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- InTouch Integration: Designed specifically for Wonderware InTouch on Windows platforms, enabling direct data communication with CONTEC I/O cards.
- Comprehensive Hardware Support: Compatible with CONTEC’s analog I/O, digital I/O, counter, motor control, and communication boards across PCI, ISA, CompactPCI, and PC Card interfaces.
- DDE Communication Protocol: Utilizes Microsoft’s Dynamic Data Exchange mechanism for real-time data transfer between InTouch and CONTEC hardware.
- Unified Driver Architecture: Built on CONTEC’s API-PAC(W32) framework, ensuring consistent API functions and compatibility across multiple product lines.
- LabVIEW and Visual Studio Compatibility: Supports integration with National Instruments LabVIEW and Microsoft Visual Basic/C++/.NET environments for hybrid system development.
- Ease of Configuration: Includes setup utilities for board detection, parameter configuration, and diagnostic testing.
- Multi-OS Support: Operates under Windows XP, 2000, NT 4.0, Me, 98, and 95.
- Sample Programs and Libraries: Provides example applications and VI libraries for rapid system development.
- Hardware Independence: VI and API libraries are designed to be hardware-agnostic, allowing reuse across different CONTEC devices.
- Free Software Updates: Latest driver libraries and updates are available for download from CONTEC’s global portal.
- Comprehensive Hardware Support: Compatible with CONTEC’s analog I/O, digital I/O, counter, motor control, and communication boards across PCI, ISA, CompactPCI, and PC Card interfaces.
- DDE Communication Protocol: Utilizes Microsoft’s Dynamic Data Exchange mechanism for real-time data transfer between InTouch and CONTEC hardware.
- Unified Driver Architecture: Built on CONTEC’s API-PAC(W32) framework, ensuring consistent API functions and compatibility across multiple product lines.
- LabVIEW and Visual Studio Compatibility: Supports integration with National Instruments LabVIEW and Microsoft Visual Basic/C++/.NET environments for hybrid system development.
- Ease of Configuration: Includes setup utilities for board detection, parameter configuration, and diagnostic testing.
- Multi-OS Support: Operates under Windows XP, 2000, NT 4.0, Me, 98, and 95.
- Sample Programs and Libraries: Provides example applications and VI libraries for rapid system development.
- Hardware Independence: VI and API libraries are designed to be hardware-agnostic, allowing reuse across different CONTEC devices.
- Free Software Updates: Latest driver libraries and updates are available for download from CONTEC’s global portal.
1. Product Overview
Product Name: DDE-Server(PC)WIN
Model / Article Number: DDE-Server(PC)WIN
Series: InTouch WIN Driver Series
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd.
Product Type: Software driver for Windows-based systems
Primary Function: DDE (Dynamic Data Exchange) server driver enabling communication between Wonderware InTouch HMI software and CONTEC data acquisition and control hardware (analog, digital, counter, and communication interface cards).
The DDE-Server(PC)WIN is a specialized Windows driver developed by CONTEC to provide seamless integration between InTouch HMI environments and CONTEC’s extensive range of I/O and communication interface boards. It allows InTouch to directly access, monitor, and control CONTEC hardware through standardized DDE communication protocols, ensuring reliable data exchange for industrial automation, measurement, and control applications.
2. Key Features
- InTouch Integration: Designed specifically for Wonderware InTouch on Windows platforms, enabling direct data communication with CONTEC I/O cards.
- Comprehensive Hardware Support: Compatible with CONTEC’s analog I/O, digital I/O, counter, motor control, and communication boards across PCI, ISA, CompactPCI, and PC Card interfaces.
- DDE Communication Protocol: Utilizes Microsoft’s Dynamic Data Exchange mechanism for real-time data transfer between InTouch and CONTEC hardware.
- Unified Driver Architecture: Built on CONTEC’s API-PAC(W32) framework, ensuring consistent API functions and compatibility across multiple product lines.
- LabVIEW and Visual Studio Compatibility: Supports integration with National Instruments LabVIEW and Microsoft Visual Basic/C++/.NET environments for hybrid system development.
- Ease of Configuration: Includes setup utilities for board detection, parameter configuration, and diagnostic testing.
- Multi-OS Support: Operates under Windows XP, 2000, NT 4.0, Me, 98, and 95.
- Sample Programs and Libraries: Provides example applications and VI libraries for rapid system development.
- Hardware Independence: VI and API libraries are designed to be hardware-agnostic, allowing reuse across different CONTEC devices.
- Free Software Updates: Latest driver libraries and updates are available for download from CONTEC’s global portal.
3. Technical Specifications
- Supported Operating Systems:
- Windows XP Professional / Home Edition
- Windows 2000 Professional
- Windows NT Workstation 4.0 (SP3 or later)
- Windows Me / 98SE / 98 / 95
- Supported Programming Environments:
- National Instruments LabVIEW: Versions 7.1, 7.0, 6.1, 6i, 5.1, 5.0
- 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, Visual C# .NET 2003 / 2002
- Borland: C++ Builder 6.0 / 5.0, Delphi 6.0 / 5.0 / 4.0
- Supported Hardware Interfaces:
- CompactPCI: GP-IB(CPCI)F8
- PCI: GP-IB(LPCI)F, GP-IB(PCI)F, GP-IB(PCI)FL, GP-IB(PCI)L
- ISA: GP-IB(PC)L
- PC Card: GP-IB(CB)F, GP-IB(PM)
- Hardware Requirements:
- IBM PC/AT compatible system
- Available PCI, ISA, or PC Card slot depending on board type
- Minimum 64 MB RAM, 50 MB free disk space
- Software Components:
- DDE-Server executable and configuration utility
- API-PAC(W32) driver library (DLL-based)
- Diagnostic and setup tools (API-TOOL Configuration)
- Sample programs and VI libraries
- Dimensions / Weight: Software product (no physical dimensions)
4. Functionality
The DDE-Server(PC)WIN acts as a middleware layer between the InTouch HMI environment and CONTEC’s hardware modules. It translates InTouch DDE data requests into API-level commands recognized by CONTEC’s I/O boards.
Operational Flow:
1. The user configures the DDE-Server to recognize installed CONTEC boards via the setup utility.
2. InTouch accesses the DDE-Server using standard DDE tags to read or write data.
3. The DDE-Server communicates with the hardware through the API-PAC(W32) library, executing analog/digital I/O, counter, or communication operations.
4. Data is returned to InTouch for visualization, logging, or control logic execution.
Use Cases:
- Industrial process monitoring and control
- Data acquisition systems for manufacturing lines
- Laboratory instrumentation and test automation
- Remote I/O and distributed control networks (F&eIT systems)
- Integration of GPIB, serial, and analog/digital signals into SCADA/HMI systems
Compatibility:
- Fully compatible with CONTEC’s analog, digital, counter, motor control, and communication boards.
- Supports integration with LabVIEW, Visual Studio, and other Windows-based development environments.
5. Components & Accessories
Included Components:
- DDE-Server(PC)WIN software package (installation media or downloadable installer)
- API-PAC(W32) unified driver library
- Configuration and diagnostic utilities (API-TOOL Configuration)
- Sample programs and VI libraries for LabVIEW and Visual Basic
- Documentation (User Manual, Function Reference, Setup Guide)
Optional Add-ons:
- API-GPLV(W32): LabVIEW-compliant GPIB driver
- COM-DRV(W32): Standard COM driver for serial communication
- VI-DAQ: LabVIEW-compliant data acquisition VI library
- API-AIO(WDM): High-performance analog I/O library
- API-DIO, API-CNT, API-SMC, API-TIMER: Specialized driver libraries for digital I/O, counter, motor control, and timer functions
Connectors / Interfaces:
Dependent on the installed CONTEC hardware (PCI, ISA, CompactPCI, or PC Card).
6. Installation & Setup
System Requirements:
- Windows XP/2000/NT/Me/98/95 operating system
- Administrator privileges for driver installation
- Compatible CONTEC hardware installed and recognized by Windows Device Manager
Installation Procedure:
1. Run the setup program included with API-PAC(W32).
2. Select the CONTEC board(s) to be used.
3. The installer automatically registers the appropriate DLL libraries and configuration files.
4. Launch the DDE-Server configuration utility to define communication parameters and DDE topics.
5. Verify operation using the included diagnostic utility.
Mounting Options:
Software-based; no physical mounting required.
Configuration:
- Board auto-detection supported via API-TOOL Configuration Ver.4.10 or later.
- Diagnostic program available for verifying board and driver functionality.
- Setup wizard assists in defining communication parameters and DDE topics.
7. Performance & Capabilities
- Data Throughput: Dependent on hardware interface (PCI/ISA/PC Card) and system performance.
- Analog I/O: Up to 64 channels controllable; supports internal/external sampling clocks.
- Digital I/O: Up to 64 channels controllable; supports hardware filtering and bit-level control.
- Counter Input: Up to 16 boards controllable; supports event-driven interrupts and preset values.
- Serial Communication: Up to 256 channels controllable; supports XON/XOFF flow control and configurable buffer sizes (256–65535 bytes).
- GPIB Communication: IEEE-488.2 compliant; supports master/slave modes, DMA, and FIFO functions.
- Motor Control: Supports PTP motion, jogging, origin return, and multi-axis interpolation.
- Timer Control: Microsecond-level precision; includes ActiveX control for Visual Basic integration.
Limitations:
- Cannot be used simultaneously with National Instruments GPIB drivers.
- Not compatible with CONTEC’s API-GPIB(98/PC) driver library.
- Some older ISA boards may not support auto-detection under Windows NT 4.0.
8. Standards & Compliance
- Communication Standards: IEEE-488 / IEEE-488.2 (GPIB), RS-232C (Serial), TTL-level I/O (Digital)
- Software Standards: Microsoft Win32 API, DDE protocol, LabVIEW VI architecture
- Regulatory Compliance:
- Conforms to Windows driver model (WDM) standards
- Compatible with Plug and Play (PnP) for PCI/CompactPCI devices
- Compliant with industrial automation and measurement software interoperability standards
- Industry Compatibility:
- SCADA/HMI systems (Wonderware InTouch)
- National Instruments LabVIEW environments
- Microsoft Visual Studio development tools
9. Additional Information
Warranty:
Standard CONTEC software warranty covering defects in media and functionality under normal use conditions.
Technical Support:
- Online resources and driver downloads available at [www.contec.com](http://www.contec.com)
- API-TOOL Developer’s Site provides access to the latest driver libraries and sample programs.
- Email and phone support available through CONTEC’s regional offices.
Maintenance:
- Regular updates and patches available free of charge.
- Diagnostic utilities included for verifying driver and hardware operation.
- Configuration files can be exported/imported for system replication.
Software Updates:
- Free downloads of the latest API-PAC(W32) and related driver libraries.
- Continuous improvement for compatibility with new Windows versions and hardware models.
Documentation:
- Comprehensive user manuals and function references provided in electronic format.
- Sample code and configuration examples included for rapid deployment.
Licensing:
- Provided free of charge with CONTEC hardware purchases.
- May be redistributed within licensed systems using CONTEC boards.
### Summary
The DDE-Server(PC)WIN is a robust Windows-based driver solution developed by CONTEC Co., Ltd. to enable seamless communication between Wonderware InTouch HMI systems and CONTEC’s extensive range of industrial I/O and communication boards. Built upon the API-PAC(W32) unified driver architecture, it provides a consistent, high-performance interface for analog, digital, counter, motor control, and communication modules across multiple hardware platforms (PCI, ISA, CompactPCI, and PC Card).
With comprehensive support for LabVIEW, Visual Studio, and Borland development environments, the DDE-Server(PC)WIN facilitates flexible integration into diverse industrial automation and measurement systems. Its diagnostic utilities, auto-detection features, and sample programs simplify setup and reduce development time.
Fully compliant with IEEE-488, RS-232C, and Windows DDE standards, the DDE-Server(PC)WIN ensures reliable, real-time data exchange for process control, data acquisition, and monitoring applications. Supported by CONTEC’s global technical infrastructure and free software updates, it represents a complete, future-proof solution for integrating CONTEC hardware into modern Windows-based control environments.
Product Name: DDE-Server(PC)WIN
Model / Article Number: DDE-Server(PC)WIN
Series: InTouch WIN Driver Series
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd.
Product Type: Software driver for Windows-based systems
Primary Function: DDE (Dynamic Data Exchange) server driver enabling communication between Wonderware InTouch HMI software and CONTEC data acquisition and control hardware (analog, digital, counter, and communication interface cards).
The DDE-Server(PC)WIN is a specialized Windows driver developed by CONTEC to provide seamless integration between InTouch HMI environments and CONTEC’s extensive range of I/O and communication interface boards. It allows InTouch to directly access, monitor, and control CONTEC hardware through standardized DDE communication protocols, ensuring reliable data exchange for industrial automation, measurement, and control applications.
2. Key Features
- InTouch Integration: Designed specifically for Wonderware InTouch on Windows platforms, enabling direct data communication with CONTEC I/O cards.
- Comprehensive Hardware Support: Compatible with CONTEC’s analog I/O, digital I/O, counter, motor control, and communication boards across PCI, ISA, CompactPCI, and PC Card interfaces.
- DDE Communication Protocol: Utilizes Microsoft’s Dynamic Data Exchange mechanism for real-time data transfer between InTouch and CONTEC hardware.
- Unified Driver Architecture: Built on CONTEC’s API-PAC(W32) framework, ensuring consistent API functions and compatibility across multiple product lines.
- LabVIEW and Visual Studio Compatibility: Supports integration with National Instruments LabVIEW and Microsoft Visual Basic/C++/.NET environments for hybrid system development.
- Ease of Configuration: Includes setup utilities for board detection, parameter configuration, and diagnostic testing.
- Multi-OS Support: Operates under Windows XP, 2000, NT 4.0, Me, 98, and 95.
- Sample Programs and Libraries: Provides example applications and VI libraries for rapid system development.
- Hardware Independence: VI and API libraries are designed to be hardware-agnostic, allowing reuse across different CONTEC devices.
- Free Software Updates: Latest driver libraries and updates are available for download from CONTEC’s global portal.
3. Technical Specifications
- Supported Operating Systems:
- Windows XP Professional / Home Edition
- Windows 2000 Professional
- Windows NT Workstation 4.0 (SP3 or later)
- Windows Me / 98SE / 98 / 95
- Supported Programming Environments:
- National Instruments LabVIEW: Versions 7.1, 7.0, 6.1, 6i, 5.1, 5.0
- 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, Visual C# .NET 2003 / 2002
- Borland: C++ Builder 6.0 / 5.0, Delphi 6.0 / 5.0 / 4.0
- Supported Hardware Interfaces:
- CompactPCI: GP-IB(CPCI)F8
- PCI: GP-IB(LPCI)F, GP-IB(PCI)F, GP-IB(PCI)FL, GP-IB(PCI)L
- ISA: GP-IB(PC)L
- PC Card: GP-IB(CB)F, GP-IB(PM)
- Hardware Requirements:
- IBM PC/AT compatible system
- Available PCI, ISA, or PC Card slot depending on board type
- Minimum 64 MB RAM, 50 MB free disk space
- Software Components:
- DDE-Server executable and configuration utility
- API-PAC(W32) driver library (DLL-based)
- Diagnostic and setup tools (API-TOOL Configuration)
- Sample programs and VI libraries
- Dimensions / Weight: Software product (no physical dimensions)
4. Functionality
The DDE-Server(PC)WIN acts as a middleware layer between the InTouch HMI environment and CONTEC’s hardware modules. It translates InTouch DDE data requests into API-level commands recognized by CONTEC’s I/O boards.
Operational Flow:
1. The user configures the DDE-Server to recognize installed CONTEC boards via the setup utility.
2. InTouch accesses the DDE-Server using standard DDE tags to read or write data.
3. The DDE-Server communicates with the hardware through the API-PAC(W32) library, executing analog/digital I/O, counter, or communication operations.
4. Data is returned to InTouch for visualization, logging, or control logic execution.
Use Cases:
- Industrial process monitoring and control
- Data acquisition systems for manufacturing lines
- Laboratory instrumentation and test automation
- Remote I/O and distributed control networks (F&eIT systems)
- Integration of GPIB, serial, and analog/digital signals into SCADA/HMI systems
Compatibility:
- Fully compatible with CONTEC’s analog, digital, counter, motor control, and communication boards.
- Supports integration with LabVIEW, Visual Studio, and other Windows-based development environments.
5. Components & Accessories
Included Components:
- DDE-Server(PC)WIN software package (installation media or downloadable installer)
- API-PAC(W32) unified driver library
- Configuration and diagnostic utilities (API-TOOL Configuration)
- Sample programs and VI libraries for LabVIEW and Visual Basic
- Documentation (User Manual, Function Reference, Setup Guide)
Optional Add-ons:
- API-GPLV(W32): LabVIEW-compliant GPIB driver
- COM-DRV(W32): Standard COM driver for serial communication
- VI-DAQ: LabVIEW-compliant data acquisition VI library
- API-AIO(WDM): High-performance analog I/O library
- API-DIO, API-CNT, API-SMC, API-TIMER: Specialized driver libraries for digital I/O, counter, motor control, and timer functions
Connectors / Interfaces:
Dependent on the installed CONTEC hardware (PCI, ISA, CompactPCI, or PC Card).
6. Installation & Setup
System Requirements:
- Windows XP/2000/NT/Me/98/95 operating system
- Administrator privileges for driver installation
- Compatible CONTEC hardware installed and recognized by Windows Device Manager
Installation Procedure:
1. Run the setup program included with API-PAC(W32).
2. Select the CONTEC board(s) to be used.
3. The installer automatically registers the appropriate DLL libraries and configuration files.
4. Launch the DDE-Server configuration utility to define communication parameters and DDE topics.
5. Verify operation using the included diagnostic utility.
Mounting Options:
Software-based; no physical mounting required.
Configuration:
- Board auto-detection supported via API-TOOL Configuration Ver.4.10 or later.
- Diagnostic program available for verifying board and driver functionality.
- Setup wizard assists in defining communication parameters and DDE topics.
7. Performance & Capabilities
- Data Throughput: Dependent on hardware interface (PCI/ISA/PC Card) and system performance.
- Analog I/O: Up to 64 channels controllable; supports internal/external sampling clocks.
- Digital I/O: Up to 64 channels controllable; supports hardware filtering and bit-level control.
- Counter Input: Up to 16 boards controllable; supports event-driven interrupts and preset values.
- Serial Communication: Up to 256 channels controllable; supports XON/XOFF flow control and configurable buffer sizes (256–65535 bytes).
- GPIB Communication: IEEE-488.2 compliant; supports master/slave modes, DMA, and FIFO functions.
- Motor Control: Supports PTP motion, jogging, origin return, and multi-axis interpolation.
- Timer Control: Microsecond-level precision; includes ActiveX control for Visual Basic integration.
Limitations:
- Cannot be used simultaneously with National Instruments GPIB drivers.
- Not compatible with CONTEC’s API-GPIB(98/PC) driver library.
- Some older ISA boards may not support auto-detection under Windows NT 4.0.
8. Standards & Compliance
- Communication Standards: IEEE-488 / IEEE-488.2 (GPIB), RS-232C (Serial), TTL-level I/O (Digital)
- Software Standards: Microsoft Win32 API, DDE protocol, LabVIEW VI architecture
- Regulatory Compliance:
- Conforms to Windows driver model (WDM) standards
- Compatible with Plug and Play (PnP) for PCI/CompactPCI devices
- Compliant with industrial automation and measurement software interoperability standards
- Industry Compatibility:
- SCADA/HMI systems (Wonderware InTouch)
- National Instruments LabVIEW environments
- Microsoft Visual Studio development tools
9. Additional Information
Warranty:
Standard CONTEC software warranty covering defects in media and functionality under normal use conditions.
Technical Support:
- Online resources and driver downloads available at [www.contec.com](http://www.contec.com)
- API-TOOL Developer’s Site provides access to the latest driver libraries and sample programs.
- Email and phone support available through CONTEC’s regional offices.
Maintenance:
- Regular updates and patches available free of charge.
- Diagnostic utilities included for verifying driver and hardware operation.
- Configuration files can be exported/imported for system replication.
Software Updates:
- Free downloads of the latest API-PAC(W32) and related driver libraries.
- Continuous improvement for compatibility with new Windows versions and hardware models.
Documentation:
- Comprehensive user manuals and function references provided in electronic format.
- Sample code and configuration examples included for rapid deployment.
Licensing:
- Provided free of charge with CONTEC hardware purchases.
- May be redistributed within licensed systems using CONTEC boards.
### Summary
The DDE-Server(PC)WIN is a robust Windows-based driver solution developed by CONTEC Co., Ltd. to enable seamless communication between Wonderware InTouch HMI systems and CONTEC’s extensive range of industrial I/O and communication boards. Built upon the API-PAC(W32) unified driver architecture, it provides a consistent, high-performance interface for analog, digital, counter, motor control, and communication modules across multiple hardware platforms (PCI, ISA, CompactPCI, and PC Card).
With comprehensive support for LabVIEW, Visual Studio, and Borland development environments, the DDE-Server(PC)WIN facilitates flexible integration into diverse industrial automation and measurement systems. Its diagnostic utilities, auto-detection features, and sample programs simplify setup and reduce development time.
Fully compliant with IEEE-488, RS-232C, and Windows DDE standards, the DDE-Server(PC)WIN ensures reliable, real-time data exchange for process control, data acquisition, and monitoring applications. Supported by CONTEC’s global technical infrastructure and free software updates, it represents a complete, future-proof solution for integrating CONTEC hardware into modern Windows-based control environments.
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