Comprehensive Product Summary – ECH(PCI)BE-F7A PCI Expansion Chassis

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: PCI Expansion 7 Slot Full Size Grey Chassis
Model Number: ECH(PCI)BE-F7A
Series: ECH(PCI)BE Series – Bus Extension Type PCI Expansion Chassis
Article Number: ECH(PCI)BE-F7A
Manufacturer: CONTEC CO., LTD.
Product Category: Industrial Automation / Measurement and Control – Bus Expansion System
Product Type: PCI Bus Expansion Chassis (Built-in Power Supply, Long-size Board Support)
Color: Light Grey (Industrial Finish)
Country of Origin: Japan

The CONTEC ECH(PCI)BE-F7A is a high-performance industrial-grade PCI bus expansion chassis designed to extend the PCI bus of a host PC. It provides seven full-length PCI slots and integrates a robust 130W internal power supply. The chassis is engineered for environments requiring reliable measurement, control, and data acquisition near the host PC, offering seamless PCI bus signal transmission through a dedicated expansion adapter.

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### 2. Key Features

- Seven PCI Expansion Slots: Supports up to seven long-size PCI add-on boards (5V/32-bit, 33MHz).
- Full-Size Board Compatibility: Accommodates long PCI boards up to 313.8 mm in length and 107 mm in height.
- Built-in Power Supply: Integrated 130W power unit with selectable 115/230VAC input, eliminating the need for an external adapter.
- Automatic Power Synchronization: The chassis power can be turned on/off in synchronization with the host PC’s power supply.
- Industrial-Grade Steel Construction: Durable steel enclosure suitable for factory and laboratory environments.
- Cooling System: Equipped with a built-in cooling fan and ventilation slits for stable thermal management.
- Rack-Mountable Design: Includes rack-mount brackets and screws for horizontal or vertical installation.
- High Bus Compatibility: Complies with PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.3 (+5V type).
- Flexible Expansion Adapter Options: Compatible with multiple CONTEC expansion adapters:
- EAD(PCI)BE (PCI slot)
- EAD(LPCI)BE (Low Profile PCI slot)
- EAD-BE-LPE (PCI Express slot)
- Power Interlocking Function: Configurable jumper (JP1) allows power interlocking with the host PC or independent operation.
- RoHS Compliant: Environmentally friendly design meeting RoHS directives.
- CE Marking: Certified for European safety and EMC compliance.

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### 3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|-------------------|
| Bus Standard | PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.3 (+5V type) |
| Bus Width | 32-bit addressing (Memory and I/O) |
| Bus Clock | 33 MHz (maximum) |
| Interrupt Levels | INTA – INTD |
| Number of Slots | 7 user-available PCI slots |
| Slot Type | Long-size PCI slots |
| Acceptable Board Dimensions | 313.8 mm (L) × 107 mm (H) |
| Power Supply Type | Built-in AC power supply |
| Power Supply Capacity (Max.) | +5VDC: 11.3A, +3.3VDC: 6A, +12VDC: 3A, -12VDC: 0.7A |
| Total Power Output | 130W (CE condition at 40°C) |
| AC Input Voltage | 115/230VAC (switch selectable) |
| AC Input Range | 90–132VAC / 180–250VAC |
| AC Frequency | 50–60 Hz |
| Power Input Current | 3A (115VAC) / 1.5A (230VAC) |
| Operating Temperature | 0–50°C |
| Operating Humidity | 20–80% RH (non-condensing) |
| Storage Temperature | 0–60°C |
| Storage Humidity | 10–90% RH (non-condensing) |
| Cooling | Internal fan with air intake/exhaust vents |
| Material | Steel chassis |
| Color | Light grey |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 300.0 × 138.0 × 373.2 mm (without fittings) |
| Weight | Approx. 6.0 kg |
| AC Cable Length | 2.5 m, 3P grounded plug |
| Compliance | CE, RoHS |
| Expected Service Life | Power supply: ~5 years; Fan: ~5 years; Fan filter: ~1 year (at 25°C, 60% RH) |

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### 4. Functionality

The ECH(PCI)BE-F7A functions as an external PCI bus expansion chassis that connects to a host PC via a dedicated CONTEC expansion adapter. It extends the PCI bus signals from the host system to the chassis, allowing installation of additional PCI boards for data acquisition, control, or communication.

Operation Principle:
- The host PC is equipped with an expansion adapter (EAD series) that interfaces with the ECH(PCI)BE-F7A through a 96-pin shielded cable.
- The chassis replicates the PCI bus environment, enabling the installed boards to operate as if they were directly connected to the host motherboard.
- The built-in power supply provides regulated DC voltages to all PCI slots.
- Power interlocking allows the chassis to power on/off automatically with the host PC.

Typical Applications:
- Industrial measurement and control systems
- Data acquisition and signal processing
- Machine automation and motion control
- Communication interface expansion (e.g., serial, GPIB, digital I/O)
- Laboratory instrumentation requiring multiple PCI boards

Compatibility:
- Compatible with standard PCI boards (5V/32-bit, 33MHz)
- Works with CONTEC expansion adapters:
- EAD(PCI)BE – for standard PCI slot PCs
- EAD(LPCI)BE – for low-profile PCI slot PCs
- EAD-BE-LPE – for PCI Express slot PCs
- Not compatible with EAD(CB)BE (CardBus adapter)
- Cannot be daisy-chained with another expansion chassis

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
1. ECH(PCI)BE-F7A Expansion Chassis (1 unit)
2. Power Cable (1 unit, 2.5 m, 3P plug)
3. Rack-Mount Brackets (2 units)
4. Bracket Fixing Screws (6 pcs for F7A model)
5. Slot Covers (7 pcs)
6. Board Fixing Screws (7 pcs)
7. Rubber Feet (4 pcs)
8. User’s Manual (1 copy)

Optional Accessories:
- Expansion Adapters:
- EAD(PCI)BE (PCI)
- EAD(LPCI)BE (Low Profile PCI)
- EAD-BE-LPE (PCI Express)
- Connection Cables:
- CB-BF96 (1 m)
- CB-CB68/96 (1 m)
- Replacement Parts:
- Power Supply Unit (POW300 series)
- Cooling Fan (FAN1238)
- Fan Filter (FLT120 series)

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### 6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Host PC with compatible expansion adapter installed
- Available PCI, Low Profile PCI, or PCI Express slot (depending on adapter)
- Stable AC power source (115/230VAC)

Installation Steps:
1. Preparation: Power off both PC and chassis. Unplug all power cables.
2. Install PCI Boards: Remove the top cover, insert PCI boards into available slots, and secure with screws.
3. Connect Cable: Attach the 96-pin connection cable between the expansion adapter and the chassis connector (BUS-PAC(PCI)A).
4. Power Connection: Plug the AC power cable into the chassis and wall outlet.
5. Power Interlocking Setup: Configure jumper JP1 for synchronized or independent power operation.
6. Startup: Power on the host PC; the chassis will automatically power on.
7. Verification: Confirm detection of “PCI-to-PCI Bridge” devices in Windows Device Manager.

Mounting Options:
- Horizontal Placement: Standard desktop orientation with rubber feet.
- Vertical Placement: Upright installation using rack brackets.
- Rack Mounting: Attach supplied brackets for 19-inch rack installation.

Safety Precautions:
- Do not connect or disconnect cables while powered.
- Ensure total current consumption of installed boards does not exceed rated output.
- Maintain at least 20 mm clearance for ventilation.

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

- Bus Throughput: 33 MHz PCI bus operation, 32-bit addressing.
- Power Efficiency: 130W internal PSU with high conversion efficiency and thermal protection.
- Thermal Management: Continuous airflow via internal fan; designed for 0–50°C operation.
- Reliability: Industrial-grade components rated for continuous operation.
- Limitations:
- Not suitable for video display boards or additional PCI-to-PCI bridge boards.
- Some PCI boards may not function due to BIOS or bridge limitations.
- Cannot be cascaded with another expansion chassis.

Performance Indicators:
- Stable signal integrity for high-speed PCI transactions.
- Minimal latency between host and expansion slots.
- Automatic synchronization with host power ensures operational safety.

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Standard: PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.3 (+5V type)
- Electrical Safety: CE Marking (Low Voltage Directive compliance)
- EMC Compliance: CE (EMC Directive)
- Environmental Compliance: RoHS Directive compliant
- Operating Environment: Industrial-grade, 0–50°C, 20–80%RH
- Quality Assurance: Manufactured under ISO-certified quality management system

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### 9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Duration: 3 years limited warranty from date of purchase
- Coverage: Defects in materials and workmanship
- Exclusions: Damage due to misuse, modification, or environmental factors
- Service: Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) required for repair or replacement

Maintenance:
- Periodically inspect ventilation slits and fan filters for dust accumulation.
- Replace fan and power supply approximately every 5 years under normal conditions.
- Replace fan filter annually for optimal cooling performance.

Support & Resources:
- Technical Support: Available through CONTEC regional offices and distributors
- Documentation: User manuals, driver software, and updates downloadable from:
- [https://www.contec.com](https://www.contec.com)
- Customer Service: Assistance with configuration, compatibility, and replacement parts

Product Lifecycle & Replacement Parts:
- Power Supply Unit: POW300 series
- Cooling Fan: FAN1238 (with sensor option FAN1225S)
- Filter Set: FLT120 series (10 pcs per pack)

Safety & Handling:
- Avoid exposure to flammable gases, corrosive environments, or excessive dust.
- Do not modify the chassis or internal circuitry.
- Ensure proper grounding and ventilation during operation.

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### Summary

The CONTEC ECH(PCI)BE-F7A is a robust, full-size, seven-slot PCI expansion chassis engineered for industrial and laboratory applications requiring additional PCI bus capacity. With its integrated 130W power supply, automatic power synchronization, and support for long-size PCI boards, it provides a reliable and scalable solution for extending system functionality. Its compliance with PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.3 ensures compatibility with a wide range of PCI-based measurement, control, and communication boards. The chassis’ durable steel construction, efficient cooling, and flexible mounting options make it ideal for demanding environments where stability, expandability, and long-term reliability are essential.

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