Comprehensive Product Summary – ECH(PCI)BE-H7A PCI Bus Expansion Chassis

---

### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: PCI Bus Expansion Chassis
Model: ECH(PCI)BE-H7A
Series: ECH(PCI)BE-A Series (Bus Extension Type)
Article Number: ECH(PCI)BE-H7A
Manufacturer: CONTEC CO., LTD.
Product Category: Industrial Automation / Measurement and Control – Expansion Unit / Bus Adapter

The CONTEC ECH(PCI)BE-H7A is a 7-slot PCI bus expansion chassis designed to extend the PCI bus of a host PC. It provides additional PCI slots for industrial and measurement applications requiring multiple PCI boards. The chassis is part of CONTEC’s Bus Extension Type expansion system, which transmits PCI bus signals directly between the host PC and the external chassis. It is optimized for environments where control and measurement operations are performed in close proximity to the host computer.

---

### 2. Key Features

- 7 PCI Expansion Slots: Provides seven short-size PCI slots compliant with PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.3 (+5V type).
- Built-in Power Supply: Integrated AC power supply with selectable 115/230VAC input and automatic power interlocking with the host PC.
- Industrial-Grade Steel Chassis: Rigid, durable construction suitable for factory and laboratory environments.
- Automatic Power Synchronization: The chassis power turns on and off in sync with the host PC’s power supply.
- High Compatibility: Supports standard PCI add-on boards (5V/32-bit, 33MHz).
- Cooling System: Equipped with a built-in cooling fan and ventilation slits for stable thermal performance.
- Rack-Mountable Design: Includes brackets and screws for horizontal or vertical rack mounting.
- LED Power Indicator: Front-panel LED indicates chassis power status.
- Safety and Reliability: Designed for continuous industrial operation with overcurrent protection and stable power delivery.
- RoHS Compliant: Environmentally friendly design meeting RoHS directives.

---

### 3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|-------------------|
| Bus Type | PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.3 (+5V type) |
| Address Space | 32-bit memory and I/O addressing |
| Interrupt Level | INTA–INTD |
| Bus Clock | 33 MHz (maximum) |
| Number of Slots | 7 user-available PCI slots |
| Slot Type | Short-size PCI slots |
| Acceptable Board Size | 176.5 mm (L) × 107 mm (H) |
| Power Supply Output | +5VDC: 11.3A, +3.3VDC: 6A, +12VDC: 3A, -12VDC: 0.7A |
| Maximum Power Capacity | 130 W (CE condition at 40°C) |
| AC Input Voltage | 115/230 VAC (switch selectable) |
| AC Input Range | 90–132 VAC / 180–250 VAC |
| AC Frequency | 50–60 Hz |
| AC Input Current | 3A (115V) / 1.5A (230V) |
| Operating Temperature | 0–50°C |
| Operating Humidity | 20–80% RH (non-condensing) |
| Storage Temperature | 0–60°C |
| Storage Humidity | 10–90% RH (non-condensing) |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 300.0 × 138.0 × 255.0 mm (no fittings) |
| Weight | 5.0 kg |
| AC Cable | 2.5 m, 3-pin grounded cable |
| Chassis Material | Steel (light grey finish) |
| Cooling | Forced air cooling via internal fan |
| Compliance | CE, RoHS |
| Expected Service Life | Power supply: ~5 years; Fan: ~5 years; Fan filter: ~1 year (at 25°C, 60% RH) |

---

### 4. Functionality

The ECH(PCI)BE-H7A functions as an external PCI bus extension chassis. It connects to a host PC through a dedicated expansion adapter and cable, effectively extending the PCI bus outside the computer enclosure. The system allows installation of up to seven additional PCI boards, enabling expansion of I/O, communication, or control capabilities without modifying the host PC’s internal configuration.

Operation Principle:
- The host PC is equipped with an expansion adapter (EAD(PCI)BE, EAD(LPCI)BE, or EAD-BE-LPE).
- A dedicated 1-meter connection cable (CB-BF96 or CB-CB68/96) links the adapter to the chassis interface connector (BUS-PAC(PCI)A).
- The chassis replicates the PCI bus environment, allowing the installed boards to operate as if they were directly connected to the host PC.
- Power interlocking ensures the chassis powers on/off automatically with the host PC.

Typical Applications:
- Industrial measurement and control systems.
- Data acquisition and signal processing.
- Machine automation and motion control.
- Laboratory instrumentation requiring multiple PCI boards.
- System integration where additional PCI slots are needed.

Compatibility:
- Compatible with Windows XP, 2000, Me, 98SE, and 98 when used with appropriate expansion adapters.
- Works with CONTEC expansion adapters:
- EAD(PCI)BE – for standard PCI slots.
- EAD(LPCI)BE – for low-profile PCI slots.
- EAD-BE-LPE – for PCI Express slots.
- Not compatible with EAD(CB)BE (CardBus adapter).

---

### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- ECH(PCI)BE-H7A expansion chassis (1 unit)
- Power cable (1 unit, 2.5 m, 3P)
- Slot covers (7 pieces)
- Board fixing screws (7 pieces)
- Rack-mount brackets (2 pieces)
- Bracket fixing screws (6 pieces)
- Rubber feet (4 pieces)
- User’s manual (1 copy)

Optional Accessories:
- Expansion adapters (sold separately):
- EAD(PCI)BE, EAD(LPCI)BE, EAD-BE-LPE
- Connection cables:
- CB-BF96 (1 m)
- CB-CB68/96 (1 m)
- Replacement parts:
- Power supply unit (POW300 series)
- Cooling fan (FAN1238, FAN0925, FAN0820)
- Fan filter (FLT120, FLT121)

Connectors:
- 96-pin interface connector (CN1) for bus connection.
- AC inlet with voltage selector switch (115V/230V).
- Front-panel power switch and LED indicator.

---

### 6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Host PC with compatible expansion adapter installed.
- Dedicated connection cable (included with adapter).
- Stable AC power source (100–240 VAC).
- Adequate ventilation (minimum 20 mm clearance around chassis).

Installation Steps:
1. Preparation: Power off both the PC and chassis.
2. Install PCI Boards: Remove the top cover, insert PCI boards into available slots, and secure with screws.
3. Connect Cable: Attach the 96-pin connector from the adapter cable to the BUS-PAC(PCI)A interface on the chassis.
4. Power Connection: Plug the AC power cable into the chassis and wall outlet.
5. Adapter Installation: Install the expansion adapter board into the host PC.
6. Startup: Power on the PC; the chassis will automatically power on.
7. Verification: Confirm detection of “PCI-to-PCI Bridge” devices in Windows Device Manager.

Mounting Options:
- Horizontal placement: Standard desktop or rack shelf installation.
- Vertical placement: Space-saving orientation using supplied brackets.
- Rack mounting: Attach brackets to chassis sides; supports EIA 19-inch rack systems.

Configuration:
- JP1 jumper on BUS-PAC(PCI)A controls power interlocking:
- Pins 2–3 shorted (factory default): Power interlocked with PC.
- Pins 1–2 shorted: Independent power control.

---

### 7. Performance & Capabilities

- Bus Performance: 33 MHz PCI bus operation, 32-bit addressing.
- Power Efficiency: 130 W total capacity with stable voltage regulation.
- Thermal Management: Continuous fan cooling ensures reliable operation up to 50°C ambient.
- Noise and EMI Resistance: Shielded steel enclosure minimizes interference.
- Reliability: Designed for 24/7 industrial operation with long-life components.
- Limitations:
- Not suitable for video display boards or additional PCI-to-PCI bridge boards.
- Some high-speed bus mastering boards may experience reduced throughput due to bridge latency.
- Cannot be daisy-chained with another expansion chassis.

---

### 8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Standard: PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.3 (+5V type).
- Electrical Safety: CE Marking (EN60950-1 compliant).
- Environmental Compliance: RoHS Directive compliant.
- EMC Compliance: Designed to meet industrial electromagnetic compatibility standards.
- Operating Environment:
- Temperature: 0–50°C
- Humidity: 20–80% RH (non-condensing)
- No corrosive gases or excessive dust.

---

### 9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Limited three-year warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
- Excludes damage from misuse, modification, or environmental factors.

Support & Service:
- Technical documentation, drivers, and updates available at:
- [https://www.contec.com](https://www.contec.com)
- Customer support available through CONTEC offices and authorized distributors.
- Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) required for service.

Maintenance:
- Periodic inspection recommended to ensure ventilation slits are free of dust.
- Replace fan and power supply after approximately five years of continuous use.
- Replace fan filter annually or as needed.

Safety Precautions:
- Do not connect or disconnect cables while powered.
- Avoid exposure to flammable gases, moisture, or conductive debris.
- Ensure total current draw of installed boards does not exceed rated output.
- Maintain adequate airflow around chassis.

Storage & Disposal:
- Store in original packaging at room temperature, away from sunlight and vibration.
- Dispose of in accordance with local electronic waste regulations.

---

### Summary

The CONTEC ECH(PCI)BE-H7A is a robust, industrial-grade PCI bus expansion chassis offering seven short-size PCI slots with a built-in power supply. It extends the PCI bus of a host PC through a dedicated expansion adapter and cable, enabling flexible system expansion for measurement, control, and automation applications. With its steel construction, integrated cooling, and synchronized power control, the ECH(PCI)BE-H7A provides a reliable and scalable solution for environments requiring multiple PCI boards in a compact, rack-mountable form factor.

Its compliance with PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.3, CE, and RoHS standards ensures compatibility and safety in professional and industrial installations. The chassis is engineered for long-term operation, easy maintenance, and seamless integration with CONTEC’s range of expansion adapters and accessories.