Serial Ports Reach Sweet 16 For PCI I/O Adapter

With its 16 RS-232 ports, the COMM+16.PCI serial I/O adapter claims to offer the highest serial port count available in a PCI format. As a result, it can connect to planar lightwave circuits (PLCs), barcode readers, scales, and other data-acquisition/control devices. Designed using the XR16C850 UART, the unit supports standard PC data rates and tops out at 460.8 kbits/s. The board provides a 128-byte FIFO, 16 times larger than boards designed with 16C550 parts. This enables error-free operation, even in high-speed applications. Connection to the board is made through two high-density 68-pin connectors. The COMM+16.PCI is priced at $599 in low-volume quantities.