1. Product Overview

Product Name: Extension 32SE/16DI Extra Input Module
Model: ATCH‑16A(PCI)
Series: E‑Series Analog I/O Expansion Accessories
Article Number: ATCH‑16A(PCI)
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan

The CONTEC ATCH‑16A(PCI) is an analog input expansion board designed as an accessory for the company’s intelligent E‑Series multifunction analog input boards, specifically the AD12‑16(PCI)E and AD16‑16(PCI)E models. It provides additional analog input capacity, extending the base board’s channel count to a total of 32 single‑ended (SE) or 16 differential (DI) inputs. The module connects through a 37‑pin D‑SUB female connector and is fully compliant with the PCI bus interface standard.

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2. Key Features

- Channel Expansion: Adds 16 single‑ended or 8 differential analog input channels to compatible E‑Series boards. When combined with the host board, the total input capacity reaches 32 SE or 16 DI channels.
- Voltage Input Range: Supports analog input signals up to ±20 V maximum, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of industrial sensors and transducers.
- Interface Connector: Equipped with a standard 37‑pin D‑type female connector for secure and noise‑resistant signal interfacing.
- Compact Form Factor: Small PCB footprint of 75 mm × 40 mm allows installation within limited chassis space.
- High‑Precision Signal Handling: Maintains the same resolution and accuracy characteristics as the host E‑Series board, ensuring consistent measurement quality across all channels.
- Seamless Integration: Designed for direct connection to AD12‑16(PCI)E and AD16‑16(PCI)E boards without additional configuration.
- Industrial‑Grade Design: Built for stable operation in measurement and control environments subject to electrical noise.
- Bus Compatibility: Fully compliant with PCI bus specifications, ensuring plug‑and‑play recognition in standard PC systems.
- Accessory Ecosystem: Compatible with CONTEC’s range of terminal blocks, shielded cables, and signal‑conditioning modules for flexible system configuration.

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3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|------------------|
| Model | ATCH‑16A(PCI) |
| Function | Analog input expansion for E‑Series boards |
| Supported Host Boards | AD12‑16(PCI)E, AD16‑16(PCI)E |
| Input Channels | 16 single‑ended / 8 differential (adds to host board) |
| Total Channels (with host) | 32 single‑ended / 16 differential |
| Input Voltage Range | ±20 V max |
| Connector Type | 37‑pin D‑SUB female |
| Dimensions | 75 mm (L) × 40 mm (W) |
| Mounting | PCI slot accessory board |
| Bus Interface | PCI standard compliant |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C – 50 °C (typical for E‑Series environment) |
| Humidity | 20 – 90 % RH (non‑condensing) |
| Weight | Approx. 100 g |
| Material | FR‑4 PCB, industrial‑grade components |
| Isolation | Follows host board isolation characteristics |
| Compliance | CE, RoHS (per CONTEC industrial product standards) |

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4. Functionality

The ATCH‑16A(PCI) operates as a passive multiplexer sub‑board that extends the analog input capacity of CONTEC’s E‑Series PCI analog I/O boards. When installed, it connects to the host board’s expansion connector (CN3) and routes additional analog input signals through its 37‑pin D‑SUB interface.

Operating Principle:
- The module multiplexes additional analog input channels into the host board’s A/D converter circuitry.
- It does not perform A/D conversion itself; instead, it relies on the host board’s converter, maintaining identical sampling rates and resolution.
- The host board’s software driver automatically recognizes the expanded channel configuration.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Laboratory and industrial data acquisition systems requiring more than 16 analog input channels.
- Process monitoring, sensor array measurement, and multi‑point voltage or current logging.
- Integration with signal‑conditioning modules (ATII‑8A, ATLF‑8, ATSS‑16) for isolated, filtered, or simultaneous sampling applications.
- Suitable for PC‑based measurement systems in research, production testing, and automation control.

Compatibility:
- Fully compatible with CONTEC’s AD12‑16(PCI)E and AD16‑16(PCI)E boards.
- Supported by CONTEC’s Windows and Linux drivers (API‑PAC(W32), API‑TOOLs for Linux).
- Operates transparently with LabVIEW and MATLAB libraries (VI‑DAQ, ML‑DAQ).

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- ATCH‑16A(PCI) expansion board
- Mounting bracket for PCI slot installation
- User documentation and connection diagram

Optional Accessories:
- Cables: PCB37PS‑0.5P/1.5P shielded cables or PCA37PS series for connection to terminal units.
- Terminal Units: EPD‑37A or EPD‑37 screw‑type terminal blocks for field wiring.
- BNC Panels: ATP‑16 BNC terminal panel for coaxial signal connections.
- Signal Conditioning Modules:
- ATII‑8A (Isolated Signal Conditioning Board)
- ATLF‑8 (Low‑Pass Filter Board)
- ATSS‑16 (Simultaneous Sample & Hold Board)
- DIN Rail Adapter: DIN‑ADP1 for mounting terminal units on standard 35 mm DIN rails.

Connectors:
- 37‑pin D‑SUB female (signal input)
- PCI edge connector (to host board)

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6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Compatible host board (AD12‑16(PCI)E or AD16‑16(PCI)E) installed in a PCI slot.
- Available PCI slot space for the expansion module.
- Proper grounding and shielding to minimize noise.

Installation Procedure:
1. Power off the PC and discharge static electricity.
2. Insert the ATCH‑16A(PCI) into the designated expansion connector on the host board.
3. Secure the board using the supplied bracket.
4. Connect external analog input signals to the 37‑pin D‑SUB connector using shielded cables.
5. Power on the PC; the host board’s driver automatically detects the additional channels.
6. Configure channel assignments and input ranges via CONTEC’s driver software or API.

Mounting Options:
- Standard PCI slot mounting with bracket.
- Can be integrated into rack‑mounted or desktop measurement systems.

Configuration:
- No jumper settings required; configuration is handled through the host board’s software.
- Input mode (single‑ended or differential) is selected on the host board.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Channel Capacity: Expands analog input channels to 32 SE / 16 DI.
- Signal Range: ±20 V maximum input voltage.
- Sampling Rate: Determined by host board (up to 1 µs/ch for AD12‑16U(PCI)E, 10 µs/ch for AD16‑16(PCI)E).
- Resolution: Matches host board (12‑bit or 16‑bit).
- Accuracy: Maintains host board’s conversion accuracy (±2 – 5 LSB typical).
- Noise Immunity: High‑quality PCB layout and shielded connector minimize crosstalk.
- Isolation: Inherits bus and channel isolation from host board when used with isolated signal‑conditioning modules.
- Limitations:
- Cannot operate standalone; requires connection to a compatible E‑Series board.
- External power supply may be needed when used with simultaneous sampling or signal‑conditioning boards.

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Interface: PCI 32‑bit, 33 MHz, 5 V signaling.
- Electrical Safety: Designed to meet industrial safety and EMC requirements.
- Environmental Compliance: RoHS‑compliant components and lead‑free soldering.
- Quality Assurance: Manufactured under CONTEC’s ISO 9001 quality management system.
- Software Standards: Supported by Windows and Linux drivers conforming to Win32 API and POSIX standards.
- Industry Compatibility: Integrates with standard data acquisition frameworks such as LabVIEW and MATLAB Data Acquisition Toolbox.

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9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Standard three‑year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
- Excludes damage from misuse, improper installation, or electrical over‑stress.

Technical Support:
- Global support network through CONTEC offices in Japan, USA, Europe, Korea, China, and Taiwan.
- Online resources, driver downloads, and documentation available at [www.contec.com](http://www.contec.com).

Maintenance:
- Periodic inspection of connectors and cables recommended.
- Keep board free from dust and moisture; store in anti‑static packaging when not in use.
- Calibration not required; accuracy determined by host board’s A/D converter.

Software & Updates:
- Supported by CONTEC’s API‑PAC(W32) and API‑TOOLs for Linux driver packages.
- Free updates and sample programs available for download.
- Compatible with CONTEC’s measurement utilities such as HYPER‑LOGGER, FFT Analyzer, Function Generator, and Excel Scope.

Service Options:
- Factory repair and replacement service available under RMA authorization.
- Optional extended warranty and calibration verification services.

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### Summary

The CONTEC ATCH‑16A(PCI) is a compact, high‑reliability analog input expansion module engineered to extend the channel capacity of CONTEC’s E‑Series PCI analog input boards. By adding 16 single‑ended or 8 differential inputs, it enables a total of 32 SE / 16 DI channels for high‑density data acquisition applications. With a ±20 V input range, robust 37‑pin D‑SUB connector, and seamless PCI integration, the ATCH‑16A(PCI) provides a cost‑effective solution for engineers and system integrators requiring scalable analog measurement capability within PC‑based instrumentation systems.

Its compatibility with CONTEC’s extensive accessory lineup—terminal blocks, shielded cables, and signal‑conditioning modules—ensures flexible configuration for laboratory, industrial, and research environments. Supported by comprehensive Windows and Linux drivers, the ATCH‑16A(PCI) delivers reliable performance, long‑term support, and full integration within CONTEC’s intelligent E‑Series measurement ecosystem.