1. Product Overview

Product Name: Opto-Isolated 64-Channel Digital Output AT Card
Model: PO-64L(PC)
Series: PO-L Series (Digital Output Interface Boards)
Article Number: PO-64L(PC)
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Product Category: Industrial Automation / Measurement and Control / Digital I/O Interface Boards

The CONTEC PO-64L(PC) is an opto-isolated 64-channel digital output interface card designed for PC/AT-compatible systems. It provides high-reliability digital output control with electrical isolation between the PC bus and external devices. The board is part of CONTEC’s extensive digital I/O product family, which includes PCI, ISA, CompactPCI, USB, and PC Card interface variants. The PO-64L(PC) model is specifically engineered for the ISA/AT bus architecture, offering robust performance in industrial automation, process control, and data acquisition environments.

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2. Key Features

- 64 Opto-Isolated Output Channels: Provides 64 independent open-collector output channels, each optically isolated to prevent electrical interference and protect the host system.
- High Output Capacity: Supports up to 35VDC and 200mA per channel, suitable for driving relays, lamps, solenoids, and other industrial actuators.
- High Isolation Voltage: Offers up to 5kV isolation between the PC bus and external I/O circuits, ensuring superior noise immunity and system protection.
- Open Collector Output (Current Sinking Type): Designed for current sinking output configuration, compatible with a wide range of external loads.
- Surge and Overcurrent Protection: Built-in Zener diode and current-limiting circuitry protect against voltage surges and overcurrent conditions.
- Low Power Consumption: Operates on a 5VDC supply with a maximum current draw of approximately 100mA, minimizing system power load.
- Compact Form Factor: Standard AT card dimensions (160 mm × 122 mm) suitable for legacy and embedded industrial PCs.
- High Noise Immunity: Opto-coupler isolation ensures reliable operation in electrically noisy environments.
- Standard 96-Pin Half-Pitch Connector: Provides a high-density connection interface for external wiring, compatible with CONTEC’s accessory cables and terminal blocks.
- Software Support: Compatible with CONTEC’s API-TOOL driver suite for Windows and Linux, and VI-DAQ library for LabVIEW integration.
- Industrial-Grade Reliability: Designed for continuous operation in demanding industrial and laboratory environments.

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3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|-------------------|
| Bus Interface | ISA / AT Bus |
| Output Channels | 64 channels |
| Output Type | Opto-isolated open collector (current sinking) |
| Output Rating | 35VDC, 200mA per channel (max) |
| Isolation Voltage | 5kV (between I/O and PC bus) |
| Response Time | ≤ 200 µsec |
| Power Supply (from PC bus) | +5VDC ±5% |
| Power Consumption | 100mA (typical) |
| External Power Supply | 12–24VDC (for driving external loads) |
| Connector Type | 96-pin half-pitch D-type female connector |
| Connector Model | PCR-E96LMD [HONDA Tsushin Kogyo] or equivalent |
| Dimensions (L × H) | 160 mm × 122 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 200 g |
| Wiring Distance | Up to 50 m (depending on cable and load conditions) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +50°C |
| Storage Temperature | -10°C to +60°C |
| Humidity | 10–90% RH (non-condensing) |
| Mounting | Standard ISA slot |
| Insulation Resistance | 500 MΩ or more (500VDC between I/O and bus) |
| Dielectric Strength | 500VAC for 1 minute between I/O and bus |
| PCB Material | FR-4 epoxy glass |
| Cooling Method | Natural air convection |

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4. Functionality

The PO-64L(PC) functions as a digital output interface board that allows a PC to control external devices through optically isolated transistor outputs. Each output channel acts as an open collector transistor capable of sinking current from external loads. The opto-isolation barrier ensures that electrical noise or surges from external circuits do not affect the PC’s internal logic.

Typical Use Cases:
- Industrial automation control (PLC interfacing, relay control)
- Machine tool and process control systems
- Data acquisition and monitoring systems
- Signal output for test benches and instrumentation
- Driving indicator lamps, solenoids, and relays
- Integration with SCADA and HMI systems

Compatibility:
- Compatible with PC/AT and ISA bus systems
- Works with CONTEC’s accessory cables and terminal blocks (e.g., EPD-96, CCB-96)
- Supported by CONTEC’s API-TOOL driver suite for Windows and Linux
- Integrates with LabVIEW via VI-DAQ library

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- PO-64L(PC) main board
- User manual and documentation
- Driver software (downloadable from CONTEC website)

Optional Accessories:
- Cables:
- PCB96P / PCB96PS (96-pin half-pitch cable)
- PCB96W / PCB96WS (shielded cable)
- Terminal Blocks:
- EPD-96 (96-point terminal block)
- CCB-96 (screw terminal block)
- CM-64(PC)E (64-point terminal block)
- Connector Sets:
- CN5-H96F (96-pin half-pitch connector set)
- Conversion Cables:
- PCB100/96PS (for 100-pin to 96-pin conversion)

All accessories are designed to ensure reliable signal transmission and easy wiring in industrial environments.

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6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- PC/AT-compatible computer with available ISA slot
- +5VDC power supply from the PC bus
- External 12–24VDC power source for driving output loads

Installation Procedure:
1. Power off the PC and remove the cover.
2. Insert the PO-64L(PC) card into an available ISA slot.
3. Secure the card using the bracket screw.
4. Connect the external I/O wiring to the 96-pin half-pitch connector using a compatible cable (e.g., PCB96P).
5. Connect external loads (relays, lamps, etc.) to the output channels according to the wiring diagram.
6. Power on the PC and install the appropriate driver software.
7. Configure the I/O address and verify operation using CONTEC’s diagnostic utilities.

Configuration:
- I/O address can be set to any 32-byte boundary within the ISA address space.
- No interrupt lines are required for output-only operation.
- Output logic and timing can be controlled via software using API-TOOL commands.

Mounting Options:
- Standard ISA slot mounting
- Can be used in rack-mounted or embedded industrial PCs

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Output Speed: Maximum response time of 200 µsec ensures fast switching suitable for real-time control applications.
- Load Capacity: Each channel supports up to 35VDC and 200mA, allowing direct control of medium-power devices.
- Isolation Performance: 5kV optical isolation provides excellent protection against transient voltages and ground loops.
- Reliability: Designed for continuous 24/7 operation in industrial environments with high electrical noise.
- Efficiency: Low power consumption (5VDC, 100mA) minimizes system load.
- Scalability: Multiple boards can be installed in a single system to expand output capacity.
- Limitations:
- Output-only (no input channels)
- Requires external power for load driving
- Not suitable for AC load control (DC only)

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Standard: ISA / AT Bus compliant
- Electrical Safety:
- Isolation voltage: 5kV
- Dielectric strength: 500VAC for 1 minute
- Insulation resistance: ≥500 MΩ at 500VDC
- Environmental Compliance:
- RoHS compliant (lead-free construction)
- CE marking (for electromagnetic compatibility and safety)
- Industry Standards:
- Compatible with JEIDA/PC-AT mechanical and electrical specifications
- Meets industrial-grade EMC and ESD protection requirements
- Software Standards:
- Windows API-TOOL (Win32 DLL-based driver)
- Linux API-TOOL (shared library and kernel module)
- LabVIEW VI-DAQ library (for National Instruments LabVIEW integration)

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9. Additional Information

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

Technical Support:
- Comprehensive online support via CONTEC Global Portal (www.contec.com)
- Downloadable drivers, manuals, and sample code
- Technical assistance via email and phone support

Maintenance:
- No periodic maintenance required.
- Keep connectors clean and free from dust.
- Avoid exposure to excessive humidity or corrosive environments.

Software & Updates:
- API-TOOL for Windows: Provides Win32 API-compatible DLL functions for easy integration into custom applications.
- API-TOOL for Linux: Includes kernel module and shared library for C/C++ development.
- LabVIEW VI-DAQ: Free VI library for integrating CONTEC boards into LabVIEW environments.
- Regular driver and firmware updates available from CONTEC’s website.

Related Models in the Series:
- PO-32L(PCI)H: 32-channel opto-isolated digital output PCI board (35VDC, 100mA)
- PO-64L(PCI)H: 64-channel PCI version with similar specifications
- PO-128L(PCI): 128-channel PCI short-size board
- PO-64L(CPCI): CompactPCI version of the 64-channel output board
- PO-32B(PCI)H: 32-channel output with on-board 12V power supply

Typical Applications:
- Factory automation and process control
- Test and measurement systems
- Equipment status indication and alarm control
- Remote I/O expansion for industrial PCs
- Robotics and motion control systems

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Summary

The CONTEC PO-64L(PC) is a robust, opto-isolated 64-channel digital output interface card designed for PC/AT (ISA) systems. It provides reliable, high-voltage, current-sinking outputs with comprehensive electrical isolation and protection features. With its 5kV isolation, 35V/200mA output capacity, and 96-pin half-pitch connector, it is ideal for industrial automation, control, and monitoring applications requiring high channel density and electrical robustness. Supported by CONTEC’s cross-platform driver suite and LabVIEW integration tools, the PO-64L(PC) offers a complete solution for engineers and system integrators seeking dependable digital output control in industrial environments.