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Contec-Service

Programming service for Contec Cards
  • Manufacturer SHD
  • Category: Contec Driver, Software
  • The Contec-Service Programming Service provides professional software development and configuration support for CONTEC’s range of analog and digital I/O interface cards, including AD12-16U, AD12-16, AD16-16, and AD16-16U models for ISA and PCI buses. This service enables users to fully utilize the advanced features of their CONTEC data acquisition and control hardware through customized programming in Microsoft C and other supported languages.
- Comprehensive Programming Support: Tailored programming service for CONTEC analog and digital I/O cards, ensuring full utilization of hardware capabilities.
- Multi-Platform Compatibility: Supports ISA, PCI, CompactPCI, and PCMCIA/PC Card interfaces.
- Software Integration: Compatible with CONTEC’s API Function Library (API-PAC(W32)), ActiveX Component Base Package (ACX-PAC(W32)BP Ver.2.0), and GPIB Driver Software for LabVIEW (API-GPLV(W32) Ver.1.2).
- Unified API Architecture: Provides a consistent Win32 API interface across all CONTEC boards, simplifying development and maintenance.
- Extensive OS Support: Compatible with Windows XP, 2000, NT, Me, 98, and 95, as well as Linux distributions (RedHat, TurboLinux).
- Multi-Language Development: Supports Microsoft Visual Basic, Visual C++, Visual C#.NET, Visual Basic.NET, Borland C++ Builder, Delphi, and National Instruments LabVIEW.
- Diagnostic and Configuration Tools: Includes CONFIG.EXE and API-TOOL Configuration utilities for board detection, conflict prevention, and system diagnostics.
- Sample Programs and Libraries: Provides extensive sample code for rapid application development and testing.
- LabVIEW Integration: Offers LabVIEW-compliant VI libraries (VI-DAQ) and GPIB drivers for seamless integration with National Instruments environments.
- ActiveX Visualization: Enables visual control and monitoring through OLE-enabled applications such as Microsoft Excel.
- Free Software Distribution: All driver libraries and updates are available for free download from CONTEC’s website.
1. Product Overview

Product Name: Contec-Service – Programming Service for Contec Cards
Model / Article Number: Contec-Service
Series: Industrial Automation Software Support Series
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd.
Website: [www.contec.com](http://www.contec.com)

Product Description:
The Contec-Service Programming Service provides professional software development and configuration support for CONTEC’s range of analog and digital I/O interface cards, including AD12-16U, AD12-16, AD16-16, and AD16-16U models for ISA and PCI buses. This service enables users to fully utilize the advanced features of their CONTEC data acquisition and control hardware through customized programming in Microsoft C and other supported languages. It is designed for industrial automation, measurement, and control applications requiring precise integration between hardware and software environments.




2. Key Features

- Comprehensive Programming Support: Tailored programming service for CONTEC analog and digital I/O cards, ensuring full utilization of hardware capabilities.
- Multi-Platform Compatibility: Supports ISA, PCI, CompactPCI, and PCMCIA/PC Card interfaces.
- Software Integration: Compatible with CONTEC’s API Function Library (API-PAC(W32)), ActiveX Component Base Package (ACX-PAC(W32)BP Ver.2.0), and GPIB Driver Software for LabVIEW (API-GPLV(W32) Ver.1.2).
- Unified API Architecture: Provides a consistent Win32 API interface across all CONTEC boards, simplifying development and maintenance.
- Extensive OS Support: Compatible with Windows XP, 2000, NT, Me, 98, and 95, as well as Linux distributions (RedHat, TurboLinux).
- Multi-Language Development: Supports Microsoft Visual Basic, Visual C++, Visual C#.NET, Visual Basic.NET, Borland C++ Builder, Delphi, and National Instruments LabVIEW.
- Diagnostic and Configuration Tools: Includes CONFIG.EXE and API-TOOL Configuration utilities for board detection, conflict prevention, and system diagnostics.
- Sample Programs and Libraries: Provides extensive sample code for rapid application development and testing.
- LabVIEW Integration: Offers LabVIEW-compliant VI libraries (VI-DAQ) and GPIB drivers for seamless integration with National Instruments environments.
- ActiveX Visualization: Enables visual control and monitoring through OLE-enabled applications such as Microsoft Excel.
- Free Software Distribution: All driver libraries and updates are available for free download from CONTEC’s website.




3. Technical Specifications

- Supported Hardware:
- Analog I/O: AD12-16U(PCI), AD12-16(PCI), AD16-16(PCI), AD16-16U(PCI), AD12-64(PCI), DA12-4(PCI), DA12-8(PCI), DAI16-4C(PCI), AD12-8(PM)
- Digital I/O: PI-64L(PCI), PO-64L(PCI), PIO-32/32L(PCI), PIO-16/16L(PCI), PIO-48D(PCI), RRY-16C(PCI), RRY-32(PCI)
- Counter: CNT24-4(PCI), CNT24-4D(PCI), CNT32-8M(PCI)
- Motion Control: SMC-2P(PCI), SMC-4P(PCI), SMC-3(PC)
- GPIB: GP-IB(PCI), GP-IB(PCI)L, GP-IB(CPCI)F, GP-IB(PM), GP-IB(PC)L
- Serial Communication: COM-2(PCI)H, COM-4(PCI)H, COM-8(PCI)H, COM-2PD(PCI)H, COM-4PD(PCI)H

- Supported Operating Systems:
- Windows XP (Professional/Home), Windows 2000 Professional, Windows NT 4.0/3.51, Windows Me, Windows 98SE/98, Windows 95
- Linux Kernel 2.2–2.4 (RedHat 6.2–9, TurboLinux 6.0–8.0)

- Supported Programming Languages:
- Microsoft: Visual Basic 6.0/5.0/4.0, Visual C++ 6.0/5.0/4.x/2.0, Visual Basic.NET 2003/2002, Visual C#.NET 2003/2002
- Borland: C++ Builder 6.0/5.0, Delphi 6.0/5.0/4.0
- National Instruments: LabVIEW 7.1/7.0/6.1/6i/5.1/5.0
- Linux: gcc, Kylix2

- Software Packages:
- API Function Library: API-PAC(W32)
- ActiveX Component Base Package: ACX-PAC(W32)BP Ver.2.0
- GPIB Driver Software for LabVIEW: API-GPLV(W32) Ver.1.2
- Linux Drivers: API-AIO(LNX), API-DIO(LNX), API-GPIB(LNX), API-CNT(LNX), IO-LIB(LNX)

- Performance Metrics:
- Analog I/O: Up to 64 channels, internal/external sampling clock, multiple interrupt conditions
- Digital I/O: Up to 64 channels, hardware chattering prevention, bit-level control
- Serial Communication: Up to 256 channels, configurable buffer (256–65535 bytes), XON/XOFF flow control
- Counter: One-shot pulse output, event-driven interrupts, synchronization with external clocks
- Timer: Microsecond-level precision timing, ActiveX timer control for Visual Basic




4. Functionality

The Contec-Service Programming Service enables users to develop, configure, and deploy software applications that interface directly with CONTEC’s industrial I/O hardware. Through the API-PAC(W32) library, developers can access board functions using standardized Win32 API calls. The ActiveX Component Base Package provides a visual interface for OLE-enabled applications, while the GPIB Driver Software for LabVIEW allows seamless integration with LabVIEW-based measurement systems.

Use Cases:
- Industrial automation and process control
- Data acquisition and signal processing
- Laboratory instrumentation and measurement systems
- Motion control and robotics
- Communication and GPIB-based device management

Compatibility:
Compatible with all CONTEC interface boards across Analog I/O, Digital I/O, Counter, Motion Control, Serial Communication, and GPIB categories. Supports both PCI and ISA architectures, as well as CompactPCI and PCMCIA cards.




5. Components & Accessories

Included Software Components:
- API Function Library (API-PAC(W32))
- ActiveX Component Base Package (ACX-PAC(W32)BP Ver.2.0)
- GPIB Driver Software for LabVIEW (API-GPLV(W32) Ver.1.2)
- Configuration and Diagnostic Utilities (CONFIG.EXE, API-TOOL Configuration)
- Sample Programs for all supported languages
- Help Files and Function Reference Documentation

Optional Add-ons:
- VI-DAQ LabVIEW VI Library for analog/digital/counter modules
- COM-DRV(W32) for serial communication under LabVIEW
- Linux driver packages (API-AIO(LNX), API-DIO(LNX), API-GPIB(LNX))

Connectors and Interfaces:
Supports standard PCI, ISA, CompactPCI, and PCMCIA interfaces. GPIB interfaces comply with IEEE-488 and IEEE-488.2 standards.




6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Compatible CONTEC hardware (PCI/ISA/PCMCIA)
- Windows or Linux operating system
- Administrative privileges for driver installation

Installation Process:
1. Run the API-PAC(W32) setup program.
2. Select the CONTEC board model to install corresponding DLL libraries.
3. Use CONFIG.EXE to configure I/O addresses and IRQ settings.
4. Verify installation using the diagnostic utility.
5. Integrate API functions into your development environment (Visual Basic, C++, LabVIEW, etc.).

Mounting Options:
Applicable to desktop PCs, industrial PCs, and embedded systems supporting PCI or ISA expansion slots.

Configuration Tools:
- API-TOOL Configuration Ver.4.10 or later for automatic board detection.
- Diagnostic utilities for verifying driver and hardware operation.
- Setup wizards for motion control and analog I/O configuration.




7. Performance & Capabilities

- Analog I/O: Supports up to 64 channels with internal/external sampling clocks, multiple interrupt conditions, and software or signal-based control.
- Digital I/O: Provides bit-level control, hardware filtering, and simultaneous monitoring of multiple ports.
- Serial Communication: Manages up to 256 channels with independent buffer configuration and flow control.
- Counter: Offers event-driven interrupts, one-shot pulse output, and synchronization with external clocks.
- Motion Control: Enables multi-axis synchronization, PTP motion, jogging, and bank motion for high-speed control.
- Timer: Provides microsecond-level timing precision and ActiveX-based control for Visual Basic applications.
- GPIB Communication: Fully IEEE-488.2 compliant, supporting master/slave modes, DMA, and FIFO operations.

Limitations:
- Some ActiveX controls are unavailable under older Windows NT versions.
- PC card products may not be supported under certain OS configurations.
- Simultaneous use with National Instruments GPIB drivers is not supported.




8. Standards & Compliance

- GPIB Compliance: IEEE-488 and IEEE-488.2 standards
- Operating System Compliance: Windows Win32 API, Linux kernel module standards
- Software Architecture: OLE/ActiveX compliant, LabVIEW VI-compatible
- Bus Standards: PCI, ISA, CompactPCI, PCMCIA
- Regulatory Compliance: Designed for industrial automation and measurement applications adhering to international interface standards




9. Additional Information

Warranty & Support:
CONTEC provides standard warranty coverage for all hardware and software products. The programming service includes technical support for installation, configuration, and integration.

Maintenance:
Software updates and driver libraries are available free of charge from CONTEC’s global portal. Diagnostic utilities assist in maintaining system integrity and performance.

Software Updates:
- Latest versions of API-PAC(W32), ACX-PAC(W32)BP, and API-GPLV(W32) can be downloaded from [www.contec.com/apipac](http://www.contec.com/apipac) and [www.contec.com/gplv](http://www.contec.com/gplv).
- Linux driver updates and documentation are available through the CONTEC developer portal.

Technical Support:
Comprehensive documentation, sample programs, and online resources are provided. Users can access the API-TOOL Developer’s Site for driver downloads, FAQs, and technical assistance.




Summary

The Contec-Service Programming Service is a professional software integration and customization solution for CONTEC’s industrial I/O hardware. It provides a unified programming environment through the API-PAC(W32) library, ActiveX Component Base Package, and GPIB Driver Software for LabVIEW, supporting a wide range of operating systems, programming languages, and hardware interfaces. With built-in diagnostic tools, sample programs, and free software updates, Contec-Service ensures efficient development, reliable operation, and full exploitation of CONTEC’s analog, digital, counter, motion, and communication boards in industrial automation and measurement systems.

No accessories available.