Comprehensive Product Summary – BUF-Card-Upgr and Associated Bus Expansion Systems

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: BUF-Card-Upgr
Article Number: BUF-Card-Upgr
Series: Bus Expansion System Series
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd.
Product Category: Industrial Automation / Bus Expansion and Interface Systems
Product Type: Upgrade module for BUF-Card (DOS to Windows 95 compatibility)

General Description:
The BUF-Card-Upgr is an upgrade solution designed to extend the operational compatibility of the CONTEC BUF-Card series—originally developed for DOS-based environments—to function seamlessly under Microsoft Windows 95. It forms part of CONTEC’s broader Bus Expansion System product line, which includes a range of PCI, ISA, and CardBus expansion systems for industrial and commercial computing applications. These systems enable users to expand the number of available bus slots, increase power capacity for add-in boards, and integrate legacy or specialized hardware into modern PC architectures.

The Bus Expansion System family includes multiple models such as FA-PAC(PCI)H4, FA-PAC(PCI)F7, FA-PAC(PCI)F13, NOTE-PAC(PCI)H2, NOTE-PAC(PCI)H4, NOTE-PAC(PCI)F7, NOTE-PAC(PCI)F13, BUF(PCI)4, BUF(PCI)7, BUF(PCI)13, BUF-PCI(PC), BUF-CARD(PC)P, BUF(PC)E, and PC-CARD(PC)H. Each model is designed for specific bus types and expansion requirements, ranging from PCI-to-PCI and PCI-to-ISA conversions to PCMCIA-based expansion for notebook computers.

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### 2. Key Features

- DOS to Windows 95 Upgrade: The BUF-Card-Upgr enables legacy BUF-Card hardware to operate under Windows 95, ensuring continued usability of existing industrial systems.
- Bus Expansion Capability: Extends the number of available PCI or ISA slots beyond the host PC’s internal capacity.
- Power Management Integration: The expansion unit’s power supply is interlocked with the host PC’s power state, allowing synchronized ON/OFF control.
- High Compatibility: Supports 32-bit PCI Bus Rev. 2.1 (+5V) and CardBus (PCMCIA Type II) standards.
- Industrial-Grade Design: Built for reliability in factory automation, laboratory, and embedded computing environments.
- Cooling and Power Efficiency: Integrated cooling fans and robust power supplies ensure stable operation under continuous load.
- Flexible Configurations: Available in multiple chassis sizes (short, full, long) and slot counts (2, 4, 7, 13).
- Cross-Platform Support: Compatible with Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, and XP depending on model.
- Interchangeable Components: Modular design allows use of bus extension adapters, cables, and backplanes across compatible systems.

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### 3. Technical Specifications

Below are representative specifications across the Bus Expansion System family, including the BUF-Card-Upgr’s associated hardware environment.

#### PCI Bus Expansion Systems

| Model | Slots | Bus Type | Dimensions (mm) | Weight | Power Supply | Operating Temp/Humidity |
|--------|--------|-----------|------------------|----------|----------------|--------------------------|
| FA-PAC(PCI)H4 | 4 (Short-size) | 32-bit PCI Rev.2.1 (+5V) | 210(W) × 138(H) × 235(D) | 3.5 kg | AC115/230V, +5V 11.3A, +3.3V 6A, +12V 5A, -12V 0.1A | 0–50°C, 30–90%RH |
| FA-PAC(PCI)F7 | 7 (Full-size) | 32-bit PCI Rev.2.1 (+5V) | 300(W) × 138(H) × 373.2(D) | 5.0 kg | AC115/230V, +5V 11.3A, +3.3V 6A, +12V 5A, -12V 0.1A | 0–50°C, 30–90%RH |
| FA-PAC(PCI)F13 | 13 (Full-size) | 32-bit PCI Rev.2.1 (+5V) | 424(W) × 156(H) × 373.2(D) | 9.5 kg | AC115/230V, +5V 18A, +3.3V 15A, +12V 9A, -12V 1A | 0–50°C, 20–80%RH |

#### CardBus to PCI Bus Expansion Systems

| Model | Slots | Bus Type | Dimensions (mm) | Weight | Power Supply | Supported OS |
|--------|--------|-----------|------------------|----------|----------------|----------------|
| NOTE-PAC(PCI)H2 | 2 (Short-size) | PCI Rev.2.2 (+5V) | 71(W) × 144(H) × 222(L) | 1.2 kg | AC100–240V, DC+5V 7A, +3.3V 3A, +12V 1.5A, -12V 0.3A | Win98/Me/2000/XP |
| NOTE-PAC(PCI)H4 | 4 (Short-size) | PCI Rev.2.2 (+5V) | 210(W) × 138(H) × 235(L) | 3.5 kg | AC115/230V, +5V 11.3A, +3.3V 6A, +12V 5A, -12V 0.1A | Win98/Me/2000/XP |
| NOTE-PAC(PCI)F7 | 7 (Full-size) | PCI Rev.2.2 (+5V) | 300(W) × 138(H) × 373.2(L) | 5.0 kg | AC115/230V, +5V 11.3A, +3.3V 6A, +12V 5A, -12V 0.1A | Win98/Me |
| NOTE-PAC(PCI)F13 | 13 (Full-size) | PCI Rev.2.2 (+5V) | 424(W) × 156(H) × 372(L) | 9.5 kg | AC115/230V, +5V 18A, +3.3V 15A, +12V 9A, -12V 1A | Win98/Me |

#### PCI Bus to PCI Bus Expansion Systems

| Model | Slots | Bus Type | Dimensions (mm) | Cable | Power Consumption | Operating Conditions |
|--------|--------|-----------|------------------|----------|--------------------|----------------------|
| BUF(PCI)4 | 4 | 32-bit PCI Rev.2.1 (+5V) | PC side: 122×107×18.5 | 96-pin shielded, 1m | +5V 700mA (max) | 0–50°C, 30–90%RH |
| BUF(PCI)7 | 7 | 32-bit PCI Rev.2.1 (+5V) | Backplane: 220×185×20 | 96-pin shielded, 1m | +5V 700mA (max) | 0–50°C, 30–90%RH |
| BUF(PCI)13 | 13 | 32-bit PCI Rev.2.1 (+5V) | Backplane: 311×185×20 | 96-pin shielded, 1m | +5V 1500mA (max) | 0–50°C, 30–90%RH |

#### PCI to ISA Bus Expansion System

| Model | Bus Type | Slots | Dimensions (mm) | Power | OS Support |
|--------|-----------|--------|------------------|----------|-------------|
| BUF-PCI(PC) | PCI to ISA | 14-slot backplane | PC side: 120×107×18.5 | +5V 300mA | Win95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP |

#### PCMCIA to ISA Bus Expansion System

| Model | Bus Type | Card Slot | Dimensions (mm) | Power | Address Range |
|--------|-----------|-------------|------------------|----------|----------------|
| BUF-CARD(PC)P | PCMCIA to ISA | Type II | PC side: 54×85.6×5 | +5V 100mA | 220–3FFh (selectable) |

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### 4. Functionality

The BUF-Card-Upgr functions as a firmware and driver-level enhancement that allows the existing BUF-Card hardware—originally designed for DOS—to operate under Windows 95. It ensures compatibility with the Windows 95 driver model and supports Plug and Play resource allocation.

The broader Bus Expansion System operates by connecting an external expansion chassis to a host PC via a bus extension adapter or cable. The system effectively mirrors the host’s bus signals, allowing additional PCI or ISA slots to function as if they were internal to the PC. This is particularly useful when:

- The host PC lacks sufficient expansion slots.
- The power consumption of installed boards exceeds the PC’s internal power supply capacity.
- Specialized industrial or measurement boards require dedicated power and cooling.

Use Cases:
- Industrial automation control systems.
- Data acquisition and measurement.
- Embedded system development.
- Laboratory instrumentation.
- Legacy hardware integration in modern PCs.

Compatibility:
- Compatible with standard PCI, ISA, and CardBus interfaces.
- Supports Windows 95 through Windows XP depending on model.
- Works with both commercial desktop PCs and industrial PCs (IPC series).

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- Expansion chassis (varies by model: 2, 4, 7, or 13 slots)
- Bus extension adapter boards (BUS-PC(PCI), BUS-PAC(PCI), or equivalent)
- Shielded connection cable (typically 96-pin, 1m length)
- AC power cable and adapter (for NOTE-PAC and FA-PAC models)
- Cooling fan (integrated)
- Mounting brackets (rack-mount optional)

Optional Add-ons:
- Extended-length connection cables (up to 2m)
- Additional backplanes (PC-MB5, PC-MB8, PC-MB14)
- Replacement power supply modules
- Rack-mount kits

Connectors:
- 96-pin shielded connectors for PCI/ISA bus extension
- PCMCIA Type II connectors for notebook integration
- Standard AC input connectors (IEC type)

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### 6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Host PC with available PCI or CardBus slot.
- Supported operating system (Windows 95 or later).
- Adequate ventilation and stable AC power source.

Mounting Options:
- Desktop or rack-mount (depending on chassis type).
- Short-size models for portable or space-limited environments.
- Full-size models for industrial rack installations.

Configuration Steps:
1. Install the bus adapter card into the host PC.
2. Connect the expansion chassis using the provided shielded cable.
3. Power on the host PC; the expansion unit will power on automatically.
4. Install the appropriate drivers (including BUF-Card-Upgr for Windows 95 compatibility).
5. Verify slot recognition in the system BIOS or Device Manager.

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

- Bus Speed: Up to 33 MHz (PCI Rev.2.1/2.2 compliant)
- Addressing: 32-bit I/O and memory addressing
- Interrupts: INTA–INTD supported
- Power Efficiency: Optimized for high-current PCI boards (up to +5V 18A in 13-slot models)
- Cooling: Integrated fans maintain stable thermal conditions
- Capacity: Up to 13 additional PCI slots per expansion chassis
- Limitations: Bus latency and signal integrity limit cable length to approximately 1 meter; DMA not supported in PCI-to-ISA configurations.

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Standards:
- PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.1 / 2.2
- PCMCIA Rel. 2.0 / JEIDA Ver. 4.1 and 4.2
- ISA Bus Standard (8/16-bit)

- Electrical Standards:
- AC Input: 90–264V (switchable 115/230V)
- DC Output: +5V, +3.3V, +12V, -12V rails per model specification

- Environmental Compliance:
- Operating Temperature: 0–50°C
- Humidity: 20–90% RH (non-condensing)

- Regulatory Compliance:
- Designed for industrial automation environments
- Meets CE and FCC Class A industrial standards (manufacturer standard)

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### 9. Additional Information

Warranty:
Standard manufacturer warranty (typically 1 year) covering defects in materials and workmanship.

Support:
Technical documentation, driver downloads, and firmware updates available at [www.contec.com](http://www.contec.com).
Support includes configuration assistance, OS driver updates, and compatibility verification.

Maintenance:
- Periodic cleaning of ventilation openings and fans recommended.
- Verify cable integrity and connector seating regularly.
- Firmware and driver updates available for Windows 95 and later OS versions.

Updates & Upgrades:
- BUF-Card-Upgr provides the essential software and firmware update for DOS-based BUF-Cards to function under Windows 95.
- Future updates extend compatibility to later Windows versions (98/Me/2000/XP) through downloadable driver packages.

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### Summary

The BUF-Card-Upgr and its associated Bus Expansion System family from CONTEC represent a robust, modular approach to industrial PC expansion. By bridging legacy and modern bus architectures—PCI, ISA, and CardBus—the system enables engineers and integrators to extend the life and functionality of existing hardware platforms. The upgrade ensures that older BUF-Card systems remain operational under Windows 95, while the broader expansion ecosystem provides scalable solutions for high-performance industrial computing environments.

With its combination of electrical reliability, mechanical durability, and software compatibility, the BUF-Card-Upgr and Bus Expansion System series remain a cornerstone for industrial automation, test, and measurement applications requiring flexible, high-capacity bus expansion.