1. Product Overview

Product Name: PCI Expansion 4 Slot Half Size Box
Model: ECH(PCI)BE-H4B
Series: ECH(PCI)BE Bus Extension Type Expansion Chassis
Article Number: ECH(PCI)BE-H4B
Manufacturer: CONTEC CO., LTD. (Japan)
Product Category: Industrial Automation / Measurement and Control – PCI Bus Expansion Chassis

The CONTEC ECH(PCI)BE-H4B is a compact, external PCI bus expansion chassis designed to add four short-size PCI slots to a host PC. It is part of CONTEC’s Bus Extension Type expansion system, which enables direct PCI bus signal transmission between a host computer and an external chassis. The ECH(PCI)BE-H4B is engineered for industrial and laboratory environments requiring additional PCI slots for measurement, control, and communication boards while maintaining a small footprint and reliable operation.

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2. Key Features

- Four PCI Expansion Slots: Provides four short-size PCI (5V/32-bit, 33MHz) slots for additional boards.
- Bus Extension Architecture: Directly extends the host PC’s PCI bus via a dedicated expansion adapter and cable, ensuring low-latency signal transmission.
- Compact Industrial Design: Half-size black steel chassis (211 × 144 × 222 mm) optimized for space-saving installations.
- External Power Supply: Operates with an included 60W AC adapter (100–240VAC input), eliminating the need for an internal PSU.
- Automatic Power Synchronization: The chassis power turns on and off in sync with the host PC’s power supply.
- Built-in Cooling Fan: Ensures stable thermal performance during continuous operation.
- Flexible Host Compatibility: Works with multiple CONTEC expansion adapters:
- EAD(PCI)BE (standard PCI slot)
- EAD(LPCI)BE (Low Profile PCI slot)
- EAD-BE-LPE (PCI Express slot)
- EAD(CB)BE (CardBus slot for notebook PCs)
- Plug-and-Play Recognition: Detected automatically by Windows as a PCI-to-PCI bridge device.
- Industrial Reliability: Designed for 0–50°C operation, 20–80%RH humidity, and long-term durability.
- RoHS Compliant: Environmentally safe and compliant with EU directives.

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3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|------------------|
| Bus Standard | PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.3 (+5V type) |
| Bus Width / Clock | 32-bit, 33MHz (max) |
| Address Space | 32-bit memory and I/O addressing |
| Interrupt Levels | INTA–INTD |
| Number of Slots | 4 user-available PCI slots (short-size) |
| Acceptable Board Size | 176.5 mm (L) × 107 mm (H) |
| Power Supply Type | External AC adapter (included) |
| Power Output (max) | +5VDC: 7A, +3.3VDC: 3A, +12VDC: 1.5A, -12VDC: 0.3A |
| Total Power Capacity | 60W |
| AC Input Voltage | 100–240VAC, 47–63Hz |
| AC Adapter Weight | Approx. 0.9 kg |
| Chassis Dimensions | 112.0(W) × 222.0(D) × 144.0(H) mm |
| Chassis Weight | Approx. 1.5 kg |
| 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 | Built-in fan |
| Color / Material | Black steel industrial enclosure |
| Compliance | RoHS compliant |
| Expected Component Life | Power supply and fan: ~5 years (25°C, 60%RH office environment) |

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4. Functionality

The ECH(PCI)BE-H4B functions as an external PCI bus extension unit. It connects to a host PC through a dedicated expansion adapter and a 1-meter high-speed cable (CB-BF96 or CB-CB68/96). The adapter replicates the host’s PCI bus signals, allowing the external chassis to operate as if the additional PCI slots were physically inside the PC.

Operation Principle:
- The host PC’s PCI slot (or PCI Express/CardBus equivalent) houses the expansion adapter.
- The adapter transmits PCI bus signals to the ECH(PCI)BE-H4B via the dedicated cable.
- The chassis provides four additional PCI slots for short-size boards.
- Power is supplied externally and synchronized with the host PC’s power state.

Typical Applications:
- Industrial measurement and control systems
- Data acquisition (DAQ) and signal processing
- Motion control and automation
- Communication interface expansion (Serial, GPIB, CAN, etc.)
- Laboratory instrumentation requiring multiple PCI boards
- Embedded or panel PC systems with limited internal expansion capacity

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

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

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- ECH(PCI)BE-H4B expansion chassis (1 unit)
- AC adapter (60W, 100–240VAC input)
- Power cable (1.8m, grounded)
- Slot covers (4 pieces)
- Board fixing screws (4 pieces)
- User’s manual (English/Japanese)
- Optional connection cable (CB-BF96 or CB-CB68/96, 1m length)

Optional Accessories:
- Expansion adapters (sold separately):
- EAD(PCI)BE – PCI slot adapter
- EAD(LPCI)BE – Low Profile PCI adapter
- EAD-BE-LPE – PCI Express adapter
- EAD(CB)BE – CardBus adapter
- Replacement parts:
- AC adapter (POW100/POW150X series)
- Cooling fan (FAN0925 or FAN0825S)
- Air filter (FLT90–FLT93 series)

Connectors:
- 96-pin expansion interface connector (rear panel)
- AC adapter input connector with locking thumb screw
- Power LED indicator (front panel)

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6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Host PC with available PCI, Low Profile PCI, PCI Express, or CardBus slot
- Compatible CONTEC expansion adapter
- Windows operating system supporting PCI-to-PCI bridge devices

Installation Steps:
1. Preparation: Power off the PC and disconnect all cables.
2. Install Expansion Boards: Remove the chassis cover, insert PCI boards into available slots, and secure with screws.
3. Connect Expansion Cable: Attach the 96-pin cable between the adapter and the chassis connector until it clicks.
4. Connect Power: Attach the AC adapter to the chassis, then plug the power cable into the wall outlet.
5. Install Expansion Adapter: Insert the adapter into the host PC’s slot.
6. Power On: Turn on the PC; the chassis powers on automatically.
7. Driver Setup: Windows automatically detects the PCI-to-PCI bridge and installs standard drivers.
8. Verification: Confirm detection in Device Manager under “System Devices” (Intel 21152 PCI-to-PCI bridge).

Mounting Orientation:
The chassis must be used in a vertical position for proper cooling airflow. Maintain at least 20 mm clearance from walls or other equipment.

Safety Precautions:
- Do not connect or disconnect cables while powered.
- Avoid exposure to flammable gases, moisture, or dust.
- Ensure total board current consumption does not exceed rated output.
- Use only the supplied AC adapter.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Bus Throughput: Equivalent to standard PCI 32-bit, 33MHz operation.
- Latency: Minimal, as signals are directly extended via the PCI-to-PCI bridge.
- Power Efficiency: External 60W adapter provides stable regulated output.
- Thermal Management: Integrated fan maintains internal temperature within safe limits.
- Reliability: Designed for continuous industrial operation with long MTBF components.
- Limitations:
- Not suitable for high-bandwidth video or graphics boards.
- Bus mastering performance may be slightly reduced compared to internal PCI slots due to bridge latency.
- Only one chassis per adapter; parallel connection requires separate adapters.

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Compliance: PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.3 (+5V signaling)
- Electrical Safety: Designed for 100–240VAC input, 47–63Hz
- Environmental Compliance: RoHS compliant (lead-free construction)
- Operating Environment: 0–50°C, 20–80%RH (no condensation)
- EMI/EMC: Meets industrial noise immunity standards (when used with shielded cables)
- Mechanical Standards: Industrial-grade steel enclosure, vibration-resistant design
- Regulatory Notes:
- CE marking applicable when used with certified adapters
- Meets CONTEC’s internal quality and reliability standards for industrial automation products

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9. Additional Information

Warranty:
Limited three-year warranty from the date of purchase. Covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. Excludes damage from misuse, modification, or environmental exposure.

Support & Service:
- Technical documentation, drivers, and updates available at [www.contec.com](http://www.contec.com)
- Regional support in Japanese, English, and Chinese
- Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) required for service or replacement

Maintenance:
- Periodically clean ventilation slits and ensure unobstructed airflow.
- Replace the cooling fan and power supply approximately every five years under normal conditions.
- Store in a dry, dust-free environment when not in use.

Product Lifecycle & Replacement Parts:
- Replacement fans: FAN0925, FAN0825S
- Replacement filters: FLT90–FLT93 series
- Replacement AC adapters: POW100/POW150X series

Environmental & Safety Notes:
- Operate only in non-corrosive, low-dust environments.
- Dispose of the product according to local electronic waste regulations.
- Avoid stacking or placing heavy objects on the chassis.

Summary:
The CONTEC ECH(PCI)BE-H4B provides a reliable, compact, and efficient solution for expanding PCI bus capacity in industrial PCs and embedded systems. Its four short-size PCI slots, robust construction, and synchronized power control make it ideal for measurement, control, and communication applications requiring additional PCI interfaces without compromising system stability or space efficiency.

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Total Length: ~12,000 characters (~3,000 tokens)
Document Purpose: Comprehensive technical summary for engineering, procurement, and integration reference.