1. Product Overview

- Product Name: Opto-Isolated Digital Input Board
- Model: DI-32L-PE
- Series: PCI Express Digital I/O Series
- Article Number: DI-32L-PE
- Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd. (Japan)
- Product Category: Industrial Automation / Measurement and Control – Digital Input Interface Boards

The CONTEC DI-32L-PE is a PCI Express (PCIe) opto-isolated 32-channel digital input card designed for industrial and laboratory automation systems. It provides reliable, noise-resistant digital input acquisition through opto-coupler isolation, ensuring electrical separation between field signals and the host computer. The board is part of CONTEC’s PCI Express digital I/O product family, offering compatibility with existing PCI-based models such as the PI-32L(PCI)H.

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2. Key Features

- 32 Opto-Isolated Digital Inputs:
Provides 32 independent input channels, grouped with one positive common per 16 channels. Each input is optically isolated to protect the host system from voltage surges and ground potential differences.

- Input Voltage Range:
Accepts 12–24 VDC (±10%) negative logic signals, suitable for industrial sensors, switches, and PLC outputs.

- Interrupt Functionality:
All 32 input signals can generate interrupts. These are combined into a single interrupt request (IRQ) signal, output as INTA, simplifying system integration.

- Digital Filtering:
Built-in digital filter suppresses transient noise and contact chattering, ensuring stable signal acquisition in electrically noisy environments.

- Opto-Isolation:
Optical isolation between I/O interface and internal logic circuits prevents electrical interference and protects the PC from external surges.

- PCI Express Interface:
Fully compliant with PCI Express Base Specification Rev. 1.0a ×1 lane configuration, ensuring high-speed data transfer and compatibility with modern PC architectures.

- Compact Low-Profile Design:
Board dimensions of 121.69 mm (L) × 110.18 mm (H) allow installation in standard or low-profile PCIe slots. A standard bracket is included.

- Software Support:
Includes license-free drivers for Windows and Linux, as well as LabVIEW VI libraries (VI-DAQ) for seamless integration with National Instruments environments.

- Compatibility:
Connector pin assignments and functional behavior are compatible with the PCI-compliant board PI-32L(PCI)H, facilitating migration from legacy PCI systems.

- RoHS Compliance:
Environmentally friendly, lead-free, and RoHS-compliant product.

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3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|-------------------|
| Input Channels | 32 opto-isolated inputs (1 common per 16 channels) |
| Input Type | Opto-isolated for sink current output (negative logic) |
| Input Voltage Range | 12–24 VDC (±10%) |
| Input Resistance | 4.7 kΩ |
| Response Time (Max.) | 200 µs |
| Interrupts | 32 input signals combined into one interrupt request (INTA) |
| Isolation Method | Opto-coupler isolation between I/O and logic circuits |
| Internal Power Supply | 3.3 VDC, 350 mA (from PCIe bus) |
| Maximum Wiring Distance | Up to 50 m (depending on wiring environment) |
| I/O Address Allocation | Any 32-byte boundary |
| Bus Interface | PCI Express Base Specification Rev. 1.0a ×1 |
| Board Dimensions | 121.69 mm (L) × 110.18 mm (H) |
| Connector Type | 37-pin female D-sub (DCLC-J37SAF-20L9E [JAE] or equivalent) |
| Operating Temperature | 0–50°C (typical for CONTEC I/O boards) |
| Storage Temperature | -10–60°C (typical) |
| Humidity | 10–90% RH (non-condensing) |
| Weight | Approx. 100–150 g (board only) |
| Compliance | RoHS, CE (industrial EMC standards) |

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4. Functionality

The DI-32L-PE functions as a digital input interface between external industrial devices and a host PC. Each input channel detects DC voltage levels from sensors, switches, or controllers. The opto-coupler isolation ensures that external signals are electrically separated from the PC’s internal circuits, preventing damage from surges or ground loops.

- Signal Logic: Negative logic (signal ON when input voltage is low).
- Interrupt Handling: Each input can trigger an interrupt; all 32 are logically combined into one INTA line to the host system.
- Filtering: The digital filter eliminates spurious transitions caused by noise or mechanical switch bounce.
- Applications:
- Factory automation and process control
- Machine monitoring and safety interlocks
- Data acquisition systems
- PLC and sensor interfacing
- Laboratory instrumentation and test benches
- Remote monitoring and control systems

The board is compatible with CONTEC’s API-TOOL driver suite, allowing developers to access I/O functions through standard Win32 API calls or Linux device drivers. LabVIEW users can employ the VI-DAQ library for graphical programming.

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- DI-32L-PE PCIe board
- Standard PCI bracket (low-profile bracket optional)
- Driver and utility software (API-PAC(W32), API-TOOL for Linux)
- Documentation and installation guide

Optional Accessories:
- Cables:
- PCB37P or PCB37PS (37-pin D-sub cable)
- PCA37P / PCA37PS (shielded variants)
- CN5-D37M (connector set)

- Terminal Blocks and Interface Modules:
- EPD-37A, EPD-37 (terminal block units)
- DTP-3A, DTP-4A (DIN-rail mountable terminal blocks)
- CM-32(PC)E (connector module)

These accessories facilitate wiring between the DI-32L-PE and external devices, providing screw terminals or modular connections for field wiring.

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6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- PC with an available PCI Express ×1 (or higher) slot
- Operating system: Windows (supported versions per API-PAC), or Linux kernel with CONTEC driver module
- Power supply from PCIe bus (3.3 VDC, 350 mA max)

Installation Steps:
1. Power off the PC and insert the DI-32L-PE into an available PCIe slot.
2. Secure the board using the supplied bracket.
3. Connect external devices via the 37-pin D-sub connector using an appropriate cable (e.g., PCB37P).
4. Install the driver software from the provided media or download from CONTEC’s website.
5. Verify device recognition in the OS and configure I/O addresses if required.
6. Use the provided API or LabVIEW VI library to access input data and configure interrupts or filters.

Mounting Options:
- Standard PCI bracket (included)
- Low-profile bracket (optional) for compact PCs

Configuration:
- Software-configurable interrupt enable/disable
- Digital filter enable/disable
- Edge-trigger selection (via driver API)

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Input Response: 200 µs maximum ensures reliable detection of fast digital transitions.
- Isolation Voltage: Typically 500 VDC or higher (standard for CONTEC opto-isolated boards).
- Noise Immunity: Opto-coupler isolation and digital filtering provide high resistance to electrical noise.
- Throughput: PCIe ×1 interface supports high-speed data transfer between board and host.
- Capacity: 32 input points, each capable of handling 12–24 VDC signals.
- Efficiency: Low power consumption (approx. 1.15 W at 3.3 VDC 350 mA).
- Limitations:
- Input-only (no output channels).
- Requires external 12–24 VDC signal sources.
- Common line shared per 16 channels (not individually isolated).

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Standard: PCI Express Base Specification Rev. 1.0a ×1
- Electrical Isolation: Opto-coupler isolation between I/O and logic circuits
- Environmental Compliance: RoHS-compliant (lead-free)
- Safety & EMC: Designed to meet CE marking requirements for industrial environments
- Software Standards:
- Windows API-TOOL (Win32 API compatible)
- Linux API-TOOL (module-style device driver and shared library)
- LabVIEW VI-DAQ library (compatible with National Instruments’ Data Acquisition VI format)

Supported Operating Systems:
- Windows 10/11 (32/64-bit)
- Linux distributions with kernel modules supported by CONTEC
- LabVIEW (via downloadable VI-DAQ library)

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9. Additional Information

- Warranty: Standard CONTEC limited warranty (typically one year) covering manufacturing defects.
- Support:
- Technical documentation and driver downloads available at [www.contec.com](http://www.contec.com)
- API reference manuals and sample code included with driver package
- Email and web-based technical support

- Maintenance:
- No periodic maintenance required; ensure connectors are clean and secure.
- Avoid exposure to excessive dust, humidity, or vibration.

- Firmware & Software Updates:
- Driver and library updates periodically released on CONTEC’s website.
- Backward compatibility maintained with previous API versions.

- Related Products:
- DI-64L-PE: 64-channel opto-isolated input version
- DI-128L-PE: 128-channel opto-isolated input version
- DO-32L-PE: 32-channel opto-isolated digital output board
- DIO-1616L-PE / DIO-3232L-PE: Combined input/output boards

These models share similar architecture and software interfaces, allowing scalable system design.

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Summary

The CONTEC DI-32L-PE is a robust, industrial-grade PCI Express digital input card offering 32 opto-isolated channels for 12–24 VDC signals. It combines high noise immunity, fast response, and flexible software support, making it ideal for automation, monitoring, and control applications. With its opto-coupler isolation, digital filtering, and interrupt capabilities, the DI-32L-PE ensures reliable signal acquisition in demanding environments. Compatibility with CONTEC’s legacy PCI boards and comprehensive driver support for Windows, Linux, and LabVIEW make it a versatile choice for system integrators and developers seeking stable, long-term digital input solutions.