Comprehensive Product Summary – ECH‑PCI‑CE‑H4B (PCI Expansion 4‑Slot Half‑Size Black Chassis)

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: PCI Expansion 4‑Slot Half‑Size Black Chassis
Model Number: ECH‑PCI‑CE‑H4B
Article Number: ECH‑PCI‑CE‑H4B
Series: ECH(PCI)BE‑H4B Bus Extension Type Expansion Chassis
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Product Category: Industrial Automation / Measurement and Control – PCI Bus Expansion System
Product Type: External PCI Bus Expansion Chassis (Half‑Size, 4 Slots, AC Adapter Powered)

The CONTEC ECH‑PCI‑CE‑H4B is a compact, industrial‑grade PCI bus expansion chassis designed to extend the PCI bus of a host PC. It provides four additional short‑size PCI slots through a high‑speed bus extension interface. The chassis connects to the host computer via a dedicated expansion adapter and cable, enabling seamless integration of additional PCI boards for measurement, control, and automation applications.

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### 2. Key Features

- Four PCI Expansion Slots: Provides four user‑accessible PCI slots compliant with PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.3 (+5 V type).
- Short‑Size Board Compatibility: Supports short‑size PCI add‑on boards (176.5 mm L × 107 mm H).
- External Power Supply: Operates via an external 60 W AC adapter (100–240 VAC input).
- Automatic Power Synchronization: The chassis power supply turns on and off in synchronization with the host PC’s power state.
- Built‑in Cooling Fan: Integrated fan ensures stable thermal performance during continuous operation.
- Compact Industrial Design: Half‑size steel chassis with black finish, optimized for space‑saving installations.
- High‑Speed PCI Bus Extension: Maintains 33 MHz bus clock operation with 32‑bit addressing for both memory and I/O spaces.
- Plug‑and‑Play Integration: Automatically recognized by Windows operating systems via standard PCI‑to‑PCI bridge detection.
- Safety and Reliability: Designed for industrial environments with wide operating temperature and humidity ranges.
- RoHS Compliant: Environmentally friendly construction meeting RoHS directives.

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### 3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|------------------|
| Bus Standard | PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.3 (+5 V type) |
| Address Space | 32‑bit memory and I/O addressing |
| Interrupt Level | INTA–INTD |
| Bus Clock | 33 MHz (maximum) |
| User‑Available Slots | 4 × PCI slots (short‑size) |
| Acceptable Board Size | 176.5 (L) × 107 (H) mm |
| Power Supply (Output Limits) | +5 VDC 7 A (max), +3.3 VDC 3 A (max), +12 VDC 1.5 A (max), –12 VDC 0.3 A (max) |
| Total Power Capacity | 60 W maximum |
| AC Input Voltage | 100 – 240 VAC (90 – 264 VAC range) |
| AC Line Frequency | 47 – 63 Hz |
| AC Input Current | 2 A @ 90 VAC |
| Dimensions (Chassis) | 112 (W) × 222 (D) × 144 (H) mm (without rubber feet) |
| Weight (Chassis) | Approx. 1.5 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 coating |
| Compliance | RoHS compliant |

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### 4. Functionality

The ECH‑PCI‑CE‑H4B functions as an external PCI bus extension unit. It connects to a host PC through a dedicated expansion adapter (sold separately) and a 1 m high‑speed connection cable. The adapter transmits PCI bus signals directly between the host and the chassis, effectively extending the PCI bus outside the computer enclosure.

Operation Principle:
- The host PC’s expansion adapter (EAD‑series) interfaces with the PCI bus.
- A dedicated cable links the adapter to the ECH‑PCI‑CE‑H4B chassis.
- The chassis replicates the PCI bus environment, allowing installation of up to four PCI boards.
- Power and bus control are synchronized with the host PC.

Typical Use Cases:
- Industrial measurement and control systems requiring multiple PCI I/O boards.
- Data acquisition, motion control, and communication interface expansion.
- Laboratory and test automation setups where modular PCI expansion is needed.
- Embedded or compact PC systems lacking sufficient internal PCI slots.

Compatibility:
- Compatible with CONTEC expansion adapters:
- EAD(PCI)BE – for standard PCI slot PCs
- EAD(LPCI)BE – for low‑profile PCI slot PCs
- EAD(CB)BE – for CardBus slot notebooks
- EAD‑BE‑LPE – for PCI Express low‑profile slot PCs
- Supported Operating Systems (via adapter): Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/Vista (depending on adapter model).

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items (Standard Package):
- ECH‑PCI‑CE‑H4B Expansion Chassis (4 slots, half‑size) × 1
- AC Adapter (100–240 VAC, 60 W) × 1
- Power Cable (grounded, 1.8 m) × 1
- Slot Covers × 4
- Board Fixing Screws × 4
- User’s Manual × 1

Optional Accessories (sold separately):
- Expansion Adapters (EAD‑series as listed above)
- Dedicated 1 m connection cable (CB‑BF96 or CB‑CB68/96)
- Replacement cooling fan (FAN0925 or equivalent)
- Replacement AC power supply (POW300/POW301 series)

Connectors:
- 96‑pin expansion interface connector (rear panel)
- DC input connector for AC adapter (rear panel, locking type)
- Power LED indicator (front panel)

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### 6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Host PC with compatible expansion adapter installed.
- Available PCI, Low‑Profile PCI, PCI Express, or CardBus slot (depending on adapter type).
- Stable AC power source (100–240 VAC).

Mounting & Orientation:
- Designed for desktop installation in vertical orientation.
- Maintain at least 20 mm clearance around ventilation openings for cooling airflow.

Setup Procedure:
1. Preparation: Ensure both PC and chassis are powered off and disconnected from AC mains.
2. Install PCI Boards: Remove the top cover, insert PCI boards into available slots, and secure 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 thumb screw, then plug into wall outlet.
5. Install Adapter Board: Insert the expansion adapter into the host PC slot and secure it.
6. Power‑On Sequence: Power on the PC; the chassis will automatically power on in synchronization.
7. Driver Setup: Windows automatically detects the PCI‑to‑PCI bridge and installs standard drivers.

Safety Precautions:
- Never connect or disconnect cables while power is on.
- Do not exceed the rated current for installed boards.
- Use only the supplied AC adapter.
- Operate in environments free of corrosive gases and excessive dust.

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

- Bus Performance: 33 MHz PCI bus operation, 32‑bit data width.
- Expansion Capacity: Four short‑size PCI boards (5 V/32‑bit).
- Power Synchronization: Automatic ON/OFF with host PC.
- Thermal Management: Continuous fan‑assisted cooling for stable operation.
- Reliability: Designed for 24/7 industrial operation; fan and power supply rated for ~5 years at 25 °C ambient.
- Limitations:
- Not compatible with video (VGA) boards or additional PCI‑to‑PCI bridge boards.
- Some high‑speed bus‑mastering boards may experience reduced transfer rates due to bridge latency.
- Cannot daisy‑chain multiple expansion chassis; each requires a dedicated adapter.

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Compliance: PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.3 (+5 V type).
- Electrical Safety: Designed for industrial low‑voltage operation (SELV).
- Environmental Compliance: RoHS compliant (lead‑free construction).
- EMC Considerations: Shielded cable connection recommended in high‑noise environments.
- Operating Environment: 0–50 °C, 20–80 % RH (no condensation).
- Regulatory Notes:
- CE marking applicable when used with certified adapters.
- Meets industrial automation equipment standards for measurement and control systems.

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### 9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Limited three‑year warranty from date of purchase (original purchaser only).
- Covers defects in materials and workmanship for electronic circuitry.
- Excludes normal wear, misuse, or damage due to improper handling.

Service & Support:
- Website: [https://www.contec.com](https://www.contec.com)
- Regional Sites:
- Japan: [https://www.contec.co.jp](https://www.contec.co.jp)
- China: [https://www.contec.com.cn](https://www.contec.com.cn)
- Support Resources:
- Product manuals and technical documents (PDF)
- Driver software and updates (free download)
- Sample programs and configuration guides

Maintenance:
- Periodically inspect ventilation slits and remove dust buildup.
- Replace cooling fan and power supply after approximately five years of continuous use.
- Store in a clean, dry environment when not in use (0–60 °C, < 90 % RH).
- Dispose of the product in accordance with local environmental regulations.

Safety Notes:
- Do not operate near flammable gases or liquids.
- Always disconnect power before installing or removing boards.
- Maintain proper grounding to prevent electrostatic discharge damage.

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### Summary

The CONTEC ECH‑PCI‑CE‑H4B (equivalent to model ECH(PCI)BE‑H4B) is a robust, compact PCI bus expansion chassis engineered for industrial and laboratory environments requiring additional PCI slots. It provides four short‑size PCI expansion slots powered by an external 60 W AC adapter and synchronized with the host PC’s power control. The chassis supports 33 MHz, 32‑bit PCI operation and is compatible with a range of CONTEC expansion adapters for PCI, Low‑Profile PCI, PCI Express, and CardBus interfaces.

With its durable steel construction, integrated cooling, and compliance with PCI and RoHS standards, the ECH‑PCI‑CE‑H4B offers a reliable and flexible solution for extending PCI functionality in measurement, control, and automation systems.

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Key Technical Highlights (at a glance):
- 4 × short‑size PCI slots (5 V/32‑bit, 33 MHz)
- Dimensions: 112 × 222 × 144 mm; Weight: 1.5 kg
- External 60 W AC adapter (100–240 VAC, 0.9 kg)
- Power output: +5 V 7 A, +3.3 V 3 A, +12 V 1.5 A, –12 V 0.3 A
- Operating range: 0–50 °C, 20–80 % RH
- Automatic power synchronization with host PC
- Built‑in cooling fan and power LED indicator
- Compatible with EAD‑series expansion adapters
- RoHS compliant, industrial‑grade reliability

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Manufacturer Contact:
CONTEC Co., Ltd.
3‑9‑31 Himesato, Nishiyodogawa‑ku, Osaka 555‑0025, Japan
Website: [https://www.contec.com](https://www.contec.com)

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