1. Product Overview

Product Name: PCI Express Expansion 2 Slot Half Size Black Chassis
Model Number: ECH-PE-CE-H2B
Article Number: ECH-PE-CE-H2B
Series: PCI Express Bus Expansion Chassis Series
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Product Type: External PCI Express Bus Expansion Chassis
Version: Ver.1.04

The CONTEC ECH-PE-CE-H2B is a compact, industrial-grade PCI Express expansion chassis designed to add two PCI Express (x1) slots to a host PC. It connects via an optional expansion adapter and provides a reliable, high-speed interface for short-size PCI Express boards. The chassis features a built-in cooling fan, external AC adapter, and automatic power synchronization with the host PC, making it ideal for measurement, control, and industrial automation systems requiring additional PCIe connectivity in a small footprint.

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2. Key Features

- Dual PCI Express (x1) Slot Expansion:
Adds two PCI Express (x1) bus slots to a host PC, enabling the installation of additional PCIe boards for data acquisition, control, or communication applications.

- Short-Size PCI Express Board Compatibility:
Supports two short-type PCI Express boards with maximum dimensions of 167.65 mm (L) × 111.15 mm (H). Although x16 boards can be physically installed, they operate as x1 devices.

- Linked Power Control:
The chassis power can be turned on and off in synchronization with the host PC, ensuring seamless operation and preventing accidental power mismatches.

- Compact Industrial Design:
The small form factor (71 × 222 × 144 mm) and lightweight construction (1.2 kg) allow installation in space-constrained environments. The black steel enclosure provides durability and EMI shielding.

- Integrated Cooling System:
Equipped with a built-in cooling fan to maintain stable thermal performance during continuous operation, ensuring long-term reliability of installed PCIe boards.

- External AC Adapter Power Supply:
Includes a 60W universal AC adapter (100–240 VAC input) with a 1.2 m DC cable and 1.8 m grounded AC cable. The adapter weighs approximately 0.9 kg and supports global voltage ranges.

- High-Speed PCI Express Compliance:
Conforms to PCI Express Base Specification Rev.1.0a, supporting data transfer rates up to 2.5 Gbps per lane.

- Environmental Robustness:
Designed for industrial environments with operating temperature range 0–50°C and humidity tolerance of 20–80% RH (non-condensing).

- Ease of Integration:
Compatible with optional CONTEC expansion adapters for both desktop and notebook PCs, including:
- EAD-CE-LPE (PCI Express slot adapter)
- EAD-CE-EC (ExpressCard slot adapter)

- Maintenance-Friendly Design:
The power supply and cooling fan are replaceable consumables with an expected service life of approximately five years under standard office conditions (25°C, 60% RH).

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3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|-------------------|
| Bus Standard | PCI Express Base Specification Rev.1.0a (x1) |
| Maximum Transfer Rate | 2.5 Gbps |
| Number of Slots | 2 PCI Express (x1) slots |
| Acceptable Board Size | 167.65 mm (L) × 111.15 mm (H) (short size) |
| Expansion Slot Power Supply | +3.3VDC 6A (max), +12VDC 1.5A (max), -12VDC 0.3A (max) |
| Total Power Capacity | 60 W (max) |
| AC Input Voltage Range | 100–240 VAC (operating range 90–264 VAC) |
| AC Line Frequency | 47–63 Hz |
| AC Input Current | 2 A (at 90 VAC) |
| Power Adapter Dimensions | 85 mm (W) × 155 mm (L) × 50 mm (H) |
| Power Adapter Weight | 0.9 kg |
| Chassis Dimensions | 71 mm (W) × 222 mm (L) × 144 mm (H) (excluding protrusions) |
| Chassis Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Cable Length (DC) | 1.2 m |
| AC Cable Length | 1.8 m (2P grounded) |
| Operating Temperature | 0–50°C |
| Storage Temperature | 0–60°C |
| Operating Humidity | 20–80% RH (non-condensing) |
| Storage Humidity | 10–90% RH (non-condensing) |
| Environmental Conditions | No corrosive gases, minimal dust |
| Cooling | Built-in fan |
| Color | Black |
| Expected Service Life | Power supply and fan: ~5 years (25°C, 60% RH) |

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4. Functionality

The ECH-PE-CE-H2B functions as an external PCI Express expansion unit that extends the host PC’s PCIe bus through a dedicated expansion adapter. It allows users to install two additional PCI Express (x1) boards externally, effectively increasing the system’s I/O or processing capabilities without modifying the internal PC configuration.

Operation Principle:
- The host PC connects to the chassis via an optional adapter (EAD-CE-LPE or EAD-CE-EC).
- The adapter transmits PCI Express signals to the chassis through a high-speed cable.
- The chassis provides two PCIe slots powered by the included AC adapter.
- The chassis power state is synchronized with the host PC’s power, ensuring coordinated startup and shutdown.

Typical Applications:
- Industrial measurement and control systems
- Data acquisition and signal processing
- Communication interface expansion
- Laboratory instrumentation
- Embedded and automation PCs requiring additional PCIe connectivity

Compatibility:
- Compatible with standard PCI Express x1 boards.
- x16 boards can be physically installed but operate at x1 link width.
- Works with CONTEC’s EAD-CE-LPE (for desktop PCIe slot) and EAD-CE-EC (for notebook ExpressCard slot) adapters.

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
1. ECH-PE-CE-H2B Expansion Chassis (main unit) × 1
2. AC Adapter (100–240 VAC, 60 W) × 1
3. Power Cable (1.8 m, grounded) × 1
4. User’s Manual × 1
5. Slot Covers × 2
6. Board Fixing Screws × 2

Optional Accessories:
- EAD-CE-LPE: Expansion adapter for PCI Express slot (desktop PC)
- EAD-CE-EC: Expansion adapter for ExpressCard slot (notebook PC)
- Replacement parts (available separately):
- Power supply module (POW300 series)
- Cooling fan (FAN0925 or equivalent)

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6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Host PC with available PCI Express slot (for EAD-CE-LPE) or ExpressCard slot (for EAD-CE-EC)
- Stable AC power source (100–240 VAC)
- Adequate ventilation (minimum 20 mm clearance around chassis)

Installation Steps:
1. Power off the host PC and disconnect all cables.
2. Install the appropriate expansion adapter (EAD-CE-LPE or EAD-CE-EC) into the host PC.
3. Connect the adapter to the ECH-PE-CE-H2B using the supplied high-speed cable.
4. Connect the AC adapter to the chassis and plug the power cable into a grounded outlet.
5. Power on the host PC; the chassis will automatically power on in synchronization.
6. Install the required drivers for the expansion adapter (if applicable).
7. Mount PCI Express boards into the chassis slots and secure them using the provided screws.

Mounting Considerations:
- Maintain at least 20 mm clearance from walls or other equipment for proper airflow.
- Avoid exposure to dust, oil mist, or corrosive gases.
- Do not stack multiple expansion chassis; each must connect directly to a separate adapter.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Bus Performance:
PCI Express x1 interface supporting up to 2.5 Gbps per lane, suitable for most control and data acquisition boards.

- Power Delivery:
Each slot provides regulated +3.3V, +12V, and -12V power rails with maximum current ratings of 6A, 1.5A, and 0.3A respectively. The total power output is limited to 60 W.

- Thermal Management:
The integrated cooling fan ensures stable operation under continuous load. The fan and power supply are designed for long-term industrial use but should be replaced periodically.

- Efficiency:
The external AC adapter provides high conversion efficiency and supports a wide input voltage range (90–264 VAC), making it suitable for global deployment.

- Limitations:
- Boards requiring PCIe link widths greater than x1 (e.g., x4, x8, x16) will operate at x1 speed.
- Video display boards, additional PCI bus expansion boards, or boards marked “Cannot be used with PCI-to-PCI Bridge” are not supported.
- Some PCIe boards may not function due to BIOS or hardware limitations of the host PC.

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Compliance: PCI Express Base Specification Rev.1.0a
- Electrical Safety: Designed for 100–240 VAC operation with grounded connection
- Environmental Standards: RoHS compliant (lead-free construction)
- EMI/EMC: Industrial-grade shielding and grounding design for noise immunity
- Quality Assurance: Manufactured under CONTEC’s ISO-certified quality management system
- Regulatory Notes:
- AC input line voltage range: 90–264 VAC
- Operating temperature range: 0–50°C
- Humidity range: 20–80% RH (non-condensing)

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9. Additional Information

Warranty & Support:
CONTEC provides standard warranty coverage for manufacturing defects. The power supply and cooling fan are considered consumable components and are not covered beyond their expected service life. Technical support, firmware updates, and replacement parts are available through CONTEC’s global support network and official website.

Maintenance:
- Replace the cooling fan and power supply approximately every five years under normal office conditions.
- Periodically clean air vents to prevent dust accumulation.
- Ensure stable grounding and avoid operating in environments with excessive vibration or electrical noise.

Product Lifecycle & Updates:
The ECH-PE-CE-H2B is part of CONTEC’s ongoing PCI Express expansion product line. Firmware and driver updates, as well as compatibility information for new host systems, are published on the CONTEC global portal (www.contec.com).

Safety Notes:
- Always disconnect the AC adapter before installing or removing PCIe boards.
- Do not exceed the rated current per slot (3A at 3.3V).
- Maintain proper ventilation and avoid blocking the cooling fan.
- Use only the supplied or approved AC adapter to prevent damage.

Summary:
The CONTEC ECH-PE-CE-H2B provides a robust, compact, and efficient solution for expanding PCI Express connectivity in industrial and embedded computing environments. With its dual-slot configuration, synchronized power control, and universal AC adapter, it enables flexible system expansion without compromising reliability or performance. Its adherence to PCI Express standards, combined with CONTEC’s industrial design expertise, makes it a dependable choice for engineers and system integrators requiring external PCIe expansion in space-limited or mission-critical applications.