To address the growing market for PC-based high-speed multitasking data communications, Quatech announced today that it will standardize all PCI asynchronous serial data communications products around the 16750 Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (UART) chip. In addition, prices on the upgraded boards, as well as prices on many other Quatech data communication products, have been reduced by up to 50%.

The UART chip, used on both ends of a PC to peripheral communication line, manages the transfer of data and the speed at which it takes place. The 16750s will allow applications to run more efficiently by increasing communication speed and lowering overhead. With the upgraded UARTs, Quatech's serial PCI boards are capable of achieving data rates up to 921.6 kbps. This major increase in performance is due to deeper FIFOs (First In First Out Registers). The previously used 16550 UART has 16-byte FIFOs, the 16750 UART has 64-byte FIFOs, a fourfold improvement in performance. The benefits will be most evident in heavy multitasking environments, such as Windows 98, Windows NT, Windows 2000 and OS/2, which have higher software overhead.

Significant pricing reductions have been made across Quatech's entire data communication product line, including the newly upgraded PCI boards. Available with one to eight ports for serial and parallel protocols with USB, PCI, PCMCIA and ISA interfaces, these products offer many unique features such as interrupt sharing, multiple connector choices, and industrial protection packages. Support is provided for Windows 95/98/NT/2000, OS/2 and LINUX.

Since it was established in 1983, Quatech has been a leader in multi-port asynchronous and synchronous RS-232 and RS-422/485 interfacing solutions. "This product upgrade and price reduction is just the beginning of our ongoing initiatives to compete aggressively in our market-space without compromising the quality, functionality, and service upon which Quatech has built its reputation." Said Steve Runkel, who recently became CEO when Quatech was purchased by a group of Akron-based investors. "We are very pleased with the market's positive reaction to concerted efforts such as this one to understand and address our customer's most pressing needs."

Complete specification on the upgraded PCI communication boards can be found on Quatech's website at www.quatech.com. The 2001 price list reflects the new price reductions. For more information about the PCI boards, or any other Quatech product, contact your local sales representative or call Quatech directly at 1-800-553-1170 or email sales@quatech.com.

About Quatech:
Quatech, Inc. is an ISO 9001 registered manufacturer of communication, data acquisition and signal conditioning products for PC-based systems. Its customer base includes Fortune 500 companies, government agencies and major universities, as well as many small companies and individual users involved in diverse industries including banking, aerospace, industrial monitoring and control, medical testing, automotive testing, and airport management; and in applications such as POS, ATM, and navigation. Founded in 1983, and headquartered in Akron, OH, the company has a worldwide presence, selling its products through a network of North American sales representatives and international distributors. Website: www.quatech.com.