1. Product Overview

Name: ATCH‑16(PCI)
Model: ATCH‑16(PCI)
Series: E‑Series Analog I/O Expansion Accessories
Article Number: ATCH‑16(PCI)
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd. (Osaka, Japan)

The ATCH‑16(PCI) is a 16‑channel multiplexer sub‑board designed as an analog input expansion accessory for CONTEC’s Intelligent E‑Series PCI analog I/O boards, specifically the AD12‑16(PCI)E and AD16‑16(PCI)E models. It provides additional analog input capacity, extending the base board’s input capability from 16 single‑ended (SE) or 8 differential (DI) channels to a total of 32 SE or 16 DI channels. The board is intended for use in PC‑based measurement and control systems requiring high‑precision, multi‑channel analog data acquisition.

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2. Key Features

- Channel Expansion: Doubles the analog input capacity of compatible E‑Series boards from 16 SE/8 DI to 32 SE/16 DI channels.
- High‑Precision Multiplexing: Maintains the same resolution and accuracy as the host board (12‑bit or 16‑bit depending on the base model).
- PCI Bus Compatibility: Occupies one PCI slot and interfaces directly with the host board through a dedicated expansion connector (CN3).
- Voltage Input Range: Supports up to ±20 V maximum input voltage, matching the host board’s analog input range.
- Connector Type: 37‑pin D‑SUB female connector for external signal interfacing.
- Compact Form Factor: 75 mm × 40 mm PCB size allows installation in standard or low‑profile PCI chassis.
- Seamless Integration: Designed for direct use with AD12‑16(PCI)E and AD16‑16(PCI)E without additional configuration.
- Industrial Reliability: Built for stable operation in industrial measurement environments with noise‑resistant design and high‑quality components.
- Software Support: Fully supported by CONTEC’s API‑PAC(W32) and API‑TOOLs for Windows/Linux, as well as LabVIEW and MATLAB libraries.

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3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|------------------|
| Analog Input Channels | 16 SE / 8 DI (adds to base board for total 32 SE / 16 DI) |
| Input Type | Voltage input, single‑ended or differential |
| Input Range | ±10 V, ±5 V, ±2.5 V, ±1.25 V, 0 – +10 V, 0 – +5 V, 0 – +2.5 V (software‑selectable via host board) |
| Maximum Input Voltage | ±20 V (absolute maximum) |
| Input Impedance | ≥ 1 MΩ |
| Resolution | 12‑bit or 16‑bit (depends on host board) |
| Conversion Speed | Determined by host board (up to 10 µs/ch for AD16‑16(PCI)E) |
| Connector | 37‑pin D‑SUB female |
| Dimensions | 75 mm (L) × 40 mm (W) |
| Mounting | Occupies one PCI slot (requires adjacent slot to host board) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 – 50 °C |
| Operating Humidity | 20 – 90 % RH (non‑condensing) |
| Power Supply | Supplied from host board via CN3 connector |
| Weight | Approx. 100 g |
| Compliance | PCI standard mechanical form factor |

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4. Functionality

The ATCH‑16(PCI) functions as an analog input multiplexer sub‑board. When connected to a compatible E‑Series analog I/O board (AD12‑16(PCI)E or AD16‑16(PCI)E), it expands the number of available analog input channels. The host board’s A/D converter sequentially samples signals from the ATCH‑16(PCI) through its multiplexer circuitry.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Multi‑channel voltage measurement and logging
- Industrial process monitoring and control
- Laboratory instrumentation and data acquisition
- Sensor array interfacing (temperature, pressure, strain, etc.)
- Automated test systems requiring high channel density

Compatibility:
- Supported Host Boards:
- AD12‑16(PCI)E (12‑bit, ±10 V/0–10 V input range)
- AD16‑16(PCI)E (16‑bit, ±10 V/0–10 V input range)
- Software Compatibility:
- Windows 10/11, Linux (via API‑TOOLs)
- LabVIEW VI‑DAQ and MATLAB ML‑DAQ libraries

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- ATCH‑16(PCI) board
- Mounting bracket for PCI slot
- User documentation (electronic/manual)

Optional Accessories:
- Cables:
- PCB37PS‑0.5P / PCB37P‑1.5 (37‑pin shielded or flat cable)
- PCA37PS‑0.5P / PCA37P‑1.5 (alternative cable sets)
- Terminal Units:
- EPD‑37A / EPD‑37 (DIN‑rail mountable terminal blocks)
- DTP‑3(PC) / DTP‑4(PC) (screw‑type terminal units with 1 m cable)
- ATP‑16 (BNC terminal panel for analog input)
- Signal Conditioning Boards:
- ATII‑8A (isolated amplifier terminal board)
- ATLF‑8 (low‑pass filter terminal board)
- ATSS‑16 (simultaneous sample‑and‑hold board)
- Mounting Accessories:
- DIN‑ADP1 (DIN‑rail adapter for terminal units)

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6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Compatible CONTEC E‑Series PCI analog I/O board installed in the same system.
- One available adjacent PCI slot for the ATCH‑16(PCI).
- Proper grounding and shielding for analog signal wiring.

Installation Procedure:
1. Power off the PC and disconnect AC power.
2. Insert the ATCH‑16(PCI) into an available PCI slot adjacent to the host board.
3. Connect the ATCH‑16(PCI) to the host board’s CN3 expansion connector using the supplied inter‑board cable.
4. Secure the board with the bracket screw.
5. Connect external analog input signals to the 37‑pin D‑SUB connector using appropriate shielded cables.
6. Power on the PC and verify recognition through CONTEC’s driver utilities (API‑PAC(W32) or API‑TOOLs).

Configuration:
- Channel configuration and input range are set via the host board’s software interface.
- No jumpers or switches are required on the ATCH‑16(PCI) itself.
- Calibration and scaling are managed through the host board’s driver software.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Channel Expansion: Adds 16 SE / 8 DI channels per module.
- Total Capacity: Up to 32 SE / 16 DI channels when combined with the base board.
- Signal Range: ±10 V max (absolute ±20 V).
- Sampling Rate: Determined by host board (up to 100 kS/s per channel typical).
- Accuracy: Maintains host board’s specified accuracy (±2 LSB typical).
- Noise Immunity: High‑impedance input and shielded connector minimize crosstalk and interference.
- Latency: Negligible additional delay; multiplexing synchronized with host board’s A/D timing.
- Limitations:
- Cannot operate standalone; requires compatible E‑Series host board.
- Occupies one PCI slot for mechanical mounting only (no independent PCI interface).
- External power supply required if used simultaneously with signal conditioning modules (ATII‑8A, ATSS‑16).

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Standard: PCI mechanical form factor (non‑electrical interface).
- Electrical Safety: Designed for low‑voltage DC analog signal environments.
- EMC Compliance: Conforms to industrial noise immunity standards when used with shielded cables.
- Environmental Compliance:
- RoHS compliant (lead‑free manufacturing).
- CE marking applicable when used with certified host board.
- Operating Environment:
- Temperature: 0 – 50 °C
- Humidity: 20 – 90 % RH (non‑condensing)
- Storage Temperature: –10 – 60 °C

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9. Additional Information

Warranty:
Three‑year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal operating conditions.

Support & Maintenance:
- Technical support available through CONTEC’s global offices (Japan, USA, Europe, China, Korea, Taiwan).
- Free driver and software updates downloadable from [www.contec.com](https://www.contec.com).
- Calibration and repair services available through authorized service centers.

Software & Driver Updates:
- API‑PAC(W32): Windows driver and function library for analog/digital I/O control.
- API‑TOOLs for Linux: Module‑style device drivers and shared libraries for Linux environments.
- LabVIEW VI‑DAQ: VI library for National Instruments LabVIEW integration.
- MATLAB ML‑DAQ: MATLAB library for direct data acquisition and analysis.

Maintenance Recommendations:
- Periodically inspect connectors and cables for oxidation or mechanical stress.
- Maintain clean, dust‑free environment to ensure stable analog performance.
- Recalibration recommended every 12 months when used in precision measurement applications.

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### Summary

The CONTEC ATCH‑16(PCI) is a dedicated analog input expansion module engineered for the company’s E‑Series PCI analog I/O boards. By adding 16 single‑ended or 8 differential channels, it effectively doubles the input capacity of the host board while preserving its high‑speed, high‑accuracy performance. The board’s compact 75 × 40 mm design, robust 37‑pin D‑SUB connector, and ±20 V input tolerance make it ideal for industrial and laboratory data acquisition systems requiring scalable channel density.

Fully supported by CONTEC’s cross‑platform driver suite and compatible with major engineering environments such as LabVIEW and MATLAB, the ATCH‑16(PCI) provides a cost‑effective, reliable solution for expanding analog measurement capabilities in PCI‑based automation and test systems.