News › linux
By Zayden R., August 30, 2026
Linux 7.3 introduces the 8250_mxpcie driver, supporting Moxa PCIe multi-port serial boards. This update enhances UART features and improves system compatibility.
In a significant update for hardware enthusiasts and system administrators, Linux 7.3 has introduced a new driver, 8250_mxpcie, dedicated to Moxa PCIe multi-port serial boards. This new driver emerges from the restructuring of the existing 8250_pci driver and is designed to accommodate new MUEx50-specific UART features, which include FIFO trigger levels, automatic hardware and software flow control, and interface mode switching.
The addition of the 8250_mxpcie driver marks a step forward in supporting newer Moxa PCIe multi-port serial adapters, which are crucial for systems requiring extensive serial communication capabilities. The dedicated driver ensures better performance and expanded feature support, making it a solid improvement for users relying on these devices.
Simultaneously, the Linux 7.3 update also sees the removal of the outdated IPWireless driver. This driver previously supported IPWireless branded 3G UMTS PCMCIA cards, which have seen little to no use since around 2011. The decision to drop this driver reflects a focus on maintaining a streamlined and relevant kernel, though users who still require this functionality can build the driver as an external kernel module.
Additionally, the update includes improvements to the TTY code, notably adding VT mode validation to the vt_setactive function. This change addresses potential issues with undefined VT switching behavior by preventing users from passing invalid modes.
For engineers and system administrators, these changes in Linux 7.3 mean it's time to update kernel configurations and verify compatibility with the new driver if using Moxa PCIe hardware. The full details of these TTY/Serial changes can be explored in the merged pull request on Git.
The Linux Camp teaches these topics as hands-on labs on real virtual machines, verified as you type.