1. Product Overview

Product Name: TTL Bi-Directional Digital I/O 48-Channel Card with Counter
Model: PIO-48C(PC)
Article Number: PIO-48C(PC)
Series: PIO Series – Digital I/O Interface Boards
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Product Category: Industrial Automation / Measurement and Control / Digital I/O Interface Boards
Bus Type: PC/AT (ISA) Bus Standard

The CONTEC PIO-48C(PC) is a high-performance, TTL-level, bi-directional digital input/output interface card designed for PC/AT-compatible computers. It provides 48 channels of programmable digital I/O and integrates three 16-bit counters (Intel 8254-2 compatible) for event counting, frequency measurement, or timing applications. The board is engineered for industrial and laboratory automation systems requiring reliable, high-speed digital signal interfacing and precise counter functionality.

---

2. Key Features

- 48 Bi-Directional TTL Channels: Provides 48 programmable digital I/O channels configurable as input or output, supporting TTL-level logic (5VDC).
- Integrated Counter Functionality: Equipped with three independent 16-bit counters (8254-2 compatible), enabling event counting, frequency measurement, and timing control.
- Interrupt Support: Supports up to four interrupt request lines (IRQ 2–7), allowing flexible interrupt-driven control and event handling.
- High-Speed Response: TTL-level non-isolated I/O ensures fast response times suitable for real-time control and data acquisition.
- Standard Connectors: Features both a 30-pin and a 37-pin D-sub female connector for external signal interfacing.
- Compact Design: Board dimensions of 187 mm × 107 mm allow easy installation in standard PC/AT expansion slots.
- Software Compatibility: Supported by CONTEC’s API-TOOL driver suite for Windows and Linux, and compatible with LabVIEW via VI-DAQ library.
- Flexible I/O Addressing: Occupies a 32-byte I/O address boundary, configurable via software or jumper settings.
- Industrial Reliability: Designed for continuous operation in industrial environments, with robust PCB design and stable signal integrity.
- Comprehensive Accessory Support: Compatible with CONTEC’s range of cables, terminal blocks, and connector sets for simplified wiring and integration.

---

3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|------------------|
| Bus Interface | PC/AT (ISA) Bus |
| I/O Channels | 48 bi-directional TTL-level channels |
| Counter Channels | 3 × 16-bit (Intel 8254-2 compatible) |
| Interrupt Lines | 4 (IRQ 2–7 selectable) |
| Signal Level | TTL (5VDC, positive logic) |
| Input Voltage Range | 0–5VDC |
| Input Current | Approx. 1.6 mA per channel (typical) |
| Output Drive Capability | IOL = 24 mA, IOH = –15 mA |
| Response Time | Approx. 200 nsec (typical) |
| Connectors | 30-pin header + 37-pin D-sub female (DCL-J37SAF-20L9 [JAE] or equivalent) |
| Dimensions | 187 mm (L) × 107 mm (H) |
| Weight | Approx. 150 g |
| Power Supply | +5VDC supplied from PC bus |
| Power Consumption | 5VDC, 400 mA (typical) |
| I/O Address Range | Any 32-byte boundary |
| Wiring Distance | Up to 50 m (depending on cable and environment) |
| Operating Temperature | 0–50°C |
| Storage Temperature | –10–60°C |
| Humidity | 10–90% RH (non-condensing) |
| Mounting | Internal PC expansion slot (ISA) |
| PCB Material | FR-4 epoxy glass |
| Counter Chip | Intel 8254-2 or equivalent |
| Counter Resolution | 16-bit per channel |
| Counter Input Frequency | Up to 10 MHz (typical) |

---

4. Functionality

The PIO-48C(PC) operates as a digital interface between a PC and external TTL-level devices. Each of the 48 channels can be individually configured as input or output, allowing flexible control of sensors, switches, relays, and actuators. The integrated 8254-2 counter provides three independent 16-bit channels for counting pulses, measuring frequency, or generating timing intervals.

Typical Use Cases:
- Industrial process control and monitoring
- Automated test equipment (ATE)
- Data acquisition systems
- Machine control and robotics
- Laboratory instrumentation
- Event counting and frequency measurement
- Digital pattern generation and detection

Compatibility:
- Compatible with PC/AT (ISA) bus systems
- Works with CONTEC’s API-TOOL driver suite for Windows and Linux
- Supports LabVIEW integration via VI-DAQ library
- Compatible with CONTEC’s terminal blocks (EPD-37, EPD-96, CM-32(PC)E, etc.) and cables (PCB37P, PCB96P, etc.)

---

5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- PIO-48C(PC) main board
- User manual and setup guide
- Driver software (API-TOOL for Windows/Linux)
- LabVIEW VI-DAQ library (downloadable)

Optional Accessories:
- Cables:
- PCB37P / PCB37PS (37-pin D-sub cable)
- PCB96P / PCB96PS (96-pin half-pitch cable)
- PCA37P / PCA37PS (connector sets)
- Terminal Blocks:
- EPD-37A, EPD-37, EPD-96
- CM-32(PC)E, CM-64(PC)E
- Connector Sets:
- CN5-D37M (37-pin D-sub male)
- CN5-H96F (96-pin half-pitch female)

These accessories simplify wiring between the board and external devices, ensuring reliable signal transmission and easy maintenance.

---

6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- IBM PC/AT or compatible computer
- Available ISA expansion slot
- +5VDC power supply from system bus

Installation Steps:
1. Power off the PC and remove the cover.
2. Insert the PIO-48C(PC) card into an available ISA slot.
3. Secure the card with the bracket screw.
4. Connect external devices using the 30-pin and 37-pin connectors.
5. Configure I/O addresses and interrupt lines (IRQ 2–7) via jumpers or software.
6. Install the API-TOOL driver and verify operation using the provided test utility.

Mounting Options:
- Standard internal mounting in PC chassis
- Compatible with standard ISA slot brackets

Configuration:
- I/O address and IRQ settings are selectable via onboard DIP switches or jumpers.
- Counter modes (event count, rate generation, square wave output) are programmable via software.
- Input/output direction for each port is software-configurable.

---

7. Performance & Capabilities

- I/O Speed: High-speed TTL-level operation with response times as low as 200 nanoseconds.
- Counter Performance: Three 16-bit counters capable of handling up to 10 MHz input frequency.
- Interrupt Handling: Four selectable IRQ lines (2–7) allow responsive event-driven control.
- Data Throughput: Optimized for low-latency digital signal acquisition and output.
- Signal Integrity: Non-isolated TTL interface ensures minimal propagation delay and high signal fidelity.
- Limitations:
- Non-isolated design (no galvanic isolation between PC and external circuits).
- TTL-level only (not suitable for high-voltage or industrial 24VDC signals without external conditioning).
- Requires external power for driving high-current loads.

Efficiency:
The board’s direct TTL interface minimizes conversion overhead, making it ideal for high-speed digital control applications where timing precision is critical.

---

8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Standard: PC/AT (ISA) 8/16-bit compatible
- Electrical Standards: TTL logic level (5VDC)
- Counter Standard: Intel 8254-2 compatible
- Software Standards:
- Windows API-TOOL (Win32 DLL-based driver)
- Linux API-TOOL (module-style device driver)
- LabVIEW VI-DAQ library (NI-compatible function set)
- Environmental Compliance: Designed for industrial environments (0–50°C, 10–90% RH)
- Regulatory Compliance:
- CE Marking (EMC and safety compliance)
- RoHS compliant (lead-free manufacturing)
- Industry Standards:
- Compatible with standard D-sub and half-pitch connectors
- Conforms to ISA bus electrical and mechanical specifications

---

9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Standard 1-year manufacturer’s warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
- Extended warranty options available through CONTEC service agreements.

Support & Maintenance:
- Technical support available via CONTEC’s global support portal (www.contec.com).
- Firmware and driver updates downloadable from the manufacturer’s website.
- Comprehensive documentation including circuit diagrams, pin assignments, and sample code provided.

Maintenance Recommendations:
- Periodically inspect connectors and cables for wear or oxidation.
- Ensure proper grounding to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage.
- Keep the board free from dust and contaminants to maintain signal integrity.

Software Updates:
- API-TOOL drivers are license-free and regularly updated for compatibility with new Windows and Linux versions.
- VI-DAQ LabVIEW library updates available for integration with newer LabVIEW releases.

Technical Support Resources:
- Online manuals, FAQs, and driver downloads
- Example source code for C/C++, Visual Basic, and LabVIEW
- Application notes for integrating with PLCs, sensors, and actuators

---

### Summary

The CONTEC PIO-48C(PC) is a robust, high-speed, TTL-level digital I/O interface card designed for PC/AT systems. With 48 bi-directional channels, three 16-bit counters, and support for multiple interrupts, it provides a versatile platform for digital control, data acquisition, and automation tasks. Its compatibility with standard connectors, extensive software support (Windows, Linux, LabVIEW), and proven reliability make it a preferred choice for engineers and system integrators developing industrial control and measurement systems.

Key Advantages:
- 48-channel TTL bi-directional I/O
- Integrated 3 × 16-bit counter (8254-2)
- 4 selectable IRQ lines (2–7)
- High-speed, low-latency operation
- Compact ISA form factor (187 × 107 mm)
- Supported by Windows, Linux, and LabVIEW drivers
- Backed by CONTEC’s industrial-grade quality and support

Ideal Applications:
- Factory automation and process control
- Test and measurement systems
- Embedded control in PC-based instrumentation
- Digital signal monitoring and pattern generation
- Event counting and timing applications

With its combination of speed, flexibility, and reliability, the PIO-48C(PC) remains a cornerstone solution for TTL-level digital interfacing in industrial and research environments.