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EAD-SF-LPE

Star Fabric Low Profile Extension PCIe Card
650,00 EUR

including VAT 773.50 EUR

  • Manufacturer Contec
  • Category: Bus Extensions
  • The CONTEC EAD‑SF‑LPE is a StarFabric‑compliant PCI Express expansion adapter designed to extend a host PC’s PCI bus over long distances using high‑speed serial communication. It enables the addition of standard PCI (5 V/32‑bit, 33 MHz) slots to a host system equipped with a PCI Express interface. The adapter is optimized for industrial measurement, control, and automation environments where peripheral PCI boards must be located remotely from the host computer.
- StarFabric‑compliant high‑speed serial transfer:
Supports 2.5 Gbps serial communication between host and expansion chassis, ensuring stable, low‑latency data transfer over distances up to 12 m.

- Long‑distance PCI bus extension:
Extends the PCI bus up to 12 meters using Category 5e shielded twisted‑pair (STP) cables, allowing flexible system layouts and remote equipment placement.

- PCI Express host interface:
Occupies one PCI Express slot in the host PC to provide additional PCI (5 V/32‑bit, 33 MHz) slots in an external expansion chassis.

- Full PCI bus compatibility:
Complies with PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.2, ensuring compatibility with existing PCI boards and software without modification.

- Low‑profile form factor:
Designed for low‑profile PCI Express slots; includes a standard‑height bracket for use in full‑size PCIe slots.

- Noise‑resistant cabling:
Uses shielded Category 5e STP cables for reliable operation in electrically noisy industrial environments.

- Automatic power synchronization:
The expansion chassis power supply can be turned on and off in synchronization with the host PC’s power state.

- Flexible chassis selection:
Compatible with multiple StarFabric expansion chassis models (ECH(PCI)SF series) offering 2, 4, 7, or 13 PCI slots, available in short or long board configurations and with either AC adapter or built‑in power supply.

- Industrial reliability:
Designed for continuous operation in 0 – 50 °C and 10 – 90 % RH environments, suitable for factory automation and measurement systems.

Country of origin: Japan

Customs tariff number: 8473 3020 000

Comprehensive Product Summary – EAD‑SF‑LPE (StarFabric Low Profile Extension PCIe Card)




### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: StarFabric Low Profile Extension PCIe Card
Model Number: EAD‑SF‑LPE
Article Number: EAD‑SF‑LPE
Series: StarFabric‑compliant Bus Expansion System
Manufacturer: CONTEC CO., LTD. (Osaka, Japan)
Product Category: Industrial Automation / Measurement and Control – Bus Expansion Adapter

The CONTEC EAD‑SF‑LPE is a StarFabric‑compliant PCI Express expansion adapter designed to extend a host PC’s PCI bus over long distances using high‑speed serial communication. It enables the addition of standard PCI (5 V/32‑bit, 33 MHz) slots to a host system equipped with a PCI Express interface. The adapter is optimized for industrial measurement, control, and automation environments where peripheral PCI boards must be located remotely from the host computer.




### 2. Key Features

- StarFabric‑compliant high‑speed serial transfer:
Supports 2.5 Gbps serial communication between host and expansion chassis, ensuring stable, low‑latency data transfer over distances up to 12 m.

- Long‑distance PCI bus extension:
Extends the PCI bus up to 12 meters using Category 5e shielded twisted‑pair (STP) cables, allowing flexible system layouts and remote equipment placement.

- PCI Express host interface:
Occupies one PCI Express slot in the host PC to provide additional PCI (5 V/32‑bit, 33 MHz) slots in an external expansion chassis.

- Full PCI bus compatibility:
Complies with PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.2, ensuring compatibility with existing PCI boards and software without modification.

- Low‑profile form factor:
Designed for low‑profile PCI Express slots; includes a standard‑height bracket for use in full‑size PCIe slots.

- Noise‑resistant cabling:
Uses shielded Category 5e STP cables for reliable operation in electrically noisy industrial environments.

- Automatic power synchronization:
The expansion chassis power supply can be turned on and off in synchronization with the host PC’s power state.

- Flexible chassis selection:
Compatible with multiple StarFabric expansion chassis models (ECH(PCI)SF series) offering 2, 4, 7, or 13 PCI slots, available in short or long board configurations and with either AC adapter or built‑in power supply.

- Industrial reliability:
Designed for continuous operation in 0 – 50 °C and 10 – 90 % RH environments, suitable for factory automation and measurement systems.




### 3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|------------------|
| Bus Interface (Host Side) | PCI Express Base Specification Rev. 1.0a |
| Expansion Bus (Remote Side) | PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.2 (+5 V / +3.3 V) |
| Bus Width / Clock | 32‑bit, 33 MHz (maximum) |
| Transfer Rate | 2.5 Gbps (StarFabric serial link) |
| Dimensions | 121.69 mm (L) × 67.90 mm (H) |
| Form Factor | Low‑Profile PCI Express card (standard bracket included) |
| Power Consumption | 3.3 V DC 700 mA (max.) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 – 50 °C |
| Operating Humidity | 10 – 90 % RH (no condensation) |
| Cabling | Two × Category 5e STP cables, 12 m each (included) |
| Cable Type | Shielded twisted‑pair (STP) RJ‑45 connectors |
| Maximum Cable Length | 12 m |
| Supported Expansion Chassis | ECH(PCI)SF‑H2B, F2B, H4B, F4B, H4A, H7A, F7A, H13A, F13A |
| Compliance | RoHS‑compliant (CONTEC original marking) |
| Weight (approx.) | 40 g (card only) |




### 4. Functionality

The EAD‑SF‑LPE functions as a bridge adapter between a host PC’s PCI Express bus and an external StarFabric‑compliant PCI expansion chassis. It converts PCIe signals into StarFabric serial data streams, transmits them over dual Category 5e cables, and reconstructs the PCI bus within the expansion chassis.

Operation principle:
1. The adapter is installed in a PCI Express slot of the host PC.
2. Two 12 m STP cables connect the adapter’s TX/RX ports to corresponding ports on the selected ECH(PCI)SF expansion chassis.
3. The chassis reproduces a standard PCI bus environment, allowing installation of conventional PCI boards.
4. The chassis power supply is automatically controlled by the host PC’s power state.

Typical applications:
- Industrial measurement and control systems requiring remote I/O or data acquisition boards.
- Factory automation setups where PCI boards must be isolated from the host PC due to environmental constraints.
- Test and instrumentation systems needing flexible PCI expansion without modifying existing software.
- Embedded or rack‑mounted PCs with limited internal expansion capacity.

Compatibility:
- Fully compatible with PCI 5 V/32‑bit boards operating at 33 MHz.
- Supports both low‑profile and standard PCI add‑on boards via the expansion chassis.
- Works with CONTEC’s ECH(PCI)SF series chassis (2 – 13 slots).
- Host systems: PCs equipped with a PCI Express slot.
- Operating systems: Windows XP and Windows 2000 (dedicated driver required).




### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- EAD‑SF‑LPE PCI Express low‑profile adapter card.
- Two × 12 m Category 5e STP cables (for TX/RX connections).
- Standard‑height PCI bracket.
- User documentation and driver CD‑ROM (EAD series driver package).

Optional Accessories:
- Alternative UTP Category 5e straight cables (3 m – 10 m lengths, models TP‑03, TP‑05, TP‑10).
- StarFabric‑compliant PCI expansion chassis (ECH(PCI)SF series):
- ECH(PCI)SF‑H2B / F2B: 2 slots, AC adapter, short/long board.
- ECH(PCI)SF‑H4B / F4B: 4 slots, AC adapter, short/long board.
- ECH(PCI)SF‑H4A / H7A / H13A: 4–13 slots, built‑in power supply, short boards.
- ECH(PCI)SF‑F7A / F13A: 7–13 slots, built‑in power supply, long boards.

Connectors:
- Dual RJ‑45 ports (TX/RX) for StarFabric serial link.
- PCI Express edge connector (x1 lane).




### 6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Host PC with one available PCI Express slot.
- Compatible StarFabric expansion chassis (ECH(PCI)SF series).
- Windows XP or Windows 2000 operating system.
- Administrator privileges for driver installation.

Installation Steps:
1. Power off the host PC and expansion chassis.
2. Insert the EAD‑SF‑LPE card into an available PCI Express slot.
3. Connect the two supplied 12 m STP cables between the adapter’s TX/RX ports and the corresponding ports on the expansion chassis.
4. Connect the chassis power cable and ensure proper grounding.
5. Power on the host PC; the chassis will power on automatically.
6. Install the dedicated CONTEC driver when prompted by Windows (“Add New Hardware Wizard”).
7. Verify successful installation via Device Manager (two × “PCI standard PCI‑to‑PCI bridge” entries should appear).

Configuration Notes:
- Only the supplied cables or equivalent Category 5e STP cables should be used.
- Do not connect multiple expansion chassis in series; each chassis must connect directly to a separate adapter.
- The expansion chassis power follows the host PC’s power state; manual override is available via the chassis power switch.
- Avoid hot‑plugging the adapter or cables while powered.




### 7. Performance & Capabilities

- Data Transfer Rate: 2.5 Gbps serial link (StarFabric).
- Bus Frequency: 33 MHz (PCI bus).
- Bus Width: 32 bits.
- Expansion Distance: Up to 12 m between host and chassis.
- Power Synchronization: Automatic ON/OFF with host PC.
- Supported PCI Boards: 5 V / 32‑bit / 33 MHz compliant.
- Chassis Slot Capacity: 2 – 13 slots depending on model.
- Power Supply (Chassis): AC 100–240 V input, 60 W – 230 W max depending on chassis type.
- Environmental Limits: 0 – 50 °C, 10 – 90 % RH (no condensation).

Limitations:
- Not compatible with video display boards, additional PCI bus expansion boards, or boards marked “Cannot be used with PCI‑to‑PCI Bridge.”
- Performance of bus‑mastering or high‑throughput PCI boards may be slightly reduced due to bridge latency.
- Cannot be used with ECH(PCI)SF‑F7A or F13A when combined with certain CardBus adapters (limitation not applicable to EAD‑SF‑LPE).
- Only one expansion chassis per adapter; daisy‑chaining is not supported.




### 8. Standards & Compliance

- PCI Express Base Specification Rev. 1.0a
- PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.2
- StarFabric Serial Interconnect Standard (2.5 Gbps)
- RoHS Compliance: Yes (CONTEC original RoHS mark)
- Electrical Safety: Designed for industrial environments; conforms to CE marking conditions when used with certified chassis (130 W @ 40 °C, 175 W @ 50 °C).
- Environmental Standards: Operating 0 – 50 °C, 10 – 90 % RH; storage at room temperature, free from condensation, vibration, or corrosive gases.




### 9. Additional Information

Warranty:
Limited three‑year warranty from date of purchase covering defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty excludes damage from misuse, modification, or improper installation.

Support & Service:
- Technical documentation, updated drivers, and utilities available at:
- Japanese: [http://www.contec.co.jp](http://www.contec.co.jp)
- English: [http://www.contec.com](http://www.contec.com)
- Chinese: [http://www.contec.com.cn](http://www.contec.com.cn)
- Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) required for service.
- Customer support includes driver updates, sample programs, and technical FAQs.

Maintenance:
- Periodically inspect gold‑plated connector contacts for corrosion or contamination.
- Ensure secure cable connections and proper ventilation around the chassis.
- Do not modify or repair the adapter; contact CONTEC for authorized service.

Software & Driver Updates:
- Dedicated driver package for Windows XP/2000 (EAD series).
- Includes configuration utility (EAD Driver Setting Utility) for adjusting I/O and memory window parameters if required.
- Uninstallation via Windows “Add/Remove Programs.”

Safety Precautions:
- Do not operate in environments with flammable or corrosive gases.
- Always power down both PC and chassis before connecting or disconnecting cables or boards.
- Use only shielded cables in high‑noise environments.
- Observe electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions when handling the adapter.




### Summary

The CONTEC EAD‑SF‑LPE StarFabric Low Profile Extension PCIe Card is a robust industrial‑grade solution for extending PCI bus functionality over long distances using high‑speed serial communication. By leveraging StarFabric technology, it enables seamless integration of legacy PCI boards into modern PCI Express‑based systems without software modification. Its low‑profile design, noise‑resistant cabling, and automatic power synchronization make it ideal for distributed measurement, control, and automation applications.

When paired with CONTEC’s ECH(PCI)SF expansion chassis lineup, the EAD‑SF‑LPE provides a scalable, reliable, and standards‑compliant platform for remote PCI expansion in demanding industrial environments.