1. Product Overview

Product Name: TTL 32-Channel Digital Input Card
Model Number: PI-32T(PC)H
Article Number: PI-32T(PC)H
Series: PI Series – Digital Input Interface Boards
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Product Category: Industrial Automation / Measurement and Control – Digital I/O Interface Boards
Bus Type: PC Card (PCMCIA) / PCI-compatible interface

The CONTEC PI-32T(PC)H is a high-performance 32-channel TTL-level digital input card designed for industrial and laboratory automation systems requiring fast, reliable, and low-level digital signal acquisition. It belongs to CONTEC’s extensive PI series of digital input boards, which provide a range of input/output configurations for various voltage levels and isolation requirements. The PI-32T(PC)H is optimized for TTL-level (5VDC) signal environments and provides high-speed response, interrupt capabilities, and compatibility with standard PC expansion buses.

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2. Key Features

- 32 Independent TTL-Level Input Channels: Supports 32 discrete digital input points for TTL (Transistor-Transistor Logic) signals, ideal for interfacing with low-voltage logic devices and sensors.
- High-Speed Response: Typical throughput time of 1 microsecond (1 µs), enabling rapid signal acquisition suitable for high-frequency digital systems.
- Interrupt Functionality: Two interrupt request (IRQ) lines selectable from IRQ 2–7 or IRQ 9, allowing flexible integration with host system interrupt management.
- Standard 37-Pin D-Sub Connector: Equipped with a 37-pin female D-type connector for robust and standardized external wiring.
- Compact Form Factor: Board dimensions of approximately 143 mm × 107 mm, suitable for compact PC-based control systems.
- TTL-Level Input Compatibility: Designed for 5VDC TTL logic levels, ensuring compatibility with standard digital logic circuits.
- PCI/PC Card Bus Compliance: Fully compliant with PCI or PCMCIA bus standards, ensuring broad compatibility with industrial PCs and embedded systems.
- High Reliability and Noise Immunity: Engineered for stable operation in industrial environments with minimal signal degradation.
- Software Support: Compatible with CONTEC’s API-TOOL driver suite for Windows and Linux, and VI-DAQ library for LabVIEW integration.
- Industrial-Grade Design: Built for continuous operation in automation, testing, and data acquisition systems.

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3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|-------------------|
| Input Channels | 32 channels (TTL-level digital input) |
| Input Type | Non-isolated TTL input |
| Signal Level | TTL logic (5VDC nominal) |
| Input Voltage Range | 0–5VDC (TTL standard) |
| Input Resistance | Approx. 10 kΩ (typical pull-up configuration) |
| Response Time | 1 µs (typical throughput time) |
| Interrupt Lines | 2 IRQ lines selectable from IRQ 2–7 or IRQ 9 |
| Connector Type | 37-pin D-sub female (DCL-J37SAF-20L9 or equivalent) |
| Dimensions | 143 mm (L) × 107 mm (H) |
| Bus Interface | PCI / PC Card (PCMCIA) standard |
| Power Supply | +5VDC supplied from bus |
| Power Consumption | Approx. 200 mA (typical) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +50°C (typical industrial range) |
| Storage Temperature | -20°C to +60°C |
| Humidity | 10–90% RH (non-condensing) |
| Weight | Approx. 100–150 g (board only) |
| Mounting | Internal PC expansion slot (PCI or PCMCIA) |
| Throughput Time | 1 µs per channel |
| Isolation | Non-isolated (direct TTL interface) |
| Maximum Cable Length | Up to 5 m (recommended for TTL-level signals) |

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4. Functionality

The PI-32T(PC)H functions as a 32-channel digital input interface board that captures TTL-level signals from external devices such as sensors, switches, encoders, or logic circuits. Each input channel detects a high (logic “1”) or low (logic “0”) state according to standard TTL voltage thresholds. The board communicates with the host PC via the PCI or PCMCIA bus, allowing real-time data acquisition and interrupt-driven event handling.

Typical Use Cases:
- Monitoring of digital sensors and switches in automation systems
- Reading logic signals from programmable controllers or test equipment
- Capturing high-speed digital events in laboratory instrumentation
- Interfacing with TTL-based control panels or relay logic systems
- Integration into PC-based data acquisition (DAQ) and control systems

Compatibility:
- Compatible with standard PC/AT-compatible computers equipped with PCI or PCMCIA expansion slots.
- Works with CONTEC’s API-TOOL driver suite for Windows and Linux.
- Integrates with National Instruments LabVIEW via VI-DAQ library.
- Supports standard 37-pin D-sub cables and terminal blocks for external wiring.

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Components:
- PI-32T(PC)H main board
- User manual and installation guide
- Driver software (API-TOOL for Windows/Linux)
- LabVIEW VI-DAQ library (downloadable)

Optional Accessories:
- Cables:
- PCA37P / PCB37P (37-pin D-sub cable, 1.5 m)
- PCA37PS / PCB37PS (shielded 37-pin cable, 0.5 m or 1.5 m)
- Terminal Blocks:
- EPD-37A or EPD-37 (37-pin D-sub terminal block)
- CM-32(PC)E (screw terminal interface)
- Connector Sets: CN5-D37M (male D-sub connector kit)
- Mounting Brackets: Standard PCI or PCMCIA bracket (depending on configuration)

These accessories facilitate secure and flexible wiring between the board and external devices, ensuring reliable signal transmission and easy maintenance.

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6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Host PC with available PCI or PCMCIA slot
- Operating system: Windows (XP/7/10/11) or Linux (kernel 2.6 or later)
- +5VDC power supply from the bus

Installation Steps:
1. Power off the host PC and insert the PI-32T(PC)H card into an available PCI or PCMCIA slot.
2. Secure the card using the provided bracket.
3. Connect external devices using a 37-pin D-sub cable and terminal block.
4. Power on the PC and install the appropriate driver (API-TOOL for Windows or Linux).
5. Verify device recognition using the provided configuration utility.
6. Configure interrupt settings and input mapping through software.

Mounting Options:
- Standard PCI slot installation (for desktop or industrial PCs)
- PCMCIA slot installation (for notebook or embedded systems)

Configuration:
- Software-configurable interrupt lines (IRQ 2–7 or 9)
- Input channel mapping and filtering adjustable via API commands
- TTL-level threshold detection automatically managed by onboard circuitry

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Speed: 1 µs throughput per channel, suitable for high-speed digital monitoring.
- Capacity: 32 independent input channels, each capable of detecting TTL logic transitions.
- Efficiency: Low power consumption (approx. 200 mA at 5VDC).
- Interrupt Handling: Two selectable IRQ lines allow event-driven data acquisition without continuous polling.
- Signal Integrity: Designed for short-distance TTL-level signal transmission (up to 5 m).
- Limitations:
- Non-isolated inputs (not suitable for high-voltage or noisy environments).
- TTL-level only (not compatible with 12–24V industrial sensors without level conversion).
- Requires stable 5VDC logic-level signals for reliable operation.

Performance Summary:
The PI-32T(PC)H excels in applications requiring rapid, low-voltage digital input capture. Its 1 µs response time and interrupt-driven architecture make it ideal for time-critical control and monitoring tasks. However, for environments with high electrical noise or higher voltage levels, CONTEC’s opto-isolated models (e.g., PI-32L(PCI)H or PI-32B(PCI)H) are recommended.

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Compliance: PCI and PCMCIA (PC Card) standard compliant
- Electrical Standards: TTL logic level (5VDC)
- Environmental Compliance: Designed for industrial operating conditions
- Software Standards:
- Windows API-TOOL (Win32 DLL-based interface)
- Linux API-TOOL (module-style device driver and shared library)
- LabVIEW VI-DAQ library (compatible with National Instruments LabVIEW)
- Regulatory Compliance:
- CE marking (EMC and safety compliance)
- RoHS compliant (lead-free manufacturing)
- Industry Standards:
- Compatible with standard 37-pin D-sub I/O wiring conventions
- Conforms to PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.2

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9. Additional Information

Warranty & Support:
- Standard manufacturer’s warranty (typically 1 year, extendable via CONTEC service agreements).
- Technical support available through CONTEC’s global support portal (www.contec.com).
- Firmware and driver updates provided free of charge.

Maintenance:
- Periodic inspection of connectors and cables recommended.
- Keep board and connectors free from dust and moisture.
- Avoid exposure to static discharge during handling (use ESD protection).

Software Updates & Tools:
- API-TOOL for Windows: Provides DLL-based functions for easy integration with custom applications.
- API-TOOL for Linux: Offers shared library and kernel module for Linux-based systems.
- LabVIEW VI-DAQ: Free downloadable VI library for seamless integration with LabVIEW environments.
- Sample Programs: Included for C/C++, Visual Basic, and LabVIEW to accelerate development.

Documentation:
- User’s manual with pin assignments, electrical characteristics, and sample code.
- Online resources include driver downloads, FAQs, and application notes.

Support Ecosystem:
- Compatible with CONTEC’s range of digital I/O accessories, including terminal blocks, cables, and relay interfaces.
- Integration support for CONTEC’s Box PCs, Panel PCs, and distributed I/O systems.

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### Summary

The CONTEC PI-32T(PC)H TTL 32-Channel Digital Input Card is a compact, high-speed, and reliable digital input interface designed for TTL-level signal acquisition in PC-based control and measurement systems. With 32 independent input channels, 1 µs response time, and dual interrupt capability, it provides precise and efficient digital data capture for automation, testing, and embedded applications. Its compliance with PCI and PCMCIA standards ensures broad compatibility, while the availability of robust software drivers and accessories simplifies integration and deployment.

Engineered for industrial reliability and supported by CONTEC’s comprehensive software ecosystem, the PI-32T(PC)H is an ideal choice for engineers and system integrators seeking a dependable TTL-level digital input solution for high-performance computing environments.