LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT

INDUSTRIAL SOLUTION?

Discover embedded, communication and automation solutions tailored to your application.

ECH-PCI-CE-H2C

PCI Expansion 2 Slot Half Size Grey Chassis
685,00 EUR

including VAT 815.15 EUR

  • Manufacturer Contec
  • Category: Bus Extensions
  • The CONTEC ECH-PCI-CE-H2C is a compact, industrial-grade PCI bus expansion chassis designed to extend the PCI bus of a host PC. It provides two half-size PCI slots in a durable light-grey steel enclosure, enabling users to add additional PCI boards to systems with limited internal expansion capacity. The chassis integrates a built-in 130W power supply and supports both 230VAC and 115VAC input voltages. It is part of CONTEC’s ECH(PCI)BE family of expansion systems, which are widely used in industrial automation, measurement, and control environments.
- Two PCI Expansion Slots: Provides two half-size PCI slots (5V/32-bit, 33MHz) for additional peripheral boards.
- Bus Extension Architecture: Extends the host PC’s PCI bus externally, maintaining direct signal transmission between the host and the expansion chassis.
- Built-in Power Supply: Integrated 130W AC power supply (115/230VAC selectable) ensures stable operation of installed PCI boards.
- Compact Industrial Design: Half-size, light-grey steel chassis optimized for space-saving installation in control panels or desktop environments.
- Automatic Power Synchronization: The chassis power can be turned on and off in synchronization with the host PC’s power supply.
- Cooling System: Equipped with an internal cooling fan for continuous, reliable operation under industrial conditions.
- High Compatibility: Complies with PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.3 (+5V type), supporting standard PCI add-on boards.
- Industrial Durability: Designed for 0–50°C operating temperature and 20–80% RH humidity (non-condensing).
- Safety and Compliance: CE-marked, RoHS-compliant, and designed for industrial EMC environments.
- Ease of Integration: Compatible with CONTEC’s EAD series expansion adapters (EAD(PCI)BE, EAD(LPCI)BE, EAD-BE-LPE, EAD(CB)BE) for various host interfaces.

Country of origin: Japan

Customs tariff number: 8473 3080 000

1. Product Overview

Product Name: PCI Expansion 2 Slot Half Size Grey Chassis
Model Number: ECH-PCI-CE-H2C
Article Number: ECH-PCI-CE-H2C
Series: ECH(PCI)BE Series – Bus Extension Type PCI Expansion Chassis
Manufacturer: CONTEC CO., LTD. (Japan)
Product Category: Industrial Automation / Measurement and Control – Bus Expansion Unit / PCI Bus Expansion Chassis

The CONTEC ECH-PCI-CE-H2C is a compact, industrial-grade PCI bus expansion chassis designed to extend the PCI bus of a host PC. It provides two half-size PCI slots in a durable light-grey steel enclosure, enabling users to add additional PCI boards to systems with limited internal expansion capacity. The chassis integrates a built-in 130W power supply and supports both 230VAC and 115VAC input voltages. It is part of CONTEC’s ECH(PCI)BE family of expansion systems, which are widely used in industrial automation, measurement, and control environments.




2. Key Features

- Two PCI Expansion Slots: Provides two half-size PCI slots (5V/32-bit, 33MHz) for additional peripheral boards.
- Bus Extension Architecture: Extends the host PC’s PCI bus externally, maintaining direct signal transmission between the host and the expansion chassis.
- Built-in Power Supply: Integrated 130W AC power supply (115/230VAC selectable) ensures stable operation of installed PCI boards.
- Compact Industrial Design: Half-size, light-grey steel chassis optimized for space-saving installation in control panels or desktop environments.
- Automatic Power Synchronization: The chassis power can be turned on and off in synchronization with the host PC’s power supply.
- Cooling System: Equipped with an internal cooling fan for continuous, reliable operation under industrial conditions.
- High Compatibility: Complies with PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.3 (+5V type), supporting standard PCI add-on boards.
- Industrial Durability: Designed for 0–50°C operating temperature and 20–80% RH humidity (non-condensing).
- Safety and Compliance: CE-marked, RoHS-compliant, and designed for industrial EMC environments.
- Ease of Integration: Compatible with CONTEC’s EAD series expansion adapters (EAD(PCI)BE, EAD(LPCI)BE, EAD-BE-LPE, EAD(CB)BE) for various host interfaces.




3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|------------------|
| Bus Standard | PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 2.3 (+5V type) |
| Bus Width / Clock | 32-bit, 33MHz (maximum) |
| Address Space | 32-bit memory and I/O addressing |
| Interrupt Levels | INTA–INTD |
| Number of Slots | 2 PCI slots (half-size) |
| Installable Board Size | Short-size PCI boards (approx. 176.5 mm L × 107 mm H) |
| Power Supply Type | Built-in AC power supply |
| AC Input Voltage | 115/230VAC (switch selectable) |
| Input Frequency | 50–60Hz |
| Power Capacity | 130W maximum (CE condition at 40°C) |
| Output Current Limits | +5VDC: 11.3A, +3.3VDC: 6A, +12VDC: 3A, -12VDC: 0.7A |
| Operating Temperature | 0–50°C |
| Operating Humidity | 20–80% RH (non-condensing) |
| Storage Temperature | 0–60°C |
| Storage Humidity | 10–90% RH (non-condensing) |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 300 × 138 × 373 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 5 kg |
| Material / Finish | Steel chassis, light grey finish |
| Cooling | Built-in fan with air intake and exhaust vents |
| Compliance | CE marking, RoHS compliant |
| Power Cable | 2.5 m, 3-pin grounded AC cable |




4. Functionality

The ECH-PCI-CE-H2C functions as an external PCI bus expansion unit. It connects to a host PC via a dedicated CONTEC expansion adapter and high-speed cable, effectively extending the PCI bus outside the PC enclosure. The system allows the host to recognize and operate PCI boards installed in the external chassis as if they were installed internally.

Operation Principle:
- The host PC is equipped with an expansion adapter (e.g., EAD(PCI)BE or EAD(LPCI)BE).
- The adapter connects to the ECH-PCI-CE-H2C chassis via a 1-meter dedicated cable.
- The chassis replicates the PCI bus environment, providing two additional PCI slots.
- Power synchronization allows the chassis to power on/off with the host PC.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial measurement and control systems requiring additional I/O or communication boards.
- Data acquisition and automation systems where PCI slots in the host PC are limited.
- Laboratory instrumentation setups needing modular PCI expansion.
- Embedded or panel PC systems requiring external PCI connectivity.
- Environments where compact, rugged, and reliable PCI expansion is essential.

Compatibility:
- Compatible with CONTEC expansion adapters:
- EAD(PCI)BE: Standard PCI slot adapter.
- EAD(LPCI)BE: Low-profile PCI slot adapter.
- EAD-BE-LPE: PCI Express slot adapter.
- EAD(CB)BE: CardBus slot adapter (for notebook PCs).
- Supported operating systems depend on the adapter used (Windows XP, 2000, Vista, etc.).
- Not compatible with video boards, additional PCI bus expansion boards, or boards marked “Cannot be used with PCI-to-PCI Bridge.”




5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- ECH-PCI-CE-H2C expansion chassis (2-slot, half-size)
- Built-in 130W AC power supply
- Power cable (2.5 m, 3-pin)
- Cooling fan (factory installed)
- Rubber feet (for desktop placement)
- User’s manual and safety instructions

Optional Accessories:
- Expansion adapters (sold separately):
- EAD(PCI)BE, EAD(LPCI)BE, EAD-BE-LPE, EAD(CB)BE
- Connection cables:
- CB-BF96 or CB-CB68/96 (1 m standard length)
- Rack-mount brackets (optional for vertical or horizontal mounting)
- Replacement parts:
- Power supply module (POW300 series)
- Cooling fan (FAN1238 or equivalent)
- Air filter (FLT120 series)

Connectors:
- 96-pin interface connector (BUS-PAC(PCI)A)
- AC inlet with voltage selector (115V/230V)
- Power switch and LED indicator on front panel




6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Host PC with available PCI, Low Profile PCI, PCI Express, or CardBus slot (depending on adapter).
- Dedicated CONTEC expansion adapter and cable.
- Stable AC power source (100–240VAC, 50/60Hz).

Installation Steps:
1. Preparation: Power off both the host PC and the chassis. Ensure all cables are disconnected.
2. Install PCI Boards: Remove the chassis cover, insert PCI boards into available slots, and secure with screws.
3. Connect Cable: Attach the dedicated 96-pin cable between the host adapter and the chassis connector (BUS-PAC(PCI)A).
4. Power Connection: Plug the AC power cable into the chassis and wall outlet.
5. Power Synchronization: Verify jumper JP1 on BUS-PAC(PCI)A is set for power interlocking (factory default).
6. Startup: Power on the host PC; the chassis will automatically power on in synchronization.
7. Driver Setup: Install any required drivers for the expansion adapter under Windows.
8. Verification: Confirm detection of “PCI-to-PCI Bridge” devices in Windows Device Manager.

Mounting Options:
- Desktop placement with rubber feet.
- Rack-mount installation using optional brackets (horizontal or vertical orientation).
- Maintain at least 20 mm clearance around the chassis for ventilation.




7. Performance & Capabilities

- Bus Performance: 33MHz PCI bus operation, 32-bit addressing, full compatibility with standard PCI signaling.
- Power Efficiency: 130W internal supply optimized for low noise and stable voltage output.
- Thermal Management: Continuous fan cooling ensures stable operation up to 50°C ambient temperature.
- Capacity: Supports two PCI boards with total current consumption within rated limits.
- Reliability: Industrial-grade components rated for continuous operation; power supply and fan life expectancy ~5 years under normal conditions.
- Limitations:
- Cannot cascade multiple expansion chassis.
- Not suitable for high-bandwidth video or graphics boards.
- PCI-to-PCI bridge compatibility required in host BIOS.




8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Standard: PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.3 (+5V type)
- Electrical Safety: CE Marking (Low Voltage Directive compliance)
- EMC Compliance: Conforms to industrial electromagnetic compatibility standards
- Environmental Compliance: RoHS compliant (lead-free construction)
- Operating Environment: 0–50°C, 20–80% RH (non-condensing)
- Storage Environment: 0–60°C, 10–90% RH (non-condensing)
- Power Input Range: 90–132VAC / 180–250VAC (switch selectable)
- Certifications: CE, RoHS, and CONTEC internal quality assurance standards (ISO 9001 manufacturing)




9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Limited three-year warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
- Warranty excludes normal wear, misuse, or damage from improper handling.
- Repairs or replacements require Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) from CONTEC.

Support & Maintenance:
- Technical support available via CONTEC’s global web portals:
- Japan: [www.contec.co.jp](http://www.contec.co.jp)
- Global: [www.contec.com](http://www.contec.com)
- China: [www.contec.com.cn](http://www.contec.com.cn)
- Manuals, drivers, and firmware updates available for free download.
- Recommended maintenance intervals:
- Power supply replacement: ~5 years
- Cooling fan replacement: ~5 years
- Air filter replacement: ~1 year

Service Notes:
- Only use the supplied or approved connection cables.
- Do not connect multiple expansion chassis in series.
- Ensure total current draw of installed boards does not exceed rated power output.
- Avoid exposure to corrosive gases, excessive dust, or vibration.
- Maintain ventilation clearance for cooling airflow.

Product Lifecycle & Replacement Parts:
- Replacement components available under CONTEC part numbers:
- Power supply: POW300/POW301 series
- Cooling fan: FAN1238, FAN0925, FAN0820
- Filter: FLT120, FLT121 series
- Designed for long-term industrial deployment with field-replaceable modules.




Summary

The CONTEC ECH-PCI-CE-H2C is a robust, half-size, two-slot PCI expansion chassis engineered for industrial and laboratory environments requiring reliable PCI bus extension. With its integrated 130W power supply, automatic power synchronization, and compliance with PCI Local Bus standards, it provides a seamless solution for expanding system capabilities without modifying the host PC. Its compact steel construction, efficient cooling, and compatibility with multiple CONTEC expansion adapters make it ideal for measurement, control, and automation applications where space, reliability, and performance are critical.