1. Product Overview

- Product Name: Opto-Isolated Digital I/O Board
- Model: DIO-6464L-PE
- Series: PCI Express Digital I/O Series (PE Series)
- Article Number: DIO-6464L-PE
- Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd. (Japan)
- Product Category: Industrial Automation / Measurement and Control – Digital Input/Output Interface Boards

The CONTEC DIO-6464L-PE is a high-density, opto-isolated digital input/output interface card designed for PCI Express (PCIe) bus systems. It provides 64 optically isolated digital input channels and 64 optically isolated open-collector digital output channels, offering robust electrical isolation and noise immunity for industrial control and monitoring applications. The board is fully compliant with the PCI Express Base Specification Rev. 1.0a and is compatible with x1 lane PCIe slots.

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2. Key Features

- High-Density I/O: 64 opto-isolated digital inputs and 64 opto-isolated open-collector digital outputs on a single PCIe card.
- Optical Isolation: Each I/O channel is isolated via opto-couplers to protect the host PC from electrical noise, surges, and ground potential differences.
- Negative Logic Operation: Supports current sinking (negative logic) configuration; 16 output channels share a positive common line.
- Interrupt Functionality: 16 input signals can be configured as interrupt sources, combined into one interrupt request signal (INTA).
- Digital Filtering: Built-in digital filter prevents false triggering due to noise or signal chattering.
- Surge and Overcurrent Protection: Output transistors include integrated Zener diodes and polyswitches for surge suppression and overcurrent protection.
- High Reliability: Industrial-grade design ensures stable operation in electrically noisy environments.
- Software Support: Includes license-free Windows and Linux drivers (API-TOOL), and LabVIEW VI-DAQ library for easy integration with data acquisition systems.
- RoHS Compliant: Environmentally friendly, lead-free design.
- Compatibility: Functionally and connector-pin compatible with the PCI-compliant model PIO-64/64L(PCI)H.

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3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|-------------------|
| Bus Interface | PCI Express Base Specification Rev. 1.0a ×1 |
| Input Channels | 64 opto-isolated inputs (sink current type, negative logic) |
| Output Channels | 64 opto-isolated open-collector outputs (current sinking type, negative logic) |
| Input Signal Level | 12–24 VDC (±10%) |
| Input Resistance | 4.7 kΩ |
| Interrupts | 16 input signals combined into one interrupt request (INTA) |
| Output Type | Opto-isolated open collector (current sinking) |
| Output Rating | 35 VDC, 100 mA per channel |
| Response Time (Max) | Within 200 µs |
| Isolation Method | Opto-coupler isolation between I/O and logic circuits |
| Common Configuration | 16 outputs share one positive common line |
| Wiring Distance | Up to 50 m (depending on wiring environment) |
| I/O Address | Any 32-byte boundary |
| Power Consumption | 3.3 VDC, 600 mA (max) |
| Board Dimensions | 169.33 mm (L) × 110.18 mm (H) |
| Connectors | Two 100-pin 0.8 mm pitch female half-pitch connectors (HDRA-E100W1LFDT1EC-SL+ by HONDA Tsushin Kogyo or equivalent) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 50°C (typical industrial range) |
| Storage Temperature | -20°C to 60°C |
| Humidity | 10–90% RH (non-condensing) |
| Weight | Approx. 200 g (board only) |
| Compliance | RoHS, PCI Express Base Specification Rev. 1.0a |

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4. Functionality

The DIO-6464L-PE serves as a digital interface between a host PC and external control equipment. Each input channel detects external DC voltage signals (12–24 VDC) through opto-couplers, providing galvanic isolation from the PC’s internal circuits. The output channels use open-collector transistors to drive external loads such as relays, lamps, or PLC inputs.

- Input Function:
Each input channel detects ON/OFF states of external devices. The opto-isolation ensures that electrical noise or potential differences do not affect the PC. The digital filter can be configured to ignore transient noise pulses shorter than a set threshold.

- Output Function:
Each output channel can sink up to 100 mA at 35 VDC. The outputs are grouped in sets of 16 channels sharing a common positive line. Built-in surge and overcurrent protection circuits safeguard against transient voltage spikes and overloads.

- Interrupt Handling:
Up to 16 input channels can generate interrupts, which are combined into a single interrupt request line (INTA) to the host system. This allows event-driven control applications.

- Applications:
- Factory automation and process control
- Machine status monitoring
- PLC interfacing
- Signal acquisition and control in test systems
- Industrial equipment interlocking and safety systems

- Compatibility:
The DIO-6464L-PE is functionally compatible with CONTEC’s PCI model PIO-64/64L(PCI)H, allowing easy migration from legacy PCI to PCI Express platforms.

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- DIO-6464L-PE PCIe card
- Standard-size PCI bracket (Low Profile bracket optional)
- Documentation and driver software (downloadable)

Optional Accessories:
- Cables:
- PCB100PS (100-pin cable)
- PCB100/96PS (100-pin to 96-pin conversion cable)
- PCB100WS (shielded 100-pin cable)
- PCA100P (100-pin cable assembly)
- Terminal Blocks and Interface Boards:
- EPD-37A, EPD-37, EPD-96A, EPD-96, EPD-100A
- DTP-3A, DTP-4A, DTP-64(PC)
- CM-64(PC)E, CCB-96
- Connector Type:
Two 100-pin 0.8 mm pitch female half-pitch connectors (HDRA series).

These accessories facilitate connection between the DIO-6464L-PE and external devices or terminal blocks for wiring convenience.

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6. Installation & Setup

- System Requirements:
- PC with available PCI Express x1 (or higher) slot
- Operating system: Windows (supported versions via API-TOOL driver) or Linux (kernel module driver)
- Power supply: 3.3 VDC from PCIe bus

- Installation Steps:
1. Power off the PC and insert the DIO-6464L-PE into an available PCIe slot.
2. Secure the board using the supplied bracket.
3. Connect external devices using the appropriate 100-pin cables and terminal blocks.
4. Install the driver software (API-TOOL for Windows or Linux).
5. Verify device recognition in the operating system.
6. Configure I/O channels and interrupt settings using the provided API or LabVIEW VI-DAQ library.

- Mounting Options:
The board is standard PCI Express form factor (169 × 110 mm) and includes a full-height bracket. It can be installed in standard or low-profile PCIe slots using the appropriate bracket.

- Configuration:
I/O addresses are automatically assigned by the PCIe plug-and-play mechanism. Interrupts are configured via software.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Input Performance:
- Voltage range: 12–24 VDC (±10%)
- Input resistance: 4.7 kΩ
- Isolation: Opto-coupler
- Maximum wiring distance: 50 m
- Response time: ≤200 µs
- Interrupt capability: 16 channels combined into one INTA

- Output Performance:
- Output type: Open collector (current sinking)
- Output voltage: Up to 35 VDC
- Output current: 100 mA per channel
- Common configuration: 16 outputs share one positive common line
- Protection: Built-in Zener diode and polyswitch for surge and overcurrent protection
- Response time: ≤200 µs

- Electrical Isolation:
Opto-coupler isolation between I/O and logic circuits prevents ground loops and protects the PC from high-voltage transients.

- Efficiency and Reliability:
The board’s design minimizes power consumption (3.3 VDC, 600 mA) while maintaining high noise immunity. The opto-isolation ensures long-term reliability in industrial environments.

- Limitations:
- Output current limited to 100 mA per channel
- Common positive configuration restricts independent high-side switching
- Response time not suitable for sub-microsecond high-speed applications

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Standard: PCI Express Base Specification Rev. 1.0a ×1
- Electrical Isolation: Opto-coupler isolation between I/O and logic circuits
- Environmental Compliance: RoHS compliant (lead-free)
- Safety & EMC: Designed for industrial environments with surge and overcurrent protection
- Software Standards:
- Windows API-TOOL driver (Win32 API compatible DLL)
- Linux API-TOOL driver (module-style device driver with shared library)
- LabVIEW VI-DAQ library (compatible with National Instruments LabVIEW Data Acquisition VI format)

- Connector Standards:
- 100-pin 0.8 mm pitch female half-pitch connectors (HDRA-E100W1LFDT1EC-SL+ or equivalent)
- Compatible with CONTEC’s standard cable and terminal block ecosystem

- Regulatory Compliance:
- CE marking (for EU markets)
- RoHS Directive (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
- PCI-SIG compliance for PCI Express interface

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9. Additional Information

- Warranty:
Standard CONTEC limited warranty (typically one year; refer to manufacturer’s policy).

- Technical Support:
- Online resources and driver downloads available at [www.contec.com](http://www.contec.com)
- API documentation and sample code included with driver package
- LabVIEW VI-DAQ library downloadable from CONTEC’s website

- Maintenance:
- No periodic maintenance required; ensure connectors are clean and secure.
- Avoid exposure to excessive dust, humidity, or vibration.

- Firmware & Software Updates:
- Driver and library updates provided free of charge via CONTEC’s support portal.
- Backward compatibility maintained with previous PCI models.

- Related Products:
- DIO-3232L-PE (32/32-channel version)
- DIO-3232F-PE (high-speed 5 µs response version)
- DIO-1616L-PE (16/16-channel version)
- DO-64L-PE (64-channel output only)
- DI-64L-PE (64-channel input only)

- Typical Applications:
- Factory automation and process control systems
- Machine tool monitoring and control
- Production line data acquisition
- PLC and sensor interfacing
- Test and measurement systems requiring isolated digital I/O

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Summary

The CONTEC DIO-6464L-PE is a robust, high-density PCI Express digital I/O card offering 64 optically isolated inputs and 64 optically isolated open-collector outputs. Designed for industrial automation and control, it provides reliable electrical isolation, surge protection, and flexible interrupt handling. With comprehensive driver support for Windows, Linux, and LabVIEW, the DIO-6464L-PE integrates seamlessly into modern PC-based control systems. Its adherence to PCI Express standards, RoHS compliance, and compatibility with CONTEC’s extensive accessory ecosystem make it a versatile and future-proof solution for digital signal interfacing in demanding industrial environments.