1. Product Overview

Product Name: Star Fabric CardBus Extension Card
Model: EAD(CB)SF
Series: StarFabric-Compliant Bus Expansion System
Article Number: EAD(CB)SF
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd. (Japan)

The CONTEC EAD(CB)SF is a StarFabric-compliant CardBus expansion adapter designed to extend the PCI bus of a host notebook or portable PC through a high-speed serial interface. It enables the connection of external PCI expansion chassis via Category 5e shielded twisted-pair (STP) cables, providing up to 12 meters of distance between the host system and the expansion unit. This product is part of CONTEC’s industrial-grade bus expansion lineup, optimized for measurement, control, and automation environments requiring high-speed, long-distance PCI bus extension.

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2. Key Features

- StarFabric-Compliant High-Speed Serial Transfer: Supports 2.5 Gbps serial data transfer rate, ensuring stable, high-throughput communication between host and expansion chassis.
- Extended PCI Bus Connectivity: Expands a standard 5 V/32-bit 33 MHz PCI bus through a CardBus interface, allowing use of standard PCI boards externally.
- Long-Distance Operation: Supports up to 12 m connection distance using Category 5e STP cables, ideal for distributed measurement and control systems.
- Noise-Resistant Cabling: Uses shielded twisted-pair (STP) cables to minimize electromagnetic interference in industrial environments.
- Compact CardBus Form Factor: PC Card Standard Type II (119.0 × 54.0 × 19.0 mm) for easy installation in notebook PCs.
- Plug-and-Play Expansion: Provides seamless PCI bus extension without requiring modification of existing PCI boards or application software.
- Power Synchronization: The expansion chassis power supply can be turned on and off in synchronization with the host PC’s power.
- Flexible Chassis Compatibility: Compatible with multiple StarFabric-compliant PCI expansion chassis models (ECH(PCI)SF series) offering 2, 4, 7, or 13 PCI slots.
- Industrial Reliability: Designed for continuous operation in 0 – 50 °C environments with 20 – 90 % RH humidity tolerance (non-condensing).
- Operating System Support: Compatible with Windows XP and Windows 2000 (dedicated driver required).

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3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|------------------|
| Bus Type | PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.2 (5 V/32-bit 33 MHz) |
| Interface Standard | PC Card Standard CardBus (Type II) |
| Form Factor / Dimensions | 119.0 (L) × 54.0 (W) × 19.0 (H) mm |
| Power Supply | 3.3 V DC ±5 % |
| Power Consumption | 450 mA (max.) |
| Transfer Rate | 2.5 Gbps (StarFabric serial link) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 – 50 °C |
| Operating Humidity | 20 – 90 % RH (no condensation) |
| Storage Temperature | –20 – 60 °C (typical) |
| Cable Type | Category 5e STP × 2 (12 m each) |
| Maximum Cable Length | 12 m |
| Supported OS | Windows XP, Windows 2000 |
| Compliance | RoHS Compliant |
| Weight | Approx. 100 g (card only) |

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4. Functionality

The EAD(CB)SF functions as a high-speed bridge between a notebook PC’s CardBus slot and an external PCI expansion chassis. It converts the CardBus interface into a StarFabric serial link, transmitting PCI bus signals over a pair of Category 5e STP cables. The adapter enables the host PC to recognize and operate PCI boards installed in the external chassis as if they were directly connected to the internal PCI bus.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial measurement and control systems requiring remote I/O or data acquisition boards.
- Laboratory instrumentation setups where PCI boards must be isolated from the host PC.
- Embedded or portable test systems using notebook PCs.
- Environments with high electrical noise or physical separation between control and measurement areas.

Compatibility:
- Compatible with CONTEC StarFabric-compliant PCI expansion chassis models:
- ECH(PCI)SF-H2B / F2B: 2 slots (short/long) with AC adapter.
- ECH(PCI)SF-H4B / F4B: 4 slots (short/long) with AC adapter.
- ECH(PCI)SF-H4A / H7A / H13A / F7A / F13A: 4 – 13 slots with built-in power supply.
- Not compatible with ECH(PCI)SF-F7A and ECH(PCI)SF-F13A chassis (due to StarFabric signal limitations).

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- EAD(CB)SF CardBus Adapter (main unit)
- Two × 12 m Category 5e STP cables (for host–chassis connection)
- User manual and driver software (for Windows XP/2000)

Optional Accessories:
- StarFabric-compliant PCI expansion chassis (ECH(PCI)SF series)
- Replacement AC adapters (for H2B/F2B/H4B/F4B models)
- Mounting brackets and cable management accessories

Connectors:
- Dual RJ‑45 connectors for StarFabric serial link (to expansion chassis)
- Standard CardBus Type II edge connector for host PC interface

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6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Host PC equipped with a CardBus (Type II) slot compliant with PC Card Standard 2.1 or later.
- Supported operating system (Windows XP or Windows 2000).
- Available AC power source for the expansion chassis (100 – 240 V AC).

Installation Steps:
1. Insert the EAD(CB)SF into the host PC’s CardBus slot.
2. Connect the two 12 m Category 5e STP cables between the adapter and the corresponding ports on the expansion chassis.
3. Install the dedicated CONTEC driver software under Windows XP or 2000.
4. Power on the expansion chassis; the host PC will automatically detect the connected PCI devices.
5. Verify device recognition in the Windows Device Manager.

Mounting Options:
- The adapter is plug‑in and requires no mechanical mounting.
- Expansion chassis can be desktop, rack‑mount, or wall‑mount depending on model.

Configuration:
- No manual configuration required; PCI resource allocation is handled automatically by the operating system.
- Power synchronization ensures the chassis powers on/off with the host PC.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Data Transfer Rate: 2.5 Gbps (serial link)
- Bus Frequency: 33 MHz (max.)
- Bus Width: 32‑bit PCI bus (5 V signaling)
- Distance Capability: Up to 12 m between host and chassis
- Power Efficiency: 3.3 V DC 450 mA (max.) consumption
- Expansion Capacity: Supports up to 13 PCI slots (depending on chassis)
- Reliability: Designed for continuous industrial operation within 0 – 50 °C ambient temperature
- Limitations:
- Not compatible with ECH(PCI)SF‑F7A and F13A models.
- Requires dedicated driver installation under Windows XP/2000.
- Not suitable for video boards or PCI‑to‑PCI bridge boards that specify incompatibility with external expansion.

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Standards:
- PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.2 (5 V/32‑bit 33 MHz)
- PC Card Standard CardBus (Type II)
- StarFabric Serial Interconnect Specification (2.5 Gbps)
- Electrical & Safety Compliance:
- RoHS Directive (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) Compliant
- CE Marking (when used with certified chassis)
- Environmental Standards:
- Operating Temperature: 0 – 50 °C
- Humidity: 20 – 90 % RH (non‑condensing)
- Industry Compatibility:
- Fully compatible with CONTEC’s industrial automation and measurement product ecosystem.

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9. Additional Information

Warranty & Support:
- Standard 1‑year manufacturer’s warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
- Technical support available through CONTEC’s global portal ([www.contec.com](http://www.contec.com)).
- Firmware and driver updates provided for supported operating systems.

Maintenance:
- Periodic inspection of cable connections and connectors recommended to ensure signal integrity.
- Use only the included Category 5e STP cables to maintain certified performance.
- Avoid exposure to excessive dust, moisture, or vibration.

Product Family Integration:
The EAD(CB)SF is part of CONTEC’s StarFabric‑compliant expansion adapter series, which includes:
- EAD‑SF‑LPE: PCI Express Low‑Profile adapter for desktop PCs.
- EAD(LPCI)SF: Low‑Profile PCI adapter for industrial PCs.
- EAD(CB)SF: CardBus adapter for notebook PCs (this model).

Each adapter is compatible with the ECH(PCI)SF series of expansion chassis offering 2 to 13 PCI slots and various power supply configurations (AC adapter or built‑in power).

Service & Updates:
- Replacement parts and maintenance components available through CONTEC’s authorized service centers.
- Online resources include driver downloads, technical manuals, and compatibility guides.

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### Summary

The CONTEC EAD(CB)SF StarFabric CardBus Extension Card is a high‑performance, industrial‑grade solution for extending PCI bus functionality to external expansion chassis over long distances. By leveraging StarFabric’s 2.5 Gbps serial link technology and robust Category 5e STP cabling, it enables notebook and portable PCs to interface with standard PCI boards used in measurement and control applications. Its compact CardBus form factor, low power consumption, and broad chassis compatibility make it an ideal choice for engineers and system integrators requiring flexible, reliable bus expansion in industrial environments.