Comprehensive Product Summary – ECH(PCI)BE‑H2B PCI Expansion 2‑Slot Half‑Size Black Chassis

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: PCI Expansion 2‑Slot Half‑Size Black Chassis
Model: ECH(PCI)BE‑H2B
Series: ECH(PCI)BE Bus Extension Type Expansion Chassis
Article Number: ECH(PCI)BE‑H2B
Manufacturer: CONTEC CO., LTD. (Osaka, Japan)
Product Category: Industrial Automation / Measurement and Control – Bus Expansion System

The CONTEC ECH(PCI)BE‑H2B is a compact, external PCI bus expansion chassis designed to add two additional PCI slots to a host PC. It is part of CONTEC’s Bus Extension Type expansion system, which allows direct PCI bus signal transmission between a host computer and an external chassis through a dedicated expansion adapter and cable. The H2B model supports two short‑size PCI boards and is supplied with an external AC adapter. It is engineered for industrial and laboratory environments requiring additional PCI slots for measurement, control, or communication boards while maintaining a small footprint and reliable operation.

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### 2. Key Features

- Two PCI Expansion Slots: Provides two short‑size PCI (5 V, 32‑bit, 33 MHz) slots for additional add‑on boards.
- Compact Half‑Size Design: Space‑saving chassis (71 × 144 × 222 mm) suitable for desktop or embedded system integration.
- External Power Supply: Includes a 60 W AC adapter (100–240 VAC input) for flexible global use.
- Automatic Power Synchronization: The chassis power turns on and off in synchronization with the host PC’s power supply.
- Built‑in Cooling Fan: Ensures stable thermal performance and long‑term reliability in continuous operation.
- High Compatibility: Complies with PCI Local Bus Specification Rev 2.3 (+5 V type).
- Industrial‑Grade Construction: Durable steel housing finished in black for professional and industrial environments.
- Plug‑and‑Play Operation: Detected automatically by Windows as a PCI‑to‑PCI bridge device; no special configuration required.
- Flexible Host Interface Options: Compatible with multiple CONTEC expansion adapters:
- EAD(PCI)BE (standard PCI slot)
- EAD(LPCI)BE (low‑profile PCI slot)
- EAD(CB)BE (CardBus slot)
- EAD‑BE‑LPE (PCI Express low‑profile slot)
- Safety and Reliability: Designed for 0–50 °C operation, 20–80 % RH (non‑condensing); includes over‑current and thermal protection.
- RoHS Compliant: Environmentally friendly and compliant with EU hazardous substance restrictions.

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### 3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|------------------|
| Bus Standard | PCI Local Bus Specification Rev 2.3 (+5 V type) |
| Bus Width / Clock | 32‑bit, 33 MHz (maximum) |
| Address Space | 32‑bit memory and I/O addressing |
| Interrupt Levels | INTA–INTD |
| User‑Available Slots | 2 × PCI short‑size slots |
| Acceptable Board Size | 176.5 (L) × 107 (H) mm |
| Power Supply (Output Limits) | +5 V 7 A max, +3.3 V 3 A max, +12 V 1.5 A max, −12 V 0.3 A max |
| Total Power Capacity | 60 W maximum |
| AC Input Voltage | 100 – 240 VAC, 47 – 63 Hz |
| AC Input Current | 2 A @ 90 VAC |
| Chassis Dimensions | 71.0 (W) × 144.0 (H) × 222.0 (D) mm (without rubber feet) |
| Chassis Weight | Approx. 1.2 kg |
| AC Adapter Dimensions | 85 (W) × 50 (H) × 155 (L) mm |
| AC Adapter Weight | Approx. 0.9 kg |
| AC Adapter Cable Lengths | DC cable 1.2 m / AC cable 1.8 m (2‑pin grounded) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 – 50 °C |
| Operating Humidity | 20 – 80 % RH (no condensation) |
| Storage Temperature | 0 – 60 °C |
| Storage Humidity | 10 – 90 % RH (no condensation) |
| Cooling | Internal fan (replaceable, ~5 year service life) |
| Material / Finish | Steel chassis, black finish |
| Compliance | RoHS compliant |

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### 4. Functionality

The ECH(PCI)BE‑H2B functions as an external PCI bus extension unit. It connects to a host PC through a dedicated CONTEC expansion adapter and a 1 m high‑speed cable (CB‑BF96 or CB‑CB68/96). The adapter installed in the host PC bridges the internal PCI bus to the external chassis, allowing the system to recognize additional PCI boards as if they were installed internally.

Operation Principle:
- The expansion adapter converts the host’s PCI signals and transmits them directly to the chassis.
- The chassis provides two PCI slots powered by its external AC adapter.
- When the host PC powers on, the chassis automatically powers up and enumerates the installed PCI devices through the PCI‑to‑PCI bridge.

Typical Applications:
- Industrial measurement and control systems requiring additional I/O boards.
- Data acquisition, motion control, or communication interface expansion.
- Laboratory instrumentation setups where compact external PCI expansion is needed.
- Embedded or panel PC systems with limited internal PCI slots.

Compatibility:
- Works with Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/Vista (depending on adapter type).
- Compatible with CONTEC’s EAD series expansion adapters.
- Supports standard PCI boards compliant with PCI Rev 2.3 (5 V signaling).

Restrictions:
- Not compatible with video display boards, additional PCI‑to‑PCI bridge boards, or boards explicitly marked “Cannot be used with PCI‑to‑PCI Bridge.”
- Some PCI boards may not operate due to specific hardware or BIOS limitations.
- Only one expansion chassis can be connected per adapter; daisy‑chaining is not supported.

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
1. ECH(PCI)BE‑H2B expansion chassis (2 slots, short‑size) × 1
2. AC adapter (60 W, 100–240 VAC) × 1
3. Power cable (grounded, 1.8 m) × 1
4. Slot covers × 2
5. Board fixing screws × 2
6. User’s manual × 1

Optional Accessories:
- Expansion Adapters (sold separately):
- EAD(PCI)BE – PCI slot adapter
- EAD(LPCI)BE – Low‑profile PCI adapter
- EAD(CB)BE – CardBus adapter
- EAD‑BE‑LPE – PCI Express low‑profile adapter
- Connection Cables:
- CB‑BF96 (1 m, 96‑pin)
- CB‑CB68/96 (1 m, 68‑pin to 96‑pin)
- Replacement Parts:
- Cooling fan (FAN0820/FAN0925 series)
- AC adapter (POW100/POW150X series)
- Air filter (FLT90/FLT91 series)

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### 6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Host PC with a compatible expansion adapter installed.
- Available PCI, Low‑Profile PCI, PCI Express, or CardBus slot depending on adapter type.
- Supported operating system (Windows 98 – Vista).

Installation Steps:
1. Preparation: Power off the PC and disconnect all power cables.
2. Install PCI Boards: Remove the chassis cover, insert PCI boards into the two available slots, and secure them with screws.
3. Connect Cable: Attach the dedicated 96‑pin cable between the expansion adapter and the chassis connector until it clicks.
4. Connect Power: Attach the AC adapter to the chassis, secure with the thumb screw, then plug the power cable into a wall outlet.
5. Install Expansion Adapter: Insert the adapter board into the host PC and secure it.
6. Power On: Power on the PC; the chassis will automatically power up.
7. Driver Recognition: Windows detects the PCI‑to‑PCI bridge and enumerates installed PCI boards automatically.

Mounting Orientation:
The chassis must be used in a vertical position to ensure proper airflow through the ventilation slits. Maintain at least 20 mm clearance from walls or other equipment.

Safety Notes:
- Never connect or disconnect cables while powered.
- Do not exceed the rated current for each voltage rail.
- Use only the supplied AC adapter.
- Avoid exposure to flammable gases, moisture, or corrosive environments.

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

- Bus Throughput: 33 MHz PCI bus operation, 32‑bit data width.
- Power Efficiency: External 60 W adapter provides stable regulated DC outputs for PCI slots.
- Thermal Management: Integrated fan maintains internal temperature within safe limits under continuous load.
- Reliability: Designed for 24/7 industrial operation; fan and power supply rated for approximately 5 years at 25 °C ambient.
- Limitations:
- Total combined +5 V / +3.3 V load must not exceed 35 W.
- High‑speed bus‑mastering boards may experience reduced transfer rates compared to internal PCI slots due to bridge latency.
- Only one chassis per adapter; parallel connections require separate adapters.

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Compliance: PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.3 (+5 V signaling).
- Electrical Safety: Designed for 100–240 VAC input, 47–63 Hz, with protective grounding.
- Environmental Compliance: RoHS compliant (lead‑free construction).
- Operating Environment: 0–50 °C, 20–80 % RH (non‑condensing).
- EMC Considerations: Shielded cable connection minimizes noise susceptibility; recommended for industrial EMI environments.
- Regulatory Notes:
- Meets CE marking conditions when operated within rated power and temperature limits.
- Designed for use in industrial and laboratory environments, not for residential applications.

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### 9. Additional Information

Warranty:
Limited three‑year warranty from the date of purchase covering defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty excludes normal wear items (fan, power supply) and damage due to misuse or modification.

Service & Support:
- Website: [https://www.contec.com](https://www.contec.com)
- Support: Product manuals, drivers, and technical documents available for free download.
- RMA Procedure: Obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization before returning any product for repair or replacement.

Maintenance:
- Periodically inspect ventilation slits and remove dust.
- Replace fan and power supply approximately every five years under normal office conditions (25 °C, 60 % RH).
- Store in original packaging at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
- Dispose of the product according to local electronic waste regulations.

Service Life Components:
- Power Supply Unit: ~5 years typical.
- Cooling Fan: ~5 years typical.

Safety Classifications:
- DANGER: Avoid use in flammable or corrosive gas environments.
- WARNING: Disconnect power before installing or removing boards.
- CAUTION: Maintain proper ventilation and avoid exceeding rated current.

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### Summary

The CONTEC ECH(PCI)BE‑H2B is a robust, compact, and efficient PCI bus expansion chassis providing two additional short‑size PCI slots for industrial PCs and embedded systems. It delivers reliable PCI signal extension through a dedicated adapter and cable system, maintaining full 32‑bit, 33 MHz PCI compatibility. With its external 60 W power supply, automatic power synchronization, and integrated cooling, the H2B model is ideal for measurement, control, and communication applications requiring additional PCI capacity without enlarging the host system. Its durable construction, RoHS compliance, and three‑year warranty make it a dependable choice for professional and industrial environments demanding stable PCI expansion performance.