1. Product Overview

Product Name: cPCI Bus Isolated 64-Channel Digital Input Card (Positive Common)
Model: PI-64L(cPCI)
Series: Industrial Digital I/O – CompactPCI Bus Series
Article Number: PI-64L(cPCI)
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Product Category: Opto-Isolated Digital Input Interface Card for CompactPCI Systems

The CONTEC PI-64L(cPCI) is a high-density, optically isolated digital input board designed for industrial automation and measurement systems that utilize the CompactPCI (cPCI) bus architecture. It provides 64 opto-isolated input channels with a positive common configuration, ensuring reliable signal acquisition in electrically noisy environments. The board is engineered for robust performance, high noise immunity, and compatibility with a wide range of industrial control and monitoring applications.

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2. Key Features

- 64 Opto-Isolated Digital Inputs: Provides 64 independent digital input channels, each isolated from the system bus to prevent ground loops and electrical interference.
- Positive Common Configuration: Each group of 16 inputs shares a positive common line, simplifying wiring for sensors and switches using a common positive voltage.
- Wide Input Voltage Range: Accepts input signals from +12 to +24 VDC, suitable for standard industrial logic levels.
- High Isolation Voltage: 1 kVrms isolation between input channels and the CompactPCI bus ensures protection against surges and electrical noise.
- CompactPCI Bus Interface: Fully compliant with the CompactPCI (cPCI) standard, supporting 32-bit, 33 MHz operation.
- High Reliability Opto-Couplers: Utilizes high-speed, high-reliability photo-couplers for signal isolation and noise suppression.
- Compact Form Factor: Short-size PCI board dimensions (176 mm × 107 mm) allow installation in space-constrained systems.
- Industrial-Grade Design: Designed for continuous operation in harsh industrial environments with high electrical noise.
- Interrupt Support: Supports multiple interrupt lines combined into a single interrupt request signal for efficient event handling.
- Software Support: Compatible with CONTEC’s API-PAC(W32) library and drivers for Windows and Linux, enabling easy integration into custom applications.

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3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|------------------|
| Bus Interface | CompactPCI (cPCI), 32-bit, 33 MHz |
| Input Channels | 64 opto-isolated digital inputs |
| Input Type | Opto-isolated input for high sink current output (negative logic) |
| Input Voltage Range | +12 to +24 VDC |
| Input Resistance | 3 kΩ (typical) |
| Input Logic | Negative logic (ON when input terminal is at low potential) |
| Common Configuration | 16 inputs per positive common |
| Isolation Voltage | 1,000 Vrms between input and bus |
| Response Time | Maximum 1 ms per channel |
| Connector Type | 96-pin half-pitch D-type female connector (PCR-E96LMD or equivalent) |
| Maximum Cable Length | 50 m (depends on wiring environment) |
| Power Supply (from bus) | +5 VDC ±5% |
| Power Consumption | 300 mA (typical) |
| Board Dimensions | 176 mm (L) × 107 mm (H) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +50°C |
| Storage Temperature | -10°C to +60°C |
| Humidity | 10–90% RH (non-condensing) |
| Weight | Approx. 120 g |
| Mounting | CompactPCI slot (occupies one slot) |

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4. Functionality

The PI-64L(cPCI) functions as a digital input interface board that converts external DC voltage signals into logic-level data readable by a CompactPCI-based computer system. Each input channel is optically isolated from the system bus, ensuring that electrical noise or surges from external devices do not affect the host PC.

Operation Principle:
- External devices such as sensors, switches, or relays provide DC voltage signals (12–24 VDC) to the input terminals.
- Each input passes through an opto-coupler, which converts the electrical signal into an optical signal, isolating the external circuit from the internal logic.
- The optical signal is then converted back to a digital logic level and transmitted to the CompactPCI bus for processing by the host system.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation and process control systems
- Machine status monitoring and alarm input collection
- PLC signal acquisition and supervisory control
- Factory automation (FA) and building automation (BA) systems
- Data logging and event monitoring in test benches
- Integration with SCADA and HMI systems

Compatibility:
- Compatible with CompactPCI-compliant industrial PCs and embedded controllers.
- Supported by CONTEC’s API-PAC(W32) and API-TOOLs for Windows/Linux for direct programming access.
- Can be used with CONTEC’s LabVIEW VI-DAQ and MATLAB ML-DAQ libraries for scientific and engineering applications.

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- PI-64L(cPCI) main board
- User manual and setup guide
- Software driver package (API-PAC(W32) and sample programs)

Optional Accessories:
- Cables:
- PCB96PS-0.5P / PCB96PS-1.5P (96-pin half-pitch shielded cable, 0.5 m or 1.5 m)
- PCA96PS-0.5P / PCA96PS-1.5P (96-pin half-pitch shielded cable, one-side connector type)
- Terminal Blocks:
- EPD-96 (DIN-rail mountable 96-pin terminal block)
- DTP-64(PC) (screw-type terminal unit for 64-channel I/O)
- Connector Sets:
- CN5-H96F (96-pin half-pitch female connector, 5 pcs)
- DIN Rail Adapter:
- DIN-ADP1 (for mounting terminal blocks on DIN rails)
- Signal Emulator:
- CM-64(PC)E (64-channel I/O signal monitoring and dummy signal generator tool)

These accessories simplify wiring, testing, and integration with external devices.

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6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- CompactPCI-compliant industrial PC or controller with an available cPCI slot
- Operating system: Windows 10/11, Windows Server, or Linux (kernel 2.6 or later)
- API-PAC(W32) or API-TOOLs software package installed

Installation Steps:
1. Power off the host system and insert the PI-64L(cPCI) card into an available CompactPCI slot.
2. Secure the card using the bracket screws.
3. Connect the external I/O wiring to the 96-pin half-pitch connector using a shielded cable and terminal block.
4. Power on the system; the board will be automatically recognized by the OS (Plug & Play).
5. Install the CONTEC driver package and verify operation using the provided diagnostic utility.

Mounting Options:
- Standard CompactPCI rack installation
- DIN-rail mounting for terminal blocks using DIN-ADP1 adapter
- Shielded cable routing recommended for noise-sensitive environments

Configuration:
- Input logic and interrupt settings are configured via software.
- No jumper or DIP switch settings are required.
- Interrupts can be enabled or disabled per channel group through the API library.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Input Response Time: ≤ 1 ms per channel (typical)
- Isolation Voltage: 1,000 Vrms between input and bus
- Input Voltage Range: +12 to +24 VDC (operational range)
- Input Current: Approx. 4 mA at 24 VDC
- Input Resistance: 3 kΩ (typical)
- Maximum Cable Length: 50 m (depends on signal quality and environment)
- Noise Immunity: High, due to opto-isolation and differential signal design
- Reliability: MTBF > 100,000 hours (estimated)
- Operating Life: Designed for continuous 24/7 operation in industrial environments

Limitations:
- Input-only board (no output channels)
- Requires external 12–24 VDC signal sources
- Not suitable for AC signal input

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Standard: CompactPCI (PICMG 2.0 Rev. 3.0 compliant)
- Electrical Isolation: 1 kVrms (input-to-bus)
- Safety Standards: Designed in accordance with IEC/EN 61010-1 for measurement and control equipment
- EMC Compliance:
- EN 55011 Class A (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical Equipment)
- EN 61000-6-2 (Immunity for Industrial Environments)
- RoHS Compliance: Fully compliant with EU RoHS Directive (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
- CE Marking: Conforms to European safety and EMC directives
- Quality Assurance: Manufactured under ISO 9001 certified processes

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9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Standard 1-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects and component failures under normal use.
- Extended warranty options available through CONTEC service agreements.

Technical Support:
- Free lifetime technical support via CONTEC’s global support portal (www.contec.com).
- Access to driver updates, sample code, and troubleshooting guides.

Maintenance:
- No periodic maintenance required.
- Recommended to inspect connectors and cables periodically for wear or contamination.
- Clean using anti-static tools and ensure proper grounding during maintenance.

Software & Updates:
- API-PAC(W32): Comprehensive Windows API library for direct hardware control.
- API-TOOLs for Linux: Module-style device drivers and shared libraries for Linux environments.
- LabVIEW VI-DAQ: VI library for National Instruments LabVIEW, enabling graphical programming integration.
- MATLAB ML-DAQ: MATLAB-compatible library for data acquisition and analysis.
- Free Downloads: All drivers and libraries are available license-free from CONTEC’s website.

Support Ecosystem:
- Compatible with CONTEC’s range of digital I/O, analog I/O, and counter boards.
- Integrates seamlessly with CONTEC’s industrial PCs, panel PCs, and remote I/O systems.
- Supported by optional accessories such as terminal blocks, shielded cables, and diagnostic tools.

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### Summary

The CONTEC PI-64L(cPCI) is a robust, high-density, opto-isolated digital input card engineered for CompactPCI-based industrial systems. With 64 isolated input channels, 1 kVrms isolation, and a wide 12–24 VDC input range, it provides reliable signal acquisition in demanding environments. Its positive common configuration simplifies wiring for field sensors and switches, while its compliance with CompactPCI standards ensures compatibility with a wide range of industrial PCs and controllers.

The board’s design emphasizes electrical safety, noise immunity, and ease of integration. Supported by CONTEC’s comprehensive software suite—including Windows and Linux drivers, LabVIEW, and MATLAB libraries—the PI-64L(cPCI) enables rapid deployment in automation, monitoring, and data acquisition applications. Optional accessories such as terminal blocks, shielded cables, and DIN-rail adapters further enhance installation flexibility.

In summary, the PI-64L(cPCI) delivers industrial-grade reliability, high isolation performance, and flexible software support, making it an ideal choice for engineers and system integrators seeking a dependable digital input interface for CompactPCI-based control and measurement systems.