1. Product Overview

Product Name: PCI Expansion 4-Slot Half-Size Case
Model: ECH(PCI)BE-H4A
Series: ECH(PCI)BE Bus Extension Type Expansion Chassis
Article Number: ECH(PCI)BE-H4A
Manufacturer: CONTEC CO., LTD. (Osaka, Japan)
Product Category: Industrial PCI Bus Expansion Chassis
Product Type: Bus Extension Type PCI Expansion Chassis with Built-in Power Supply

The CONTEC ECH(PCI)BE-H4A is a compact, industrial-grade PCI bus expansion chassis designed to extend the PCI bus of a host PC. It provides four short-size PCI slots (5V/32-bit, 33MHz) and integrates a built-in 130W power supply. The chassis is part of CONTEC’s ECH(PCI)BE series, which includes models with 2, 4, 7, and 13 slots, supporting both short and long PCI boards. The H4A model is optimized for short-size PCI boards and is ideal for measurement, control, and automation systems requiring additional PCI slots in close proximity to the host PC.

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2. Key Features

- Four PCI Expansion Slots: Provides four short-size PCI slots compliant with PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.3 (+5V type).
- Built-in Power Supply: Integrated 130W power supply with selectable 115/230VAC input, eliminating the need for an external adapter.
- Power Synchronization: The chassis power can be turned on and off in synchronization with the host PC’s power supply.
- Industrial Steel Construction: Rigid steel chassis suitable for industrial environments, ensuring durability and electromagnetic shielding.
- Compact Half-Size Design: Space-saving form factor (210 × 235 × 138 mm) for desktop or rack-mounted installations.
- Cooling System: Equipped with a built-in cooling fan and ventilation slits for stable thermal performance.
- Rack-Mountable: Includes brackets and screws for horizontal or vertical rack mounting.
- High Compatibility: Works with CONTEC expansion adapters (EAD(PCI)BE, EAD(LPCI)BE, EAD-BE-LPE) for PCI, Low Profile PCI, and PCI Express host interfaces.
- Automatic Device Recognition: Detected as a PCI-to-PCI bridge by Windows operating systems, requiring no special drivers.
- Safety and Reliability: Designed for 0–50°C operation, 20–80% RH, with overcurrent protection and robust grounding.
- RoHS Compliant: Environmentally friendly design meeting RoHS standards.

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3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|------------------|
| Bus Type | PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.3 (+5V type) |
| Address Space | 32-bit memory and I/O addressing |
| Interrupt Level | INTA–INTD |
| Bus Clock | 33 MHz (maximum) |
| User Slots | 4 short-size PCI slots |
| Acceptable Board Size | 176.5 mm (L) × 107 mm (H) |
| Power Supply Output | +5VDC: 11.3A, +3.3VDC: 6A, +12VDC: 3A, -12VDC: 0.7A |
| Maximum Power Capacity | 130W (at 40°C, CE marking condition) |
| AC Input Voltage | 115/230VAC (switch selectable) |
| AC Input Range | 90–132VAC / 180–250VAC |
| AC Frequency | 50–60 Hz |
| AC Input Current | 3A (115VAC) / 1.5A (230VAC) |
| Operating Temperature | 0–50°C |
| Operating Humidity | 20–80% RH (no condensation) |
| Storage Temperature | 0–60°C |
| Storage Humidity | 10–90% RH (no condensation) |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 210.0 × 235.0 × 138.0 mm (without fittings) |
| Weight | Approx. 3.5 kg |
| Material | Steel chassis, light grey finish |
| Cooling | Built-in fan with air intake/exhaust vents |
| Power Cable | 2.5 m, 3P grounded cable |
| Compliance | CE, RoHS |
| Expected Component 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-H4A functions as an external PCI bus expansion chassis that connects to a host PC via a dedicated expansion adapter and cable. It extends the host’s PCI bus, allowing additional PCI boards to be installed externally while maintaining full bus functionality.

How It Works:
- The host PC is equipped with a CONTEC expansion adapter (e.g., EAD(PCI)BE or EAD(LPCI)BE).
- A 96-pin shielded connection cable (CB-BF96 or CB-CB68/96, 1m) links the adapter to the chassis.
- The chassis replicates the PCI bus environment, enabling the host to recognize installed boards as if they were internal.
- Power synchronization allows the chassis to power on/off automatically with the host PC.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial measurement and control systems requiring multiple PCI I/O boards.
- Data acquisition, motion control, and automation systems.
- Laboratory instrumentation setups needing modular PCI expansion.
- Embedded or rack-mounted PC systems with limited internal PCI slots.
- Environments requiring isolation of PCI boards from the host PC for thermal or EMI reasons.

Compatibility:
- Compatible with CONTEC expansion adapters:
- EAD(PCI)BE: Standard PCI slot adapter.
- EAD(LPCI)BE: Low Profile PCI slot adapter.
- EAD-BE-LPE: PCI Express slot adapter.
- Supported operating systems: Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/Vista (no dedicated driver required).
- Not compatible with EAD(CB)BE (CardBus adapter).

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- ECH(PCI)BE-H4A expansion chassis (1 unit)
- Power cable (1)
- Rack-mount brackets (2)
- Bracket fixing screws (4)
- Slot covers (4)
- Board fixing screws (4)
- Rubber feet (4)
- User’s manual (1)

Optional Accessories:
- Expansion adapters (sold separately):
- EAD(PCI)BE (PCI)
- EAD(LPCI)BE (Low Profile PCI)
- EAD-BE-LPE (PCI Express)
- Connection cables:
- CB-BF96 (1m)
- CB-CB68/96 (1m)
- Replacement parts:
- Power supply unit (POW300 series)
- Cooling fan (FAN1238)
- Fan filter (FLT120 series)

Connectors:
- 96-pin interface connector (CN1) for bus connection.
- AC inlet with voltage selector switch (115V/230V).
- Power switch and LED indicators on front panel.

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6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Host PC with available PCI, Low Profile PCI, or PCI Express slot.
- Compatible CONTEC expansion adapter and connection cable.
- Stable AC power source (115/230VAC).

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

Mounting Options:
- Desktop: Use rubber feet for stable placement.
- Rack Mount: Attach supplied brackets for horizontal or vertical orientation.
- Maintain at least 20 mm clearance around chassis for ventilation.

Configuration Notes:
- Do not connect multiple expansion chassis in series.
- Each chassis requires a dedicated expansion adapter.
- Avoid using video boards or additional PCI expansion bridges inside the chassis.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Bus Performance: 33 MHz PCI bus operation, 32-bit addressing.
- Power Efficiency: 130W internal PSU with high conversion efficiency.
- Thermal Management: Active cooling ensures stable operation up to 50°C.
- Electrical Stability: Independent regulated outputs for +5V, +3.3V, ±12V rails.
- Noise Immunity: Shielded cable and grounded steel enclosure minimize EMI.
- Scalability: Supports up to four PCI boards, each operating as if installed in the host PC.
- Limitations:
- Not suitable for high-bandwidth video or graphics boards.
- PCI-to-PCI bridge dependency—requires BIOS support on host PC.
- Total current draw of installed boards must not exceed PSU ratings.

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Standard: PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.3 (+5V type)
- Electrical Safety: CE Marking (EN60950-1 compliant)
- Environmental Compliance: RoHS Directive compliant
- EMC Compliance: Designed to meet industrial EMI/EMC standards
- Operating Environment: 0–50°C, 20–80% RH (no condensation)
- Quality Assurance: Manufactured under ISO 9001-certified processes
- Regulatory Notes:
- CE marking valid at 130W load and 40°C ambient.
- AC input range supports both 115V and 230V regions.

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9. Additional Information

Warranty:
Limited three-year warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
Excludes damage from misuse, modification, or environmental exposure.

Support & Service:
- Technical support via CONTEC’s global websites:
- Japan: [www.contec.co.jp](http://www.contec.co.jp)
- Global: [www.contec.com](http://www.contec.com)
- China: [www.contec.com.cn](http://www.contec.com.cn)
- Replacement parts and maintenance kits available (power supply, fan, filter).
- Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) required for service.

Maintenance:
- Clean ventilation slits regularly to prevent dust accumulation.
- Replace fan and filter approximately every 5 years and 1 year respectively under normal conditions.
- Avoid exposure to corrosive gases, oil mist, or conductive dust.

Software & Drivers:
- No dedicated driver required; recognized automatically by Windows as “PCI-to-PCI Bridge.”
- Compatible with Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/Vista.

Safety Precautions:
- Do not connect or disconnect cables while powered.
- Ensure total board current draw does not exceed PSU capacity.
- Maintain adequate ventilation clearance (≥20 mm).
- Use only specified cables and adapters.

Product Lifecycle & Replacement:
- Designed for long-term industrial operation.
- Replacement models available within the ECH(PCI)BE series (H7A, F7A, H13A, F13A) for higher slot counts.

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Summary

The CONTEC ECH(PCI)BE-H4A is a robust, industrial-grade PCI expansion chassis providing four short-size PCI slots with a built-in 130W power supply. It extends the PCI bus of a host PC through a dedicated expansion adapter and cable, enabling flexible system expansion for industrial automation, measurement, and control applications. With its steel construction, synchronized power control, and compact half-size design, the H4A model delivers reliable performance in demanding environments. It adheres to PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.3, CE, and RoHS standards, ensuring compatibility, safety, and environmental compliance. The chassis is supported by CONTEC’s three-year warranty and global technical service network, making it a dependable choice for professional system integrators and industrial users seeking stable PCI expansion solutions.