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ECH-PCI-CE-H4A

PCI Expansion 4 Slot Half Size Grey Chassis
1015,00 EUR

including VAT 1,207.85 EUR

  • Manufacturer Contec
  • Category: Bus Extensions
  • The CONTEC ECH-PCI-CE-H4A is a compact, industrial-grade PCI bus expansion chassis designed to add four short-size PCI (5V/32-bit, 33MHz) slots to a host PC. It is part of CONTEC’s ECH-PCI-CE series of expansion systems, which provide external PCI bus expansion through dedicated adapters. The chassis features a built-in 130W power supply, integrated cooling fan, and rack-mountable steel enclosure, making it suitable for industrial measurement, control, and automation environments.
- PCI Bus Expansion Capability:
Adds four PCI (5V/32-bit, 33MHz) slots to a host PC via an optional expansion adapter (EAD-CE-LPE or EAD-CE-EC). Enables connection of additional PCI boards without modifying the host system.

- Short-Size PCI Board Compatibility:
Supports installation of up to four short-size PCI boards with maximum dimensions of 176.5(L) × 107(H) mm.

- Integrated Power Supply:
Built-in 130W AC power supply (115/230VAC switch-selectable) provides stable power to all PCI slots. Supports +5VDC, +3.3VDC, +12VDC, and -12VDC rails.

- Linked Power Control:
The chassis power can be synchronized with the host PC’s power state, allowing automatic ON/OFF control.

- Industrial-Grade Steel Construction:
Rigid steel chassis with light grey finish ensures durability and electromagnetic shielding in industrial environments.

- Cooling System:
Equipped with an internal cooling fan and air vents for stable thermal performance under continuous operation.

- Rack-Mountable Design:
Includes rack-mount brackets and screws for 19-inch rack installation. Rubber feet are also provided for desktop placement.

- Environmental Robustness:
Designed for operation in 0–50°C and 20–80%RH environments, suitable for factory and laboratory use.

- Safety and Compliance:
CE-marked, RoHS-compliant, and designed for industrial reliability.

- Maintenance-Friendly:
Power supply, fan, and fan filter are replaceable consumables with defined service life expectations.

Country of origin: Japan

Customs tariff number: 8473 3080 000

1. Product Overview

Product Name: PCI Expansion 4 Slot Half Size Grey Chassis
Model Number: ECH-PCI-CE-H4A
Series: ECH-PCI-CE Series (Bus Extension Type PCI Expansion Chassis)
Article Number: ECH-PCI-CE-H4A
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Product Category: Industrial Automation / Measurement and Control – Bus Expansion System
Product Type: PCI Bus Expansion Chassis with Built-in Power Supply
Color: Light Grey
Version: Ver.1.02

The CONTEC ECH-PCI-CE-H4A is a compact, industrial-grade PCI bus expansion chassis designed to add four short-size PCI (5V/32-bit, 33MHz) slots to a host PC. It is part of CONTEC’s ECH-PCI-CE series of expansion systems, which provide external PCI bus expansion through dedicated adapters. The chassis features a built-in 130W power supply, integrated cooling fan, and rack-mountable steel enclosure, making it suitable for industrial measurement, control, and automation environments.





2. Key Features

- PCI Bus Expansion Capability:
Adds four PCI (5V/32-bit, 33MHz) slots to a host PC via an optional expansion adapter (EAD-CE-LPE or EAD-CE-EC). Enables connection of additional PCI boards without modifying the host system.

- Short-Size PCI Board Compatibility:
Supports installation of up to four short-size PCI boards with maximum dimensions of 176.5(L) × 107(H) mm.

- Integrated Power Supply:
Built-in 130W AC power supply (115/230VAC switch-selectable) provides stable power to all PCI slots. Supports +5VDC, +3.3VDC, +12VDC, and -12VDC rails.

- Linked Power Control:
The chassis power can be synchronized with the host PC’s power state, allowing automatic ON/OFF control.

- Industrial-Grade Steel Construction:
Rigid steel chassis with light grey finish ensures durability and electromagnetic shielding in industrial environments.

- Cooling System:
Equipped with an internal cooling fan and air vents for stable thermal performance under continuous operation.

- Rack-Mountable Design:
Includes rack-mount brackets and screws for 19-inch rack installation. Rubber feet are also provided for desktop placement.

- Environmental Robustness:
Designed for operation in 0–50°C and 20–80%RH environments, suitable for factory and laboratory use.

- Safety and Compliance:
CE-marked, RoHS-compliant, and designed for industrial reliability.

- Maintenance-Friendly:
Power supply, fan, and fan filter are replaceable consumables with defined service life expectations.





3. Technical Specifications

| Item | Specification |
|-----------|-------------------|
| Bus Standard | PCI Local Bus Specification Rev.2.3 (+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 | 4 user-available PCI slots (short-size) |
| Acceptable Board Size | 176.5(L) × 107(H) mm |
| Power Supply Type | Built-in AC power supply |
| Output Voltage / Current | +5VDC: 11.3A (max), +3.3VDC: 6A (max), +12VDC: 3A (max), -12VDC: 0.7A (max) |
| Total Power Capacity | 130W (CE condition at 40°C) |
| AC Input Voltage | 115/230VAC (switch selectable) |
| AC Input Range | 90–132VAC / 180–250VAC |
| AC Frequency | 50–60Hz |
| AC Input Current | 3A (115VAC) / 1.5A (230VAC) |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 210.0 × 235.0 × 138.0 mm (excluding protrusions) |
| Weight | Approx. 3.5 kg |
| Color | Light Grey |
| Cooling | Internal 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) |
| Environmental Conditions | No excessive dust, no corrosive gases |
| Power Cable | 2.5m, 3-pin grounded AC cable |
| Mounting Options | Desktop (rubber feet) or rack-mount (brackets included) |
| Compliance | CE marking, RoHS compliant |
| Expected Service Life | Power supply: ~5 years; Fan: ~5 years; Fan filter: ~1 year (at 25°C, 60%RH office environment) |





4. Functionality

The ECH-PCI-CE-H4A functions as an external PCI bus expansion chassis that connects to a host PC through a dedicated expansion adapter. It extends the host’s PCI bus signals to four additional PCI slots housed in a separate enclosure. This allows users to install additional PCI boards—such as data acquisition, communication, or control cards—without modifying the host PC’s internal configuration.

Operation Principle:
- The host PC is equipped with an expansion adapter (EAD-CE-LPE for PCI Express slot or EAD-CE-EC for ExpressCard slot).
- The adapter connects to the ECH-PCI-CE-H4A via a dedicated high-speed cable.
- The chassis replicates the PCI bus environment externally, enabling the installed PCI boards to function as if they were directly connected to the host’s motherboard.
- The chassis power supply can be linked to the host PC’s power control, ensuring synchronized startup and shutdown.

Typical Applications:
- Industrial measurement and control systems
- Data acquisition and signal processing
- Machine automation and robotics
- Laboratory instrumentation
- Communication interface expansion
- Test and inspection systems

Compatibility:
- Compatible with CONTEC expansion adapters:
- EAD-CE-LPE: PCI Express slot adapter
- EAD-CE-EC: ExpressCard slot adapter
- Supported host PCs: Desktop or notebook PCs equipped with compatible expansion interfaces.
- Supported PCI boards: Standard short-size PCI (5V/32-bit, 33MHz) boards compliant with PCI Local Bus Specification Rev.2.3.





5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
1. ECH-PCI-CE-H4A Expansion Chassis (main unit) ×1
2. AC Power Cable (2.5m, 3P grounded) ×1
3. Slot Covers ×4
4. Board Fixing Screws ×4
5. Rubber Feet ×4
6. Rack-Mount Brackets ×2
7. Rack-Mount Screws ×4
8. User’s Manual ×1

Optional Accessories:
- Expansion Adapters (required for operation):
- *EAD-CE-LPE:* PCI Express slot adapter for desktop PCs
- *EAD-CE-EC:* ExpressCard slot adapter for notebook PCs
- Replacement Parts (Maintenance):
- Power supply module (POW300 series)
- Cooling fan (FAN1238 or equivalent)
- Fan filter (FLT120 series)

Connectors:
- PCI slot connectors (4 × 32-bit, 5V)
- AC power inlet (IEC 3-pin)
- Host connection port (dedicated interface for expansion adapter)





6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Host PC with compatible expansion adapter (EAD-CE-LPE or EAD-CE-EC)
- Available PCI Express or ExpressCard slot on host PC
- Stable AC power source (115/230VAC, 50–60Hz)
- Adequate ventilation space (minimum 20mm clearance around chassis)

Installation Steps:
1. Mounting:
Install rubber feet for desktop use or attach rack-mount brackets for 19-inch rack installation.
2. Connection:
Connect the expansion adapter to the host PC and link it to the ECH-PCI-CE-H4A using the dedicated cable.
3. Power Setup:
Set the AC input voltage selector (115V/230V) according to the local power supply.
4. PCI Board Installation:
Insert up to four short-size PCI boards into the chassis slots and secure them with the provided screws.
5. Power Synchronization:
Configure the system to allow the chassis power to turn on/off in sync with the host PC.
6. Cooling Clearance:
Ensure at least 20mm clearance from walls or other equipment for proper airflow.

Configuration Notes:
- The chassis cannot be daisy-chained with another expansion chassis.
- Each expansion chassis requires a dedicated adapter and connection port.
- The system automatically recognizes installed PCI boards if the host BIOS supports PCI-to-PCI bridge functionality.





7. Performance & Capabilities

- Bus Performance:
32-bit PCI bus operation at up to 33MHz, compliant with PCI Local Bus Specification Rev.2.3.
- Power Delivery:
Stable multi-rail DC output supporting high-current PCI boards (+5V 11.3A, +3.3V 6A, +12V 3A, -12V 0.7A).
- Thermal Management:
Active cooling fan ensures consistent airflow and temperature stability during continuous operation.
- Electrical Efficiency:
130W total power capacity with selectable AC input voltage for global compatibility.
- System Integration:
Power synchronization with host PC minimizes manual operation and ensures coordinated startup.
- Limitations:
- Not compatible with video display boards (VGA), additional PCI expansion boards, or boards marked “Cannot be used with PCI-to-PCI Bridge.”
- High-speed bus mastering boards may experience reduced transfer rates due to bridge latency.
- BIOS of the host PC must support PCI-to-PCI bridge recognition for proper operation.





8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Standard: PCI Local Bus Specification Rev.2.3 (+5V type)
- Electrical Safety: CE Marking (EN60950-1 compliant)
- Environmental Compliance: RoHS compliant (lead-free construction)
- EMC Compliance: Designed to meet industrial electromagnetic compatibility standards
- Operating Environment: 0–50°C, 20–80%RH (no condensation)
- Storage Environment: 0–60°C, 10–90%RH (no condensation)
- Quality Assurance: Manufactured under CONTEC’s ISO-certified quality management system
- Product Lifecycle: Designed for long-term industrial operation with replaceable consumables





9. Additional Information

Warranty & Support:
- Standard manufacturer warranty (typically 1 year; refer to CONTEC regional policy)
- Technical support available via CONTEC’s global portal: [www.contec.com](http://www.contec.com)
- User manuals, drivers, and firmware updates downloadable from the official website

Maintenance & Replacement:
- Power Supply: Replace approximately every 5 years under normal office conditions (25°C, 60%RH)
- Cooling Fan: Replace approximately every 5 years
- Fan Filter: Replace approximately every 1 year
- Replacement parts available through CONTEC’s maintenance parts catalog (POW, FAN, FLT series)

Product Lifecycle Management:
- Designed for continuous industrial operation
- Modular design allows easy servicing and component replacement
- Backward compatibility with previous CONTEC expansion systems (FA-PAC(PCI)H4 equivalent)

Safety Notes:
- Ensure proper grounding of the chassis
- Avoid operation in environments with excessive dust, oil mist, or corrosive gases
- Maintain adequate ventilation clearance (≥20mm)
- Do not connect multiple expansion chassis in series

Revision History:
- Ver.1.00: Initial release
- Ver.1.02: Updated specifications and CE compliance conditions (130W at 40°C)

Summary:
The CONTEC ECH-PCI-CE-H4A provides a reliable, industrial-grade solution for expanding PCI bus capacity in measurement, control, and automation systems. With its robust steel construction, integrated power supply, and synchronized power control, it ensures stable operation and easy integration with modern PCs via PCI Express or ExpressCard interfaces. Its compact, rack-mountable design and adherence to international standards make it a preferred choice for engineers requiring dependable PCI expansion in demanding environments.