LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT

INDUSTRIAL SOLUTION?

Discover embedded, communication and automation solutions tailored to your application.

BUF(PCI)4

PCI to PCI bus expansion system with PCI 5 slot backplane
  • Manufacturer Contec
  • Category: Bus Extensions
  • CONTEC Co., Ltd. 3-9-31 Himesato, Nishiyodogawa-ku, Osaka 555-0025, Japan
The BUF(PCI)4 is a PCI-to-PCI bus expansion system designed to extend the PCI bus architecture of a host computer to an external backplane, providing additional PCI slots for system expansion. It is engineered for industrial, embedded, and laboratory environments where additional PCI slots are required without replacing or modifying the host system.

Main Capabilities and Highlights:
- PCI Bus Expansion: Enables connection between a host PCI bus and an external PCI backplane, effectively increasing the number of available PCI slots.
- 5-Slot Backplane Configuration: Provides a total of five PCI slots, with four available for user installation (one slot occupied by the interface card).
- High-Speed Bus Operation: Supports PCI bus operation up to 33 MHz.
- 32-bit Data Path: Offers 32-bit I/O addressing and 32-bit memory addressing for full compatibility with standard PCI devices.
- Interrupt Support: Handles standard PCI interrupt levels IntA through IntD, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of PCI cards.
- Shielded Cable Connection: Utilizes a 96-pin shielded cable (1 meter length) for reliable, noise-resistant communication between the host and expansion chassis.
- Compact PCI Card Compatibility: Designed for PCI cards with standard dimensions of 120 mm × 107 mm.
- Industrial Reliability: Manufactured by CONTEC, a global leader in industrial computing and I/O solutions, ensuring robust performance and long-term reliability.

Unique Selling Points:
- Expands PCI capacity without requiring motherboard replacement.
- Maintains full PCI signal integrity over a shielded cable connection.
- Ideal for industrial automation, test systems, and embedded computing.
- Backplane design optimized for stable power distribution and signal timing.
- Compatible with standard PCI 2.1/2.2 specifications.

Country of origin: Japan

Customs tariff number: 8473 3020 000

Comprehensive Product Summary: CONTEC BUF(PCI)4 PCI-to-PCI Bus Expansion System




### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: PCI to PCI Bus Expansion System with PCI 5 Slot Backplane
Model: BUF(PCI)4
Series: PCI Bus Expansion Series
Article Number: BUF(PCI)4
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd.
Manufacturer Group: CONTEC Group

Manufacturer Headquarters:
CONTEC Co., Ltd.
3-9-31 Himesato, Nishiyodogawa-ku, Osaka 555-0025, Japan
Tel: +81 (6) 6477-5219 | Fax: +81 (6) 6477-1692
Email: intsales@osaka.contec.co.jp

Regional Offices:
- U.S.A.: CONTEC Microelectronics U.S.A. Inc., Milpitas, CA
- Europe: CONTEC Microelectronics Europe B.V., Hoofddorp, The Netherlands
- Korea: Hyojin CONTEC Co., Ltd., Seoul, Korea
- China: International CONTEC Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing; Shanghai CONTEC Microelectronics Corp.; Shenyang CONTEC Microelectronics Co., Ltd.
- Taiwan: Macromate Corp., Taipei Hsien, Taiwan

Document Reference: A-46-368 Ver. 2001.02.06 (Updated 2003.07)




### 2. Key Features

The BUF(PCI)4 is a PCI-to-PCI bus expansion system designed to extend the PCI bus architecture of a host computer to an external backplane, providing additional PCI slots for system expansion. It is engineered for industrial, embedded, and laboratory environments where additional PCI slots are required without replacing or modifying the host system.

Main Capabilities and Highlights:
- PCI Bus Expansion: Enables connection between a host PCI bus and an external PCI backplane, effectively increasing the number of available PCI slots.
- 5-Slot Backplane Configuration: Provides a total of five PCI slots, with four available for user installation (one slot occupied by the interface card).
- High-Speed Bus Operation: Supports PCI bus operation up to 33 MHz.
- 32-bit Data Path: Offers 32-bit I/O addressing and 32-bit memory addressing for full compatibility with standard PCI devices.
- Interrupt Support: Handles standard PCI interrupt levels IntA through IntD, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of PCI cards.
- Shielded Cable Connection: Utilizes a 96-pin shielded cable (1 meter length) for reliable, noise-resistant communication between the host and expansion chassis.
- Compact PCI Card Compatibility: Designed for PCI cards with standard dimensions of 120 mm × 107 mm.
- Industrial Reliability: Manufactured by CONTEC, a global leader in industrial computing and I/O solutions, ensuring robust performance and long-term reliability.

Unique Selling Points:
- Expands PCI capacity without requiring motherboard replacement.
- Maintains full PCI signal integrity over a shielded cable connection.
- Ideal for industrial automation, test systems, and embedded computing.
- Backplane design optimized for stable power distribution and signal timing.
- Compatible with standard PCI 2.1/2.2 specifications.




### 3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|-------------------|
| Bus Type | PCI-to-PCI expansion |
| Bus Width | 32-bit |
| Bus Clock Frequency | Up to 33 MHz |
| Addressing | 32-bit I/O and 32-bit memory addressing |
| Interrupt Levels | IntA, IntB, IntC, IntD |
| Number of PCI Slots | 5 total (4 free for user installation) |
| PCI Card Size Compatibility | 120 mm (L) × 107 mm (H) |
| Cable Type | 96-pin shielded cable |
| Cable Length | 1 meter |
| Connector Type | 96-pin high-density shielded connector |
| Manufacturer | CONTEC Co., Ltd. |
| Article Number | BUF(PCI)4 |
| Operating Frequency | 33 MHz maximum |
| Bus Standard Compliance | PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.1/2.2 |
| Physical Configuration | External backplane with PCI slots and host interface card |
| Version | A-46-368 Ver. 2001.02.06 |

Materials and Construction:
- High-quality PCB with gold-plated PCI connectors.
- Shielded cable with robust EMI protection.
- Industrial-grade components for extended operational life.

Weight and Dimensions (approximate):
- Backplane Assembly: Dependent on chassis configuration; typically compact for rack or desktop integration.
- Cable Assembly: 1 m length, lightweight, shielded.




### 4. Functionality

The BUF(PCI)4 functions as a bridge system between a host computer’s internal PCI bus and an external PCI backplane. It allows additional PCI cards to operate as if they were installed directly in the host system.

How It Works:
1. A host interface card is installed in the computer’s PCI slot.
2. The 96-pin shielded cable connects the host interface card to the external 5-slot PCI backplane.
3. The backplane provides four available PCI slots for peripheral cards such as data acquisition boards, communication interfaces, or control modules.
4. The system transmits PCI bus signals, including address, data, and control lines, through the shielded cable, maintaining signal integrity and timing.
5. The expansion operates transparently to the operating system and applications, appearing as standard PCI devices.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial Automation: Expanding control systems with additional I/O or motion control cards.
- Test and Measurement: Integrating multiple data acquisition or signal processing boards.
- Embedded Systems: Providing modular expansion for compact or embedded PCs.
- Communication Systems: Adding network, serial, or fieldbus interface cards.
- Research and Development: Flexible platform for hardware prototyping and testing.

Compatibility:
- Compatible with standard PCI-compliant devices.
- Supports 32-bit PCI cards operating at 33 MHz.
- Works with most operating systems that support PCI enumeration (Windows, Linux, and real-time OS environments).




### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Components:
- PCI-to-PCI host interface card (installed in the host PC)
- 5-slot PCI backplane (external)
- 96-pin shielded interconnect cable (1 meter)
- User documentation and installation guide

Optional Accessories:
- Longer shielded cable assemblies (if available)
- External chassis or enclosure for the backplane
- Power supply unit for standalone operation
- Mounting brackets or rack-mount kits
- Additional grounding or EMI shielding accessories

Connectors and Interfaces:
- Host Side: Standard PCI edge connector (32-bit)
- Cable Interface: 96-pin shielded connector
- Backplane Side: 5 PCI slots (32-bit, 33 MHz)




### 6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Host computer with an available 32-bit PCI slot.
- Compatible operating system supporting PCI bus enumeration.
- Adequate power supply for the external backplane and installed PCI cards.

Installation Steps:
1. Power off the host computer and disconnect from mains.
2. Insert the BUF(PCI)4 host interface card into an available PCI slot.
3. Connect the 96-pin shielded cable between the host card and the external backplane.
4. Secure the cable connectors to prevent accidental disconnection.
5. Install desired PCI cards into the available slots on the backplane.
6. Power on the system; the operating system will detect the additional PCI devices automatically.

Mounting Options:
- Desktop or rack-mount installation depending on chassis configuration.
- Optional mounting brackets for industrial enclosures.

Configuration:
- No special software configuration required; operates transparently as a PCI bridge.
- BIOS and OS automatically assign resources (I/O addresses, IRQs, memory space).




### 7. Performance & Capabilities

Bus Performance:
- Operates at up to 33 MHz, providing a theoretical maximum throughput of 133 MB/s for 32-bit PCI.
- Maintains full PCI timing and signal integrity over the 1-meter shielded cable.

Capacity:
- Supports up to four additional PCI cards.
- Each slot supports standard 32-bit PCI cards with 5V signaling.

Efficiency:
- Transparent operation minimizes latency between host and expansion slots.
- Shielded cable design reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) and crosstalk.

Limitations:
- Not compatible with 64-bit or 66 MHz PCI cards.
- Cable length limited to 1 meter to maintain signal integrity.
- Requires external power supply for the backplane if used outside the host chassis.

Reliability:
- Industrial-grade design ensures stable operation in demanding environments.
- Proven CONTEC engineering for long-term system integration.




### 8. Standards & Compliance

Compliance and Standards:
- PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.1/2.2
- EMI/EMC Compliance: Designed with shielded cabling and grounding to meet industrial EMI standards.
- Safety Standards: Manufactured under ISO-certified quality management systems (CONTEC Group standard).
- RoHS Compliance: Components selected for environmental compliance (depending on production year).

Regulatory Conformance:
- Meets international standards for electronic equipment used in industrial and laboratory environments.
- Designed and tested in accordance with CONTEC’s internal quality assurance and reliability protocols.




### 9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Standard CONTEC limited warranty (typically 1 year; may vary by region).
- Covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.

Technical Support:
- Global support network through CONTEC regional offices.
- Email and phone-based technical assistance available in multiple regions:
- Japan: intsales@osaka.contec.co.jp
- U.S.A.: tech_support@contecusa.com
- Europe: tech_support@conteceu.nl
- Korea: product@conteck.com
- China: ict@ict.com.cn / contec@contec.com.cn
- Taiwan: intl@macromate.com.tw

Maintenance:
- Periodic inspection of cable connections and slot contacts recommended.
- Keep connectors free from dust and contaminants.
- Ensure adequate ventilation for backplane and installed cards.

Updates and Revisions:
- Product documentation version A-46-368 Ver. 2001.02.06 (updated 2003.07).
- Users should verify the latest revision and compatibility notes from CONTEC’s official website or technical support.

Service and Replacement:
- Replacement cables and interface cards available through authorized distributors.
- Factory repair and calibration services offered by CONTEC regional centers.




### Summary

The CONTEC BUF(PCI)4 PCI-to-PCI Bus Expansion System is a robust, industrial-grade solution for extending a host computer’s PCI bus to an external 5-slot backplane. Supporting 32-bit, 33 MHz PCI operation, it provides four additional PCI slots for peripheral expansion while maintaining full bus performance and signal integrity through a 96-pin shielded cable connection. Designed for industrial automation, test systems, and embedded computing, the BUF(PCI)4 offers a reliable and transparent method to expand PCI capacity without system redesign. With global support, compliance with PCI standards, and CONTEC’s proven engineering quality, it remains a dependable choice for professional and industrial PCI expansion applications.

No accessories available.