Microconnect MC-PCIE-MCS1P2S Internal Parallel,Serial

Overview

The Microconnect MC‑PCIE‑MCS1P2S is a versatile internal interface card that bridges the gap between modern PCIe 2.0 host systems and legacy parallel or serial peripherals. Designed for industrial, embedded, and retro computing applications, it offers a single parallel port alongside two dedicated serial ports, all controlled through a compact PCIe slot.

Technical Specifications

• PCIe Interface: PCIe 2.0 x1, 500 MHz, 8‑bit data width
• Parallel Port: Standard Centronics 25‑pin, 5V logic, 3.5 mm jack
• Serial Ports: Two RS‑232/RS‑422 compliant UARTs, configurable baud rates up to 115200 bps
• Chipset: MSC9901 controller from Microconnect, providing full FIFO buffering and DMA support
• Power Consumption: < 0.5 W idle, < 2 W under load
• Operating Temperature: –40 °C to +85 °C (industrial grade)
• Dimensions: 100 mm × 70 mm × 15 mm (including connectors)
• Weight: 45 g

Key Features

• Dual‑mode Serial Support: Each UART can operate in either RS‑232 or RS‑422 mode, selectable via jumpers or software configuration.
• Hardware Flow Control: Integrated RTS/CTS lines for reliable data transmission.
• Parallel Port Compatibility: Full support for legacy Centronics printers and other parallel devices without the need for additional adapters.
• DMA Acceleration: The MSC9901 controller handles direct memory access, reducing CPU overhead and increasing throughput.
• Low Power Design: Optimized power management allows operation in battery‑powered or energy‑constrained environments.
• Robust Build Quality: All components are rated for industrial use, ensuring longevity in harsh conditions.

Applications

The MC‑PCIE‑MCS1P2S is ideal for projects that require a mix of modern and legacy interfaces. Common use cases include:

• Retro Computing: Connecting vintage printers, modems, or storage devices to contemporary PCs.
• Industrial automation systems needing serial communication with PLCs or SCADA equipment while also interfacing with older peripheral hardware.
• Embedded development boards that require a quick transition from PCIe to legacy ports during prototyping.
• Data acquisition setups where serial sensors and parallel data loggers coexist.

Design & Build

The card features a robust PCB layout with high‑density routing to accommodate the MSC9901 controller, dual UARTs, and a dedicated parallel port connector. Heat dissipation is managed through a small copper plane beneath the active components, ensuring stable operation even under continuous load.

Connector Layout

• PCIe Slot: Standard x1 slot with secure locking mechanism.
• Parallel Port: 25‑pin Centronics connector on the front panel, with a 5 V power supply pin for devices requiring external voltage.
• Serial Ports: Two RJ‑45 style connectors (or optional DB‑9) providing easy cable management and clear labeling.

Installation Guide

1. Power off the host system and disconnect all cables.
2. Insert the MC‑PCIE‑MCS1P2S into an available PCIe x1 slot, ensuring proper alignment of the notch.
3. Screw the card to the chassis using the provided standoffs.
4. Connect peripheral devices: attach a parallel printer or device to the Centronics jack; connect serial terminals or sensors to the UART connectors.
5. Power on the system. The operating system should automatically detect the PCIe device and load the appropriate driver (Microconnect provides drivers for Windows, Linux, and embedded RTOS).

Driver & Firmware Overview

The MC‑PCIE‑MCS1P2S ships with a lightweight kernel module that exposes three virtual COM ports and one parallel port interface. The firmware on the MSC9901 is pre‑loaded but can be updated via the vendor’s utility if newer features are required.

Linux Driver Usage

• Load the driver: modprobe mcs1p2s
• The device appears as /dev/ttyMCS1P2S0, /dev/ttyMCS1P2S1, and /dev/parport0.
• Configure serial parameters using stty or a dedicated configuration tool.

Windows Driver Usage

• Install the driver via Device Manager; the card will appear under “PCI Devices” as “Microconnect MC‑PCIE‑MCS1P2S”.
• Serial ports are exposed as COM3 and COM4, while the parallel port is available through standard printer drivers.

Troubleshooting Tips

• No Device Detected: Verify that the PCIe slot is fully seated and that the system BIOS recognizes the card. Check for any conflicting IRQ assignments.
• Serial Communication Errors: Ensure correct baud rate, parity, stop bits, and flow control settings on both ends of the connection.
• Parallel Port Not Working: Confirm that the peripheral device is powered and that the 5 V pin is correctly supplied if required.
• High Latency: Disable DMA in the driver configuration to test CPU‑based transfers; if latency improves, consider adjusting buffer sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the parallel port with a modern printer?

Yes, as long as the printer supports Centronics 25‑pin input. Some newer printers may require an additional adapter for compatibility.

Is the card compatible with PCIe 3.0 slots?

The card is designed for PCIe 2.0 x1 but will function in a PCIe 3.0 slot due to backward compatibility, albeit at 2.0 speeds.

What operating systems are supported?

Drivers are available for Windows 10/11, Linux kernel 4.x and above, and several embedded RTOS platforms such as FreeRTOS and VxWorks.

Can I use the serial ports in RS‑422 mode simultaneously with RS‑232 devices?

Yes; each UART can be independently configured for either mode via jumpers or software settings.

Conclusion

The Microconnect MC‑PCIE‑MCS1P2S delivers a compact, reliable bridge between contemporary PCIe systems and legacy parallel/serial peripherals. Its industrial‑grade construction, low power consumption, and flexible configuration make it an excellent choice for developers and engineers who need to integrate old hardware into new environments without compromising performance or reliability.