Perle Systems Technical Notes

Adding Windows COM ports with Multiport Serial Cards

Perle Multiport Serial Cards

Problem Overview

Windows has the ability to add multiple COM ports to a server. These can be used for anything from data acquisition ports to peripherals such as modems or CAD/CAM equipment. Embedded operating systems and hardware are creating new applications and many times additional I/O ports are needed to control devices, such as in the case of building retail kiosks (many which are PCs with a design around them.) Many times a server needs to be installed in a branch location, as in a gas station, to collect data from multiple devices and this data will be uploaded to central site locations.

Solution

Perle offers 4 to 128 ports per card for creating additional COM ports on Windows servers. These ports are bi-directional pipes to talk to device equipment. It's a very simple setup.