Comprehensive Product Summary – CONTEC API‑SMC(PC)W95 Windows 95 Device Driver

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: API‑SMC(PC)W95
Article Number: API‑SMC(PC)W95
Series: API‑PAC (98/PC) Series – Motor Control Driver Library
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd.
Product Type: Windows 95 Device Driver for Stepping and Servo Motor Control Boards
Supported Hardware: CONTEC SMC‑2P(PCI), SMC‑3(PC), and SMC‑4P(PCI) motor control boards

General Description:
The CONTEC API‑SMC(PC)W95 is a Windows 95‑compliant device driver designed to enable full control and configuration of CONTEC’s SMC‑series motion control boards. It provides a standardized API interface for developing motion control applications in the Windows environment, supporting both stepping and servo motor control. The driver integrates with CONTEC’s API‑PAC(W32) library framework, ensuring consistent programming methodology across analog, digital, counter, and communication modules.

This driver allows developers to perform precise motion control operations such as point‑to‑point (PTP) movement, jogging, origin return, and synchronized multi‑axis interpolation. It includes setup and diagnostic utilities for easy configuration, troubleshooting, and performance verification.

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### 2. Key Features

- Windows 95 Compatibility: Fully compliant with Microsoft Windows 95, providing stable operation in legacy industrial control systems.
- Supported Hardware Platforms: Designed for CONTEC SMC‑2P(PCI), SMC‑3(PC), and SMC‑4P(PCI) motor control boards.
- Multi‑Board Control: Supports up to 16 boards simultaneously, allowing complex multi‑axis motion systems.
- Comprehensive Motion Control: Enables control of both stepping and servo motors with high precision.
- User‑Friendly Setup Utility: Includes a configuration wizard for initial board setup and parameter definition.
- Diagnostic Utility: Provides hardware/software diagnostic tools to identify configuration or communication issues.
- Flexible Motion Modes:
- PTP (Point‑to‑Point) Motion: Direct movement between defined positions.
- Jogging Mode: Continuous manual movement for setup and calibration.
- Origin Return: Multiple homing modes for establishing reference positions.
- Bank Motion: Predefined motion pattern execution for repetitive operations.
- Event Functionality: Supports event‑driven control for synchronization and automation.
- Multi‑Axis Synchronization: Enables coordinated motion across multiple axes for continuous interpolation.
- Integration with API‑PAC(W32): Unified API structure across all CONTEC I/O and control devices.
- Sample Programs Included: Demonstrates driver usage and accelerates application development.
- Automatic Board Detection: Compatible with API‑TOOL Configuration Ver.4.10 or later for automatic hardware recognition.
- Industrial‑Grade Reliability: Designed for continuous operation in automation and measurement environments.

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### 3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|-------------------|
| Supported OS | Microsoft Windows 95 |
| Supported Hardware | SMC‑2P(PCI), SMC‑3(PC), SMC‑4P(PCI) |
| Maximum Boards Controlled | 16 boards per system |
| Motor Types | Stepping motor, Servo motor |
| Control Modes | PTP, Jogging, Origin return, Bank motion |
| Synchronization | Multi‑axis continuous interpolation |
| Interface Type | PCI (SMC‑2P, SMC‑4P), ISA (SMC‑3) |
| API Format | Win32 DLL (Dynamic Link Library) |
| Installation Utility | Setup Wizard for Windows 95 |
| Diagnostic Utility | Included for hardware/software verification |
| Programming Interface | API‑PAC unified command set |
| Language Support | Visual Basic, Visual C/C++, Borland C++ Builder, Delphi (via API‑PAC) |
| Documentation | Help files, sample code, and configuration guide |
| Distribution | Included with SMC‑series boards or downloadable from CONTEC Global Portal |

Physical dimensions and weight are determined by the hardware boards (SMC‑2P/4P/3), not the driver itself.

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### 4. Functionality

Operational Overview:
API‑SMC(PC)W95 acts as the communication layer between Windows 95 applications and CONTEC’s SMC motion control hardware. It exposes a set of API functions that allow developers to send motion commands, configure parameters, and monitor motor status directly from user applications.

Core Functions:
- Initialization and Configuration:
The setup utility detects installed SMC boards and allows users to configure parameters such as pulse output mode, acceleration/deceleration profiles, and limit switch logic.
- Motion Execution:
Provides functions for absolute and relative positioning, speed control, and trajectory planning.
- Event Handling:
Supports event messages for motion completion, error detection, and synchronization triggers.
- Diagnostics and Monitoring:
The diagnostic utility can test communication, verify board operation, and generate reports for troubleshooting.
- Multi‑Axis Coordination:
Enables simultaneous control of multiple motors for applications requiring synchronized movement.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation systems requiring precise motion control.
- Semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
- Robotics and CNC machinery.
- Laboratory automation and measurement systems.
- Conveyor and packaging systems.
- Any Windows 95‑based legacy control environment using CONTEC motion boards.

Compatibility:
- Fully compatible with CONTEC’s API‑PAC(W32) framework.
- Can coexist with other API‑PAC drivers (AIO, DIO, CNT, GPIB, SIO) for integrated control systems.
- Not compatible with National Instruments GPIB drivers or CONTEC API‑GPIB(98/PC) when used on the same hardware.

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Components:
- API‑SMC(PC)W95 driver software (installation package).
- Setup Utility for configuration and parameter initialization.
- Diagnostic Utility for hardware/software verification.
- Sample programs demonstrating motion control functions.
- Documentation (User Manual, API Reference, and Help files).

Optional Add‑Ons:
- API‑PAC(W32) unified driver library (included with most CONTEC boards).
- API‑TOOL Configuration software (for board detection and diagnostics).
- LabVIEW‑compliant driver (API‑GPLV(W32)) for integration with National Instruments LabVIEW.
- Additional CONTEC motion control boards (SMC‑series).

Connectors and Interfaces:
- PCI or ISA bus interface (depending on board model).
- External connectors for motor driver and encoder feedback (on hardware boards).
- Software interface via DLL API functions.

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### 6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows 95.
- Hardware: CONTEC SMC‑2P(PCI), SMC‑3(PC), or SMC‑4P(PCI) board installed.
- CPU and Memory: As required by Windows 95 and the application software.
- Disk Space: Sufficient for driver installation and sample programs.

Installation Procedure:
1. Insert the installation media or download the driver package from CONTEC’s website.
2. Run the Setup Program included with API‑PAC(W32).
3. Select the target board (SMC‑2P, SMC‑3, or SMC‑4P) from the list.
4. The installer automatically registers the appropriate DLLs and configuration files.
5. Reboot the system to complete installation.
6. Use the Setup Utility to configure board parameters and verify operation.

Configuration:
- The setup wizard allows users to define motor parameters, I/O assignments, and motion profiles.
- Configuration data is stored in the Windows registry or configuration files for automatic loading at startup.
- The diagnostic utility can be launched from the API‑TOOL Configuration screen to verify correct installation.

Mounting Options:
- The driver itself is software‑based; physical mounting pertains to the SMC hardware boards (PCI or ISA slot installation).

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

Control Performance:
- Supports high‑speed pulse output for precise motor control.
- Provides smooth acceleration and deceleration profiles.
- Capable of simultaneous multi‑axis motion with interpolation.
- Event‑driven architecture allows real‑time response to motion completion or error conditions.

Capacity:
- Up to 16 boards can be controlled concurrently, each managing multiple motor channels.
- Each board supports multiple axes (depending on model: 2‑axis for SMC‑2P, 3‑axis for SMC‑3, 4‑axis for SMC‑4P).

Efficiency:
- Optimized for low CPU overhead under Windows 95.
- Supports background operation, allowing other Windows tasks to continue during motion execution.

Limitations:
- Designed for Windows 95 only; not compatible with Windows NT, 2000, or XP.
- Cannot be used simultaneously with API‑GPIB(98/PC) or National Instruments GPIB drivers on the same hardware.
- Limited to CONTEC SMC‑series boards; not applicable to third‑party motion controllers.

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

Software Standards:
- Compliant with Microsoft Win32 API conventions.
- IEEE‑488.2 compliance (for related GPIB communication modules).
- Follows CONTEC’s unified API‑PAC architecture for consistent function naming and structure.

Regulatory Compliance:
- Developed under CONTEC’s industrial software quality management system.
- Intended for use in industrial automation and measurement systems requiring reliable motion control.

Industry Standards Supported:
- PCI and ISA bus standards for hardware communication.
- Windows 95 Plug‑and‑Play device management.
- Event‑driven programming model consistent with industrial control software practices.

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### 9. Additional Information

Warranty & Support:
- Software warranty provided under CONTEC’s standard software license agreement.
- Technical support available through CONTEC’s global support portal.
- Diagnostic and setup utilities included to assist with troubleshooting.

Maintenance:
- Periodic updates and patches available through CONTEC’s API‑PAC developer site.
- Users can download the latest versions of driver libraries and sample programs free of charge.
- Configuration and diagnostic tools assist in maintaining system stability and performance.

Documentation & Resources:
- API Reference Manual (function descriptions, parameters, and examples).
- Setup Guide for Windows 95 installation.
- Diagnostic Utility User Guide.
- Sample source code for Visual Basic, Visual C++, and other supported languages.
- Online resources:
- API‑PAC Developer’s Site: [http://www.contec.com/apipac/](http://www.contec.com/apipac/)
- Global Portal: [http://www.contec.com](http://www.contec.com)

Software Updates:
- Free downloads of the latest driver versions and sample programs.
- Backward compatibility maintained within the API‑PAC framework.
- Continuous improvement for stability and performance in legacy environments.

Integration with Other CONTEC Software:
- API‑PAC(W32): Unified driver library for analog, digital, counter, and communication boards.
- API‑TOOL Configuration: Diagnostic and configuration environment for all API‑PAC drivers.
- VI‑DAQ: LabVIEW‑compliant VI library for analog/digital I/O and counter modules.
- API‑GPLV(W32): LabVIEW‑compliant GPIB driver for communication modules.
- COM‑DRV(W32): Standard COM driver for serial communication modules.

Legacy and Migration:
- API‑SMC(PC)W95 is part of CONTEC’s legacy driver suite for Windows 95 systems.
- For newer operating systems (Windows 2000/XP and later), CONTEC provides API‑SMC(98/PC)NT and API‑SMC(W32) versions.
- Migration to newer platforms is supported through the unified API‑PAC interface, minimizing code changes.

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### Summary

The CONTEC API‑SMC(PC)W95 driver is a specialized Windows 95 software component enabling precise control of CONTEC’s SMC‑series motion control boards. It provides a robust, unified API for developing motion control applications in industrial automation, robotics, and measurement systems. With support for multiple boards, comprehensive motion modes, and integrated setup and diagnostic utilities, it delivers a complete solution for legacy Windows‑based motion control environments.

Its integration within the API‑PAC(W32) ecosystem ensures consistent programming across all CONTEC I/O and control devices, while its event‑driven architecture and multi‑axis synchronization capabilities make it suitable for complex, high‑performance motion systems. Despite being a legacy driver, API‑SMC(PC)W95 remains a critical component for maintaining and operating existing Windows 95‑based industrial control systems.