Serial boards are hardware devices that can be used to add serial port connectivity (a type of connection on computers used for peripherals such as older printers and gaming controllers) to your computer or server. They offer a direct connection between your computer and any device that uses one of the serial data transmission standards such as RS232 and RS485. Most serial boards can slot into the back of your desktop.
What are serial boards used for?
Some serial boards provide connectivity to independent serial channels while others can give multiple connections. A single serial board, for example, can use a serial cable to give up to eight RS232 (DB9) serial connections. Serial boards are designed for time-sensitive and industrial applications including:
- Court reporting
- Automotive diagnostics
- Security
- Point of Sale (PoS) systems
- Industrial automation
- Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
- Factory control
Types of serial boards
Serial boards come in a broad range of options, from the shape of the connectors to the type of interface. Some of the types include:
- PCIe RS232 Serial Boards
- PCI RS232 Boards
- Express Card RS232 Serial Boards
- Interface PCI LPT, RS232 Boards
- PCI RS422, RS485 Boards
