1. Product Overview

Product Name: AX5234P PCI Bus Digital 96DIO Card
Model Number: AX5234P
Series: AX5234 Series Digital I/O Interface Cards
Article Number: AX5234P
Manufacturer: Axiom Technology Co., Ltd.

The Axiom AX5234P is a high-density digital input/output (DIO) interface card designed for PCI bus systems. It provides 96 channels of programmable digital I/O lines, fully compatible with the Intel 8255 Mode 0 standard. The board is engineered for industrial automation, data acquisition, and control applications requiring reliable, high-speed parallel digital communication between a host PC and external devices. The AX5234P supports Plug and Play configuration, simplifying installation and system integration.

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2. Key Features

- 96 Digital I/O Lines: Provides 96 TTL-compatible digital input/output channels organized into 12 ports (A, B, C per group).
- 8255 Mode 0 Compatibility: Fully compatible with the Intel 8255 programmable peripheral interface standard, ensuring broad software and hardware compatibility.
- Plug and Play PCI Interface: Automatically configured by the system BIOS without manual jumper or DIP switch settings.
- High Noise Immunity: Improved noise margins with hysteresis (VT+ - VT− = 0.4V typical) for stable signal detection in industrial environments.
- Flexible I/O Configuration: Each port can be independently programmed as input or output.
- Multiple Connectors: Equipped with three 50-pin flat cable connectors for external signal interfacing.
- Compact Form Factor: Board dimensions of 175 mm × 106 mm allow installation in standard PCI slots.
- Wide Operating Range: Designed for 0°C to 60°C operation and up to 90% non-condensing relative humidity.
- Software Support: Includes device drivers and example programs for Turbo C, Turbo Pascal, and Microsoft QuickBasic 4.5.
- Expansion Capability: Compatible with AX5234A extension board for up to 192-bit I/O expansion.

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3. Technical Specifications

Electrical Characteristics
- Input/Output Lines: 96 channels
- Input/Output Mode: Programmable in pairs (Port A, B, C per group)
- Input/Output Level: TTL/DTL compatible
- Input Voltage High (VIH): ≥ 2.0 V
- Input Voltage Low (VIL): ≤ 0.8 V
- Input Current High (IIH): ≤ 20 µA at VI = 2.7 V
- Input Current Low (IIL): ≥ -0.2 mA at VIL = 0.4 V
- Output Voltage High (VOH): ≥ 2.4 V at IOL = -3 mA
- Output Voltage Low (VOL): ≤ 0.4 V at IOL = 12 mA
- Output Current High (IOH): -15 mA (max.)
- Output Current Low (IOL): 24 mA (max.)
- Power Requirement: +5 VDC ±5%, 2.0 A (max.)

Mechanical and Environmental
- Dimensions: 175 mm (L) × 106 mm (W)
- Weight: Approx. 200 g (board only)
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 60°C
- Storage Temperature: -25°C to 85°C
- Relative Humidity: Up to 90%, non-condensing
- Bus Interface: PCI Local Bus (32-bit, 33 MHz)
- Data Path Width: 8 bits per port
- Connectors: 3 × 50-pin male headers (CON1–CON3)
- Cable Type: 50-pin ribbon twisted pair cable, Zo = 50–100 Ω typical

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4. Functionality

The AX5234P operates as a digital I/O interface between a host PC and external digital devices. Each of the 96 I/O lines can be configured as input or output under software control. The card is divided into four groups (Group 0–3), each containing three 8-bit ports (A, B, C).

Typical Use Cases:
- Industrial automation and process control
- Machine status monitoring and control
- Data acquisition systems
- Digital signal sensing and actuation
- Parallel data transfer between PC and external modules
- Driving indicator lights, relays, or recorders

Compatibility:
- PCI bus compliant (Plug and Play)
- Compatible with Windows and DOS environments
- Supported programming languages: Turbo C, Turbo Pascal, Microsoft QuickBasic 4.5
- Compatible with Axiom’s AX5234A expansion board for 192-bit operation

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- AX5234P main board
- Four 50-pin flat cables (1 m each)
- AS59099 DAC Driver CD (includes device driver and software utilities)
- AX5234P User’s Manual
- Warranty card

Optional Accessories:
- AX5234A Expansion Board (adds 96 additional I/O lines)
- AX951A, AX754, AX755, AX755/24, AX756 I/O modules for signal conditioning and isolation
- 50-pin and 30-pin flat cables for custom configurations

Connectors:
- CON1: Ports 1PA, 1PB, 1PC (8 bits each)
- CON2–CON4: Ports 2PA–4PC (8 bits each)
- Each connector includes ground reference pins for signal integrity

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6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- Available PCI slot (32-bit, 33 MHz)
- +5 VDC power supply from PCI bus
- Compatible operating system (DOS, Windows)

Installation Procedure:
1. Power off the PC and disconnect all cables.
2. Remove the PC cover and locate an unused PCI slot.
3. Insert the AX5234P board firmly into the slot and secure it with the retaining screw.
4. Replace the PC cover and reconnect all cables.
5. Power on the system; the PCI BIOS will automatically detect and configure the card.
6. Install the device driver using the provided setup utility:
- Command: `SETUP [SourceDrive] [TargetDrive] [Directory]`
- Example: `A:\> SETUP A: C: AX5234P`
- The driver will be installed as `C:\AX5234P\AX5234.SYS`.
7. Add the driver line to CONFIG.SYS:
- `DEVICE = C:\AX5234P\AX5234.SYS`

Jumper Settings:
- JP1 and J1–J4 are factory configured for Plug and Play operation; no manual adjustment required.

Connector Pin Assignments:
- Each 50-pin connector provides 24 I/O lines (Ports A, B, C) and ground pins.
- Pin mapping follows standard 8255 port conventions.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

Speed and Throughput:
- Operates at PCI bus speed (33 MHz) with 8-bit data path per port.
- Supports high-speed parallel data transfer between PC and external devices.

Capacity:
- 96 programmable I/O lines on the base board.
- Expandable to 192 I/O lines with AX5234A extension.

Efficiency:
- Low power consumption (≤ 10 W typical).
- High signal integrity through twisted-pair cabling and ground referencing.

Limitations:
- TTL-level I/O only (no analog input/output).
- No onboard isolation; external isolation modules recommended for high-voltage environments.
- Requires proper grounding to prevent noise interference.

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Standard: PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.1 compliant
- Electrical Interface: TTL/DTL compatible
- Software Interface: 8255 Mode 0 register-compatible
- Safety: Designed for low-voltage digital operation; user must avoid contact with live circuits during operation
- Environmental Compliance: RoHS-compliant manufacturing (lead-free soldering)
- EMC Compliance: Meets standard PC peripheral electromagnetic compatibility requirements

Certifications:
- CE Mark (Electromagnetic Compatibility)
- FCC Class A (Industrial Environment)

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9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Standard 1-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects.

Technical Support:
- Provided by Axiom Technology Co., Ltd.
- Support includes driver updates, example source code, and integration assistance.

Maintenance:
- Periodic inspection for dust and secure cable connections recommended.
- Avoid exposure to moisture or corrosive environments.

Software Updates:
- Updated drivers and utilities available via Axiom’s official website.
- Backward compatibility maintained with earlier AX5234 series drivers.

Documentation:
- Comprehensive user manual with register maps, pin assignments, and programming examples.
- Example source code provided for C, Pascal, and BASIC environments to demonstrate register-level control and data transfer.

Programming Interface:
- Base I/O address and interrupt level automatically assigned by PCI BIOS.
- Register mapping includes:
- Base + 0x00: External reset enable
- Base + 0x02, +0x03: Group select control
- Base + 0x07: Group select status
- Base + 0xC0–0xFC: Port A/B/C and control registers for Groups 1–4
- Each port supports bitwise input/output control via software.

Safety Notice:
- Hazardous voltages may be present when the system is powered.
- Always power down the PC before installing or removing the board.

Block Diagram Overview:
- PCI Bus Interface → PCI Bridge → I/O Control Logic → 8255-Compatible I/O Groups → 50-pin Connectors (CON1–CON4).
- Optional expansion via AX5234A board doubles the I/O capacity to 192 bits.

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Summary

The Axiom AX5234P PCI Bus Digital 96DIO Card is a robust, high-performance digital I/O interface solution for industrial and laboratory applications. With 96 programmable TTL-level I/O lines, full 8255 Mode 0 compatibility, and Plug and Play PCI configuration, it offers a flexible and reliable platform for digital control and data acquisition. Its comprehensive software support, modular expansion options, and adherence to industry standards make it ideal for system integrators and engineers requiring scalable digital interfacing in PC-based control systems.