📜 Three Ethernet Connections on One ISA Card

Offered here is an SMC EtherCard Elite16 Ultra, a 16-bit ISA Ethernet adapter from the mid-1990s.

This model is commonly identified as the SMC-E16C combo adapter and provides three different Ethernet interfaces on a single card:

• RJ45 for 10BASE-T twisted-pair networks
• BNC for 10BASE2 Thin Ethernet coax
• DA-15 AUI for an external Ethernet transceiver

Cards like this were particularly useful during the gradual migration from coaxial Ethernet to twisted-pair cabling. A computer could be moved between several different network environments without replacing its network adapter.

⚙️ The SMC UltraChip Generation

At the center of the card is the SMC 83C790QF UltraChip, which integrates the principal Ethernet and system-interface functions required by the adapter.

The Elite16 Ultra was a more highly integrated successor to SMC’s earlier multi-chip ISA network cards. It retained the broad media compatibility of the older designs while reducing the number of separate controller components on the board.

Visible hardware includes:

• SMC UltraChip 83C790QF controller
• 16-bit ISA host interface
• 16 KB network buffer memory
• RJ45, BNC and AUI external connectors
• Onboard configuration circuitry
• Unpopulated optional boot-ROM position
• Status markings and configuration table printed on the PCB

🔧 Identification and Technical Details

• Manufacturer: Standard Microsystems Corporation
• Product Family: EtherCard Elite16 Ultra
• Common Model: SMC-E16C
• PCB Number: 60-600455-005
• PCB Revision: Rev. A
• Interface: 16-bit ISA
• Maximum Network Speed: 10 Mbps
• Controller: SMC UltraChip 83C790QF
• Network Ports: RJ45, BNC and AUI
• Network Address: 0000C0 5A64BA
• Board Serial: D2C939020
• SMC Copyright Date: 1993

The exposed option-ROM position is not populated. This is normal for a card intended for conventional operating-system driver loading rather than diskless network booting.

🖥️ Intended Uses

This adapter is appropriate for:

• DOS and early Windows networking
• Novell NetWare clients
• 386, 486 and early Pentium restorations
• Mixed-media vintage Ethernet networks
• Thin Ethernet demonstrations
• AUI transceiver projects
• Period-correct workstation builds
• Historical hardware collections

Installation in a vintage computer requires the appropriate SMC driver and system-resource configuration for the intended operating system.

📦 What Is Included

Included:

• One SMC Elite16 Ultra ISA Ethernet card
• Original full-height mounting bracket
• All permanently installed components shown in the photographs

Not included:

• Drivers or software
• Printed documentation
• RJ45 or coaxial cable
• BNC T-connector or terminators
• AUI transceiver
• Original packaging
• Computer or other accessories

💗 Physical Condition

The circuit board appears clean and complete, with the controller, memory, transformer modules, configuration components and external connectors present. The gold ISA edge contacts show normal insertion wear.

The mounting bracket has age-related discoloration and handling marks. Please examine all photographs carefully. They show the exact adapter offered and form an important part of the condition description.

📦 Shipping and Packaging

The card will be enclosed in anti-static protective material, supported against bending and packed in a sturdy shipping carton. Particular care will be taken to protect the circuit board, ISA edge connector, bracket and external ports.

Free shipping with tracking is included.

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❓ Have Questions?

If you have questions about photographed markings, included contents or visible components, please contact us before purchasing.