Comprehensive Product Summary – CONTEC PI‑128L(PCI)H Digital Input Board

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: PCI Bus 128 Opto‑Isolated Digital Input Board
Model: PI‑128L(PCI)H
Series: PCI Digital I/O Interface Series
Article Number: PI‑128L(PCI)H
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Version: Ver.1.13

The CONTEC PI‑128L(PCI)H is a high‑density digital input interface board designed for PCI bus systems. It provides 128 optically isolated input channels for industrial and laboratory data acquisition, control, and monitoring applications. The board supports negative logic input (current sinking type) and operates with external 12–24 V DC power sources. It is fully compliant with 32‑bit, 33 MHz PCI bus specifications and supports both 5 V and 3.3 V keyed slots.

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### 2. Key Features

- 128 Opto‑Isolated Digital Inputs:
Provides 128 channels of optocoupler‑isolated inputs compatible with current‑sink output devices. Each group of 16 channels shares a positive common terminal, allowing multiple external power domains.

- High Noise Immunity:
Complete optical isolation between PC system and field I/O ensures excellent noise performance and protection against ground loops and transient surges.

- Interrupt Capability:
Up to 16 input channels (I‑00 – I‑17) can be configured as interrupt request sources. Each interrupt can be enabled or disabled individually, and the triggering edge (rising or falling) can be selected by software.

- Digital Filtering:
Built‑in digital filter prevents false triggering due to noise or contact chattering. Filter time constants are software‑selectable from 0.25 µs to 131 ms.

- Software Support:
Includes Windows and Linux driver libraries (API‑PAC(W32)) with sample programs for Visual C++, Visual Basic, and gcc. Diagnostic utilities are provided for hardware verification.

- LabVIEW Integration:
Supported by CONTEC’s DAQfast and VI‑DAQ libraries for National Instruments LabVIEW, enabling seamless integration into graphical data acquisition environments.

- Flexible Power and Logic:
Supports external input voltages from 12 V DC to 24 V DC (±10 %). Negative logic operation: logical “0” = High level, logical “1” = Low level.

- Compact PCI Form Factor:
Standard PCI short card dimensions (176.41 mm × 105.68 mm) with universal keying for 5 V/3.3 V slots.

- High Reliability:
Industrial‑grade design with 250 Vrms isolation, 200 µs maximum response time, and robust environmental tolerance (0–50 °C, 10–90 % RH).

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### 3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|------------------|
| Input Type | Optocoupler‑isolated input (for current‑sinking output devices), negative logic |
| Number of Channels | 128 channels (16 channels can be used as interrupt inputs) |
| Common Configuration | 16 channels share one positive common terminal |
| Input Resistance | 4.7 kΩ |
| Input Current (ON) | ≥ 2.0 mA |
| Input Current (OFF) | ≤ 0.16 mA |
| Response Time | ≤ 200 µs |
| Isolation Voltage (I/O–System) | 250 Vrms (tested 1 min @ AC 50/60 Hz) |
| External Power Supply | 12 – 24 V DC (±10 %) |
| Power Consumption (PCI Bus) | +5 V DC 500 mA (max.) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 – 50 °C |
| Operating Humidity | 10 – 90 % RH (non‑condensing) |
| Storage Conditions | Room temperature, dry, dust‑free environment |
| Dimensions | 176.41 (L) × 105.68 (H) mm |
| Weight | Approx. 215 g |
| Bus Interface | PCI 32‑bit, 33 MHz, universal key (5 V/3.3 V) |
| Max. Boards per System | 16 boards |
| I/O Address Range | Any 32‑byte boundary |
| Interrupt Level | 1 level usable |
| Typical Cable Length | 50 m (max., depends on wiring environment) |
| Isolation Between Channels | 250 Vrms |
| Standards Compliance | VCCI Class A, CE (EMC Directive Class A), RoHS Directive |

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### 4. Functionality

Operating Principle:
Each input channel uses an optocoupler to isolate the PC circuitry from external devices. The board detects the ON/OFF state of current‑driven devices such as switches, sensors, or transistor outputs. When current flows through the optocoupler LED, the corresponding input bit is read as logical “1” (Low level).

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation and process monitoring
- Machine control and safety interlocks
- Data acquisition and event logging
- Laboratory instrumentation and test systems
- Integration with PLCs or other digital controllers

Compatibility:
- PCI bus (32‑bit, 33 MHz)
- Windows OS (API‑DIO(WDM)/API‑DIO(98/PC))
- Linux OS (API‑DIO(LNX))
- National Instruments LabVIEW via DAQfast or VI‑DAQ libraries

Interrupt Function:
Sixteen input lines can generate hardware interrupts. Four interrupt signals are combined into one PCI INTA request. Software can enable/disable interrupts per bit and select rising/falling edge detection.

Digital Filter Function:
All input channels can be filtered to suppress noise. The filter time constant is programmable (0 – 20 steps, 0.25 µs – 131 ms).

Board ID Function:
A rotary switch (SW1) allows assignment of a unique board ID (0 – Fh) for systems using multiple boards.

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items (Standard Package):
1. PI‑128L(PCI)H board × 1
2. First Step Guide × 1
3. Driver Disk (API‑PAC(W32)) × 1 (includes drivers, User’s Guide, sample programs)
4. Warranty Certificate × 1
5. Serial Number Label × 1

Optional Cables:
- Shielded Cable (100‑pin × 2):
PCB100PS‑0.5 (0.5 m), PCB100PS‑1.5 (1.5 m), PCB100PS‑3 (3 m), PCB100PS‑5 (5 m)
- Conversion Cable (100 → 96 pin):
PCB100/96PS‑1.5, ‑3, ‑5 m
- Flat Cable (100‑pin × 1):
PCA100P‑1.5, ‑3, ‑5 m
- Conversion Cable (100 → 37‑pin D‑SUB × 2):
PCB100WS‑1.5, ‑3, ‑5 m

Optional Terminal Units & Accessories:
- EPD‑100A (M3 × 100 P)
- EPD‑96A (M3 × 96 P)
- EPD‑96 (M3.5 × 96 P)
- DTP‑64A (M2.5 × 96 P)
- CCB‑96 (96 → 37 × 2 conversion board)
- CM‑64L (64‑bit signal monitor)
- EPD‑37A / EPD‑37 / DTP‑3A / DTP‑4C (37‑pin terminal units)

Connectors:
- On‑board connectors: 2 × 100‑pin HDRA‑E100W1LFDT1EC‑SL (HONDA equivalent)
- Applicable mating connector: HDRA‑E100MA1 (HONDA equivalent)

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### 6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- PCI slot with +5 V supply (board does not operate on +3.3 V only systems)
- Compatible PC running Windows or Linux
- External 12–24 V DC power supply for input circuits

Installation Steps:
1. Software Installation:
Install the API‑PAC(W32) driver package before inserting the board.
2. Hardware Configuration:
Set the board ID (SW1) if multiple boards are used.
3. Board Mounting:
Power off the PC, insert the board into a PCI slot, and secure it.
4. Hardware Detection:
Upon boot, Windows detects the board and installs the driver automatically.
5. Software Initialization:
Configure device name and verify operation via diagnostic utility.

Connection Guidelines:
- Connect external devices to CNA/CNB connectors using optional cables.
- Each group of 16 inputs shares a common positive terminal (P‑0/1 to P‑E/F).
- External power supply (12–24 V DC) must be provided for input circuits.
- Typical input current: 2.6 mA @ 12 V, 5.1 mA @ 24 V.

Safety Precautions:
- Do not insert or remove the board while power is on.
- Avoid exposure to static electricity and corrosive environments.
- Ensure adequate power capacity for all installed boards.

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

- Input Response: ≤ 200 µs (max.)
- Input Voltage Range: 12–24 V DC (±10 %)
- Isolation: 250 Vrms I/O‑to‑system
- Interrupt Handling: 16 channels configurable; edge‑selectable triggering
- Digital Filter: Programmable 0.25 µs – 131 ms (21 steps)
- System Capacity: Up to 16 boards per PC (2048 inputs max.)
- Noise Immunity: Optical isolation and filtering ensure stable operation in industrial environments.
- Reliability: Designed for continuous operation in 0–50 °C ambient conditions.

Limitations:
- Requires external power for input circuits.
- No built‑in output channels (PI series is input‑only).
- PCI Express slots not supported without adapter.

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

- Electrical Safety & EMC:
- VCCI Class A (Information Technology Equipment)
- CE Marking (EMC Directive Class A)
- RoHS Directive compliant

- PCI Bus Compliance:
- PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.2
- 32‑bit, 33 MHz operation
- Universal key for 5 V and 3.3 V slots

- Isolation Test:
Verified 250 Vrms I/O‑to‑system for 1 minute without breakdown.

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### 9. Additional Information

Warranty:
Limited three‑year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Covers electronic circuitry and original board components. Excludes damage from misuse, modification, or environmental factors.

Support & Service:
- Technical support and driver updates available at [https://www.contec.com](https://www.contec.com)
- Free downloads of LabVIEW libraries (DAQfast, VI‑DAQ) and Linux drivers.
- Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) required for repairs or replacement.

Maintenance:
- Periodically inspect connectors for dust or corrosion.
- Store in anti‑static bag when not in use.
- Clean edge connectors with industrial alcohol if contaminated.

Software Updates:
- API‑PAC(W32) driver package regularly updated for new OS versions.
- Diagnostic and sample programs included for Windows and Linux.

Environmental & Safety Notes:
- Operating temperature: 0–50 °C
- Humidity: 10–90 % RH (non‑condensing)
- Avoid exposure to flammable gases or excessive dust.

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### Summary

The CONTEC PI‑128L(PCI)H is a robust, high‑channel‑count digital input board engineered for industrial and laboratory automation systems requiring reliable, optically isolated signal acquisition. With 128 inputs, programmable digital filtering, interrupt capabilities, and comprehensive software support across Windows, Linux, and LabVIEW environments, it provides a flexible and scalable solution for digital signal monitoring and control. Its adherence to international EMC and RoHS standards, combined with a three‑year warranty and extensive accessory ecosystem, makes it a dependable choice for system integrators and OEMs seeking stable, noise‑immune digital input performance on the PCI bus platform.