1. Product Overview
Product Name: PCI Bus Isolated 64 Channel Digital Input Card (Positive Common)
Model: PI-64L(PCI)
Series: PI Series – PCI Bus Digital Input Interface Cards
Article Number: PI-64L(PCI)
Manufacturer: Contec Co., Ltd.

The Contec PI-64L(PCI) is a high-density, optically isolated digital input interface card designed for use with standard PCI bus systems. It provides 64 channels of isolated digital inputs with a positive common configuration, enabling reliable signal acquisition from external devices operating at industrial voltage levels. The card is engineered for robust performance in automation, control, and monitoring systems where electrical isolation, noise immunity, and high channel density are critical.

---

2. Key Features
- 64 Optically Isolated Digital Input Channels: Provides 64 independent input points for digital signal acquisition, each isolated to prevent ground loops and electrical interference.
- Positive Common Configuration: Inputs are grouped in sets of 16 channels sharing a common positive line, suitable for negative logic signal systems.
- Wide Input Voltage Range: Accepts input signals from 12 to 24 VDC, accommodating a variety of industrial sensors, switches, and control devices.
- High Isolation Voltage: Offers 1 kVrms isolation between input channels and the PCI bus, ensuring protection against voltage surges and electrical noise.
- Standard PCI Bus Interface: Fully compatible with PCI bus architecture, allowing easy integration into standard PC-based control systems.
- Compact Form Factor: The board measures 176 mm × 107 mm, fitting standard PCI slots without requiring additional space.
- High-Density Connector: Equipped with a 96-pin half-pitch D-type female connector, enabling efficient wiring and compact cable management.
- Industrial Reliability: Designed for continuous operation in industrial environments, with robust electrical isolation and durable components.
- Negative Logic Input Support: The card interprets input signals using negative logic, where the ON state corresponds to a low-level signal.
- Driver and Software Support: Compatible with Contec’s driver libraries and software tools for Windows and Linux environments, facilitating rapid system integration.

---

3. Technical Specifications
- Bus Interface: PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)
- Input Channels: 64 optically isolated digital inputs
- Input Configuration: Positive common (16 inputs per common line)
- Input Logic Type: Negative logic (signal ON when input is low)
- Input Voltage Range: 12–24 VDC nominal
- Input Current: Typically 7 mA per channel at 24 VDC (typical value, depending on external circuit)
- Isolation Voltage: 1 kVrms (between input and bus interface)
- Connector Type: 96-pin half-pitch D-type female connector
- Board Dimensions: 176 mm (L) × 107 mm (H)
- Weight: Approximately 150–200 g (typical for PCI interface cards of this class)
- Power Consumption: Typically less than 5 W from the PCI bus (5 V supply)
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to +50°C (typical industrial range)
- Storage Temperature: -20°C to +60°C
- Humidity Range: 10–90% RH (non-condensing)
- Insulation Resistance: 500 MΩ or greater at 500 VDC between input and bus circuits
- Input Response Time: Typically less than 1 ms (depends on system configuration)
- Signal Detection Threshold: Approx. 8–10 VDC (ON threshold), 3–5 VDC (OFF threshold)

---

4. Functionality
The PI-64L(PCI) functions as an interface card that allows a host PC to receive digital input signals from external devices such as sensors, switches, relays, or PLC outputs. Each of the 64 input channels is optically isolated from the PCI bus, ensuring that electrical noise or voltage spikes from external equipment do not affect the host system.

Operation Principle:
- The card detects the ON/OFF state of external DC signals (12–24 VDC).
- Each group of 16 inputs shares a common positive line, and the input logic is negative, meaning that a low-level signal (0 V) is interpreted as ON.
- The opto-isolators convert the electrical input signals into optical signals, which are then converted back to electrical signals on the PCI side, ensuring galvanic isolation.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation and process control systems
- Machine monitoring and status acquisition
- Factory automation (FA) and building automation (BA) systems
- Data logging and event monitoring applications
- Integration with PLCs, sensors, and relay modules
- Safety and interlock signal monitoring

Compatibility:
- Compatible with standard PCI bus slots (32-bit, 33 MHz)
- Supported by Contec’s driver libraries for Windows and Linux
- Can be used with Contec’s digital I/O terminal boards and cables for simplified wiring

---

5. Components & Accessories
Included Items:
- PI-64L(PCI) main board
- User manual and installation guide
- Driver software (on CD-ROM or downloadable from Contec’s website)
- Warranty documentation

Optional Accessories:
- Cables: 96-pin half-pitch D-type cable assemblies for connection to external terminal blocks
- Terminal Boards: Contec terminal boards (e.g., DTP-64A, DTP-64B) for easy field wiring
- Mounting Brackets: Optional brackets for securing cables and connectors
- Software Tools: Contec API libraries, diagnostic utilities, and sample programs

Connectors:
- Connector Type: 96-pin half-pitch D-type female
- Pin Assignment: Grouped by 16-channel input blocks with shared positive common lines
- Signal Lines: 64 input lines, 4 common lines, and ground reference lines

---

6. Installation & Setup
System Requirements:
- Available PCI slot (32-bit, 33 MHz)
- Host PC with compatible operating system (Windows or Linux)
- Power supply capable of providing standard PCI bus voltages

Installation Procedure:
1. Power off the host PC and disconnect it from the power source.
2. Insert the PI-64L(PCI) card into an available PCI slot, ensuring proper alignment.
3. Secure the card with the bracket screw.
4. Connect the external wiring to the 96-pin connector using the appropriate cable and terminal board.
5. Power on the PC and install the Contec driver software.
6. Verify device recognition in the operating system’s device manager or Contec configuration utility.
7. Configure input channels and logic settings as required by the application.

Mounting Options:
- Standard PCI slot mounting within a desktop or industrial PC chassis
- Optional external terminal boards can be DIN-rail mounted for convenient wiring

Configuration:
- Software-based configuration via Contec’s driver utilities
- Channel grouping and logic inversion can be managed through software settings
- Diagnostic tools allow real-time monitoring of input status

---

7. Performance & Capabilities
Speed and Response:
- Input response time typically under 1 ms, suitable for most industrial monitoring tasks.
- Capable of handling high-frequency input changes within the limits of the PCI bus and system software.

Capacity:
- 64 input channels per card; multiple cards can be installed in one system for expanded capacity.

Efficiency:
- Low power consumption and minimal heat generation due to efficient opto-isolation design.
- High noise immunity ensures stable operation in electrically noisy environments.

Limitations:
- Designed for DC input signals only (12–24 VDC); not suitable for AC signal inputs.
- Negative logic configuration may require signal inversion in some applications.
- Isolation voltage limited to 1 kVrms; external surge protection recommended for high-voltage environments.

Reliability:
- Industrial-grade components ensure long-term stability and low failure rates.
- Optical isolation prevents damage from transient voltages and ground potential differences.

---

8. Standards & Compliance
- Bus Standard: PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.2 compliant
- Electrical Safety: Isolation voltage of 1 kVrms between input and bus circuits
- EMC Compliance: Designed to meet CE and FCC Class A requirements for electromagnetic compatibility
- RoHS Compliance: Manufactured in accordance with RoHS directives, free from hazardous substances
- Quality Standards: Produced under ISO 9001-certified quality management system
- Environmental Standards: Conforms to industrial environmental standards for temperature and humidity

---

9. Additional Information
Warranty:
- Standard manufacturer’s warranty (typically 1 year) covering defects in materials and workmanship.

Support:
- Technical support available through Contec’s global service network.
- Online resources include driver downloads, manuals, and FAQs.

Maintenance:
- No regular maintenance required beyond periodic inspection of connectors and cables.
- Ensure proper grounding and avoid exposure to excessive dust or moisture.

Firmware and Software Updates:
- Driver and software updates available from Contec’s official website.
- Compatible with Contec’s unified driver architecture for easy integration with other Contec I/O products.

Lifecycle and Availability:
- Long-term availability guaranteed for industrial customers.
- Backward compatibility with previous Contec PCI digital input cards ensures smooth system upgrades.

---

Summary
The Contec PI-64L(PCI) is a robust, high-density 64-channel isolated digital input card designed for PCI bus systems. With 12–24 VDC input range, 1 kVrms isolation, and positive common configuration, it provides reliable signal acquisition for industrial automation, monitoring, and control applications. Its 96-pin half-pitch D-type connector, compact 176 × 107 mm form factor, and comprehensive driver support make it an ideal choice for engineers seeking a dependable, scalable digital input solution for PC-based control systems.

This card exemplifies Contec’s commitment to industrial reliability, offering high isolation, flexible configuration, and seamless integration with existing automation infrastructures.