Lekuo Mini PCIe 2-Port RS-422/RS-485 Serial Card – Add 2 Ports for Embedded PC / Industrial

🔌 What is the difference between RS422 and RS485?

RS422 is a full-duplex communication standard (4-wire) that supports point-to-point connections with one transmitter and up to 10 receivers. RS485 is a half-duplex standard (2-wire) that supports multi-point connections with up to 32 devices on the same bus. This card supports both standards, giving you maximum flexibility for your industrial communication needs.

💻 Is this card compatible with my system?

This card is compatible with most systems that have a Mini PCIe slot. Supported operating systems include:

• Windows Server 2003, 2008, 2012
• Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, 11
• Linux kernel 2.6.27 and newer (including Ubuntu, CentOS, Debian)

Please ensure your system has an available Mini PCIe slot before purchasing.

📦 Do I need to install drivers?

Yes, drivers are required for proper operation. You can download the latest EXAR352/354/358 driver package from the link provided above. The driver package includes installation instructions for both Windows and Linux systems. Installation is straightforward and typically takes less than 5 minutes.

📏 What is the maximum transmission distance?

The card supports transmission distances up to 1.2 kilometers (1,200 meters) at baud rates ranging from 300bps to 921,600bps. For optimal performance at longer distances, we recommend using high-quality twisted-pair or shielded cables. Distance may vary depending on cable quality, electromagnetic interference, and baud rate settings.

🔗 How many devices can I connect to each port?

Each port supports up to 32 RS-422 or RS-485 devices in a multi-drop configuration. This makes it ideal for industrial automation systems where multiple sensors, controllers, or other devices need to communicate on the same bus. The card's automatic direction control ensures reliable data transmission in multi-device setups.

🛡️ What protection features does this card have?

This card features industrial-grade protection on all serial ports:

• 600W surge protection - Guards against voltage spikes and power surges
• 15KV ESD protection - Protects against electrostatic discharge damage
• Extended temperature range - Operates reliably from -40°C to 85°C

These features make it suitable for harsh industrial environments.

⚙️ Can I use both 2-wire and 4-wire modes?

Yes! This card supports both communication modes:

• 2-wire (half-duplex) - Data transmission in both directions, but not simultaneously. Ideal for RS485 multi-drop networks.
• 4-wire (full-duplex) - Simultaneous bidirectional data transmission. Perfect for RS422 point-to-point connections requiring high-speed communication.

The card automatically handles direction control in half-duplex mode.

🔧 Is installation difficult?

Installation is straightforward:

1. Power off your system and unplug it from the power source
2. Locate an available Mini PCIe slot on your motherboard
3. Carefully insert the card into the slot at a 30-degree angle
4. Press down gently until the card clicks into place
5. Secure with the retention screw if provided
6. Power on your system and install the drivers

No additional cables or power connections are required - the card draws power directly from the Mini PCIe slot.

📞 What if I need technical support?

Lekuo provides comprehensive technical support for all our products. If you encounter any issues with installation, configuration, or operation, please contact our technical support team through our website. We also provide detailed documentation, driver updates, and troubleshooting guides to help you get the most out of your serial communication card.