1. Product Overview

Product Name: 8-Channel Signal Conditioning Panel
Model: ATLF-8
Article Number: ATLF-8
Series: E Series Analog I/O Accessories
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Product Category: Signal Conditioning Terminal Board for Analog Input Systems

The CONTEC ATLF-8 is a precision-engineered 8-channel signal conditioning terminal board 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 high-quality analog signal conditioning with selectable gain, integrated low-pass filtering, and cold-junction compensation (CJC) for thermocouple applications. The ATLF-8 is intended for industrial measurement, data acquisition, and control systems requiring accurate, noise-free analog signal processing prior to A/D conversion.

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2. Key Features

- Eight Independent Analog Input Channels: Each channel supports differential input configuration for precise signal measurement and conditioning.
- Wide Input Range: ±10 V input range, compatible with standard industrial analog signal levels.
- Selectable Gain: Jumper-selectable gain settings from 1× up to 500×, allowing flexible amplification of low-level sensor signals.
- Integrated Low-Pass Filtering: Fourth-order Butterworth low-pass filters per channel, selectable between 20 Hz and 10 kHz cutoff frequencies, providing effective noise suppression and anti-aliasing.
- High Bandwidth: 0–100 kHz (-3 dB) bandwidth ensures accurate reproduction of dynamic analog signals.
- Cold Junction Compensation (CJC): One built-in semiconductor temperature sensor for thermocouple reference compensation.
- Cascadable Design: Two ATLF-8 boards can be cascaded to expand the number of conditioned channels to 16.
- Standard Connectors: Equipped with two D-sub female connectors for easy interfacing with CONTEC analog input boards and terminal units.
- Compact Form Factor: 230 mm × 105 mm board size, suitable for panel or DIN-rail mounting (with optional adapter).
- Compatibility: Fully compatible with CONTEC’s AD12-16E, AD12-16U(PCI), and AD12-16U(ISA) analog input boards.
- Industrial Reliability: Designed for stable operation in industrial environments with high electrical noise immunity.

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3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|------------------|
| Number of Channels | 8 differential analog input channels |
| Input Range | ±10 V |
| Gain Settings | 1×, 2×, 5×, 10×, 20×, 50×, 100×, 200×, 500× (jumper selectable) |
| Filter Type | 4th-order Butterworth low-pass filter |
| Filter Cutoff Frequency | Selectable: 20 Hz or 10 kHz |
| Bandwidth | 0–100 kHz (–3 dB) |
| Cold Junction Compensation | 1 semiconductor temperature sensor (shared across channels) |
| Cascading Capability | Up to 2 boards (16 channels total) |
| Connectors | 2 × D-sub female connectors |
| Compatible Boards | AD12-16E, AD12-16U(PCI), AD12-16U(ISA) |
| Dimensions | 230 mm (W) × 105 mm (D) |
| Mounting | Panel mount or DIN-rail mount (with optional DIN-ADP1 adapter) |
| Operating Temperature | 0–50 °C (typical for CONTEC analog accessories) |
| Storage Temperature | –10 to +60 °C |
| Relative Humidity | 10–90% RH (non-condensing) |
| Weight | Approx. 300 g (typical) |
| Material | FR-4 PCB with metal mounting frame |
| Color | Green PCB with labeled channel indicators |

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4. Functionality

The ATLF-8 functions as an analog front-end conditioning module for CONTEC’s E Series analog input boards. It amplifies, filters, and stabilizes analog signals from sensors or transducers before they are digitized by the A/D converter on the host board.

Working Principle:
1. Signal Input: Each of the eight channels receives an analog voltage signal (±10 V typical).
2. Amplification: The signal is amplified according to the jumper-selected gain setting (1–500×).
3. Filtering: The amplified signal passes through a 4th-order Butterworth low-pass filter, with selectable cutoff frequency (20 Hz for low-frequency precision or 10 kHz for high-speed signals).
4. Cold Junction Compensation: For thermocouple inputs, the onboard CJC sensor provides temperature reference correction.
5. Output: The conditioned analog signals are routed to the analog input board via D-sub connectors for A/D conversion.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial process monitoring and control
- Data acquisition systems (DAQ)
- Sensor signal conditioning (thermocouples, strain gauges, pressure sensors)
- Laboratory instrumentation and test benches
- Vibration and acoustic analysis (with high-frequency filtering)
- Temperature measurement systems with thermocouple compensation

Compatibility:
- Designed for direct connection to CONTEC’s E Series analog input boards such as AD12-16E, AD12-16U(PCI), and AD12-16U(ISA).
- Can be used with other CONTEC accessories including ATII-8A (isolated amplifier board), ATSS-16 (simultaneous sample & hold board), and ATP-16 (BNC terminal panel).

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- ATLF-8 main board (8-channel signal conditioning panel)
- Jumper configuration chart (printed on PCB or included in manual)
- Mounting hardware (screws and standoffs)

Optional Accessories:
- DIN-ADP1: DIN-rail adapter for vertical mounting in control panels.
- PCA37PS / PCB37PS: Shielded 37-pin D-sub cables for connection to analog input boards.
- EPD-37 / DTP-3(PC) / DTP-4(PC): Terminal units for wiring sensors or external devices.
- ATP-16: BNC terminal panel for coaxial signal connections.
- FTP-15: Termination panel for digital I/O or trigger signals.
- ATII-8A: Isolated signal conditioning terminal board (for galvanic isolation).
- ATSS-16: Simultaneous sample & hold board for synchronized sampling.

Connectors:
- Two 37-pin D-sub female connectors (standard pinout compatible with CONTEC analog input boards).
- Each connector supports 8 analog input channels, ground, and reference lines.

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6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Compatible CONTEC analog input board (e.g., AD12-16U(PCI) or AD12-16E).
- Appropriate shielded D-sub cable (PCA37PS or PCB37PS).
- Stable power supply provided through the host board (no external power required).

Mounting Options:
- Panel Mounting: The ATLF-8 can be mounted on a flat panel using the provided screw holes.
- DIN-Rail Mounting: With the optional DIN-ADP1 adapter, the board can be installed on a standard 35 mm DIN rail.

Configuration Steps:
1. Set Gain: Select desired gain per channel using onboard jumpers.
2. Select Filter Cutoff: Choose between 20 Hz or 10 kHz filter cutoff frequency via jumper settings.
3. Connect Input Signals: Wire sensor or signal source to the input terminals or through a terminal unit (EPD-37 or ATP-16).
4. Connect to A/D Board: Use a shielded D-sub cable to connect the ATLF-8 output to the analog input connector of the CONTEC board.
5. Verify CJC Function: For thermocouple applications, ensure the CJC sensor is enabled and properly referenced in the acquisition software.
6. Test and Calibrate: Run a test acquisition using CONTEC’s API-TOOLs or LabVIEW/Matlab libraries to verify signal integrity.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Signal Conditioning Accuracy: High linearity and low noise amplification ensure accurate signal representation.
- Frequency Response: Flat response up to 100 kHz (–3 dB), suitable for both slow and fast analog signals.
- Filter Performance: 4th-order Butterworth topology provides –24 dB/octave roll-off, minimizing aliasing and high-frequency noise.
- Gain Stability: Precision resistors and low-drift amplifiers maintain consistent gain across temperature variations.
- CJC Accuracy: ±0.5 °C typical (depending on ambient conditions).
- Cross-Talk: Less than –80 dB between adjacent channels.
- Noise Rejection: Common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR) > 80 dB at 50/60 Hz.
- Input Impedance: Typically >1 MΩ, minimizing loading effects on signal sources.
- Output Drive Capability: Compatible with high-impedance analog input stages of CONTEC A/D boards.
- Limitations:
- Not isolated; for isolation use ATII-8A.
- Designed for voltage input only (no direct current input support).
- Requires proper grounding to minimize noise coupling.

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Electrical Safety: Designed in accordance with IEC/EN 61010-1 for measurement and control equipment.
- EMC Compliance: Meets industrial electromagnetic compatibility standards (EN 61326-1).
- RoHS Compliance: Fully compliant with EU RoHS Directive for hazardous substance restriction.
- Quality Assurance: Manufactured under ISO 9001 certified quality management system.
- Environmental Standards: Conforms to CONTEC’s environmental design guidelines for low power consumption and recyclable materials.
- Interface Compatibility: Fully compatible with PCI and ISA-based CONTEC E Series analog input boards.

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9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Standard 1-year manufacturer’s warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
- Extended warranty options available through CONTEC service agreements.

Technical Support:
- Comprehensive documentation, including user manual and wiring diagrams, available from CONTEC’s global portal (www.contec.com).
- Free technical support via email and phone for registered users.
- Online knowledge base and driver downloads for Windows and Linux environments.

Maintenance:
- Periodic inspection recommended to ensure secure cable connections and clean contact surfaces.
- Avoid exposure to excessive dust, humidity, or vibration.
- Calibration verification recommended annually for precision applications.

Software & Updates:
- Compatible with CONTEC’s API-TOOLs for Windows and Linux.
- Supported by LabVIEW VI-DAQ and MATLAB ML-DAQ libraries for seamless integration into measurement systems.
- Firmware-independent; no updates required for hardware operation.

Ordering Information:
- Model: ATLF-8
- Description: 8-channel signal conditioning terminal board with selectable gain and low-pass filter.
- Optional Accessories: DIN-ADP1, PCA37PS, PCB37PS, EPD-37, ATP-16, ATII-8A, ATSS-16.

Typical System Configuration Example:
- Analog Input Board: AD12-16U(PCI)EH (16-bit, 1 µs/ch A/D conversion)
- Signal Conditioning: ATLF-8 (8-channel, gain 1–500, 20 Hz/10 kHz filter)
- Terminal Unit: EPD-37 (screw terminal)
- Cable: PCB37PS-1.5P (shielded 1.5 m cable)
- Software: API-PAC(W32) or LabVIEW VI-DAQ

Applications Summary:
- Precision analog measurement systems
- Industrial automation and process control
- Research laboratories and test facilities
- Data logging and environmental monitoring
- Vibration, acoustic, and dynamic signal analysis

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Summary

The CONTEC ATLF-8 is a high-performance, 8-channel analog signal conditioning panel engineered for integration with CONTEC’s E Series analog input boards. It provides flexible gain control, precision low-pass filtering, and cold-junction compensation in a compact, modular form factor. Designed for industrial and laboratory environments, the ATLF-8 enhances measurement accuracy by minimizing noise, distortion, and signal interference prior to A/D conversion. Its compatibility with a wide range of CONTEC accessories and software tools makes it an essential component for building reliable, high-precision data acquisition systems.