StarTech.com Motherboard Serial Port - Internal - 2 Port - Bus Powered - FTDI USB to Serial Adapter - USB to RS232 Adapter

Upgrade your desktop with a reliable, high-performance two-port RS232 expansion that disappears into the heart of your system. The StarTech.com Motherboard Serial Port – Internal – 2 Port is purpose-built for professionals who rely on legacy serial communication, industrial devices, and synchronized equipment that still speaks RS232. This internal USB-to-serial adapter uses a trusted FTDI chipset to deliver stable, driver-friendly performance, enabling two independent RS232 channels from a single, compact module. Designed to connect through an internal USB header, it keeps a clean, uncluttered workspace while delivering the robust connectivity you demand for data logging, device testing, CNC controls, and point-of-sale systems. Whether you’re modernizing a workstation, building a hardware lab, or maintaining legacy equipment, this internal 2-port solution makes serial communication straightforward, dependable, and easy to manage.

• Two independent RS232 serial ports via a single internal USB connection, enabling simultaneous, reliable communication with multiple devices such as modems, barcode scanners, CNC controllers, and microcontroller projects. The dual-port design expands your system’s serial capabilities without sacrificing space or performance, delivering seamless data exchange and reduced setup time for complex workflows.
• FTDI USB-to-Serial technology provides widely supported drivers and compatibility across major operating systems. Benefit from robust, battle-tested performance with native-like COM port support, dependable D2XX and VCP driver options, and broad device compatibility that helps minimize driver conflicts in professional environments.
• Bus-powered from the host system’s USB header—no external power supply required. This simplifies installation, reduces cable clutter inside the case, and makes this solution ideal for compact desktops, small form factor builds, and server environments where power efficiency and space matter.
• Internal form factor designed for easy integration in desktops, workstations, and rack-managed systems. The card-like module fits neatly within chassis, aligning with standard motherboard layouts, and provides a reliable, chassis-friendly way to add serial communication without adding bulky expansion cards.
• Supports standard RS232 signaling and configurations, including commonly used baud rates, parity, data bits, stop bits, and hardware/software handshaking signals (RTS/CTS, DTR/DSR). This flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of devices and test setups, ensuring smooth data transfer and compatibility with legacy equipment and modern tooling alike.

Technical Details of StarTech.com Motherboard Serial Port - Internal - 2 Port

• Ports: 2 RS232 serial ports from an internal USB-to-serial adapter
• Chipset: FTDI USB-to-Serial controller for dependable drivers and broad OS support
• Power: Bus powered via the motherboard USB header; no external supply needed
• Interface: Internal USB header connection to host motherboard for seamless integration
• Form factor: Internal expansion module designed for desktop and small form factor builds
• Operating system compatibility: Works with Windows, macOS, and Linux when FTDI drivers are installed
• Driver support: FTDI VCP and D2XX driver families available for flexible software integration

How to install StarTech.com Motherboard Serial Port

• Power down your computer, unplug from AC, and open the chassis to access the motherboard area.
• Identify an available internal USB header on the motherboard. This header provides the power and data path needed by the USB-to-Serial adapter.
• Connect the adapter’s internal USB cable to the motherboard USB header, aligning pins carefully to avoid damage and ensuring a secure connection.
• Mount the adapter inside the chassis in a location that minimizes cable strain and does not obstruct other components. Use any provided screws, standoffs, or mounting brackets as needed for secure installation.
• Power on the system and install the appropriate FTDI drivers. For Windows, install FTDI’s VCP or D2XX drivers; for macOS and Linux, install compatible FTDI drivers as required by your distribution and software stack.
• Connect your RS232 devices to the two serial ports on the adapter. In your operating system, verify the new COM ports are detected, then configure your applications (terminal programs, data loggers, or device control software) to use the correct COM port, baud rate, parity, and flow control settings.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: How many RS232 ports does this adapter provide? A: It provides two independent RS232 serial ports via an internal USB-to-serial adapter, enabling dual-device communication from a single module.
• Q: Does this require an external power source? A: No. It is bus-powered from the motherboard’s internal USB header, which simplifies installation and reduces cable clutter.
• Q: Which operating systems are supported? A: Windows, macOS, and Linux are supported when the appropriate FTDI drivers are installed. The FTDI driver families (VCP or D2XX) are commonly used to enable serial functionality.
• Q: Do I need to install drivers? A: Yes. Install FTDI drivers to enable USB-to-serial functionality. Some systems may include FTDI support by default, but many configurations benefit from the official VCP or D2XX drivers for reliable performance.
• Q: What kinds of devices can I connect? A: Any RS232-compatible devices such as industrial controllers, CNC machines, POS terminals, modems, microcontroller development boards, and legacy peripherals can connect through the two RS232 ports.
• Q: Is this internal adapter hot-pluggable? A: It is designed to be installed inside the chassis and used with powered-on systems, but like most internal expansion solutions, it’s best to perform installation with the system powered down to avoid electrical damage.
• Q: Will I see two separate COM ports in my software? A: Yes. Each RS232 port typically appears as its own COM port (e.g., COM1 and COM2 on Windows), allowing independent configuration and data streams for each device.