Comprehensive Product Summary – EAD-BE-LPE Low Profile Extension PCIe Card

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### 1. Product Overview

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

The CONTEC EAD-BE-LPE is a PCI Express (PCIe) low-profile expansion adapter designed to extend the PCI bus of a host PC to an external expansion chassis. It enables the addition of standard PCI (5V/32-bit, 33MHz) slots to a system equipped with a PCI Express interface. The product is part of CONTEC’s modular bus expansion ecosystem, which includes a range of compatible expansion chassis (ECH(PCI)BE series) and accessories for industrial and measurement control applications.

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### 2. Key Features

- PCI Express to PCI Bus Expansion:
Converts a single PCI Express slot on the host PC into a standard PCI bus (5V/32-bit, 33MHz), allowing the use of legacy PCI boards in modern systems.

- Low Profile and Standard Bracket Support:
Supplied with both low-profile and standard PCI brackets, ensuring compatibility with compact and full-height PC enclosures.

- Included High-Speed Cable:
Ships with a dedicated 1-meter CB-CB68/96 connection cable for reliable high-speed signal transmission between the host adapter and expansion chassis.

- Synchronized Power Control:
The expansion chassis power supply can be turned on and off in synchronization with the host PC’s power state, simplifying system operation and ensuring safe startup/shutdown sequences.

- Flexible Expansion Options:
Compatible with multiple CONTEC PCI expansion chassis models (ECH(PCI)BE-H2B, F2B, H4B, F4B, H4A, H7A, F7A, H13A, F13A), supporting configurations from 2 to 13 PCI slots.

- Industrial-Grade Design:
Engineered for measurement and control environments, supporting stable operation in 0–50°C and 10–90% RH (non-condensing) conditions.

- RoHS Compliance:
Fully compliant with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive, ensuring environmentally responsible manufacturing.

- Plug-and-Play Operation:
Automatically recognized by Windows operating systems without requiring proprietary drivers; uses standard PCI-to-PCI bridge functionality.

- High Signal Integrity:
Designed for short-distance bus extension (1m cable) with minimal signal degradation, ideal for systems where the expansion chassis is located near the host PC.

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### 3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|-------------------|
| Bus Interface (Host Side) | PCI Express Base Specification Rev.1.0a |
| Bus Interface (Expansion Side) | PCI Local Bus Specification Rev.2.3 (+5V / +3.3V) |
| Bus Type Supported | PCI (5V/32-bit, 33MHz) |
| Dimensions | 121.69 mm (L) × 67.90 mm (H) |
| Form Factor | Low Profile PCIe card (standard bracket included) |
| Power Consumption | 3.3VDC, 300mA (max) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 50°C |
| Operating Humidity | 10% to 90% RH (non-condensing) |
| Cable Type | CB-CB68/96 (1m length, dedicated cable) |
| Weight | Approx. 50g |
| Compliance | RoHS compliant |
| Mounting Bracket | Interchangeable low-profile and standard PCI brackets |
| Included Accessories | 1× CB-CB68/96 cable (1m), 1× standard PCI bracket, user manual |
| Compatible Expansion Chassis | ECH(PCI)BE-H2B, F2B, H4B, F4B, H4A, H7A, F7A, H13A, F13A |

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### 4. Functionality

The EAD-BE-LPE functions as a bus extension adapter, bridging a PCI Express slot on the host PC to an external PCI bus expansion chassis. It transmits PCI bus signals through a dedicated high-speed cable, effectively extending the host’s internal PCI bus to external slots.

Operation Principle:
- The adapter card is installed in a PCI Express slot of the host PC.
- The included CB-CB68/96 cable connects the adapter to the corresponding connector on the expansion chassis.
- The chassis provides additional PCI slots that behave as if they were directly installed in the host system.
- The expansion chassis power is synchronized with the host PC’s power state.

Typical Use Cases:
- Industrial measurement and control systems requiring multiple PCI I/O boards.
- Legacy PCI hardware integration into modern PCIe-based PCs.
- Laboratory automation, data acquisition, and test systems.
- Embedded and panel PC systems with limited internal expansion capability.

Compatibility:
- Compatible with CONTEC’s ECH(PCI)BE series expansion chassis.
- Supports both short and long PCI add-on boards depending on the selected chassis model.
- Works with Windows operating systems (Windows Vista, XP, 2000, Me, 98) without special drivers.

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- EAD-BE-LPE PCI Express Low Profile Adapter Board
- CB-CB68/96 Connection Cable (1m)
- Standard PCI Bracket (for full-height installation)
- User Manual

Optional Accessories (Expansion Chassis):
- ECH(PCI)BE-H2B / F2B: 2-slot chassis (short/long boards, AC adapter)
- ECH(PCI)BE-H4B / F4B: 4-slot chassis (short/long boards, AC adapter)
- ECH(PCI)BE-H4A / H7A / H13A: 4, 7, or 13-slot chassis (short boards, built-in power)
- ECH(PCI)BE-F7A / F13A: 7 or 13-slot chassis (long boards, built-in power)

Cables:
- CB-CB68/96 (included, 1m)
- CB-BF96 (alternative cable for other models)

Connectors:
- 68-pin high-density connector for host-to-chassis communication.

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### 6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Host PC with an available PCI Express slot.
- Compatible CONTEC expansion chassis.
- Operating system supporting PCI-to-PCI bridge (Windows 98 or later).

Installation Steps:
1. Power off the host PC and expansion chassis.
2. Insert the EAD-BE-LPE into an available PCI Express slot.
3. Secure the bracket with the provided screw.
4. Connect the CB-CB68/96 cable between the adapter and the expansion chassis.
5. Connect the chassis power cable to an AC outlet.
6. Power on the host PC; the chassis will power on automatically.
7. Verify detection in Windows Device Manager under “System Devices” as “PCI standard PCI-to-PCI bridge” and “Intel 21152 PCI-to-PCI bridge.”

Configuration Notes:
- No driver installation is required; the adapter uses standard PCI bridge functionality.
- Ensure the total current consumption of installed PCI boards does not exceed the chassis power capacity.
- Only the supplied cable should be used to maintain signal integrity.

Safety Precautions:
- Do not connect or disconnect cables while powered.
- Avoid exposure to corrosive gases or excessive dust.
- Ensure proper grounding and ESD protection during installation.

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

- Bus Speed: 33MHz (maximum)
- Bus Width: 32-bit PCI
- Voltage Support: +5V and +3.3V signaling
- Transfer Rate: Equivalent to standard PCI bus performance for short-distance extension (1m)
- Power Synchronization: Automatic on/off with host PC
- Expansion Capacity: Supports up to 13 PCI slots via compatible chassis
- Reliability: Industrial-grade design for continuous operation in automation and control environments
- Limitations:
- Not suitable for video or graphics boards.
- Boards with “Cannot be used with PCI-to-PCI Bridge” disclaimers are unsupported.
- Not designed for cascading multiple expansion chassis (signal degradation risk).

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

- PCI Express Base Specification: Rev. 1.0a
- PCI Local Bus Specification: Rev. 2.3 (+5V / +3.3V)
- RoHS Compliance: Yes (CONTEC RoHS marking)
- Electrical Safety: Designed for industrial use with proper isolation and grounding.
- Operating System Compatibility:
- Windows Vista
- Windows XP
- Windows 2000
- Windows Me
- Windows 98
- (Windows NT4.0 and Windows 95 not supported)
- Environmental Standards:
- Operating Temperature: 0–50°C
- Humidity: 10–90% RH (no condensation)
- Storage: Room temperature, dry, vibration-free environment

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### 9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Limited 3-year warranty from CONTEC CO., LTD.
- Covers defects in materials and workmanship.
- Excludes damage from misuse, modification, or environmental exposure.
- Requires Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) for service.

Support & Maintenance:
- Technical documentation, drivers, and updates available at:
- [https://www.contec.com](https://www.contec.com)
- Free downloads of manuals and software updates.
- Customer support available through regional CONTEC offices.

Maintenance Recommendations:
- Periodically inspect connectors and cables for dust or corrosion.
- Ensure proper ventilation and avoid excessive heat buildup.
- Clean gold-plated contacts with industrial alcohol if contaminated.

Product Lifecycle & Updates:
- Designed for long-term industrial availability.
- Backward-compatible with previous CONTEC bus expansion systems (FA-PAC(PCI), NOTE-PAC(PC) series).
- Replacement and maintenance parts available through CONTEC’s service network.

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### Summary

The CONTEC EAD-BE-LPE Low Profile Extension PCIe Card is a robust, industrial-grade solution for extending PCI bus functionality from a PCI Express host system to external PCI expansion chassis. It provides seamless integration of legacy PCI boards into modern computing environments, maintaining full bus performance and reliability. With its compact low-profile design, synchronized power control, and compatibility with a wide range of CONTEC expansion chassis, the EAD-BE-LPE is ideal for industrial automation, measurement, and control applications requiring flexible and scalable PCI expansion.

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