
4-Port PCI Express RS232 Serial Card - 16950 UART
Quick-Start Guide
Product Diagram (PEX4S953 and PEX4S953LP)
1
3
4
Port Function 
1 Break-out Cable Port
2 Stand-os
3 Bracket • Attach the PCI Express Serial Card to the Computer
PCI Express Bus 
4
Connector
5 Jumpers
6 LP4 Power Connector • Used to connect an LP4 Power Source
• Connect the 4-Port DB9 Break-out Cable to connect 
up to 4 Serial Devices
• Attach the Bracket to the PCI Express Serial Card
• Secure the 4-Port DB9 Break-out Cable to the 
Break-out Cable Port
• Connect the PCI Express Serial Card to the  
Computer Motherboard
• Congure the individual Serial Connector power 
settings
2
5
6
Requirements
For the latest requirements please visit: 
www.startech.com/PEX4S953 - or - www.startech.com/PEX4S953LP.
• PCIe Slot
• Needle-Nose Pliers
• (Optional) LP4 Power Source
Installation
WARNING!
PCI Express Serial Cards can be severely damaged by static electricity. Make sure 
that you are properly grounded before you open the Computer Case or touch the 
PCI Express Serial Card. You should wear an Anti-Static Strap when you install 
any computer component. If an Anti-Static Strap isn’t available, discharge any 
built-up static electricity by touching a large Grounded Metal Surface for several 
seconds. Only handle the PCI Express Serial Card by its edges and don’t touch 
the gold connectors.
Jumper Conguration
Note: This PCI Express Serial Card is specially designed to allow for power output 
from the ninth pin of the Serial Connector(s) for Serial Devices that support power 
over serial. Jumper conguration is a requirement when connecting Serial Devices  
that require power through a Serial Connector.
The Jumper can be moved into one of three dierent positions in order to set the 
power output voltage for the Serial Connector. The default setting for the Jumpers 
is RI, no power. The LP4 Power Connector must be connected after conguring the 
Jumper to 5V or 12V of power. To congure the Jumper, complete the following:
1. Ensure the Computer Power is O.
2. Locate the Jumper for Port One and carefully remove the Jumper. Lift the Jumper  
straight up and o of the PCI Express Serial Card.
Notes: The Jumper is located on the right hand side, labeled as Port 1 on the   
       Printed Circuit Board.
        Always hold the Card by the edges.
3. Determine the power setting that is required for Port One.
4. Position the Jumper over the set of Pins that correspond with the desired Serial  
Connector Power Setting. See Figure 1 to determine where the Jumper should be 
positioned.
To view manuals, FAQs, videos, drivers, downloads, technical drawings, and more, visit www.startech.com/support.
Manual Revision: October 31, 2019
 

5. Push the Jumper straight down and into place.
Note: Push the Jumper all the way into position for proper contact.
6. Repeat these steps to congure the Jumpers for Port 2, Port 3, and Port 4.
Figure 1
Jumper
Hardware Installation
1. Ensure the Computer Power is O.
2. Unplug the Computer Power Cord.
3. Remove the Computer Cover. 
Note: For further information on how to remove the Computer Cover, refer to the 
Manual that came with the Computer.
4. Remove the Slot Bracket’s Holding Screw.
5. Remove the corresponding Full-Height or Low-Prole Slot Bracket from an 
available PCIe Slot. 
6. (Recongure the PCI Express Serial Card for Full-Height or Low-Prole installations) 
Remove the two Stand-os by twisting each one counterclockwise, using Needle-
Nose Pliers. Remove the Bracket. Slide the new Bracket over the Break-out Cable 
Port. Insert the two Stand-os through the Bracket and tighten by twisting each 
one clockwise, using Needle-Nose Pliers.
7. To install the Card, carefully align the Card’s Bus Connector with the selected 
PCIe Slot on the Motherboard. Push the Card down rmly to ensure the Card is 
properly seated into the PCIe Slot. 
8. (Optional - for power output from the ninth pin of the Serial Connectors) Connect 
the LP4 Power Connector Cable from the Computer’s Power Supply to the LP4  
Power Connector Port on the PCI Express Serial Card. 
9. Replace the Slot Bracket’s Holding Screw to secure the Card. 
10. Replace the Computer’s Cover and reconnect the Power Cord. 
11. Insert the 4-Port DB9 Break-out Cable into the Break-out Cable Port and secure 
by tightening the integrated Thumbscrews.
12. Download the latest Drivers.
Driver Installation
You can download the latest Drivers from the StarTech.com website: 
www.startech.com/PEX4S953 - or - www.startech.com/PEX4S953LP.
Navigate to the Support Page to locate the Drivers. Follow the instructions included 
with the Driver Files. 
FCC Compliance Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC 
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. 
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the 
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not 
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be 
determined by turning the equipment o and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the 
following measures:
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dierent from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help 
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:  
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including 
interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modications not expressly approved by StarTech.com could void 
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Industry Canada Statement
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. 
Cet appareil numérique de la classe [B] est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada. 
CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B) 
This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 
(1) This device may not cause interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may 
cause undesired operation of the device. 
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L’exploitation 
est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes:  
(1) l’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l’utilisateur de l’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, 
même si le brouillage est susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement.
Use of Trademarks, Registered Trademarks, and other Protected Names and Symbols
This manual may make reference to trademarks, registered trademarks, and other protected names and/or symbols of thirdparty companies not related in any way to StarTech.com. Where they occur these references are for illustrative purposes only 
and do not represent an endorsement of a product or service by StarTech.com, or an endorsement of the product(s) to which 
this manual applies by the third-party company in question. StarTech.com hereby acknowledges that all trademarks, registered 
trademarks, service marks, and other protected names and/or symbols contained in this manual and related documents are the 
property of their respective holders.
Warranty Information
This product is backed by a lifetime warranty. 
For further information on product warranty terms and conditions, please refer to www.startech.com/warranty.
Limitation of Liability
In no event shall the liability of StarTech.com Ltd. and StarTech.com USA LLP (or their ocers, directors, employees or agents) 
for any damages (whether direct or indirect, special, punitive, incidental, consequential, or otherwise), loss of prots, loss of 
business, or any pecuniary loss, arising out of or related to the use of the product exceed the actual price paid for the product.  
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages. If such laws apply, the limitations 
or exclusions contained in this statement may not apply to you.
Safety Measures
• If product has an exposed circuit board, do not touch the product under power.
Mesures de sécurité
• Si l’un des circuits imprimés du produit est visible, ne pas touchez le produit lorsqu’il est sous tension. 
安全対策
• 製品に露出した状態の回路基盤が含まれる場合、電源が入っている状態で製品に触らないでください。
Misure di sicurezza
• Se il prodotto ha un circuito stampato visibile, non toccare il prodotto quando è acceso.
Säkerhetsåtgärder
• Rör aldrig vid enheter med oskyddade kretskort när strömmen är påslagen.
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