Description
Kensington Microware EPC020400 8-Bit ISA RS-232 Serial Expansion Card SiS 82C450
The Kensington Microware EPC020400 is an 8-bit ISA RS-232 serial expansion card manufactured by Kensington Microware Limited, dated 1989–1990 and marked Version 1.0. It adds a single RS-232 serial (COM) port to any IBM PC/XT or compatible system with an available 8-bit ISA expansion slot. The card uses a SiS 82C450 UART as its main serial controller, supported by standard MC1489A/SN75188 line receiver and driver ICs for RS-232 signal level translation.
Specifications & What's Included
- Manufacturer: Kensington Microware Limited
- Part Number: EPC020400 / EPCB020400 (PCB silkscreen)
- Bus Interface: 8-bit ISA
- Serial Controller (UART): SiS 82C450
- Line Driver: SN75188N (RS-232 transmitter)
- Line Receiver: MC1489AN (RS-232 receiver)
- Interface: RS-232 serial (COM port)
- External Connector: DB9 male 9-pin, bracket-mounted
- Number of Serial Ports: 1
- Board Revision: Version 1.0
- FCC ID: EMJADC00D
- Manufacture Date: 1989–1990 (per PCB silkscreen)
- Form Factor: Half-length 8-bit ISA card
- Includes: Card only — no cables or accessories
Applications
8-bit ISA RS-232 serial expansion cards like the EPC020400 were widely used in IBM PC/XT, PC/AT, and compatible systems throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s to add or restore serial COM ports. A serial port was essential for connecting external modems, serial mice, plotters, label printers, terminal emulators, and data acquisition devices. The SiS 82C450 UART is functionally compatible with the industry-standard National Semiconductor 8250/16450 UART, making it broadly compatible with DOS-era software and drivers. Cards of this type are sought today by hobbyists and technicians maintaining vintage PC systems, retrocomputing enthusiasts, and anyone needing a period-correct serial port for legacy hardware or industrial equipment that still relies on RS-232 COM port communication. The 8-bit ISA bus, introduced with the original IBM PC in 1981, remained standard through the XT era and was retained for compatibility in AT-class machines well into the early 1990s before PCI replaced it.
This Kensington Microware EPC020400 8-bit ISA RS-232 serial expansion card has been inspected and is in good condition. It was pulled from a working environment where it was in use and functional. The PCB is clean with no visible damage, broken traces, or missing components. The DB9 bracket connector and ISA edge contacts appear in good shape. Please view our photo set and contact us if you have any questions. Please note: We have multiple units in stock — yours may not be the one shown in the photos, however, it will be similar in condition and function.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
Kensington Microware |
Model: |
EPC020400 |
MPN: |
EPCB020400 |
Type: |
8-Bit ISA RS-232 Serial Expansion Card |
SKU: |
47370 |
Chipset: |
SiS 82C450 |
Bus Type: |
ISA (8-bit) |
Interface: |
RS-232 (Serial) |
Connector Type: |
DB9 Male (9-pin) |
Number of Serial Ports: |
1 |
Form Factor: |
Half-Length ISA Card |
FCC ID: |
EMJADC00D |
Board Revision: |
Version 1.0 |
Manufacture Date: |
1989–1990 |
Compatible With: |
IBM PC/XT and compatibles with 8-bit ISA slot |
Condition: |
Used – Pulled from Working Environment |
Seller Notes: |
Card only; no cables or accessories included. |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
Canada |
Condition Notes: |
Kensington Microware EPC020400 ISA RS-232 serial card. Inspected, in good condition. Pulled from a working environment where it was functional. PCB clean, no visible damage. DB9 and ISA contacts look good. |
