1. Product Overview

Product Name: StarFabric PCI Expansion 13-Slot Full-Size Case
Model Number: ECH(PCI)SF-F13A
Series: StarFabric-Compliant PCI Bus Expansion Chassis
Article Number: ECH(PCI)SF-F13A
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Product Category: Industrial Automation / Measurement and Control – Bus Expansion System

The CONTEC ECH(PCI)SF-F13A is a StarFabric-compliant PCI bus expansion chassis designed to extend the PCI bus of a host PC over a high-speed serial link. It provides 13 full-size PCI slots in a robust, steel industrial enclosure with a built-in power supply. The chassis supports long-size PCI boards (5V/32-bit, 33MHz) and is intended for use in industrial measurement, control, and automation systems where the expansion unit must be located at a distance from the host PC—up to 12 meters via Category 5e STP cabling.

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2. Key Features

- StarFabric-Compliant High-Speed Serial Transfer:
Supports 2.5Gbps serial data transfer between host PC and expansion chassis using StarFabric technology, ensuring stable, high-speed communication over long distances (up to 12m).

- 13 PCI Expansion Slots:
Provides 13 long-size PCI slots compliant with PCI Local Bus Specification Rev.2.2 (+5V type), allowing installation of multiple PCI boards for data acquisition, control, or communication.

- Full-Size Industrial Chassis:
Constructed from durable steel, finished in light grey, and designed for industrial environments. The chassis includes a built-in cooling fan and is rack-mountable with supplied brackets.

- Integrated Power Supply:
Equipped with a 230W internal power supply (115/230VAC switch-selectable). The power system automatically synchronizes with the host PC’s power state for seamless operation.

- Remote Power Interlocking:
The chassis power can be turned on/off in synchronization with the host PC’s power supply. A jumper (JP1) allows manual override for independent operation.

- Flexible Connectivity:
Connects to the host PC via optional expansion adapters (EAD(LPCI)SF for Low Profile PCI or EAD(CB)SF for CardBus). Uses noise-resistant Category 5e STP cables for reliable communication.

- High Compatibility:
Fully compatible with standard PCI boards (5V/32-bit, 33MHz). No software modification required for existing PCI-based applications.

- Environmental Durability:
Designed for 0–50°C operation and 20–80%RH humidity (non-condensing). Built for long-term reliability in industrial and laboratory environments.

- Safety and Maintenance:
Includes built-in cooling fan and replaceable fan filter. Power supply and fan are rated for approximately five years of continuous operation under standard office conditions.

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3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|------------------|
| Bus Standard | PCI Local Bus Specification Rev.2.2 (+5V type) |
| Bus Width / Clock | 32-bit, 33MHz (maximum) |
| Address Space | 32-bit memory and I/O addressing |
| Interrupt Levels | INTA–INTD |
| Number of Slots | 13 user-available PCI slots |
| Slot Type | Long-size PCI slots (supports full-length boards) |
| Acceptable Board Size | 313.8(L) × 107(H) mm |
| Power Supply (Built-in) | +5VDC: 18A (max), +3.3VDC: 15A (max), +12VDC: 9A (max), -12VDC: 0.8A (max) |
| Total Power Capacity | 230W (0–30°C), 205W (30–40°C), 175W (40–50°C) |
| AC Input Voltage | 115/230VAC (switch selectable), 50–60Hz |
| AC Input Range | 90–132VAC / 180–250VAC |
| AC Input Current | 6A (115VAC) / 4A (230VAC) |
| Cooling System | Built-in fan with air intake/exhaust vents |
| Operating Temperature | 0–50°C |
| Operating Humidity | 20–80%RH (no condensation) |
| Storage Temperature | 0–60°C |
| Storage Humidity | 10–90%RH (no condensation) |
| Corrosive Gases / Dust | None / Not excessive |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 424.0 × 156.0 × 373.2 mm (without fittings) |
| Weight | Approx. 9.0 kg |
| Color | Light grey |
| Power Cable | 2.5m, 3P AC cable included |
| Compliance | CE marking (175W at 50°C condition) |
| 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)SF-F13A functions as an external PCI bus expansion chassis that extends the host PC’s PCI bus through a StarFabric serial interface. The system consists of two main components:

1. Expansion Adapter (installed in host PC):
- EAD(LPCI)SF (for Low Profile PCI slot) or
- EAD(CB)SF (for CardBus slot).
These adapters convert the host’s PCI bus signals into StarFabric serial data streams.

2. Expansion Chassis (ECH(PCI)SF-F13A):
- Receives the serial data via Category 5e STP cables (two cables, up to 12m).
- Converts the serial data back into parallel PCI bus signals.
- Provides 13 PCI slots for peripheral boards.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial measurement and control systems requiring multiple PCI I/O boards.
- Data acquisition systems where the PC must be isolated from the measurement environment.
- Factory automation and process control where expansion units are located remotely.
- Laboratory instrumentation setups requiring high-speed PCI connectivity over distance.
- Integration with CONTEC’s Box-PCs, Panel-PCs, and remote I/O systems.

Compatibility:
- Compatible with Windows 2000/XP and later (driver installation required for StarFabric adapters).
- Works with standard PCI boards (5V/32-bit, 33MHz).
- Not compatible with video display boards, additional PCI bus expansion boards, or boards marked “Cannot be used with PCI-to-PCI Bridge.”

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- ECH(PCI)SF-F13A expansion chassis (1 unit)
- Power cable (2.5m, 3P)
- Slot covers (13 pieces)
- Board fixing screws (13 pieces)
- Rubber feet (4 pieces)
- Rack-mount brackets (2 pieces)
- Rack-mount bracket screws (6 pieces)
- User’s manual

Optional Accessories:
- Expansion Adapters:
- EAD(LPCI)SF (Low Profile PCI bus slot)
- EAD(CB)SF (CardBus slot)
- Connection Cables:
- 12m Category 5e STP cables (included with adapters)
- Optional UTP cables: TP-03 (3m), TP-05 (5m), TP-10 (10m)
- Replacement Parts:
- Power supply unit (POW300 series)
- Cooling fan (FAN1238, FAN1225S, etc.)
- Fan filter (FLT120/FLT121 series)

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6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Host PC with available PCI, Low Profile PCI, or CardBus slot.
- Compatible expansion adapter (EAD(LPCI)SF or EAD(CB)SF).
- Category 5e STP cables (two cables, up to 12m).

Installation Steps:
1. Preparation:
Power off both PC and chassis. Ensure all cables are disconnected.
2. Install PCI Boards:
Remove the chassis cover, insert PCI boards into available slots, and secure with screws.
3. Connect Cables:
Attach the RJ-45 connectors of the two Category 5e cables between the adapter and chassis (TX↔RX, RX↔TX).
4. Power Connection:
Plug the AC power cable into the chassis and wall outlet.
5. Adapter Installation:
Install the expansion adapter into the host PC slot.
6. Power-On Sequence:
Power on the PC; the chassis will automatically power on in synchronization.
7. Driver Setup:
Install the required StarFabric driver (INF file) under Windows XP/2000 if prompted.
8. Verification:
Confirm detection of “PCI standard PCI-to-PCI bridge” entries in Windows Device Manager (five entries for F13A).

Mounting Options:
- Desktop placement with rubber feet.
- Rack-mount installation using included brackets (horizontal or vertical orientation).
- Maintain at least 20mm clearance around chassis for ventilation.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Bus Performance:
33MHz PCI bus operation, 32-bit addressing, full compliance with PCI Local Bus Specification Rev.2.2.
- Transfer Rate:
StarFabric serial link supports up to 2.5Gbps per channel.
- Distance Capability:
Up to 12 meters between host PC and chassis using Category 5e STP cables.
- Power Efficiency:
Automatic power synchronization with host PC minimizes idle consumption.
- Thermal Management:
Integrated fan ensures stable operation under continuous load.
- Limitations:
- Not suitable for PCI video or graphics boards.
- Not compatible with additional PCI expansion bridges.
- Performance may vary with bus-mastering boards due to bridge latency.

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Standard: PCI Local Bus Specification Rev.2.2 (+5V type)
- Electrical Safety: CE Marking (tested at 175W, 50°C)
- Environmental Compliance: RoHS-compliant (CONTEC original marking)
- Operating Environment: 0–50°C, 20–80%RH (no condensation)
- EMI/EMC: Designed for industrial environments with shielded cabling (STP recommended)
- Regulatory Notes:
- AC input range 90–132VAC / 180–250VAC
- Meets industrial-grade insulation and grounding standards
- Conforms to CONTEC’s internal quality and reliability standards for automation equipment

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9. Additional Information

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

Support & Service:
- Technical documentation, drivers, and updates available at:
[https://www.contec.com](https://www.contec.com)
- Customer support available through CONTEC offices worldwide.
- Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) required for service.

Maintenance:
- Periodic inspection recommended to ensure ventilation slits are free of dust.
- Replace fan and power supply approximately every five years under normal conditions.
- Replace fan filter annually or as needed.

Safety Precautions:
- Do not operate near flammable gases or liquids.
- Always power off and unplug before installing or removing boards.
- Maintain adequate ventilation and avoid exposure to corrosive gases or excessive dust.
- Do not connect non-specified signals to internal connectors.

Product Lifecycle & Replacement Parts:
- Power supply: POW300/POW301 series
- Cooling fans: FAN1238, FAN1225S
- Filters: FLT120/FLT121
- Replacement parts available through CONTEC authorized distributors.

Related Models in the Series:
- ECH(PCI)SF-H4A (4-slot short-size)
- ECH(PCI)SF-H7A (7-slot short-size)
- ECH(PCI)SF-F7A (7-slot long-size)
- ECH(PCI)SF-H13A (13-slot short-size)
- ECH(PCI)SF-F13A (13-slot long-size, full-size case)

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Summary

The CONTEC ECH(PCI)SF-F13A is a high-performance, industrial-grade PCI expansion chassis that extends the PCI bus of a host PC via StarFabric serial technology. With 13 full-size PCI slots, a robust 230W power supply, and support for up to 12m cable distance, it is ideal for distributed measurement and control systems requiring multiple PCI boards. Its rugged steel construction, integrated cooling, and synchronized power control make it suitable for demanding industrial environments. The chassis complies with PCI Local Bus Specification Rev.2.2 and CE standards, ensuring reliability, safety, and long-term maintainability in professional automation and instrumentation applications.