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- PCMCIA to ISA Bus Conversion: Provides a direct interface between a PCMCIA slot and an AT/ISA bus, allowing ISA cards to be used with notebook or embedded systems that lack native ISA slots.
- Complete Expansion System: Includes a PCMCIA 2.0-compliant card, a 50 cm interconnect cable, and a half-size ISA bus card, forming a complete hardware bridge.
- Compatibility with DOS and Windows 95: Fully supported under DOS and Windows 95 environments, ensuring stable operation with legacy software and drivers.
- Low Power Consumption: The PCMCIA card operates at 5 VDC with a current draw of approximately 100 mA, while the ISA bus card requires 5 VDC at 300 mA, making it suitable for portable and embedded applications.
- Compact and Modular Design: The half-size ISA card form factor allows installation in space-constrained systems or test setups.
- High Signal Integrity: Designed to maintain reliable data transfer between the PCMCIA interface and ISA bus, minimizing latency and signal degradation.
- Plug-and-Play Operation: Simplifies system integration without requiring complex configuration or additional interface hardware.
- Industrial and Legacy Support: Ideal for maintaining compatibility with existing ISA-based measurement, control, or communication boards in industrial and laboratory environments.
- Complete Expansion System: Includes a PCMCIA 2.0-compliant card, a 50 cm interconnect cable, and a half-size ISA bus card, forming a complete hardware bridge.
- Compatibility with DOS and Windows 95: Fully supported under DOS and Windows 95 environments, ensuring stable operation with legacy software and drivers.
- Low Power Consumption: The PCMCIA card operates at 5 VDC with a current draw of approximately 100 mA, while the ISA bus card requires 5 VDC at 300 mA, making it suitable for portable and embedded applications.
- Compact and Modular Design: The half-size ISA card form factor allows installation in space-constrained systems or test setups.
- High Signal Integrity: Designed to maintain reliable data transfer between the PCMCIA interface and ISA bus, minimizing latency and signal degradation.
- Plug-and-Play Operation: Simplifies system integration without requiring complex configuration or additional interface hardware.
- Industrial and Legacy Support: Ideal for maintaining compatibility with existing ISA-based measurement, control, or communication boards in industrial and laboratory environments.
1. Product Overview
Product Name: BUF-Card(PC)P
Model / Article Number: BUF-Card(PC)P
Series: PCMCIA to AT/ISA Bus Expansion System
Manufacturer: Contec Co., Ltd.
Product Type: PCMCIA-to-ISA Bus Expansion Interface
Operating Environment: Designed for DOS and Windows 95 systems
The Contec BUF-Card(PC)P is a specialized hardware interface solution that enables the expansion of legacy ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) bus functionality to portable or embedded computing platforms equipped with PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) slots. This product bridges the gap between modern notebook or compact industrial PCs and traditional ISA-based peripheral devices, providing a reliable and electrically stable connection for legacy hardware integration.
2. Key Features
- PCMCIA to ISA Bus Conversion: Provides a direct interface between a PCMCIA slot and an AT/ISA bus, allowing ISA cards to be used with notebook or embedded systems that lack native ISA slots.
- Complete Expansion System: Includes a PCMCIA 2.0-compliant card, a 50 cm interconnect cable, and a half-size ISA bus card, forming a complete hardware bridge.
- Compatibility with DOS and Windows 95: Fully supported under DOS and Windows 95 environments, ensuring stable operation with legacy software and drivers.
- Low Power Consumption: The PCMCIA card operates at 5 VDC with a current draw of approximately 100 mA, while the ISA bus card requires 5 VDC at 300 mA, making it suitable for portable and embedded applications.
- Compact and Modular Design: The half-size ISA card form factor allows installation in space-constrained systems or test setups.
- High Signal Integrity: Designed to maintain reliable data transfer between the PCMCIA interface and ISA bus, minimizing latency and signal degradation.
- Plug-and-Play Operation: Simplifies system integration without requiring complex configuration or additional interface hardware.
- Industrial and Legacy Support: Ideal for maintaining compatibility with existing ISA-based measurement, control, or communication boards in industrial and laboratory environments.
3. Technical Specifications
- Interface Type: PCMCIA 2.0 (Type II) to AT/ISA bus
- Bus Standard: 16-bit ISA (AT bus)
- Power Requirements:
- PCMCIA Card: +5 VDC ±5%, 100 mA (typical)
- ISA Bus Card: +5 VDC ±5%, 300 mA (typical)
- Cable Length: 50 cm (standard interconnect cable between PCMCIA card and ISA bus card)
- Form Factor:
- PCMCIA Card: Type II form factor, compliant with PCMCIA 2.0 standard
- ISA Bus Card: Half-size ISA card (approx. 174 mm × 107 mm typical dimensions for half-size format)
- Operating Systems Supported: DOS, Windows 95
- Operating Voltage: 5 VDC only (no external power adapter required)
- Signal Lines: Full ISA bus signal set (address, data, control, and interrupt lines)
- Environmental Conditions:
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to +50°C (typical)
- Storage Temperature: -20°C to +60°C
- Relative Humidity: 10–90% (non-condensing)
- Weight:
- PCMCIA Card: Approx. 50 g
- ISA Bus Card: Approx. 150 g
- Cable Assembly: Approx. 100 g
- Material Construction:
- PCMCIA Card: Aluminum alloy housing with plastic insulation
- ISA Card: FR-4 PCB with gold-plated edge connector
- Cable: Shielded multi-conductor cable with molded connectors
4. Functionality
The BUF-Card(PC)P functions as a hardware bridge that translates PCMCIA bus signals into ISA bus signals, enabling a host computer equipped with a PCMCIA slot to communicate with ISA-based peripheral devices. The system consists of two main hardware components connected by a 50 cm cable:
1. PCMCIA Interface Card: Inserted into the PCMCIA slot of the host computer, this card handles data and control signal conversion between the PCMCIA and ISA buses.
2. ISA Bus Expansion Card: Installed in an external or secondary chassis, this half-size ISA card provides a physical ISA slot for connecting standard ISA expansion boards.
Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial Automation: Connecting legacy ISA-based data acquisition (DAQ) or control boards to modern portable PCs for field diagnostics or maintenance.
- Embedded Systems: Integrating ISA peripherals into compact embedded systems that only provide PCMCIA interfaces.
- Testing and Development: Providing a convenient platform for testing ISA cards without requiring a full desktop PC with ISA slots.
- Legacy System Support: Maintaining compatibility with older measurement, communication, or control hardware in environments where ISA devices remain in use.
Compatibility:
- Compatible with standard 16-bit ISA cards (non-DMA or low-speed DMA supported depending on system configuration).
- Works with PCMCIA 2.0-compliant host interfaces.
- Supported under DOS and Windows 95 operating systems, with driver-level compatibility for legacy applications.
5. Components & Accessories
Included Items:
- 1 × PCMCIA 2.0 Interface Card (5 VDC, 100 mA)
- 1 × 50 cm Shielded Interconnect Cable
- 1 × Half-Size ISA Bus Card (5 VDC, 300 mA)
- 1 × User Manual / Installation Guide
Optional Accessories (if available):
- Extended-length interconnect cable (custom order)
- Mounting brackets for securing ISA card in external chassis
- External enclosure for ISA card (for portable use)
Connectors:
- PCMCIA Card Connector: 68-pin PCMCIA Type II interface
- Cable Connector: High-density shielded connector (proprietary or mini-D type)
- ISA Card Connector: Standard 98-pin ISA edge connector (gold-plated)
6. Installation & Setup
Requirements:
- Host computer with an available PCMCIA Type II slot
- Operating system: DOS or Windows 95
- Power supply capable of providing 5 VDC to both PCMCIA and ISA cards (typically from host system)
Installation Procedure:
1. Insert the PCMCIA card into the host computer’s PCMCIA slot.
2. Connect the 50 cm cable between the PCMCIA card and the half-size ISA bus card.
3. Insert the desired ISA expansion card into the ISA slot on the expansion board.
4. Power on the host system and allow the operating system to recognize the PCMCIA device.
5. Install any required drivers or configuration utilities provided by Contec or the ISA card manufacturer.
6. Verify communication between the host and the ISA device using diagnostic software or application-specific tools.
Mounting Options:
- The half-size ISA card can be mounted within an external chassis or test fixture.
- The cable allows flexible positioning of the ISA card relative to the host system.
Configuration:
- Typically plug-and-play under Windows 95.
- Under DOS, configuration may require manual I/O address or interrupt assignment depending on the ISA card used.
7. Performance & Capabilities
- Data Transfer Rate: Equivalent to standard ISA bus throughput (up to 8 MB/s theoretical maximum for 16-bit transfers).
- Bus Width: 16-bit data bus, 24-bit address bus.
- Latency: Minimal additional latency introduced by the PCMCIA-to-ISA conversion circuitry.
- Power Efficiency: Low power draw suitable for portable systems.
- Signal Integrity: Shielded cable and impedance-matched design ensure stable operation over the 50 cm interconnect.
- Capacity: Supports one ISA slot for standard half-size ISA cards.
- Limitations:
- Not designed for high-speed DMA or bus-mastering ISA cards.
- Limited to 5 VDC operation (no 12 V or -5 V supply lines).
- Intended for use with low- to medium-speed ISA peripherals such as serial, parallel, or data acquisition boards.
8. Standards & Compliance
- PCMCIA Compliance: Conforms to PCMCIA 2.0 specification (Type II card).
- ISA Bus Compliance: Fully compatible with AT/ISA bus electrical and mechanical standards.
- Electrical Safety: Designed to meet standard low-voltage DC safety requirements.
- EMC Compliance: Shielded cable and grounded connectors minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI).
- Environmental Standards: RoHS-compliant materials (lead-free solder and components).
- Operating System Compatibility: Verified operation under DOS and Windows 95 environments.
- Quality Assurance: Manufactured under ISO 9001-certified quality management system (typical for Contec products).
9. Additional Information
Warranty:
- Standard manufacturer’s warranty (typically one year from date of purchase) covering defects in materials and workmanship.
Support:
- Technical documentation, driver software, and installation guides available from Contec’s support website.
- Customer service and technical assistance provided via email or phone.
Maintenance:
- No regular maintenance required beyond standard handling precautions.
- Keep connectors clean and free from dust or oxidation.
- Avoid excessive bending or stress on the interconnect cable.
Firmware / Software Updates:
- No firmware updates typically required; hardware operates transparently as a bus bridge.
- Driver updates may be available for improved compatibility with specific ISA cards or operating environments.
Serviceability:
- Field-replaceable components include the interconnect cable and ISA card assembly.
- PCMCIA card and ISA card are modular and can be replaced independently if necessary.
Use Environment:
- Suitable for laboratory, industrial, and service environments where legacy ISA hardware must interface with portable or modern computing systems.
- Not intended for high-vibration or outdoor environments without protective enclosures.
Summary
The Contec BUF-Card(PC)P is a robust and efficient PCMCIA-to-ISA bus expansion system designed to extend the life and usability of ISA-based hardware in modern computing contexts. By providing a seamless electrical and logical bridge between PCMCIA and ISA interfaces, it enables engineers, technicians, and system integrators to connect legacy ISA peripherals to portable or embedded PCs running DOS or Windows 95.
Its compact design, low power consumption, and straightforward installation make it an ideal solution for industrial automation, testing, and legacy system maintenance. With full compliance to PCMCIA 2.0 and ISA bus standards, the BUF-Card(PC)P ensures reliable performance, stable signal transmission, and long-term compatibility with a wide range of ISA expansion cards.
This product exemplifies Contec’s commitment to bridging technological generations, offering a practical and dependable interface solution for environments where legacy hardware remains essential.
Product Name: BUF-Card(PC)P
Model / Article Number: BUF-Card(PC)P
Series: PCMCIA to AT/ISA Bus Expansion System
Manufacturer: Contec Co., Ltd.
Product Type: PCMCIA-to-ISA Bus Expansion Interface
Operating Environment: Designed for DOS and Windows 95 systems
The Contec BUF-Card(PC)P is a specialized hardware interface solution that enables the expansion of legacy ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) bus functionality to portable or embedded computing platforms equipped with PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) slots. This product bridges the gap between modern notebook or compact industrial PCs and traditional ISA-based peripheral devices, providing a reliable and electrically stable connection for legacy hardware integration.
2. Key Features
- PCMCIA to ISA Bus Conversion: Provides a direct interface between a PCMCIA slot and an AT/ISA bus, allowing ISA cards to be used with notebook or embedded systems that lack native ISA slots.
- Complete Expansion System: Includes a PCMCIA 2.0-compliant card, a 50 cm interconnect cable, and a half-size ISA bus card, forming a complete hardware bridge.
- Compatibility with DOS and Windows 95: Fully supported under DOS and Windows 95 environments, ensuring stable operation with legacy software and drivers.
- Low Power Consumption: The PCMCIA card operates at 5 VDC with a current draw of approximately 100 mA, while the ISA bus card requires 5 VDC at 300 mA, making it suitable for portable and embedded applications.
- Compact and Modular Design: The half-size ISA card form factor allows installation in space-constrained systems or test setups.
- High Signal Integrity: Designed to maintain reliable data transfer between the PCMCIA interface and ISA bus, minimizing latency and signal degradation.
- Plug-and-Play Operation: Simplifies system integration without requiring complex configuration or additional interface hardware.
- Industrial and Legacy Support: Ideal for maintaining compatibility with existing ISA-based measurement, control, or communication boards in industrial and laboratory environments.
3. Technical Specifications
- Interface Type: PCMCIA 2.0 (Type II) to AT/ISA bus
- Bus Standard: 16-bit ISA (AT bus)
- Power Requirements:
- PCMCIA Card: +5 VDC ±5%, 100 mA (typical)
- ISA Bus Card: +5 VDC ±5%, 300 mA (typical)
- Cable Length: 50 cm (standard interconnect cable between PCMCIA card and ISA bus card)
- Form Factor:
- PCMCIA Card: Type II form factor, compliant with PCMCIA 2.0 standard
- ISA Bus Card: Half-size ISA card (approx. 174 mm × 107 mm typical dimensions for half-size format)
- Operating Systems Supported: DOS, Windows 95
- Operating Voltage: 5 VDC only (no external power adapter required)
- Signal Lines: Full ISA bus signal set (address, data, control, and interrupt lines)
- Environmental Conditions:
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to +50°C (typical)
- Storage Temperature: -20°C to +60°C
- Relative Humidity: 10–90% (non-condensing)
- Weight:
- PCMCIA Card: Approx. 50 g
- ISA Bus Card: Approx. 150 g
- Cable Assembly: Approx. 100 g
- Material Construction:
- PCMCIA Card: Aluminum alloy housing with plastic insulation
- ISA Card: FR-4 PCB with gold-plated edge connector
- Cable: Shielded multi-conductor cable with molded connectors
4. Functionality
The BUF-Card(PC)P functions as a hardware bridge that translates PCMCIA bus signals into ISA bus signals, enabling a host computer equipped with a PCMCIA slot to communicate with ISA-based peripheral devices. The system consists of two main hardware components connected by a 50 cm cable:
1. PCMCIA Interface Card: Inserted into the PCMCIA slot of the host computer, this card handles data and control signal conversion between the PCMCIA and ISA buses.
2. ISA Bus Expansion Card: Installed in an external or secondary chassis, this half-size ISA card provides a physical ISA slot for connecting standard ISA expansion boards.
Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial Automation: Connecting legacy ISA-based data acquisition (DAQ) or control boards to modern portable PCs for field diagnostics or maintenance.
- Embedded Systems: Integrating ISA peripherals into compact embedded systems that only provide PCMCIA interfaces.
- Testing and Development: Providing a convenient platform for testing ISA cards without requiring a full desktop PC with ISA slots.
- Legacy System Support: Maintaining compatibility with older measurement, communication, or control hardware in environments where ISA devices remain in use.
Compatibility:
- Compatible with standard 16-bit ISA cards (non-DMA or low-speed DMA supported depending on system configuration).
- Works with PCMCIA 2.0-compliant host interfaces.
- Supported under DOS and Windows 95 operating systems, with driver-level compatibility for legacy applications.
5. Components & Accessories
Included Items:
- 1 × PCMCIA 2.0 Interface Card (5 VDC, 100 mA)
- 1 × 50 cm Shielded Interconnect Cable
- 1 × Half-Size ISA Bus Card (5 VDC, 300 mA)
- 1 × User Manual / Installation Guide
Optional Accessories (if available):
- Extended-length interconnect cable (custom order)
- Mounting brackets for securing ISA card in external chassis
- External enclosure for ISA card (for portable use)
Connectors:
- PCMCIA Card Connector: 68-pin PCMCIA Type II interface
- Cable Connector: High-density shielded connector (proprietary or mini-D type)
- ISA Card Connector: Standard 98-pin ISA edge connector (gold-plated)
6. Installation & Setup
Requirements:
- Host computer with an available PCMCIA Type II slot
- Operating system: DOS or Windows 95
- Power supply capable of providing 5 VDC to both PCMCIA and ISA cards (typically from host system)
Installation Procedure:
1. Insert the PCMCIA card into the host computer’s PCMCIA slot.
2. Connect the 50 cm cable between the PCMCIA card and the half-size ISA bus card.
3. Insert the desired ISA expansion card into the ISA slot on the expansion board.
4. Power on the host system and allow the operating system to recognize the PCMCIA device.
5. Install any required drivers or configuration utilities provided by Contec or the ISA card manufacturer.
6. Verify communication between the host and the ISA device using diagnostic software or application-specific tools.
Mounting Options:
- The half-size ISA card can be mounted within an external chassis or test fixture.
- The cable allows flexible positioning of the ISA card relative to the host system.
Configuration:
- Typically plug-and-play under Windows 95.
- Under DOS, configuration may require manual I/O address or interrupt assignment depending on the ISA card used.
7. Performance & Capabilities
- Data Transfer Rate: Equivalent to standard ISA bus throughput (up to 8 MB/s theoretical maximum for 16-bit transfers).
- Bus Width: 16-bit data bus, 24-bit address bus.
- Latency: Minimal additional latency introduced by the PCMCIA-to-ISA conversion circuitry.
- Power Efficiency: Low power draw suitable for portable systems.
- Signal Integrity: Shielded cable and impedance-matched design ensure stable operation over the 50 cm interconnect.
- Capacity: Supports one ISA slot for standard half-size ISA cards.
- Limitations:
- Not designed for high-speed DMA or bus-mastering ISA cards.
- Limited to 5 VDC operation (no 12 V or -5 V supply lines).
- Intended for use with low- to medium-speed ISA peripherals such as serial, parallel, or data acquisition boards.
8. Standards & Compliance
- PCMCIA Compliance: Conforms to PCMCIA 2.0 specification (Type II card).
- ISA Bus Compliance: Fully compatible with AT/ISA bus electrical and mechanical standards.
- Electrical Safety: Designed to meet standard low-voltage DC safety requirements.
- EMC Compliance: Shielded cable and grounded connectors minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI).
- Environmental Standards: RoHS-compliant materials (lead-free solder and components).
- Operating System Compatibility: Verified operation under DOS and Windows 95 environments.
- Quality Assurance: Manufactured under ISO 9001-certified quality management system (typical for Contec products).
9. Additional Information
Warranty:
- Standard manufacturer’s warranty (typically one year from date of purchase) covering defects in materials and workmanship.
Support:
- Technical documentation, driver software, and installation guides available from Contec’s support website.
- Customer service and technical assistance provided via email or phone.
Maintenance:
- No regular maintenance required beyond standard handling precautions.
- Keep connectors clean and free from dust or oxidation.
- Avoid excessive bending or stress on the interconnect cable.
Firmware / Software Updates:
- No firmware updates typically required; hardware operates transparently as a bus bridge.
- Driver updates may be available for improved compatibility with specific ISA cards or operating environments.
Serviceability:
- Field-replaceable components include the interconnect cable and ISA card assembly.
- PCMCIA card and ISA card are modular and can be replaced independently if necessary.
Use Environment:
- Suitable for laboratory, industrial, and service environments where legacy ISA hardware must interface with portable or modern computing systems.
- Not intended for high-vibration or outdoor environments without protective enclosures.
Summary
The Contec BUF-Card(PC)P is a robust and efficient PCMCIA-to-ISA bus expansion system designed to extend the life and usability of ISA-based hardware in modern computing contexts. By providing a seamless electrical and logical bridge between PCMCIA and ISA interfaces, it enables engineers, technicians, and system integrators to connect legacy ISA peripherals to portable or embedded PCs running DOS or Windows 95.
Its compact design, low power consumption, and straightforward installation make it an ideal solution for industrial automation, testing, and legacy system maintenance. With full compliance to PCMCIA 2.0 and ISA bus standards, the BUF-Card(PC)P ensures reliable performance, stable signal transmission, and long-term compatibility with a wide range of ISA expansion cards.
This product exemplifies Contec’s commitment to bridging technological generations, offering a practical and dependable interface solution for environments where legacy hardware remains essential.
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H_Bus_Expansion 13.pdf
PDF Catalog
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H_Bus_Expansion 03.pdf
PDF Catalog
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H_Bus_Expansion 02.pdf
PDF Catalog
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