1. Product Overview

Product Name: ExpressCardBus Extension Card
Model Number: EAD-CE-EC
Series: Bus Expansion System – ExpressCard Interface Series
Article Number: EAD-CE-EC
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd. (Japan)

The CONTEC EAD-CE-EC is an ExpressCardBus extension adapter designed to expand the PCI bus functionality of notebook computers equipped with an ExpressCard slot. It enables the addition of standard PCI (5V/32-bit, 33MHz) expansion slots through an external PCI expansion chassis. The product is part of CONTEC’s industrial-grade Bus Expansion System lineup, which includes a variety of adapters and chassis for PCI, PCI Express, CardBus, and StarFabric-compliant configurations.

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2. Key Features

- ExpressCard-to-PCI Bus Expansion:
The EAD-CE-EC allows a notebook PC with an ExpressCard slot to connect to an external PCI bus expansion chassis, effectively adding PCI slots to systems that lack them. This enables the use of standard PCI add-on boards with portable computers.

- Plug-and-Play ExpressCard Interface:
Compliant with ExpressCard Standard Release 1.1, the adapter provides a direct, high-speed interface between the host system and the external PCI bus.

- Flexible Expansion Options:
Compatible with optional CONTEC PCI expansion chassis, such as the ECH-PCI-CE-H2B (2-slot short-size black chassis). Users can select chassis models based on the number of required PCI slots and the physical size of the add-on boards (short or long).

- Linked Power Control:
The expansion chassis can be configured to power ON/OFF in synchronization with the host PC, ensuring seamless operation and preventing power sequencing issues.

- Compact and Lightweight Design:
The ExpressCard adapter measures 100 × 34 × 5 mm and weighs approximately 40 g, making it ideal for mobile and embedded applications.

- Bundled Connection Cable:
Includes a 1-meter connection cable (CB-CE1) for linking the ExpressCard adapter to the expansion chassis. Cable lengths up to 7 meters are supported with optional cables.

- Operating System Compatibility:
Supported on Microsoft Windows Vista and Windows XP operating systems.

- Industrial Reliability:
Designed for industrial measurement, control, and automation environments where PCI-based instrumentation or I/O boards must be used with modern notebook PCs.

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3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|-------------------|
| Bus Interface | ExpressCard Standard Release 1.1 |
| Expansion Bus Type | PCI Local Bus (5V, 32-bit, 33MHz) |
| Bus Bridge Architecture | PCI-to-PCI Bridge |
| Dimensions | 100 mm (L) × 34 mm (H) × 5 mm (T) |
| Weight | Approx. 40 g |
| Power Supply | Supplied from host PC (3.3VDC, 50mA max.) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +50°C |
| Operating Humidity | 10% to 90% RH (non-condensing) |
| Cable Type | CB-CE1 (1 m standard, max. 7 m optional) |
| Supported OS | Windows Vista, Windows XP |
| Compliance | RoHS compliant |
| Version | Hardware Ver. 1.00 |

Expansion Chassis (Optional):
- Model: ECH-PCI-CE-H2B
- Type: PCI Bus Expansion Chassis (Short-size, 2 slots, black)
- Power Supply: AC adapter (included)
- Cooling: Built-in fan
- Bus Type: PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.3 (+5VDC)
- Bus Clock: 33 MHz (max.)
- Slots: 2 × PCI (short-size)
- Power Capacity: +5VDC 7A, +3.3VDC 3A, +12VDC 1.5A, -12VDC 0.3A
- AC Input Voltage: 100–240 VAC
- Operating Conditions: 0–50°C, 20–80% RH (no condensation)
- Dimensions: 71(W) × 222(D) × 144(H) mm
- Weight: 1.2 kg (chassis), 0.9 kg (AC adapter)

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4. Functionality

The EAD-CE-EC functions as a bridge between a notebook’s ExpressCard slot and an external PCI bus expansion chassis. It transmits PCI bus signals through a dedicated high-speed cable, allowing the external chassis to host standard PCI boards. The adapter uses a PCI-to-PCI bridge architecture to extend the bus, ensuring compatibility with most PCI-compliant devices.

Typical Use Cases:
- Industrial measurement and control systems requiring PCI-based DAQ, I/O, or communication boards.
- Laboratory environments where portable PCs must interface with legacy PCI instrumentation.
- Embedded or field applications where compact, mobile systems need to connect to PCI expansion hardware.

Applications:
- Data acquisition and signal processing
- Motion control and automation
- Serial and GPIB communication interfaces
- Industrial monitoring and testing systems

Compatibility:
- Compatible with CONTEC’s ECH-PCI-CE-H2B expansion chassis and other PCI bus expansion units designed for 5V/32-bit PCI boards.
- Not compatible with PCI Express or StarFabric-compliant chassis.

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
1. ExpressCard Adapter [BUS-PC-CE] × 1
2. Connection Cable [CB-CE1, 1 m] × 1
3. User’s Manual × 1

Optional Accessories:
- Longer connection cables (up to 7 m total length)
- PCI expansion chassis (e.g., ECH-PCI-CE-H2B, ECH(PCI)BE-H2B, ECH(PCI)BE-H4B)
- Replacement AC adapters and cooling fans (POW300, FAN0925 series)

Connectors:
- ExpressCard edge connector (host side)
- Dedicated high-speed cable connector (chassis side)

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6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Notebook PC with an ExpressCard slot compliant with ExpressCard Standard Release 1.1.
- Supported operating system (Windows Vista or XP).
- Available AC power source for the expansion chassis.

Installation Steps:
1. Insert the EAD-CE-EC ExpressCard into the notebook’s ExpressCard slot.
2. Connect the included CB-CE1 cable between the adapter and the expansion chassis.
3. Power on the notebook; the expansion chassis will power on automatically if linked.
4. Install any required device drivers for the PCI boards used in the chassis.
5. Verify that the PCI devices are recognized in the Windows Device Manager.

Mounting Options:
- The expansion chassis can be placed on a desktop or mounted in a rack depending on the model.
- Ensure adequate ventilation for the chassis cooling fan.

Configuration:
- No hardware configuration is required for the adapter itself.
- BIOS settings on the host PC must support PCI-to-PCI bridge recognition for proper operation.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Bus Speed: 33 MHz (maximum)
- Bus Width: 32-bit PCI
- Voltage Levels: +5V signaling
- Transfer Rate: Equivalent to standard PCI bus performance; may vary depending on host system and cable length.
- Maximum Cable Length: 7 meters (1 m standard included)
- Power Control: Expansion chassis power synchronized with host PC power state.
- Efficiency: Designed for low power consumption (3.3VDC, 50mA max).
- Limitations:
- High-speed bus mastering boards may experience reduced transfer rates due to PCI-to-PCI bridge latency.
- Not all PCI boards are guaranteed to function; compatibility depends on BIOS and board design.
- Video display boards, additional PCI expansion boards, and boards marked “Cannot be used with PCI-to-PCI Bridge” are not supported.

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Standards:
- ExpressCard Standard Release 1.1
- PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.3 (5V/32-bit, 33MHz)

- Electrical & Environmental Compliance:
- RoHS compliant (lead-free manufacturing)
- CE marking applicable for expansion chassis models
- Operating temperature range: 0–50°C
- Humidity tolerance: 10–90% RH (non-condensing)

- Regulatory Notes:
- Designed for industrial and laboratory use.
- Not intended for consumer-grade multimedia or gaming applications.
- Meets CONTEC’s internal quality and reliability standards for industrial automation products.

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9. Additional Information

Warranty & Support:
- Standard CONTEC limited warranty (typically one year; refer to regional terms).
- Technical support available through CONTEC’s global portal: [www.contec.com](http://www.contec.com).
- Firmware and driver updates provided via the manufacturer’s website.

Maintenance:
- Periodically inspect the connection cable and connectors for wear or damage.
- Ensure the expansion chassis cooling fan and ventilation are unobstructed.
- Replace AC adapters or fans with genuine CONTEC parts (POW300, FAN0925 series) as needed.

Product Updates:
- Specifications, color, and design are subject to change without notice.
- Updated drivers and manuals are available online.

Safety & Usage Notes:
- Do not connect multiple expansion chassis in series; each must be connected directly to a dedicated adapter.
- Avoid using in high-vibration or high-humidity environments without proper protection.
- Ensure the host PC BIOS supports PCI-to-PCI bridge devices before installation.

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Summary

The CONTEC EAD-CE-EC ExpressCardBus Extension Card is a compact, industrial-grade adapter that bridges modern notebook computers with legacy PCI-based expansion systems. By connecting through an ExpressCard slot, it enables the use of standard PCI boards in an external chassis, providing a flexible and reliable solution for engineers, researchers, and system integrators who require PCI functionality in portable or embedded computing environments.

With its robust design, synchronized power control, and compatibility with CONTEC’s range of PCI expansion chassis, the EAD-CE-EC offers a seamless path for extending PCI bus capabilities to mobile platforms while maintaining industrial reliability and compliance with established bus standards.