1. Product Overview

Product Name: PCI Bus Isolated 64-Channel Digital Output Board (Positive Common)
Model: PO-64L(PCI)
Series: PCI Digital I/O Series
Article Number: PO-64L(PCI)
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Product Category: Industrial Automation / Measurement and Control / Digital I/O Interface Boards

The CONTEC PO-64L(PCI) is a high-performance, opto-isolated digital output interface board designed for use with standard PCI bus systems. It provides 64 channels of isolated open-collector digital outputs with positive common configuration, suitable for controlling external devices in industrial automation, process control, and data acquisition systems. The board ensures electrical isolation between the PC and external circuits, protecting the host system from voltage surges and noise interference.

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2. Key Features

- 64 Opto-Isolated Digital Output Channels: Provides 64 independent output points, each capable of driving external loads up to 35 V DC and 150 mA per channel.
- Positive Common Configuration: Designed for systems requiring a positive common output structure, simplifying integration with sourcing-type external circuits.
- High Noise Immunity: Opto-coupler isolation (1 kVrms) between the PC logic and I/O interface ensures robust noise resistance and electrical protection.
- Surge and Overcurrent Protection: Each output transistor includes built-in protection circuitry to guard against voltage surges and overcurrent conditions.
- High-Speed Response: Typical response time within 200 µs, suitable for real-time control and high-frequency switching applications.
- PCI Bus Compliance: Fully compliant with PCI Local Bus Specification (32-bit, 33 MHz, 5 V or 3.3 V signaling).
- Compact Short-Size PCI Form Factor: Board dimensions of 176.41 mm (L) × 105.68 mm (H) allow installation in standard PCI slots.
- Flexible Interrupt Configuration: Jumper-selectable IRQ allocation for system-level interrupt management.
- Wide Operating Voltage Range: Supports external output voltage levels up to 35 V DC.
- Comprehensive Software Support: Includes Windows and Linux drivers, as well as LabVIEW VI libraries for seamless integration into various development environments.

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3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|------------------|
| Bus Interface | PCI Local Bus, 32-bit, 33 MHz, 5 V or 3.3 V signaling |
| Output Channels | 64 opto-isolated open-collector outputs |
| Output Type | Current sinking (open collector, negative logic) |
| Output Voltage Range | Up to 35 V DC |
| Maximum Output Current | 150 mA per channel, 2 A maximum per common group |
| Isolation Voltage | 1 kVrms between PC and external circuits |
| Response Time | ≤ 200 µs |
| Common Configuration | Positive common (shared per 16-channel group) |
| External Power Supply | 12 – 24 V DC typical |
| Power Consumption | +5 V DC ± 5%, 250 mA (from PCI bus) |
| Dimensions | 176.41 mm (L) × 105.68 mm (H) |
| Connector Type | 96-pin half-pitch D-type female connector (PCR-E96LMD [Honda Tsushin Kogyo] or equivalent) |
| Isolation Method | Opto-coupler isolation between logic and I/O circuits |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C – 50 °C (typical industrial environment) |
| Storage Temperature | –10 °C – 60 °C |
| Relative Humidity | 10 – 90% RH (non-condensing) |
| Mounting | Standard PCI slot (short-size board) |
| Weight | Approx. 120 g |

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4. Functionality

The PO-64L(PCI) functions as a digital output interface board that allows a host PC to control external devices such as relays, solenoids, lamps, and actuators through opto-isolated transistor outputs. Each output channel operates as an open collector, enabling current sinking control of external loads connected to a positive common voltage source.

Operation Principle:
- The board receives digital output data from the host PC via the PCI bus.
- Each output channel drives an opto-coupler transistor that switches the external circuit.
- The opto-isolation barrier ensures that electrical noise or surges from the external load do not affect the PC’s internal logic.
- The board supports grouped commons (typically 16 channels per common), allowing flexible wiring for multiple external power domains.

Typical Applications:
- Industrial automation and process control systems
- PLC signal output expansion
- Machine control and equipment interfacing
- Data acquisition and monitoring systems
- LED or indicator control panels
- Relay or solenoid actuation

Compatibility:
- Compatible with standard PCI bus slots on industrial PCs and workstations.
- Supported by CONTEC’s API-TOOL driver suite for Windows and Linux.
- Integrates with LabVIEW via VI-DAQ library for graphical programming environments.

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- PO-64L(PCI) main board
- User manual and driver software (downloadable from CONTEC website)

Optional Accessories:
- Cables:
- PCB96P / PCB96PS (96-pin half-pitch flat or shielded cables, 1.5 m – 5 m)
- PCB96W / PCB96WS (96-pin to dual 37-pin D-sub converter cables)
- PCB100/96PS (100-pin to 96-pin conversion cable for use with PO-128L(PCI) or similar boards)
- Terminal Blocks:
- EPD-96 (DIN-rail mountable 96-pin terminal block)
- DTP-64(PC) (screw-type terminal panel for 64-channel I/O)
- CM-64(PC)E (signal monitoring and test emulator for 64-channel I/O)
- Connector Sets:
- CN5-H96F (96-pin half-pitch female connector set, 5 pcs)
- DIN Rail Adapter:
- DIN-ADP1 (for mounting terminal units on DIN rails)

These accessories facilitate easy wiring, signal monitoring, and integration with external devices.

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6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- IBM PC/AT compatible computer with an available PCI slot (32-bit, 33 MHz)
- Operating system: Windows (XP/7/10/11) or Linux (kernel modules supported)
- Power supply: +5 V DC from PCI bus (250 mA max)

Installation Steps:
1. Power off the PC and remove the cover.
2. Insert the PO-64L(PCI) board into an available PCI slot.
3. Secure the bracket with the mounting screw.
4. Connect the external I/O cable (96-pin half-pitch) to the board’s connector.
5. Attach the other end of the cable to a terminal block (e.g., EPD-96).
6. Power on the PC and install the appropriate driver software.
7. Verify board recognition using CONTEC’s diagnostic utility or API-TOOL configuration tool.

Configuration:
- IRQ allocation is automatically managed by the PCI Plug & Play system but can be manually set via jumpers if required.
- Output logic and common wiring should be configured according to the external device’s voltage and current requirements.
- Ensure that the total current per common does not exceed 2 A.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Output Drive Capability: Each channel can sink up to 150 mA at 35 V DC, allowing direct control of small relays, LEDs, or solenoids.
- Group Current Limit: 2 A maximum per common group (typically 16 channels per group).
- Response Time: ≤ 200 µs ensures fast switching suitable for real-time control.
- Isolation Strength: 1 kVrms isolation between PC logic and external circuits.
- Noise Immunity: Opto-coupler isolation and surge suppression circuits minimize susceptibility to electrical noise.
- Reliability: Designed for continuous industrial operation with robust PCB layout and high-quality components.
- Wiring Distance: Up to 50 m between the board and external devices (depending on cable type and environment).
- Power Efficiency: Low power consumption (250 mA at 5 V DC) minimizes system load.

Limitations:
- The board provides only digital output functionality (no input channels).
- External power supply required for driving loads.
- Not suitable for AC load control (DC only).
- Ensure proper heat dissipation when driving high-current loads continuously.

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Standard: PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.2 compliant
- Isolation Standard: 1 kVrms optical isolation between logic and I/O circuits
- Environmental Compliance: Designed for industrial temperature and humidity ranges
- Safety & EMC: Meets CE and FCC Class A industrial emission standards (when used with shielded cables)
- RoHS Compliance: Manufactured in accordance with EU RoHS Directive for hazardous substance restriction
- Quality Assurance: Produced under ISO 9001-certified manufacturing processes

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9. Additional Information

Software Support:
- Windows Driver (API-TOOL for Windows):
Provides Win32 API-compatible DLLs for easy integration into custom applications. Includes sample programs and diagnostic utilities.
- Linux Driver (API-TOOL for Linux):
Offers module-style device drivers and shared libraries for Linux environments.
- LabVIEW Support (VI-DAQ):
Free downloadable VI library for National Instruments LabVIEW, enabling direct control of the board through graphical programming.

Maintenance & Support:
- Regular firmware and driver updates available from CONTEC’s global portal (www.contec.com).
- Technical documentation, wiring diagrams, and sample code provided online.
- Customer support includes email and phone assistance for installation and troubleshooting.

Warranty:
- Standard 1-year manufacturer’s warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
- Extended warranty and maintenance contracts available upon request.

Service Life & Reliability:
- Designed for long-term industrial use with MTBF exceeding 100,000 hours under normal operating conditions.
- Solid-state output design eliminates mechanical wear, ensuring consistent performance over time.

Ordering Information:
- Model: PO-64L(PCI)
- Part Number: PO-64L(PCI)
- Optional Accessories: PCB96PS, EPD-96, CM-64(PC)E, DIN-ADP1

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Summary

The CONTEC PO-64L(PCI) is a robust, opto-isolated 64-channel digital output board engineered for industrial automation and control applications. Its combination of high channel density, electrical isolation, surge protection, and PCI bus compatibility makes it ideal for controlling a wide range of external devices in demanding environments. With comprehensive driver support for Windows, Linux, and LabVIEW, the PO-64L(PCI) integrates seamlessly into both legacy and modern control systems. Its proven reliability, flexible configuration, and extensive accessory ecosystem make it a preferred choice for engineers seeking a dependable digital output interface solution.