1. Product Overview

Product Name: PCI Expansion 13 Slot Half Size Grey Chassis
Model Number: ECH-PCI-CE-H13A
Series: ECH(PCI)BE-H13A Bus Extension Type Expansion Chassis
Article Number: ECH-PCI-CE-H13A
Manufacturer: CONTEC CO., LTD. (Osaka, Japan)
Product Category: Industrial Automation / Measurement and Control – PCI Bus Expansion Chassis

The CONTEC ECH(PCI)BE-H13A, marketed as the ECH-PCI-CE-H13A, is a high-performance industrial PCI bus expansion chassis designed to extend the PCI bus of a host PC. It provides 13 short-size PCI slots and integrates a robust built-in power supply. The chassis is part of CONTEC’s Bus Extension Type Expansion Adapter & Chassis lineup, engineered for environments requiring multiple PCI boards for measurement, control, or data acquisition applications. The unit is finished in light grey and constructed from durable steel for industrial reliability.

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2. Key Features

- 13 PCI Expansion Slots: Supports up to 13 short-size PCI add-on boards (5V/32-bit, 33MHz).
- PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.3 Compliance: Ensures compatibility with standard PCI bus architecture.
- Built-in Power Supply: Integrated industrial-grade power unit with selectable 115/230VAC input and automatic synchronization with host PC power.
- Power Interlocking Function: The chassis power can be turned on/off in synchronization with the host PC’s power supply.
- Industrial Steel Construction: Rigid, vibration-resistant chassis suitable for factory and laboratory environments.
- Cooling System: Equipped with internal cooling fans and ventilation slits to maintain stable thermal performance.
- Rack-Mountable Design: Includes brackets and screws for both horizontal and vertical rack mounting configurations.
- Comprehensive Expansion Compatibility: Works with CONTEC expansion adapters including EAD(PCI)BE, EAD(LPCI)BE, and EAD-BE-LPE.
- Automatic Device Recognition: Detected as a PCI-to-PCI bridge by Windows operating systems, ensuring seamless integration.
- Safety and Reliability: Designed for continuous industrial operation with replaceable power supply and fan components.
- RoHS Compliant: Environmentally responsible design meeting hazardous substance restrictions.

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3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|-------------------|
| Bus Type | PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.3 (+5V type) |
| Address Space | 32-bit memory and I/O addressing |
| Interrupt Level | INTA–INTD |
| Bus Operating Clock | 33 MHz (maximum) |
| Number of Slots | 13 short-size PCI slots |
| Acceptable Board Size | 176.5 mm (L) × 107 mm (H) |
| Power Supply Output | +5VDC: 18A (max), +3.3VDC: 15A (max), +12VDC: 9A (max), -12VDC: 0.8A (max) |
| Total Power Capacity | 230W (0–30°C), 205W (30–40°C), 175W (40–50°C) |
| AC Input Voltage | 115/230VAC (switch selectable) |
| AC Input Range | 90–132VAC / 180–250VAC |
| AC Frequency | 50–60 Hz |
| AC Input Current | 6A (115VAC) / 4A (230VAC) |
| Operating Temperature | 0–50°C |
| Operating Humidity | 20–80% RH (non-condensing) |
| Storage Temperature | 0–60°C |
| Storage Humidity | 10–90% RH (non-condensing) |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 424.0 × 156.0 × 255.0 mm (without fittings) |
| Weight | 7.5 kg |
| Material | Steel chassis, light grey finish |
| Cooling | Built-in fan with air intake and exhaust vents |
| Power Cable | 2.5 m, 3-pin grounded type |
| Compliance | CE marking, RoHS compliant |
| Expected Component Life | Power supply: ~5 years; Fan: ~5 years; Fan filter: ~1 year (at 25°C, 60% RH) |

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4. Functionality

The ECH(PCI)BE-H13A functions as an external PCI bus expansion chassis that connects to a host PC via a dedicated CONTEC expansion adapter. It extends the host’s PCI bus, allowing installation of up to 13 additional PCI boards for data acquisition, control, or communication tasks. The chassis transmits PCI signals directly between the host and the expansion slots through a high-speed cable connection.

Operation Principle:
- The host PC is equipped with an expansion adapter (EAD(PCI)BE, EAD(LPCI)BE, or EAD-BE-LPE).
- A dedicated 1-meter connection cable (CB-BF96 or CB-CB68/96) links the adapter to the chassis interface connector (BUS-PAC(PCI)A).
- The chassis power supply is interlocked with the host PC’s power, enabling synchronized startup and shutdown.
- The system recognizes the chassis as a PCI-to-PCI bridge, automatically enumerating installed PCI boards.

Typical Applications:
- Industrial measurement and control systems.
- Data acquisition and signal processing.
- Machine automation and motion control.
- Multi-channel analog/digital I/O expansion.
- Communication interface expansion (GPIB, serial, fieldbus).
- Laboratory instrumentation requiring multiple PCI boards.

Compatibility:
- Compatible with Windows XP, 2000, Vista, and later OS versions supporting PCI-to-PCI bridge architecture.
- Works with CONTEC’s EAD series expansion adapters.
- Supports standard 5V/32-bit PCI boards compliant with PCI Rev. 2.3.

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- ECH(PCI)BE-H13A expansion chassis (1 unit)
- Power cable (1 unit, 2.5 m, 3P grounded)
- Rack-mount brackets (2 units)
- Bracket fixing screws (4 units)
- Slot covers (13 units)
- Board fixing screws (13 units)
- Rubber feet (4 units)
- User’s manual (1 copy)

Optional Accessories:
- Expansion adapters:
- EAD(PCI)BE (for PCI slot)
- EAD(LPCI)BE (for Low Profile PCI slot)
- EAD-BE-LPE (for PCI Express slot)
- Connection cables:
- CB-BF96 (1 m)
- CB-CB68/96 (1 m)
- Replacement parts:
- Power supply module (POW300 series)
- Cooling fan (FAN1238, FAN0925, FAN0825S)
- Fan filter (FLT120, FLT121, FLT90 series)

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6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Host PC with compatible PCI, Low Profile PCI, or PCI Express slot.
- Appropriate CONTEC expansion adapter and connection cable.
- Stable AC power source (100–240VAC).

Installation Steps:
1. Preparation: Power off both PC and chassis. Unplug all power cables.
2. Install PCI Boards: Remove the chassis cover, insert PCI boards into available slots, and secure with screws.
3. Connect Cable: Attach the 96-pin connector of the dedicated cable to the BUS-PAC(PCI)A interface on the chassis.
4. Power Connection: Plug the AC power cable into the chassis and wall outlet.
5. Install Expansion Adapter: Insert the EAD adapter into the host PC’s slot.
6. System Startup: Power on the PC; the chassis will power on automatically via interlocking.
7. Driver Recognition: Windows will detect the PCI-to-PCI bridge and installed boards automatically.
8. Rack Mounting (Optional): Attach brackets for horizontal or vertical rack installation.

Configuration Notes:
- JP1 jumper on BUS-PAC(PCI)A controls power interlocking (factory default: interlocked).
- Maintain at least 20 mm clearance around the chassis for ventilation.
- Do not connect multiple expansion chassis in series; each must connect directly to the host.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Bus Throughput: 33 MHz PCI bus operation, 32-bit addressing.
- Power Efficiency: 230W maximum at 30°C, derated to 175W at 50°C for CE compliance.
- Thermal Management: Active cooling with forced air circulation; designed for continuous 24/7 operation.
- Reliability: Industrial-grade components rated for extended service life under moderate environmental conditions.
- Limitations:
- Not compatible with video display boards or additional PCI expansion bridges.
- Boards marked “Cannot be used with PCI-to-PCI Bridge” are unsupported.
- High-speed bus mastering boards may experience reduced throughput due to bridge latency.
- Cannot be daisy-chained with another expansion chassis.

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Standard: PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.3 (+5V signaling).
- Electrical Safety: CE Marking (Low Voltage Directive compliance).
- Environmental Compliance: RoHS compliant (lead-free, hazardous substance restricted).
- EMC Compliance: Meets industrial electromagnetic compatibility standards.
- Operating Environment: 0–50°C, 20–80% RH (non-condensing).
- Quality Assurance: Manufactured under CONTEC’s ISO-certified quality management system.
- Regulatory Notes:
- AC input range supports both 115V and 230V regions.
- CE marking valid up to 40°C at 130W and 50°C at 175W total output.

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9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Limited three-year warranty from date of purchase.
- Covers defects in materials and workmanship.
- Excludes damage from misuse, modification, or environmental exposure.
- Repairs require Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) from CONTEC.

Support & Service:
- Technical documentation, drivers, and updates available at [www.contec.com](http://www.contec.com).
- Regional support in Japanese, English, and Chinese.
- Replacement parts and maintenance kits available for long-term serviceability.

Maintenance:
- Periodic inspection recommended to ensure ventilation slits are free of dust.
- Replace fan and filter approximately every 5 years (fan) and 1 year (filter).
- Store in a clean, dry environment when not in use.
- Dispose of according to local electronic waste regulations.

Safety Precautions:
- Do not operate in environments with flammable gases, corrosive vapors, or excessive dust.
- Always power off and disconnect before installing or removing boards.
- Avoid blocking ventilation openings.
- Ensure total current draw of installed boards does not exceed rated power capacity.

Product Lifecycle & Replacement:
- Designed for long-term industrial deployment.
- Compatible with CONTEC’s legacy FA-PAC(PCI) and NOTE-PAC(PC) series systems.
- Replacement power modules and fans available under CONTEC maintenance parts catalog.

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Summary

The CONTEC ECH(PCI)BE-H13A (ECH-PCI-CE-H13A) is a robust, industrial-grade PCI expansion chassis providing 13 short-size PCI slots with integrated power and cooling. It extends the PCI bus of a host PC through a dedicated expansion adapter, enabling large-scale system configurations for measurement, control, and automation applications. With its steel construction, synchronized power control, and compliance with PCI Rev. 2.3 and CE/RoHS standards, the ECH(PCI)BE-H13A delivers reliable, scalable expansion for demanding industrial environments. Its modular design, comprehensive accessory support, and long service life make it a preferred solution for engineers requiring high-density PCI expansion in compact, maintainable form factors.