1. Product Overview

Product Name: Low Profile Extension PCI Card
Model: EAD(LPCI)BE
Series: Bus Extension Type Expansion Adapter
Article Number: EAD(LPCI)BE
Manufacturer: CONTEC CO., LTD. (Japan)
Product Category: Industrial Automation / Measurement and Control – Bus Expansion System

The CONTEC EAD(LPCI)BE is a low-profile PCI bus expansion adapter designed to extend the PCI bus of a host PC to an external expansion chassis. It enables the addition of multiple PCI slots through a single low-profile or standard PCI slot, providing a flexible and scalable solution for industrial measurement, control, and automation systems. The adapter is part of CONTEC’s Bus Extension Type Expansion Adapter & Chassis lineup and is compatible with a range of PCI expansion chassis models (ECH(PCI)BE series).

---

2. Key Features

- PCI Bus Expansion Capability: Expands a standard PCI bus (5V/32-bit, 33MHz) from a single low-profile or standard PCI slot in the host PC.
- Flexible Chassis Compatibility: Works with multiple CONTEC expansion chassis models, including ECH(PCI)BE-H2B, F2B, H4B, F4B, H4A, H7A, F7A, H13A, and F13A.
- Low Profile and Standard PCI Support: Supplied with both low-profile and standard PCI brackets for compatibility with various PC form factors.
- Power Synchronization: The expansion chassis power supply can be turned on and off in synchronization with the host PC’s power supply.
- High Signal Integrity: Uses a dedicated 1-meter shielded connection cable (CB-CB68/96) for reliable high-speed signal transmission between the host and expansion chassis.
- Industrial-Grade Design: Built for industrial environments with robust construction, stable operation, and compliance with PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.3.
- Ease of Integration: Automatically recognized by Windows operating systems via standard PCI-to-PCI bridge drivers; no special software required.
- RoHS Compliant: Environmentally friendly design meeting RoHS directives.
- Compact Dimensions: Optimized for low-profile PCI slots (121.69 mm × 63.41 mm).

---

3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|------------------|
| Bus Type | PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.3 (+5V / +3.3V) |
| Bus Width | 32-bit |
| Bus Clock | 33 MHz (maximum) |
| Card Slot Type | Low Profile PCI or Standard PCI |
| Dimensions | 121.69 mm (L) × 63.41 mm (H) |
| Weight | Approx. 50 g |
| Power Consumption | 3.3VDC 200mA (JP1 1–2 short) / 5VDC 200mA (JP1 2–3 short) |
| Operating Temperature | 0–50°C |
| Operating Humidity | 10–90% RH (no condensation) |
| Cable Type | CB-CB68/96 (included) |
| Cable Length | 1 meter |
| Compliance | RoHS compliant |
| Bracket Options | Low Profile (pre-installed) and Standard PCI (included) |
| Power Source | Supplied from host PC’s PCI slot |
| Connector Type | 96-pin high-density connector |
| Maximum Bus Extension | Direct connection to one expansion chassis (parallel connection supported for multiple chassis) |

---

4. Functionality

The EAD(LPCI)BE functions as a bus extension adapter that bridges the PCI bus of a host PC to an external expansion chassis. It transmits PCI signals directly through a dedicated cable, effectively extending the host’s PCI bus to additional slots located in the expansion chassis.

Operation Principle:
- The adapter board (BUS-PC(LPCI)A) is installed in a low-profile or standard PCI slot of the host PC.
- The included CB-CB68/96 cable connects the adapter to the expansion chassis (ECH(PCI)BE series).
- The chassis provides additional PCI slots (2, 4, 7, or 13 depending on model) for installing PCI add-on boards.
- The chassis power supply is synchronized with the host PC’s power, ensuring coordinated startup and shutdown.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial measurement and control systems requiring multiple PCI boards.
- Data acquisition and signal processing systems.
- Machine automation and motion control environments.
- Laboratory and test equipment requiring modular PCI expansion.
- Embedded or compact PCs with limited internal PCI slots.

Compatibility:
- Compatible with Windows 98, Me, 2000, XP, and Vista (no dedicated driver required).
- Works with standard PCI-compliant boards (5V/32-bit).
- Not compatible with video boards, additional PCI bus expansion boards, or boards marked “Cannot be used with PCI-to-PCI Bridge.”

---

5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- Expansion adapter board [BUS-PC(LPCI)A] × 1
- Connection cable [CB-CB68/96] (1m length) × 1
- Standard PCI bracket × 1
- User’s Manual × 1

Optional Accessories (Expansion Chassis):
- ECH(PCI)BE-H2B: 2 short-size PCI slots, AC adapter power.
- ECH(PCI)BE-F2B: 2 long-size PCI slots, AC adapter power.
- ECH(PCI)BE-H4B: 4 short-size PCI slots, AC adapter power.
- ECH(PCI)BE-F4B: 4 long-size PCI slots, AC adapter power.
- ECH(PCI)BE-H4A: 4 short-size PCI slots, built-in power supply.
- ECH(PCI)BE-H7A: 7 short-size PCI slots, built-in power supply.
- ECH(PCI)BE-F7A: 7 long-size PCI slots, built-in power supply.
- ECH(PCI)BE-H13A: 13 short-size PCI slots, built-in power supply.
- ECH(PCI)BE-F13A: 13 long-size PCI slots, built-in power supply.

Cables:
- CB-CB68/96 (included, 1m) – dedicated connection cable.
- Only the supplied cable may be used to ensure signal integrity.

---

6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Host PC with an available Low Profile or Standard PCI slot (5V or 3.3V).
- Compatible CONTEC expansion chassis (ECH(PCI)BE series).
- Operating environment: 0–50°C, 10–90% RH (no condensation).

Installation Steps:
1. Preparation: Power off the PC and expansion chassis.
2. Install the Adapter: Insert the BUS-PC(LPCI)A board into an available PCI slot. Secure with the bracket screw.
3. Connect the Cable: Attach the CB-CB68/96 cable between the adapter and the expansion chassis connector.
4. Power Connection: Plug the chassis power cable into an AC outlet.
5. Startup: Power on the PC; the chassis will power on automatically in synchronization.
6. Verification: Confirm detection of “PCI standard PCI-to-PCI bridge” in Windows Device Manager.

Configuration Notes:
- The JP1 jumper selects the PCI slot power voltage (3.3V or 5V).
- The adapter is automatically recognized by Windows; no driver installation is required.
- The expansion chassis must not be powered independently while the PC is on.

Mounting Options:
- Low-profile bracket (factory-installed).
- Replaceable standard PCI bracket (included).

---

7. Performance & Capabilities

- Bus Speed: 33 MHz maximum (PCI standard).
- Bus Width: 32-bit data path.
- Voltage Support: +3.3V and +5V signaling.
- Power Draw: Up to 200mA from the host PCI slot.
- Cable Length: 1 meter (fixed).
- Expansion Capacity: Supports up to 13 additional PCI slots depending on chassis model.
- Synchronization: Automatic power control between host and chassis.
- Reliability: Industrial-grade design ensures stable operation under continuous use.
- Limitations:
- Cannot be used with video or graphics boards.
- Not compatible with additional PCI bus expansion boards.
- Some PCI boards may not function due to BIOS or bridge limitations.
- Only one expansion chassis per adapter; multiple chassis require separate adapters.

---

8. Standards & Compliance

- PCI Local Bus Specification: Revision 2.3 compliant (+5V / +3.3V).
- RoHS Compliance: Marked as RoHS-compliant per CONTEC’s environmental standards.
- Electrical Safety: Designed for industrial use with proper insulation and grounding.
- Operating System Compatibility:
- Windows 98 / Me / 2000 / XP / Vista (automatic detection).
- Not supported on Windows NT4.0 or Windows 95.
- Environmental Standards:
- Operating temperature: 0–50°C.
- Humidity: 10–90% RH (no condensation).
- No corrosive gases or excessive dust.
- Industry Standards:
- PCI-to-PCI Bridge architecture compliant.
- Compatible with standard PCI signal timing and addressing.

---

9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Duration: Limited three-year warranty from the date of purchase.
- Coverage: Defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.
- Exclusions: Physical damage, misuse, modification, or operation outside specified conditions.
- Service Procedure:
- Obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number from CONTEC or authorized distributor.
- Return the product freight prepaid with proof of purchase.

Support & Maintenance:
- Technical Support:
- Japan: [www.contec.co.jp](http://www.contec.co.jp)
- Global: [www.contec.com](http://www.contec.com)
- China: [www.contec.com.cn](http://www.contec.com.cn)
- Documentation: Product manuals and technical documents available in PDF format.
- Software Updates: Not required; hardware recognized by standard OS drivers.
- Maintenance:
- Periodically inspect connectors and cables for dust or corrosion.
- Store in anti-static packaging when not in use.
- Avoid exposure to moisture, vibration, or magnetic fields.

Safety Precautions:
- Do not install or remove the adapter or cable while the PC or chassis is powered.
- Avoid bending or impacting the board.
- Use only the supplied cable to prevent signal degradation.
- Ensure adequate ventilation and power supply capacity for all connected boards.

Environmental Storage Conditions:
- Temperature: Room temperature, away from direct sunlight.
- Humidity: Dry environment, no condensation.
- Protection: Anti-static bag and original packaging recommended.

Product Identification:
- Model marking: “EAD(LPCI)BE” printed on PCB and packaging.
- Serial number and RoHS compliance label affixed to board.

---

### Summary

The CONTEC EAD(LPCI)BE Low Profile Extension PCI Card is a professional-grade PCI bus expansion adapter engineered for industrial and laboratory environments requiring additional PCI slots beyond those available in a host PC. By connecting to an external expansion chassis via a dedicated 1-meter cable, it enables seamless integration of multiple PCI boards without compromising signal integrity or system stability.

Its dual compatibility with low-profile and standard PCI slots, automatic power synchronization, and compliance with PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.3 make it a versatile and reliable solution for system integrators, OEMs, and engineers in automation, measurement, and control applications.

With robust construction, RoHS compliance, and a three-year warranty, the EAD(LPCI)BE exemplifies CONTEC’s commitment to quality, reliability, and long-term support in industrial computing solutions.