Comprehensive Product Summary: CONTEC BUF(PC)E – ISA AT Bus to ISA AT Bus Extension

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: BUF(PC)E
Model Number: BUF(PC)E
Series: ISA AT Bus Extension Series
Article Number: BUF(PC)E
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd.
Product Type: ISA AT bus to ISA AT bus extension interface card
Version: A-46-368 Ver. 2001.02.06 (Document reference 200307)
Manufacturer Headquarters: Osaka, Japan

Manufacturer Contact Information:

- Japan (Headquarters):
CONTEC Co., Ltd.
3-9-31 Himesato, Nishiyodogawa-ku, Osaka 555-0025, Japan
Tel: +81 (6) 6477-5219 | Fax: +81 (6) 6477-1692
Email: intsales@osaka.contec.co.jp

- U.S.A.:
CONTEC Microelectronics U.S.A. Inc.
744 South Hillview Drive, Milpitas, CA 95035, U.S.A.
Tel: +1 (408) 719-8200 | Fax: +1 (408) 719-6750
Email: tech_support@contecusa.com

- Europe:
CONTEC Microelectronics Europe B.V.
Binnenweg 4, 2132 CT, Hoofddorp, The Netherlands
Tel: +31 (23) 567-3030 | Fax: +31 (23) 567-3035
Email: tech_support@conteceu.nl

- Korea:
Hyojin CONTEC Co., Ltd.
Ki-im Bldg. #399, Shindolim-Dong, Kuro-ku, Seoul, Korea
Tel: +82 (2) 2636-4277/8 | Fax: +82 (2) 2636-4279
Email: product@conteck.com

- China:
International CONTEC Technology Co., Ltd.
B-8F, Hua Tong Building, No. B19, Che Gong Zhuang West Road,
Hai Dian District, Beijing 100044, China
Tel: +86 (10) 8801-8228 | Fax: +86 (10) 8801-8209
Email: ict@ict.com.cn

Shanghai CONTEC Microelectronics Corp.
No. 481 Gui Ping Road, Cao He Jing Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai 200233, China
Tel: +86 (21) 6485-1907 | Fax: +86 (21) 6485-0330
Email: contec@contec.com.cn

Shenyang CONTEC Microelectronics Co., Ltd.
No. 169, Qingnian Street, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110015, China
Tel: +86 (24) 2392-9771 | Fax: +86 (24) 2392-9773

- Taiwan:
Macromate Corp.
8F, Universal Center, No.179, Ta-Tung Rd., Sec.1, Hsi-Chih, Taipei Hsien, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Tel: +886 (2) 2647-9353 | Fax: +886 (2) 2647-9373
Email: intl@macromate.com.tw

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### 2. Key Features

- ISA AT Bus Extension: Enables direct extension of the ISA AT bus from a host PC to an external expansion chassis.
- Full I/O Address Availability: Provides access to all I/O addresses on the ISA AT bus, ensuring complete compatibility with legacy ISA devices.
- Configurable Memory Settings: Memory mapping can be configured via onboard DIP switches, allowing flexible address allocation.
- Interrupt Support: Supports IRQ3–7, IRQ9–12, and IRQ14–15, covering the full range of standard AT interrupt lines.
- Bus Clock Compatibility: Operates with a maximum AT bus clock frequency of 8.33 MHz, ensuring stable performance within ISA timing constraints.
- Dual Power Configurations:
- From PC: 5 VDC / 300 mA
- From Expansion Chassis: 5 VDC / 500 mA
- Compact Form Factor: Card dimensions of 160 mm × 122 mm, suitable for standard ISA slots and expansion chassis.
- Shielded Cable Connection: Includes a 96-pin shielded cable (1 m length) for reliable, noise-resistant signal transmission between the PC and expansion chassis.
- High Signal Integrity: Shielded cable and connector design minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI) and ensure stable data communication.
- Industrial Reliability: Designed for industrial and embedded PC applications requiring stable ISA bus extension.

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### 3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|-------------------|
| Bus Type | ISA AT bus |
| Bus Extension Type | Host-to-expansion chassis |
| Bus Clock Frequency | Maximum 8.33 MHz |
| Interrupt Lines Supported | IRQ3–7, IRQ9–12, IRQ14–15 |
| I/O Address Range | All I/O addresses available |
| Memory Configuration | DIP switch selectable |
| Power Supply (from PC) | +5 VDC ±5%, 300 mA |
| Power Supply (from Expansion Chassis) | +5 VDC ±5%, 500 mA |
| Card Dimensions | 160 mm (W) × 122 mm (D) |
| Cable Type | 96-pin shielded cable |
| Cable Length | 1 meter |
| Connector Type | 96-pin shielded connector |
| Operating Environment | Standard PC/industrial environment |
| Manufacturer | CONTEC Co., Ltd. |
| Country of Origin | Japan |

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### 4. Functionality

The BUF(PC)E functions as an ISA AT bus extension interface, enabling a host PC to communicate with an external expansion chassis that houses additional ISA cards. It effectively replicates the ISA AT bus signals across a shielded cable, maintaining full bus functionality and timing integrity.

Operational Principle:
- The BUF(PC)E card is installed in an ISA slot of the host PC.
- A corresponding interface card (typically another BUF(PC)E or compatible extension board) is installed in the expansion chassis.
- The two cards are connected via the included 96-pin shielded cable.
- The bus signals, including address, data, control, and interrupt lines, are transmitted through the cable, extending the ISA bus to the external chassis.
- The DIP switch on the card allows configuration of memory mapping and address space to prevent conflicts with other system resources.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial Control Systems: Extending ISA bus connectivity to external I/O modules or control boards.
- Legacy System Expansion: Adding additional ISA slots to systems where internal slots are limited.
- Test and Measurement Equipment: Connecting specialized ISA-based data acquisition or control cards in a separate chassis.
- Embedded Systems: Providing flexible system architecture for industrial PCs requiring modular expansion.
- Maintenance and Diagnostics: Facilitating access to ISA cards for testing without opening the main system enclosure.

Compatibility:
- Compatible with standard ISA AT bus architecture.
- Works with both AT and compatible industrial PC motherboards.
- Supports standard ISA signal timing and voltage levels.
- Designed for use with CONTEC expansion chassis and compatible third-party systems.

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- 1 × BUF(PC)E ISA AT bus extension card
- 1 × 96-pin shielded cable (1 m length)
- 1 × User documentation (installation and configuration guide)

Optional Accessories (available separately):
- Additional or longer 96-pin shielded cables (for extended distance applications)
- Compatible expansion chassis with ISA slots
- Mounting brackets or hardware for securing the card in non-standard enclosures

Connectors:
- Host Side: 96-pin shielded connector (male/female depending on configuration)
- Cable: 96-pin shielded cable, 1 m length, designed for high signal integrity
- Expansion Side: Matching 96-pin connector for connection to expansion chassis interface card

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### 6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Available ISA AT slot in the host PC
- Compatible expansion chassis with corresponding interface card
- +5 VDC power supply (provided by PC or expansion chassis)
- Proper grounding and shielding to minimize EMI

Installation Steps:
1. Power off the host PC and expansion chassis.
2. Insert the BUF(PC)E card into an available ISA slot in the host PC.
3. Install the corresponding extension card in the expansion chassis.
4. Connect the two cards using the provided 96-pin shielded cable.
5. Configure the DIP switch settings for memory mapping and IRQ assignments as required.
6. Verify all connections are secure and properly seated.
7. Power on the system and confirm that the expansion chassis and connected ISA cards are recognized.

Mounting Options:
- Standard ISA slot mounting with rear bracket.
- Can be used in rack-mounted or desktop industrial PCs.
- Expansion chassis may be rack-mounted or free-standing depending on system design.

Configuration:
- DIP switches allow manual configuration of memory address ranges.
- IRQ lines can be assigned according to system requirements.
- No special software drivers required; operates transparently as an ISA bus extension.

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

Bus Performance:
- Supports full ISA AT bus bandwidth up to 8.33 MHz.
- Maintains signal timing and integrity across 1 m cable length.
- Provides full access to all I/O and memory address spaces.

Capacity:
- Extends the ISA bus to support multiple additional ISA cards in an external chassis.
- Number of supported cards depends on expansion chassis design and power capacity.

Efficiency:
- Low power consumption (300–500 mA at 5 VDC).
- Shielded cable minimizes signal loss and interference.
- Passive design ensures minimal latency and high reliability.

Limitations:
- Maximum cable length of 1 m recommended for reliable operation.
- Limited to ISA AT bus speed (8.33 MHz maximum).
- Requires proper configuration of memory and IRQ settings to avoid conflicts.

Reliability:
- Industrial-grade design ensures stable operation in demanding environments.
- Shielded connectors and cable provide robust EMI protection.
- Proven CONTEC engineering for long-term system integration.

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

Bus Standard:
- Compliant with ISA AT (Industry Standard Architecture Advanced Technology) bus specifications.

Electrical Standards:
- Operates at standard ISA voltage levels (5 VDC logic).
- Meets typical industrial EMC and EMI shielding requirements through shielded cable design.

Regulatory Compliance:
- Designed and manufactured in accordance with CONTEC’s quality management standards.
- Suitable for use in industrial and commercial computing environments.

Industry Standards:
- Compatible with legacy ISA bus devices and expansion systems.
- Follows standard mechanical and electrical interface conventions for ISA cards.

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### 9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Standard CONTEC limited warranty (duration varies by region; typically 1 year).
- Covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use conditions.

Technical Support:
- Global support network through CONTEC offices in Japan, USA, Europe, Korea, China, and Taiwan.
- Email and phone-based technical assistance available.
- Documentation and configuration guides provided with product.

Maintenance:
- Minimal maintenance required.
- Periodic inspection of cable connections and DIP switch settings recommended.
- Keep connectors clean and free from dust or oxidation.

Updates and Revisions:
- Product documentation version A-46-368 Ver. 2001.02.06 (reference 200307).
- Future revisions may include updated cable options or enhanced compatibility with newer expansion chassis.

Service and Replacement:
- Replacement cables and interface cards available through CONTEC distributors.
- Authorized service centers available in all major regions.

Environmental Considerations:
- Designed for standard industrial operating environments.
- Ensure adequate ventilation and protection from excessive heat or vibration.

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### Summary

The CONTEC BUF(PC)E is a robust, industrial-grade ISA AT bus extension interface designed to extend the ISA bus from a host PC to an external expansion chassis. It provides full access to all I/O addresses and interrupt lines, supports configurable memory mapping via DIP switches, and operates at a maximum bus clock of 8.33 MHz. With its shielded 96-pin cable and compact 160 × 122 mm form factor, the BUF(PC)E ensures reliable, noise-resistant communication between systems.

Engineered for industrial, embedded, and legacy computing environments, the BUF(PC)E enables flexible system expansion while maintaining full ISA compatibility. Its straightforward installation, low power consumption, and high signal integrity make it an ideal solution for extending ISA-based systems in manufacturing, automation, and test applications.

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Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd.
Product: BUF(PC)E – ISA AT Bus to ISA AT Bus Extension
Dimensions: 160 mm × 122 mm
Power: 5 VDC / 300–500 mA
Cable: 96-pin shielded, 1 m length
Bus Speed: Up to 8.33 MHz
Interrupts: IRQ3–7, 9–12, 14–15
Configuration: DIP switch memory setting
Compliance: ISA AT standard