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CNT24-4(PC)

ISA-AT 4 channel 24bitup/down counter
  • Manufacturer Contec
  • Category: Counter/Timer ISA
  • The CNT24-4(PC) is an industrial-grade ISA bus counter interface board designed for precise pulse counting, measurement, and control applications. It provides four independent 24-bit up/down counters capable of handling both TTL-level and opto-isolated pulse inputs. The board is engineered for integration into PC-based measurement and automation systems, supporting high-speed counting, programmable timing, and interrupt-driven event handling.
- Four Independent 24-bit Counters:
Each channel supports up/down counting with 24-bit resolution, suitable for high-precision pulse measurement.

- Dual Input Modes:
- TTL-level input: Supports up to 1 MHz pulse frequency (duty cycle 50%).
- Opto-isolated input: Supports up to 500 kHz pulse frequency (duty cycle 50%), providing electrical isolation for noise immunity and protection against external disturbances.

- Two-Phase and Single-Phase Counting:
Capable of counting two-phase signals from incremental rotary encoders, linear gauges, or other pulse-output sensors.

- Programmable Timer:
Built-in timer adjustable from 1 ms to 200 s, enabling periodic interrupt generation or time-based counting control.

- Interrupt Functionality:
Generates interrupts when a preset count value is reached or when the timer expires.
Supports IRQ assignment to IRQ3–7, 9–12, 14, or 15.

- Digital Filter Function:
Hardware-based digital filtering prevents false counts caused by noise or contact chattering, ensuring stable and accurate operation.

- Counter Coincidence Output:
Provides an external output signal when the counter value matches a preset reference, useful for synchronization and control tasks.

- Opto-Isolation for Industrial Reliability:
Opto-coupler input circuits isolate the PC from external devices, protecting against voltage surges and ground potential differences.

- Compact ISA Form Factor:
Standard ISA-AT board dimensions (163 mm × 122 mm) suitable for industrial PCs and legacy control systems.

- Multi-Platform Software Support:
Compatible with Windows and Linux through CONTEC’s API-PAC(W32) driver suite.
Also supports LabVIEW via the VI-DAQ library for graphical programming environments.

Country of origin: Japan

Customs tariff number: 8473 3020 000

Comprehensive Product Summary – Contec CNT24-4(PC) ISA-AT 4-Channel 24-bit Up/Down Counter




### 1. Product Overview

- Product Name: ISA-AT 4-Channel 24-bit Up/Down Counter
- Model Number: CNT24-4(PC)
- Article Number: CNT24-4(PC)
- Series: CNT24 Series (ISA Bus Counter Boards)
- Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd.
- Product Category: Counter & Motion Controller / Industrial Measurement and Control Interface Board
- Bus Type: ISA-AT (AT Bus)
- Product Type: 4-channel, 24-bit up/down counter board for PC/AT compatible systems

The CNT24-4(PC) is an industrial-grade ISA bus counter interface board designed for precise pulse counting, measurement, and control applications. It provides four independent 24-bit up/down counters capable of handling both TTL-level and opto-isolated pulse inputs. The board is engineered for integration into PC-based measurement and automation systems, supporting high-speed counting, programmable timing, and interrupt-driven event handling.




### 2. Key Features

- Four Independent 24-bit Counters:
Each channel supports up/down counting with 24-bit resolution, suitable for high-precision pulse measurement.

- Dual Input Modes:
- TTL-level input: Supports up to 1 MHz pulse frequency (duty cycle 50%).
- Opto-isolated input: Supports up to 500 kHz pulse frequency (duty cycle 50%), providing electrical isolation for noise immunity and protection against external disturbances.

- Two-Phase and Single-Phase Counting:
Capable of counting two-phase signals from incremental rotary encoders, linear gauges, or other pulse-output sensors.

- Programmable Timer:
Built-in timer adjustable from 1 ms to 200 s, enabling periodic interrupt generation or time-based counting control.

- Interrupt Functionality:
Generates interrupts when a preset count value is reached or when the timer expires.
Supports IRQ assignment to IRQ3–7, 9–12, 14, or 15.

- Digital Filter Function:
Hardware-based digital filtering prevents false counts caused by noise or contact chattering, ensuring stable and accurate operation.

- Counter Coincidence Output:
Provides an external output signal when the counter value matches a preset reference, useful for synchronization and control tasks.

- Opto-Isolation for Industrial Reliability:
Opto-coupler input circuits isolate the PC from external devices, protecting against voltage surges and ground potential differences.

- Compact ISA Form Factor:
Standard ISA-AT board dimensions (163 mm × 122 mm) suitable for industrial PCs and legacy control systems.

- Multi-Platform Software Support:
Compatible with Windows and Linux through CONTEC’s API-PAC(W32) driver suite.
Also supports LabVIEW via the VI-DAQ library for graphical programming environments.




### 3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|------------------|
| Number of Channels | 4 independent channels |
| Counting System | 24-bit up/down counter (two-phase/single-phase/single-phase with gate control) |
| Input Signal Types | TTL-level input and opto-isolated input |
| Response Frequency (Max.) | TTL: 1 MHz (duty 50%), Opto-isolated: 500 kHz (duty 50%) |
| Timer Range | 1 ms to 200 s (programmable) |
| Maximum Count Value | 24-bit binary data (16,777,215 counts) |
| Input Voltage (TTL) | 5 VDC nominal, 1 TTL load |
| Input Voltage (Opto-Isolated) | 5–12 VDC, input impedance 220 Ω |
| Interrupts | 1 interrupt per board (triggered by count match or timer timeout) |
| IRQ Assignment | Selectable from IRQ3–7, 9–12, 14, or 15 |
| I/O Address Range | Any 2-byte boundary |
| Additional Functions | Digital filter, counter coincidence pulse output |
| Power Supply | +5 VDC ±5% |
| Power Consumption | 300 mA (typical) |
| Bus Interface | ISA-AT (AT bus) |
| Board Dimensions | 163.0 mm (L) × 122.0 mm (H) |
| Connectors | - 30-pin header (TTL input) <br> - 37-pin D-sub female (opto-isolated input) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +50°C |
| Storage Temperature | -10°C to +60°C |
| Humidity | 10–90% RH (non-condensing) |
| Weight | Approx. 150 g |
| Mounting | Direct insertion into ISA slot |




### 4. Functionality

The CNT24-4(PC) operates as a high-precision pulse counter board that interfaces directly with sensors and transducers generating pulse or encoder signals. Each channel can independently count pulses in up or down directions, supporting both single-phase and quadrature (two-phase) inputs.

Typical Use Cases:
- Counting pulses from incremental rotary encoders for position or speed measurement.
- Measuring displacement using linear gauges.
- Monitoring flow rates from pulse-output flowmeters.
- Counting revolutions or energy pulses from power meters.
- Detecting ON/OFF transitions from switches or contact sensors.

Operation Principle:
- The board receives pulse signals through TTL or opto-isolated inputs.
- Each channel’s counter increments or decrements based on signal phase and direction.
- The onboard logic processes counts in real time and stores the current count value in 24-bit registers.
- The host PC can read the count values via I/O ports or respond to interrupts triggered by count match or timer events.

Compatibility:
- Compatible with PC/AT systems equipped with ISA expansion slots.
- Works with CONTEC’s API-PAC(W32) driver for Windows and API-TOOL for Linux.
- Integrates with LabVIEW through the VI-DAQ library for graphical data acquisition and control.




### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Components:
- CNT24-4(PC) main board
- User documentation and driver software (API-PAC(W32))

Optional Accessories:
- Cables:
- PCB37P / PCB37PS (37-pin D-sub to D-sub flat or shielded cables, 0.5–5 m)
- PCA37P / PCA37PS (37-pin D-sub to open-end cables)
- DT/B2 (30-pin header to 37-pin D-sub cable with bracket)
- DT/O (30-pin header flat cable)
- Terminal Blocks:
- EPD-37 (DIN-rail mountable 37-pin terminal unit)
- DTP-3(PC), DTP-4(PC) (screw-type terminal panels with attached cables)
- Connectors:
- CN5-D37M (37-pin D-sub male connector set)
- Software:
- API-PAC(W32) for Windows
- API-TOOL for Linux
- VI-DAQ for LabVIEW integration




### 6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- PC/AT compatible computer with available ISA-AT expansion slot
- +5 VDC power supply from the ISA bus
- Supported operating systems: Windows (via API-PAC), Linux (via API-TOOL)

Installation Steps:
1. Power off the PC and insert the CNT24-4(PC) board into an available ISA slot.
2. Secure the board using the bracket screw.
3. Connect external devices to the appropriate input connector:
- TTL input devices → 30-pin header
- Opto-isolated input devices → 37-pin D-sub connector
4. Configure the IRQ line (3–7, 9–12, 14, or 15) using the board’s jumper settings.
5. Install the driver software (API-PAC(W32) or API-TOOL).
6. Verify operation using the provided sample programs or diagnostic utilities.

Mounting Options:
- Direct insertion into ISA slot
- External wiring via optional terminal blocks (EPD-37, DTP-3(PC), DTP-4(PC))
- DIN-rail mounting of terminal units for industrial panel integration

Configuration:
- Input mode selection (TTL or opto-isolated) per channel
- Timer setup via software (1 ms–200 s)
- Interrupt enable/disable and IRQ assignment through software or jumpers
- Digital filter configuration to suppress noise-induced false counts




### 7. Performance & Capabilities

| Parameter | Performance Detail |
|----------------|------------------------|
| Counting Speed | TTL input: up to 1 MHz; Opto-isolated input: up to 500 kHz |
| Resolution | 24-bit (16,777,216 count range) |
| Timer Resolution | 1 ms minimum, up to 200 s maximum |
| Interrupt Latency | Hardware interrupt generation on count match or timer expiration |
| Accuracy | Determined by input signal quality and filter settings |
| Noise Immunity | High, due to opto-isolation and digital filtering |
| Response Time | Real-time counting with minimal latency |
| Limitations | Restricted to ISA bus systems; not compatible with PCI/PCIe slots |
| Reliability | Industrial-grade design with surge protection and isolation |
| Power Efficiency | Low power consumption (approx. 300 mA at 5 VDC) |

The board’s performance is optimized for industrial automation and measurement systems requiring reliable pulse counting and timing. The combination of high-speed TTL input and isolated channels allows flexible integration with both low-voltage logic circuits and field-level sensors.




### 8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Standard: ISA-AT (AT bus) compliant
- Electrical Isolation: Opto-coupler isolation for input channels
- Surge Protection: Zener diode protection on input circuits
- RoHS Compliance: Marked as RoHS compliant (lead-free manufacturing)
- EMC/EMI: Designed for industrial environments with noise suppression features
- Software Standards:
- Windows API compatibility (Win32 API via DLL)
- Linux device driver (module-style shared library)
- LabVIEW VI-DAQ compatibility for National Instruments environments

Certifications:
- CONTEC RoHS Compliant Mark
- CE marking (for related USB/PCI models; ISA models follow same design standards)




### 9. Additional Information

Warranty & Support:
- Standard manufacturer warranty (typically 1 year, extendable via CONTEC service agreements)
- Technical support available through CONTEC’s global portal: [www.contec.com](http://www.contec.com)

Maintenance:
- Periodic inspection of connectors and cables recommended
- Keep board free from dust and moisture
- Ensure proper grounding and shielding in noisy environments

Software & Updates:
- API-PAC(W32): Windows driver and API library for development and runtime use (license-free)
- API-TOOL for Linux: Open-source compatible driver and shared library
- LabVIEW VI-DAQ: Downloadable VI library for integration with National Instruments LabVIEW
- Regular driver and firmware updates available from CONTEC’s website

Related Models:
- CNT24-4(PCI): PCI version of the 4-channel 24-bit counter
- CNT24-4D(PCI): Differential input version with surge protection
- CNT24-2(USB)GY: USB-based 2-channel opto-isolated counter module
- CNT32-8M(PCI): High-speed 8-channel 32-bit counter with bus master transfer
- CNT32-4MT(LPCI): Low-profile PCI 4-channel 32-bit counter

Applications:
- Industrial automation and process control
- Machine tool feedback and motion monitoring
- Flow and speed measurement systems
- Laboratory instrumentation and data acquisition
- Energy and power metering systems




### Summary

The CONTEC CNT24-4(PC) is a robust, high-precision ISA bus counter board designed for industrial and laboratory applications requiring accurate pulse counting and timing. With four independent 24-bit counters, dual input modes (TTL and opto-isolated), and programmable timing and interrupt features, it provides a versatile solution for integrating pulse-based sensors and encoders into PC-based control systems. Its compatibility with Windows, Linux, and LabVIEW environments ensures broad software support, while its opto-isolated design and surge protection guarantee reliable operation in demanding industrial conditions.




Manufacturer Contact:
CONTEC Co., Ltd.
Industrial Automation Products Division
Website: [www.contec.com](http://www.contec.com)
Category: Measurement and Control Products – Counter & Motion Controller Series

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