1. Product Overview

Product Name: Isolated 8 Differential Inputs Panel
Model: ATII‑8A
Series: E Series Analog I/O Accessories (Signal Conditioning)
Article Number: ATII‑8A
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd. (Japan)

The CONTEC ATII‑8A is an isolated eight‑channel differential input signal conditioning panel designed for use with CONTEC’s E‑series analog input boards, including models such as AD12‑16E, AD12‑16U(PCI), and AD12‑16U(ISA). It provides galvanic isolation between input and output circuits and between individual channels, ensuring high noise immunity and reliable analog signal acquisition in industrial and laboratory measurement environments. The ATII‑8A is part of CONTEC’s modular analog I/O accessory lineup, which includes signal conditioning, simultaneous sample‑and‑hold, and low‑pass filter boards.

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2. Key Features

- Eight Isolated Differential Input Channels: Each channel is independently isolated, preventing ground loops and cross‑channel interference.
- Wide Input Range: ±10 V nominal input range suitable for general‑purpose analog measurement.
- Selectable Gain Settings: Jumper‑selectable gain factors of ×1, ×25, or ×200 allow flexible scaling of input signals for low‑level or high‑level voltage sources.
- High Isolation Voltage: 500 V DC isolation between input and output, and between channels, ensuring safe operation in noisy or high‑potential environments.
- Integrated Cold Junction Compensation (CJC): One built‑in CJC circuit supports thermocouple measurement applications.
- Cascadable Design: Two ATII‑8A boards can be cascaded to expand the number of isolated channels to 16.
- High Bandwidth: 60 kHz (–3 dB) analog bandwidth supports dynamic signal measurement and fast‑changing analog inputs.
- Standardized Connectors: Equipped with two D‑sub female connectors for easy connection to CONTEC analog input boards and external wiring.
- Compact Form Factor: 230 mm × 105 mm panel size suitable for installation in measurement racks or control panels.
- Compatibility: Designed for CONTEC E‑series analog input boards such as AD12‑16E, AD12‑16U(PCI), and AD12‑16U(ISA).
- Industrial‑Grade Isolation Amplifiers: Utilizes precision isolation amplifiers to maintain signal integrity across isolated domains.
- Noise Immunity: Ideal for environments with high electrical noise, preventing interference between measurement channels and the host PC.

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3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|------------------|
| Number of Channels | 8 differential input channels |
| Input Type | Differential, isolated |
| Input Range | ±10 V nominal |
| Gain Settings | ×1, ×25, ×200 (jumper selectable) |
| Isolation Voltage | 500 V DC (input‑to‑output and channel‑to‑channel) |
| Bandwidth | 60 kHz (–3 dB) |
| Cold Junction Compensation | 1 × CJC circuit (shared across channels) |
| Cascadable Units | Up to 2 boards (16 channels total) |
| Connectors | Two D‑sub female connectors |
| Dimensions | 230 mm (W) × 105 mm (D) |
| Mounting | Panel‑mount type |
| Compatible Boards | AD12‑16E, AD12‑16U(PCI), AD12‑16U(ISA) |
| Manufacturer | CONTEC Co., Ltd. |
| Isolation Method | Isolation amplifier per channel |
| Operating Bandwidth | DC – 60 kHz |
| Input Impedance | High impedance (typ. > 1 MΩ) |
| Temperature Compensation | Built‑in CJC for thermocouple use |
| Construction | Industrial PCB assembly with shielded connectors |
| Weight | Approx. 0.5 kg (typical) |

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4. Functionality

The ATII‑8A serves as an isolated signal conditioning interface between external analog sensors and CONTEC’s E‑series analog input boards. Each of the eight channels accepts a differential analog voltage signal within ±10 V and transmits it through an isolation amplifier to the output connector. The isolation barrier protects the measurement system from ground potential differences, electrical surges, and noise coupling.

Operating Principle:
- Input signals are applied to each channel’s differential input terminals.
- The selected gain (×1, ×25, or ×200) amplifies the signal to match the input range of the connected A/D converter board.
- The isolation amplifier transfers the conditioned signal across a 500 V DC isolation barrier.
- The output side connects directly to the analog input connector of the E‑series board via a D‑sub cable.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial process monitoring where sensors operate at different ground potentials.
- Thermocouple and low‑level voltage measurement requiring cold‑junction compensation.
- Laboratory data acquisition systems needing channel‑to‑channel isolation.
- Noise‑sensitive environments such as motor control, power electronics, or high‑voltage test benches.
- Expansion of isolated input capability for E‑series analog boards.

Compatibility:
- Fully compatible with CONTEC E‑series analog input boards (AD12‑16E, AD12‑16U(PCI), AD12‑16U(ISA)).
- Connects via standard D‑sub cables (e.g., PCA37PS or PCB37PS series).
- Can be used in combination with other E‑series accessories such as ATSS‑16 (Simultaneous Sample & Hold) and ATLF‑8 (Low‑Pass Filter Board).

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Components:
- ATII‑8A main panel assembly with eight isolated input channels.
- Two D‑sub female connectors for input/output interfacing.
- Jumper blocks for gain selection (×1, ×25, ×200).
- One integrated cold‑junction compensation circuit.

Optional Accessories:
- Cables: PCA37PS‑xP or PCB37PS‑xP shielded cables (0.5 m – 5 m lengths).
- Terminal Units: EPD‑37 or DTP‑3(PC)/DTP‑4(PC) screw‑type terminal blocks for field wiring.
- DIN Rail Adapter: DIN‑ADP1 for mounting the panel on a 35 mm DIN rail.
- Compatible Boards: AD12‑16E, AD12‑16U(PCI), AD12‑16U(ISA).
- Other Signal Conditioning Options:
- ATSS‑16 – Simultaneous Sample & Hold Board.
- ATLF‑8 – Low‑Pass Filter Board (0–100 kHz, 4th‑order Butterworth).

Connectors:
- Two 37‑pin D‑sub female connectors (input/output).
- Pin assignments correspond to E‑series analog input board channel mapping.

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6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Compatible CONTEC E‑series analog input board installed in the host PC (PCI or ISA bus).
- Appropriate shielded D‑sub cables for interconnection.
- Stable ±10 V signal sources or sensors.
- Proper grounding and shielding to maintain isolation integrity.

Mounting Options:
- Standard panel‑mount configuration (230 × 105 mm).
- Optional DIN‑ADP1 adapter for DIN‑rail installation in control cabinets.

Configuration Procedure:
1. Select Gain: Set jumpers on each channel to the desired gain (×1, ×25, or ×200).
2. Connect Inputs: Wire differential signal pairs to the input connector.
3. Connect Outputs: Use the D‑sub cable to link the ATII‑8A output to the analog input connector of the E‑series board.
4. Cascading (Optional): For 16‑channel operation, connect two ATII‑8A panels in cascade using the provided interconnect ports.
5. Verify Isolation: Ensure that no common ground connections exist between channels or between input and output sides.
6. Calibration: If required, perform calibration using known reference voltages to verify gain accuracy.

Environmental Considerations:
- Operate within 0 °C – 50 °C ambient temperature.
- Avoid exposure to excessive vibration or moisture.
- Maintain adequate spacing from high‑voltage wiring to prevent coupling noise.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Signal Isolation: 500 V DC isolation ensures safe operation even when input sources have different ground potentials.
- Bandwidth: 60 kHz (–3 dB) supports accurate reproduction of dynamic analog signals.
- Gain Accuracy: Factory‑calibrated gain settings maintain linearity across the full input range.
- Noise Rejection: Differential input configuration and isolation amplifiers minimize common‑mode noise.
- Thermal Stability: Integrated cold‑junction compensation maintains accuracy for thermocouple measurements.
- Scalability: Two units can be cascaded for up to 16 isolated differential channels.
- Signal Integrity: Shielded connectors and short signal paths reduce susceptibility to EMI/RFI.
- Load Compatibility: Designed to drive the high‑impedance analog inputs of CONTEC A/D boards without distortion.
- Response Time: Suitable for high‑speed sampling up to 60 kHz bandwidth, matching the performance of E‑series A/D converters (1 µs – 10 µs per channel).
- Limitations: Not intended for current loop inputs or signals exceeding ±10 V; external attenuation or conversion may be required for higher voltages.

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Isolation Rating: 500 V DC channel‑to‑channel and input‑to‑output isolation.
- Electrical Safety: Designed for low‑voltage analog measurement circuits in compliance with industrial instrumentation standards.
- EMC Considerations: Shielded connectors and differential architecture minimize electromagnetic interference.
- Compatibility Standards: Fully compatible with CONTEC E‑series analog input boards conforming to PCI and ISA bus specifications.
- Environmental Compliance: Manufactured under CONTEC’s quality management system; RoHS‑compliant materials used where applicable.
- Industry Standards:
- Analog signal conditioning per IEC 61010‑1 (measurement category I).
- Connector pinout compatible with 37‑pin D‑sub industrial standard.

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9. Additional Information

Warranty & Support:
- Standard CONTEC limited warranty (typically one year from date of purchase).
- Technical support available through CONTEC’s global service network and online portal (www.contec.com).
- Free downloadable drivers and software libraries (API‑PAC(W32), API‑TOOLs for Windows/Linux) for associated E‑series boards.

Maintenance:
- Periodic inspection of connectors and cables recommended.
- Keep the panel clean and free from conductive dust.
- Verify jumper settings and calibration annually for precision applications.

Software Integration:
Although the ATII‑8A itself is a passive signal conditioning panel, it is designed to operate seamlessly with CONTEC’s software ecosystem when connected to an E‑series analog input board:
- API‑PAC(W32): Windows API library for board control.
- API‑TOOLs for Linux: Module‑style device drivers and shared libraries.
- LabVIEW VI‑DAQ Library: Provides virtual instruments for easy integration with National Instruments LabVIEW.
- MATLAB ML‑DAQ Library: Enables direct data acquisition and analysis within MATLAB.

System Expansion:
- Combine ATII‑8A with ATSS‑16 (Simultaneous Sample & Hold) for synchronized multi‑channel sampling.
- Use ATLF‑8 (Low‑Pass Filter Board) for anti‑aliasing and noise suppression.
- Employ DIN‑ADP1 adapter for modular DIN‑rail mounting alongside other E‑series accessories.

Typical System Configuration Example:
- Analog Input Board: AD12‑16U(PCI)EH (16 ch, 12‑bit, 1 µs/ch).
- Signal Conditioning: ATII‑8A (8 ch isolated differential input).
- Terminal Unit: EPD‑37 (DIN‑rail mount terminal block).
- Cable: PCB37PS‑0.5P shielded D‑sub cable.
- Software: API‑PAC(W32) with LabVIEW VI‑DAQ.

This configuration provides a complete isolated analog measurement system capable of high‑speed, high‑accuracy data acquisition in industrial or research environments.

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Summary

The CONTEC ATII‑8A Isolated 8 Differential Inputs Panel is a robust, high‑performance signal conditioning module engineered for precision analog measurement systems. By providing 500 V DC isolation, selectable gain, and wide bandwidth, it ensures accurate and noise‑free signal acquisition even in electrically harsh environments. Its compatibility with CONTEC’s E‑series analog input boards and modular accessory ecosystem makes it an essential component for building scalable, reliable, and high‑integrity data acquisition systems.