Description
GE 97590-8-BD-PCI4PORT – 4‑Port PCI Serial Interface for Industrial PCs
The GE 97590-8-BD-PCI4PORT is a multi‑port PCI serial interface card designed to add four independent serial channels to an industrial PC or HMI workstation. From my experience, this type of board is typically used to connect PLCs, drives, barcode scanners, weigh scales, and other legacy RS‑232/422/485 devices to SCADA and MES systems without changing the existing controls architecture. You might notice that it’s a straightforward way to modernize connectivity while keeping proven field equipment in service.
Order Placement Process and Guarantees
- Warranty: 365 days
- Lead time: 1 week for in‑stock items; no more than one month at the latest
- Payment terms: 50% advance payment; full payment prior to delivery
- Express delivery: FedEx, UPS, DHL
Key Features
- Four independent serial ports – Ideal for simultaneously connecting multiple PLCs, drives, HMIs, or instruments.
- RS‑232/422/485 support – Typically selectable per port (software or jumper, depending on revision) for flexible field integration.
- Standard PCI interface – 32‑bit, 33 MHz PCI, bus‑powered; easy fit for most industrial and legacy PCs.
- High speed async serial – Supports common baud rates up to high speeds (often up to 921.6 kbps in many cases).
- Industrial reliability – Seems to be built for 24/7 applications with on‑board protection for stable field communications.
- Driver flexibility – Typically compatible with mainstream Windows and Linux drivers used in industrial PCs.
- Compact footprint – Standard full‑height PCI form factor makes installation straightforward in control cabinets.
Technical Specifications
| Brand / Model | GE 97590-8-BD-PCI4PORT |
| HS Code | 8471.80 (Other units of automatic data processing machines) |
| Power Requirements | Bus‑powered via PCI slot (5 V); low power consumption typical for serial interface boards |
| Signal Input/Output Types | 4x asynchronous serial ports; RS‑232/422/485 (mode selection depends on board revision) |
| Communication Interfaces | PCI 32‑bit, 33 MHz host bus; serial channels for field devices |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 55 °C (typical for industrial PC cards) |
| Dimensions & Weight | Full‑height PCI card; approx. 175 × 106 mm; ~0.25 kg (typical) |
| Installation Method | Installs into a standard PCI slot in an industrial PC; bracket mounting |
| OS / Driver Support | Typically supports major Windows and Linux versions used in industrial environments |
Application Fields
This model suits brownfield and mixed‑vendor environments where serial links are still the backbone. It’s frequently selected for:
- PLC/drive connectivity in packaging, bottling, and printing lines
- HMI/SCADA links to meters, analyzers, weigh scales, and barcode/RFID readers
- Building automation and facility systems with existing RS‑485 networks
- Energy and utilities sites where DCS gateways rely on multi‑port serial
- Test benches and maintenance rigs needing multiple diagnostic ports
One thing I appreciate is how it helps consolidate several USB dongles or standalone gateways into a single, stable PCI solution that just runs in the background.
Advantages & Value
- Reliability – Fixed PCI bus connection means fewer disconnects than external converters; better for 24/7 lines.
- Compatibility – RS‑232/422/485 coverage reduces surprises when you’re mixing vendors and device generations.
- Cost savings – Extends the life of existing field devices; avoids replacing stable equipment that still works.
- Supportability – Standard drivers and simple configuration keep commissioning time down.
A maintenance lead told us they slotted a 4‑port GE card like this into a control‑room PC for a filling line; commissioning took under an hour, and they’ve barely touched it since other than a scheduled reboot after a Windows update.
Installation & Maintenance
- Cabinet & PC – Use a clean, ventilated enclosure; standard full‑height PCI slot required. Keep ambient below 55 °C when possible.
- Wiring – Route serial cables away from high‑voltage and VFD lines. Use shielded twisted pairs for RS‑485 trunks.
- Grounding & ESD – Ground shields at one end to avoid loops. Observe ESD precautions when handling the board.
- Configuration – Set each port mode (232/422/485) and baud rate to match the field device; half/full‑duplex on RS‑485 as required.
- Routine care – Periodically check connectors, clean dust from the PC, and keep drivers/firmware aligned with your OS image.
- Spare strategy – In most cases, keeping one spare card per control room minimizes downtime during planned outages.
Quality & Certifications
GE industrial interface boards are commonly supplied to meet mainstream compliance such as CE and RoHS; UL recognition may apply depending on the PC and assembly. If you need a specific revision’s certificate pack, we can share it prior to order confirmation.
- CE conformity (typical for this category)
- RoHS compliant (model/revision dependent)
- Manufacturer: GE (legacy industrial computing line)
- Warranty: 365 days
Note: Specifications above reflect typical characteristics for a GE 4‑port PCI serial interface. Minor differences can exist between hardware revisions or cable/connector kits. If you have a particular device or driver target, share it and we’ll verify port modes and OS support before you commit.
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