations without compromising airflow or cooling.

Technical Specifications

Installation and Configuration

Installing the EX‑44044‑2 is straightforward: insert the card into an available PCIe slot, secure it with a screw, and connect the serial cables to the 9‑pin connectors on the back panel. The driver package includes a lightweight Windows and Linux kernel module that exposes each port as a standard serial device (e.g., COM1–COM4 or /dev/ttyS0–ttyS3). Configuration parameters such as baud rate, parity, stop bits, and flow control can be set via the operating system’s serial configuration utilities.

Typical Applications

• Industrial Automation: Interface with PLCs, motor drives, and fieldbus gateways that rely on RS‑232 communication.
• Process Control: Connect to temperature sensors, pressure transducers, and other analog-to-digital converters that output serial data.
• Data Logging: Aggregate serial streams from multiple devices into a single PC for real‑time monitoring and archival.
• Legacy System Integration: Provide a modern PCIe bridge to older equipment that lacks Ethernet or USB connectivity.

Reliability and Durability

The EX‑44044‑2 is engineered with industrial-grade components, including high‑temperature tolerant capacitors, shielded connectors, and a robust PCB layout that minimizes electromagnetic interference. Its compact form factor and low power draw make it suitable for deployment in harsh environments where space and energy efficiency are critical.

Software Ecosystem

The card is supported by a comprehensive software stack that includes:

• Device Drivers: Native drivers for Windows, Linux, and real‑time operating systems such as VxWorks.
• API Libraries: C/C++ libraries that expose serial port operations with thread safety and error handling.
• Configuration Utilities: Graphical tools to monitor port status, test connectivity, and log diagnostic information.

Conclusion

The EXSYS EX‑44044‑2 High Performance Interface Card delivers a robust, low‑latency bridge between modern PCIe hosts and legacy RS‑232 devices. Its four isolated serial ports, industrial compliance, and versatile form factors make it an indispensable component for engineers seeking to integrate serial equipment into contemporary computing platforms without compromising performance or reliability.