Comprehensive Product Summary: CONTEC PI‑64L(PCI)H PCI Bus Isolated 64‑Channel Digital Input Board (Positive Common)

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: PI‑64L(PCI)H
Model Number: PI‑64L(PCI)H
Series: PCI Bus Digital I/O Interface Boards
Article Number: PI‑64L(PCI)H
Manufacturer: CONTEC CO., LTD. (Osaka, Japan)

Product Description:
The CONTEC PI‑64L(PCI)H is a PCI bus–compliant, opto‑isolated 64‑channel digital input (DI) interface board designed for industrial and laboratory automation systems. It provides high‑density digital input capability with 64 opto‑coupler isolated channels, supporting 12–24 V DC input levels and positive common wiring. The board is engineered for robust noise immunity, flexible interrupt handling, and software‑configurable digital filtering. It is compatible with both Windows and Linux operating systems and supports LabVIEW integration through dedicated libraries.

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### 2. Key Features

- 64 Opto‑Coupler Isolated Digital Inputs:
Provides 64 channels of optically isolated digital inputs compatible with current‑sink output devices. Each group of 16 channels shares a common positive terminal, allowing multiple external power supplies.

- Opto‑Coupler Bus Isolation:
Complete electrical isolation between the PC bus and external I/O circuits ensures superior noise immunity and protection against voltage transients. Dielectric strength is rated at 500 Vrms.

- Interrupt Capability (32 Channels):
Up to 32 input channels can be configured as interrupt request sources. Interrupts can be enabled or disabled per bit, and the triggering edge (rising or falling) can be selected via software.

- Digital Noise Filter:
Built‑in digital filtering prevents false signal recognition due to noise or contact chattering. Filter time constants are software‑selectable from 0.25 µs to 131 ms.

- High‑Speed Response:
Input response time is within 200 µs, suitable for high‑speed digital monitoring and control applications.

- Multi‑Platform Driver Support:
Bundled with CONTEC’s API‑PAC(W32) driver library, supporting Windows (API‑DIO(WDM)/API‑DIO(98/PC)) and Linux (API‑DIO(LNX)) environments. Includes sample programs and diagnostic utilities.

- LabVIEW Integration:
Supported by CONTEC’s DAQfast and VI‑DAQ libraries for National Instruments LabVIEW, enabling seamless data acquisition and control application development.

- Universal PCI Bus Compatibility:
Supports 32‑bit, 33 MHz PCI bus with universal keying for both 3.3 V and 5 V slots. Requires +5 V power from the PCI slot.

- Compact and Lightweight Design:
Board dimensions are 176.41 mm (L) × 105.68 mm (H) with a weight of approximately 215 g.

- Industrial‑Grade Compliance:
Certified for VCCI Class A, CE (EMC Directive Class A), and RoHS compliance.

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### 3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|------------------|
| Input Type | Opto‑coupler isolated input (negative logic, compatible with current‑sink output) |
| Number of Channels | 64 input channels (32 available for interrupts) |
| Common Configuration | One positive common terminal per 16 channels |
| Input Voltage Range | 12 – 24 V DC (±10 %) |
| Input Resistance | 4.7 kΩ |
| Input ON Current | ≥ 2.0 mA |
| Input OFF Current | ≤ 0.16 mA |
| Response Time | ≤ 200 µs |
| Isolation Voltage | 500 Vrms between bus and I/O |
| External Power Supply | 12 – 24 V DC (±10 %) |
| Power Consumption | 5 V DC ±5 %, 250 mA (max.) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 – 50 °C |
| Operating Humidity | 10 – 90 % RH (non‑condensing) |
| Allowable Signal Cable Length | Approx. 50 m (depending on wiring environment) |
| PCI Bus Specification | 32‑bit, 33 MHz, universal keying (3.3 V/5 V) |
| Board Dimensions | 176.41 (L) × 105.68 (H) mm |
| Weight | Approx. 215 g |
| Standards Compliance | VCCI Class A, CE Marking (EMC Directive Class A), RoHS Directive |
| Maximum Boards per System | Up to 16 boards (including master) |

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### 4. Functionality

Operating Principle:
Each input channel is optically isolated from the PC bus using an opto‑coupler. The board detects the ON/OFF state of external current‑driven devices such as switches, sensors, or transistor outputs. The input logic is negative—when current flows (input ON), the board registers a logical “1”; when current stops (input OFF), it registers a logical “0.”

Interrupt Handling:
Thirty‑two channels (I‑00 to I‑37) can generate interrupt requests. Interrupts can be configured for rising or falling edges and masked individually. The board consolidates interrupt signals into a single PCI interrupt line (INTA).

Digital Filtering:
A software‑configurable digital filter eliminates transient noise and switch bounce. The filter time constant is defined as:
Filter Time = 2ⁿ / (8 × 10⁶) seconds, where n = 0 – 20.
Setting n = 0 disables filtering.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation and process monitoring
- Machine control and safety interlocks
- Data acquisition and event logging
- Laboratory instrumentation and test systems
- Integration with PLCs or embedded controllers via digital I/O

Compatibility:
- Operating Systems: Windows 7/8/10/11, Linux kernel 2.6 or later
- Development Environments: Visual C++, Visual Basic, C#, LabVIEW, gcc (Linux)
- Driver Libraries: API‑PAC(W32), API‑DIO(WDM), API‑DIO(LNX)

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items (Standard Package):
1. PI‑64L(PCI)H Board × 1
2. First Step Guide × 1
3. Driver Disk (API‑PAC(W32)) × 1 (includes drivers and User’s Guide)
4. Warranty Certificate × 1
5. Serial Number Label × 1

Optional Cables:
- 96‑Pin Shielded Half‑Pitch Cables:
PCB96PS‑0.5P (0.5 m), PCB96PS‑1.5P (1.5 m), PCB96PS‑5P (5 m)
- 96‑Pin Flat Cables (Both Ends):
PCB96P‑1.5 (1.5 m), PCB96P‑3 (3 m)
- 96‑Pin Shielded Two‑Sided Cables:
PCA96PS‑0.5P, PCA96PS‑1.5P, PCA96PS‑3P, PCA96PS‑5P
- 96‑Pin to Dual 37‑Pin Conversion Cables:
PCB96WS‑1.5P, PCB96WS‑3P, PCB96WS‑5P

Optional Terminal Boards and Accessories:
- EPD‑96A (M3 × 96P) Screw Terminal
- EPD‑96 (M3.5 × 96P) Screw Terminal
- DTP‑64A Digital I/O 64‑Channel Terminal Panel
- CM‑64L Signal Monitor (64 bits)
- EPD‑37A / EPD‑37 Screw Terminals (37 pins)
- DTP‑3A / DTP‑4C General Purpose Terminals
- CM‑32L Signal Monitor (32 bits)
- CCB‑96 Connection Conversion Board (96P → 37P × 2)

*Note: Appropriate cables (PCB96P, PCB96PS, or PCB96WS) are required for connection to optional accessories.*

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### 6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- Available PCI slot (32‑bit, 33 MHz, 3.3 V or 5 V keyed)
- +5 V power supply from PCI bus
- Compatible PC running Windows or Linux

Installation Steps:
1. Software Installation:
Install the API‑PAC(W32) driver library before inserting the board. The installer provides both development and runtime environments.
2. Hardware Configuration:
Set the Board ID (rotary switch SW1) to a unique value (0–Fh) if multiple boards are installed.
3. Board Installation:
Power off the PC, insert the board into an available PCI slot, and secure it with a screw.
4. Driver Initialization:
Upon boot, Windows detects the board and installs the driver automatically. Linux users compile and load the API‑DIO(LNX) module.
5. Verification:
Use the included diagnostic utility to verify input status and interrupt operation.

Connector Information:
- Connector Type: 96‑pin half‑pitch female (HONDA PCR‑E96LMD or equivalent)
- Mating Connector: PCR‑E96FA (HONDA or equivalent)
- Pin Groups: Eight input ports (Port 0 – Port 7), each 8 channels per group

Mounting:
Standard PCI bracket mount for desktop or industrial PC chassis.

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

- Input Response: ≤ 200 µs
- Interrupt Latency: Dependent on system configuration; hardware supports edge‑triggered interrupts on 32 channels.
- Digital Filter Range: 0.25 µs – 131 ms (21 steps)
- Signal Extension Distance: Up to 50 m with shielded cabling
- Power Efficiency: Low consumption (250 mA @ 5 V DC)
- Reliability: Optical isolation and noise filtering ensure stable operation in electrically noisy environments.
- Limitations: Input‑only board (no output channels); requires external power supply for input circuits.

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

- Electrical Safety: 500 Vrms isolation between bus and I/O
- EMC Compliance: VCCI Class A, CE Mark (EMC Directive Class A)
- Environmental Compliance: RoHS Directive compliant
- PCI Bus Standard: PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.2 (32‑bit, 33 MHz)
- Operating Environment: 0 – 50 °C, 10 – 90 % RH (non‑condensing)

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### 9. Additional Information

Warranty:
Limited three‑year warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Excludes damage from misuse, modification, or improper installation.

Technical Support:
- Website: [https://www.contec.com](https://www.contec.com)
- Resources: Driver updates, sample code, manuals, and technical documents available for download.

Maintenance:
- Periodically inspect connectors and clean contacts with industrial alcohol.
- Avoid exposure to corrosive gases or excessive dust.
- Store in original anti‑static packaging when not in use.

Software Updates:
Driver and library updates are available free of charge from CONTEC’s website. LabVIEW libraries (DAQfast and VI‑DAQ) can also be downloaded for integration with National Instruments environments.

Safety Precautions:
- Do not install or remove the board while the PC is powered on.
- Ensure adequate power supply capacity for all installed boards.
- Operate only within specified temperature and humidity ranges.

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### Summary

The CONTEC PI‑64L(PCI)H is a robust, high‑density digital input interface board for PCI‑based systems, offering 64 optically isolated input channels with superior noise immunity and flexible interrupt control. Its combination of hardware isolation, software‑configurable filtering, and cross‑platform driver support makes it ideal for industrial automation, data acquisition, and laboratory instrumentation. With compliance to international EMC and RoHS standards, a compact form factor, and a three‑year warranty, the PI‑64L(PCI)H delivers reliable, long‑term performance in demanding digital I/O applications.