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- Comprehensive DIO Control: Supports up to 64 digital I/O channels per board, allowing precise bit‑level control and monitoring.
- Windows NT/2000 Compatibility: Fully compliant with Windows NT Workstation 4.0 (SP3 or later) and Windows 2000 Professional environments.
- Unified API Architecture: Operates under the API‑PAC(W32) framework, providing consistent function calls across multiple CONTEC hardware types.
- Hardware Filtering: Built‑in digital filter functions prevent chattering and ensure stable signal acquisition.
- Bit‑Specific I/O: Enables control of individual bits within a port for flexible digital signal manipulation.
- Event‑Driven Operation: Supports event‑based data collection and background operation for real‑time control applications.
- Auto Board Detection: Automatically identifies installed CONTEC boards via the API‑TOOL Configuration utility (v4.10 or later).
- Diagnostic Utilities: Includes a diagnosis program for verifying driver installation, board recognition, and I/O functionality.
- Sample Programs: Provides ready‑to‑use code samples in multiple programming languages for rapid application development.
- LabVIEW Integration: Compatible with National Instruments LabVIEW through the VI‑DAQ library, enabling graphical system design and measurement automation.
- Cross‑Language Support: Usable with Visual Basic, Visual C++, C#.NET, Visual Basic.NET, Borland C++ Builder, and Delphi.
- Free Distribution: API‑PAC(W32) and its components, including API‑DIO(PC)NT, are provided free of charge with CONTEC PCI and PC Card products.
- Windows NT/2000 Compatibility: Fully compliant with Windows NT Workstation 4.0 (SP3 or later) and Windows 2000 Professional environments.
- Unified API Architecture: Operates under the API‑PAC(W32) framework, providing consistent function calls across multiple CONTEC hardware types.
- Hardware Filtering: Built‑in digital filter functions prevent chattering and ensure stable signal acquisition.
- Bit‑Specific I/O: Enables control of individual bits within a port for flexible digital signal manipulation.
- Event‑Driven Operation: Supports event‑based data collection and background operation for real‑time control applications.
- Auto Board Detection: Automatically identifies installed CONTEC boards via the API‑TOOL Configuration utility (v4.10 or later).
- Diagnostic Utilities: Includes a diagnosis program for verifying driver installation, board recognition, and I/O functionality.
- Sample Programs: Provides ready‑to‑use code samples in multiple programming languages for rapid application development.
- LabVIEW Integration: Compatible with National Instruments LabVIEW through the VI‑DAQ library, enabling graphical system design and measurement automation.
- Cross‑Language Support: Usable with Visual Basic, Visual C++, C#.NET, Visual Basic.NET, Borland C++ Builder, and Delphi.
- Free Distribution: API‑PAC(W32) and its components, including API‑DIO(PC)NT, are provided free of charge with CONTEC PCI and PC Card products.
Comprehensive Product Summary – CONTEC API‑DIO(PC)NT
### 1. Product Overview
Product Name: API‑DIO(PC)NT
Article Number: API‑DIO(PC)NT
Series: API‑PAC (Windows Device Driver Library Series)
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd.
Product Type: Windows NT/2000 Device Driver for CONTEC Digital I/O Boards
Category: Industrial Automation Software / Device Driver
The CONTEC API‑DIO(PC)NT is a dedicated Windows NT and Windows 2000 device driver designed to enable full control and integration of CONTEC’s digital input/output (DIO) interface boards. It is part of the API‑PAC(W32) driver library suite, which provides a unified programming interface for CONTEC’s analog, digital, counter, communication, and motion control boards. API‑DIO(PC)NT ensures stable, high‑performance operation of DIO hardware in industrial measurement, control, and automation environments.
### 2. Key Features
- Comprehensive DIO Control: Supports up to 64 digital I/O channels per board, allowing precise bit‑level control and monitoring.
- Windows NT/2000 Compatibility: Fully compliant with Windows NT Workstation 4.0 (SP3 or later) and Windows 2000 Professional environments.
- Unified API Architecture: Operates under the API‑PAC(W32) framework, providing consistent function calls across multiple CONTEC hardware types.
- Hardware Filtering: Built‑in digital filter functions prevent chattering and ensure stable signal acquisition.
- Bit‑Specific I/O: Enables control of individual bits within a port for flexible digital signal manipulation.
- Event‑Driven Operation: Supports event‑based data collection and background operation for real‑time control applications.
- Auto Board Detection: Automatically identifies installed CONTEC boards via the API‑TOOL Configuration utility (v4.10 or later).
- Diagnostic Utilities: Includes a diagnosis program for verifying driver installation, board recognition, and I/O functionality.
- Sample Programs: Provides ready‑to‑use code samples in multiple programming languages for rapid application development.
- LabVIEW Integration: Compatible with National Instruments LabVIEW through the VI‑DAQ library, enabling graphical system design and measurement automation.
- Cross‑Language Support: Usable with Visual Basic, Visual C++, C#.NET, Visual Basic.NET, Borland C++ Builder, and Delphi.
- Free Distribution: API‑PAC(W32) and its components, including API‑DIO(PC)NT, are provided free of charge with CONTEC PCI and PC Card products.
### 3. Technical Specifications
Supported Operating Systems:
- Windows NT Workstation 4.0 (SP3 or later)
- Windows 2000 Professional
- Also compatible with Windows XP, Me, 98, and 95 through API‑PAC(W32) unified library
Supported Programming Languages:
- Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 / 5.0 / 4.0 (32‑bit)
- Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0 / 5.0 / 4.x / 2.0
- Microsoft Visual Basic.NET 2003 / 2002
- Microsoft Visual C#.NET 2003 / 2002
- Borland C++ Builder 6.0 / 5.0
- Borland Delphi 6.0 / 5.0 / 4.0
Supported Development Environments:
- National Instruments LabVIEW 7.1 / 7.0 / 6.1 / 6i / 5.1 / 5.0
- API‑TOOL Configuration Utility (v4.10 or later)
Supported Hardware Interfaces:
- ISA Bus
- PCI Bus
- CompactPCI
- Low‑Profile PCI (LPCI)
- PC Card (CB, PM)
Maximum Channels: 64 digital I/O channels per board
Data Transfer: Direct port access via driver API; supports interrupt‑driven and polling modes.
Hardware Functions:
- Digital filtering for noise suppression
- Bit‑specific I/O control
- Interrupt handling for input change detection
Dimensions and Weight:
As a software driver, physical dimensions are not applicable. The supported boards vary in size depending on model (e.g., PCI, ISA, or PC Card form factors).
Material: Software (DLL‑based driver library).
### 4. Functionality
Operational Overview:
API‑DIO(PC)NT acts as a middleware layer between the Windows operating system and CONTEC’s digital I/O hardware. It provides a standardized set of API functions (DLL calls) that allow developers to perform digital input and output operations, configure ports, and manage interrupts without direct hardware register manipulation.
Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation and process control
- Data acquisition and monitoring systems
- Machine control and robotics
- Production line signal interfacing
- Laboratory instrumentation and test systems
- Embedded control in PC‑based measurement setups
Compatibility:
API‑DIO(PC)NT is compatible with all CONTEC digital I/O boards listed below and integrates seamlessly with other CONTEC driver libraries (API‑AIO, API‑CNT, API‑SIO, API‑GPIB, API‑SMC, API‑TIMER). It can coexist within multi‑board systems for mixed analog/digital control.
### 5. Components & Accessories
Included Software Components:
- API‑DIO(PC)NT driver (DLL and INF files)
- API‑TOOL Configuration Utility
- Diagnostic Program
- Sample Programs (Visual Basic, C/C++, Delphi, etc.)
- Documentation and Help Files
Optional Add‑Ons:
- VI‑DAQ Library for LabVIEW integration
- API‑GPLV(W32) for GPIB communication under LabVIEW
- COM‑DRV(W32) for serial communication modules
- API‑PAC(W32) unified driver library (includes all API‑xx modules)
Connectors and Hardware (Supported Boards):
- CompactPCI: PI‑64L(CPCI), PO‑64L(CPCI), PIO‑32/32L(CPCI)
- PCI: PI‑128L(PCI), PI‑64L(PCI), PI‑32B(PCI), PI‑32L(PCI), PO‑64L(PCI), PO‑32L(PCI), PIO‑16/16L(PCI), PIO‑32/32L(PCI), PIO‑48D(PCI), PIO‑64/64L(PCI), PIO‑32DM(PCI), RRY‑16C(PCI), RRY‑32(PCI)
- Low‑Profile PCI (LPCI): PIO‑16/16L(LPCI)H, PIO‑16/16T(LPCI)H
- ISA: PI‑64L(PC), PO‑64L(PC), PIO‑32/32T(PC), PIO‑48W(PC), PIO‑96W(PC), PIO‑120D(PC)
- PC Card: PIO‑16/16L(CB)H, PIO‑48D(CB)H, PIO‑24W(PM), PIO‑32D(PM)
### 6. Installation & Setup
System Requirements:
- IBM‑compatible PC with available ISA, PCI, or PC Card slot
- Windows NT 4.0 (SP3 or later) or Windows 2000 Professional
- Administrative privileges for driver installation
Installation Procedure:
1. Run the API‑PAC setup program.
2. Select the CONTEC DIO board model to be used.
3. The installer automatically registers the appropriate DLLs and configuration files.
4. Use the API‑TOOL Configuration utility to verify board detection and assign logical device numbers.
5. Execute the diagnostic program to confirm proper operation.
Configuration Options:
- Port direction (input/output)
- Digital filter enable/disable
- Interrupt enable/disable
- Logical device mapping
Mounting Options:
As a software driver, no physical mounting is required. The supported hardware boards are installed in standard PCI, ISA, or PC Card slots.
### 7. Performance & Capabilities
Speed and Efficiency:
API‑DIO(PC)NT provides high‑speed digital I/O access through optimized Win32 API calls. It supports both synchronous and asynchronous operations, allowing real‑time data acquisition and control.
Capacity:
- Up to 64 digital I/O channels per board
- Multiple boards can be controlled simultaneously (depending on system resources)
Efficiency Features:
- Event‑driven background data collection
- Foreground operation for real‑time monitoring
- Unified API reduces programming overhead and ensures consistent performance across hardware types
Limitations:
- ISA board auto‑detection not supported under Windows NT 4.0/3.51
- Cannot be used simultaneously with National Instruments GPIB drivers or CONTEC API‑GPIB(98/PC) on the same hardware
- Requires Windows 98 or later for certain CompactPCI and PCI models
### 8. Standards & Compliance
Regulatory and Industry Standards:
- IEEE‑488.2 (for related GPIB modules)
- Plug and Play compliant (PCI/CompactPCI boards)
- Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL) compatible installation structure
- Conforms to Microsoft Win32 API standards
Software Compliance:
- Compatible with National Instruments LabVIEW VI architecture
- Supports ActiveX control (except where noted for older OS versions)
- Follows CONTEC’s unified API‑PAC(W32) software architecture
Environmental and Safety:
As a software product, API‑DIO(PC)NT does not have direct environmental or electrical compliance requirements. Supported hardware boards comply with CE and RoHS standards as applicable.
### 9. Additional Information
Warranty:
API‑DIO(PC)NT is distributed as part of CONTEC’s API‑PAC(W32) software package, provided free of charge with CONTEC hardware. Warranty coverage applies to the associated hardware; software updates are provided without additional cost.
Support and Maintenance:
- Technical Support: Available through CONTEC’s global portal (www.contec.com).
- Documentation: Comprehensive online manuals and help files.
- Diagnostic Tools: Built‑in utilities for troubleshooting and performance verification.
- Sample Programs: Included for all supported languages to accelerate development.
Software Updates:
- Free downloads of the latest driver versions and sample programs are available from the CONTEC API‑TOOL Developer’s Site:
[http://www.contec.com/apipac/](http://www.contec.com/apipac/)
- Regular updates ensure compatibility with new operating systems and hardware revisions.
Integration with Other CONTEC Drivers:
API‑DIO(PC)NT operates within the broader API‑PAC(W32) ecosystem, which includes:
- API‑AIO(WDM): Analog I/O driver
- API‑CNT(98/PC)NT: Counter input driver
- API‑SIO(98/PC)NT: Serial communication driver
- API‑GPIB(98/PC)NT: GPIB communication driver
- API‑SMC(98/PC)NT: Motor control driver
- API‑TIMER(W32): High‑precision timer driver
Linux Support:
For Linux environments, CONTEC provides API‑DIO(LNX), a corresponding driver library offering similar functionality through kernel modules and shared libraries. Supported kernels include RedHat and TurboLinux distributions (2.2.x–2.4.x series).
Developer Resources:
- API‑TOOL Configuration Utility: Centralized management of installed boards and drivers.
- Diagnostic Program: Verifies hardware and software operation.
- Sample Code: Demonstrates API usage for digital input/output, interrupt handling, and event control.
- LabVIEW VI Samples: Simplify integration into graphical measurement systems.
Global Portal:
[www.contec.com](http://www.contec.com) – Access to product documentation, driver downloads, and technical support.
### Summary
The CONTEC API‑DIO(PC)NT driver is a robust, industrial‑grade software component that bridges Windows NT/2000 operating systems with CONTEC’s extensive range of digital I/O boards. It provides a unified, high‑performance API for digital signal control, enabling developers to build reliable automation, measurement, and control systems. With comprehensive language support, diagnostic utilities, and seamless integration into the API‑PAC(W32) framework, API‑DIO(PC)NT remains a cornerstone of CONTEC’s industrial software ecosystem—offering flexibility, stability, and long‑term support for both legacy and modern PC‑based control environments.
### 1. Product Overview
Product Name: API‑DIO(PC)NT
Article Number: API‑DIO(PC)NT
Series: API‑PAC (Windows Device Driver Library Series)
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd.
Product Type: Windows NT/2000 Device Driver for CONTEC Digital I/O Boards
Category: Industrial Automation Software / Device Driver
The CONTEC API‑DIO(PC)NT is a dedicated Windows NT and Windows 2000 device driver designed to enable full control and integration of CONTEC’s digital input/output (DIO) interface boards. It is part of the API‑PAC(W32) driver library suite, which provides a unified programming interface for CONTEC’s analog, digital, counter, communication, and motion control boards. API‑DIO(PC)NT ensures stable, high‑performance operation of DIO hardware in industrial measurement, control, and automation environments.
### 2. Key Features
- Comprehensive DIO Control: Supports up to 64 digital I/O channels per board, allowing precise bit‑level control and monitoring.
- Windows NT/2000 Compatibility: Fully compliant with Windows NT Workstation 4.0 (SP3 or later) and Windows 2000 Professional environments.
- Unified API Architecture: Operates under the API‑PAC(W32) framework, providing consistent function calls across multiple CONTEC hardware types.
- Hardware Filtering: Built‑in digital filter functions prevent chattering and ensure stable signal acquisition.
- Bit‑Specific I/O: Enables control of individual bits within a port for flexible digital signal manipulation.
- Event‑Driven Operation: Supports event‑based data collection and background operation for real‑time control applications.
- Auto Board Detection: Automatically identifies installed CONTEC boards via the API‑TOOL Configuration utility (v4.10 or later).
- Diagnostic Utilities: Includes a diagnosis program for verifying driver installation, board recognition, and I/O functionality.
- Sample Programs: Provides ready‑to‑use code samples in multiple programming languages for rapid application development.
- LabVIEW Integration: Compatible with National Instruments LabVIEW through the VI‑DAQ library, enabling graphical system design and measurement automation.
- Cross‑Language Support: Usable with Visual Basic, Visual C++, C#.NET, Visual Basic.NET, Borland C++ Builder, and Delphi.
- Free Distribution: API‑PAC(W32) and its components, including API‑DIO(PC)NT, are provided free of charge with CONTEC PCI and PC Card products.
### 3. Technical Specifications
Supported Operating Systems:
- Windows NT Workstation 4.0 (SP3 or later)
- Windows 2000 Professional
- Also compatible with Windows XP, Me, 98, and 95 through API‑PAC(W32) unified library
Supported Programming Languages:
- Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 / 5.0 / 4.0 (32‑bit)
- Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0 / 5.0 / 4.x / 2.0
- Microsoft Visual Basic.NET 2003 / 2002
- Microsoft Visual C#.NET 2003 / 2002
- Borland C++ Builder 6.0 / 5.0
- Borland Delphi 6.0 / 5.0 / 4.0
Supported Development Environments:
- National Instruments LabVIEW 7.1 / 7.0 / 6.1 / 6i / 5.1 / 5.0
- API‑TOOL Configuration Utility (v4.10 or later)
Supported Hardware Interfaces:
- ISA Bus
- PCI Bus
- CompactPCI
- Low‑Profile PCI (LPCI)
- PC Card (CB, PM)
Maximum Channels: 64 digital I/O channels per board
Data Transfer: Direct port access via driver API; supports interrupt‑driven and polling modes.
Hardware Functions:
- Digital filtering for noise suppression
- Bit‑specific I/O control
- Interrupt handling for input change detection
Dimensions and Weight:
As a software driver, physical dimensions are not applicable. The supported boards vary in size depending on model (e.g., PCI, ISA, or PC Card form factors).
Material: Software (DLL‑based driver library).
### 4. Functionality
Operational Overview:
API‑DIO(PC)NT acts as a middleware layer between the Windows operating system and CONTEC’s digital I/O hardware. It provides a standardized set of API functions (DLL calls) that allow developers to perform digital input and output operations, configure ports, and manage interrupts without direct hardware register manipulation.
Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation and process control
- Data acquisition and monitoring systems
- Machine control and robotics
- Production line signal interfacing
- Laboratory instrumentation and test systems
- Embedded control in PC‑based measurement setups
Compatibility:
API‑DIO(PC)NT is compatible with all CONTEC digital I/O boards listed below and integrates seamlessly with other CONTEC driver libraries (API‑AIO, API‑CNT, API‑SIO, API‑GPIB, API‑SMC, API‑TIMER). It can coexist within multi‑board systems for mixed analog/digital control.
### 5. Components & Accessories
Included Software Components:
- API‑DIO(PC)NT driver (DLL and INF files)
- API‑TOOL Configuration Utility
- Diagnostic Program
- Sample Programs (Visual Basic, C/C++, Delphi, etc.)
- Documentation and Help Files
Optional Add‑Ons:
- VI‑DAQ Library for LabVIEW integration
- API‑GPLV(W32) for GPIB communication under LabVIEW
- COM‑DRV(W32) for serial communication modules
- API‑PAC(W32) unified driver library (includes all API‑xx modules)
Connectors and Hardware (Supported Boards):
- CompactPCI: PI‑64L(CPCI), PO‑64L(CPCI), PIO‑32/32L(CPCI)
- PCI: PI‑128L(PCI), PI‑64L(PCI), PI‑32B(PCI), PI‑32L(PCI), PO‑64L(PCI), PO‑32L(PCI), PIO‑16/16L(PCI), PIO‑32/32L(PCI), PIO‑48D(PCI), PIO‑64/64L(PCI), PIO‑32DM(PCI), RRY‑16C(PCI), RRY‑32(PCI)
- Low‑Profile PCI (LPCI): PIO‑16/16L(LPCI)H, PIO‑16/16T(LPCI)H
- ISA: PI‑64L(PC), PO‑64L(PC), PIO‑32/32T(PC), PIO‑48W(PC), PIO‑96W(PC), PIO‑120D(PC)
- PC Card: PIO‑16/16L(CB)H, PIO‑48D(CB)H, PIO‑24W(PM), PIO‑32D(PM)
### 6. Installation & Setup
System Requirements:
- IBM‑compatible PC with available ISA, PCI, or PC Card slot
- Windows NT 4.0 (SP3 or later) or Windows 2000 Professional
- Administrative privileges for driver installation
Installation Procedure:
1. Run the API‑PAC setup program.
2. Select the CONTEC DIO board model to be used.
3. The installer automatically registers the appropriate DLLs and configuration files.
4. Use the API‑TOOL Configuration utility to verify board detection and assign logical device numbers.
5. Execute the diagnostic program to confirm proper operation.
Configuration Options:
- Port direction (input/output)
- Digital filter enable/disable
- Interrupt enable/disable
- Logical device mapping
Mounting Options:
As a software driver, no physical mounting is required. The supported hardware boards are installed in standard PCI, ISA, or PC Card slots.
### 7. Performance & Capabilities
Speed and Efficiency:
API‑DIO(PC)NT provides high‑speed digital I/O access through optimized Win32 API calls. It supports both synchronous and asynchronous operations, allowing real‑time data acquisition and control.
Capacity:
- Up to 64 digital I/O channels per board
- Multiple boards can be controlled simultaneously (depending on system resources)
Efficiency Features:
- Event‑driven background data collection
- Foreground operation for real‑time monitoring
- Unified API reduces programming overhead and ensures consistent performance across hardware types
Limitations:
- ISA board auto‑detection not supported under Windows NT 4.0/3.51
- Cannot be used simultaneously with National Instruments GPIB drivers or CONTEC API‑GPIB(98/PC) on the same hardware
- Requires Windows 98 or later for certain CompactPCI and PCI models
### 8. Standards & Compliance
Regulatory and Industry Standards:
- IEEE‑488.2 (for related GPIB modules)
- Plug and Play compliant (PCI/CompactPCI boards)
- Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL) compatible installation structure
- Conforms to Microsoft Win32 API standards
Software Compliance:
- Compatible with National Instruments LabVIEW VI architecture
- Supports ActiveX control (except where noted for older OS versions)
- Follows CONTEC’s unified API‑PAC(W32) software architecture
Environmental and Safety:
As a software product, API‑DIO(PC)NT does not have direct environmental or electrical compliance requirements. Supported hardware boards comply with CE and RoHS standards as applicable.
### 9. Additional Information
Warranty:
API‑DIO(PC)NT is distributed as part of CONTEC’s API‑PAC(W32) software package, provided free of charge with CONTEC hardware. Warranty coverage applies to the associated hardware; software updates are provided without additional cost.
Support and Maintenance:
- Technical Support: Available through CONTEC’s global portal (www.contec.com).
- Documentation: Comprehensive online manuals and help files.
- Diagnostic Tools: Built‑in utilities for troubleshooting and performance verification.
- Sample Programs: Included for all supported languages to accelerate development.
Software Updates:
- Free downloads of the latest driver versions and sample programs are available from the CONTEC API‑TOOL Developer’s Site:
[http://www.contec.com/apipac/](http://www.contec.com/apipac/)
- Regular updates ensure compatibility with new operating systems and hardware revisions.
Integration with Other CONTEC Drivers:
API‑DIO(PC)NT operates within the broader API‑PAC(W32) ecosystem, which includes:
- API‑AIO(WDM): Analog I/O driver
- API‑CNT(98/PC)NT: Counter input driver
- API‑SIO(98/PC)NT: Serial communication driver
- API‑GPIB(98/PC)NT: GPIB communication driver
- API‑SMC(98/PC)NT: Motor control driver
- API‑TIMER(W32): High‑precision timer driver
Linux Support:
For Linux environments, CONTEC provides API‑DIO(LNX), a corresponding driver library offering similar functionality through kernel modules and shared libraries. Supported kernels include RedHat and TurboLinux distributions (2.2.x–2.4.x series).
Developer Resources:
- API‑TOOL Configuration Utility: Centralized management of installed boards and drivers.
- Diagnostic Program: Verifies hardware and software operation.
- Sample Code: Demonstrates API usage for digital input/output, interrupt handling, and event control.
- LabVIEW VI Samples: Simplify integration into graphical measurement systems.
Global Portal:
[www.contec.com](http://www.contec.com) – Access to product documentation, driver downloads, and technical support.
### Summary
The CONTEC API‑DIO(PC)NT driver is a robust, industrial‑grade software component that bridges Windows NT/2000 operating systems with CONTEC’s extensive range of digital I/O boards. It provides a unified, high‑performance API for digital signal control, enabling developers to build reliable automation, measurement, and control systems. With comprehensive language support, diagnostic utilities, and seamless integration into the API‑PAC(W32) framework, API‑DIO(PC)NT remains a cornerstone of CONTEC’s industrial software ecosystem—offering flexibility, stability, and long‑term support for both legacy and modern PC‑based control environments.
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