Type 16550 UARTs asynchronous communications elements with a 16-byte transmit/receive FIFO buffer prevent data loss in multitasking systems while providing 100 percent compatibility with the original IBM serial port. The board operates in half-duplex communications mode and is equipped with automatic control that enables the driver and disables the receiver when data is ready for transmission. Type 75176 driver/receivers drive long data lines at high baud rates. An onboard crystal oscillator permits precise standard baud rates up to 115,200, but this rate can be incrementally raised up to 460,800 baud by means of an onboard jumper.

Pricing is $475 for PCI-COM485/8 cards, including card, breakout cables, software, and manual; PCI-COM485/8S1 cards are $425 each for card, 50-pin I/O connector, software, and manual.