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PWDOG2N

Watch dog PCI Card, 2 Relay
  • Manufacturer Quancom
  • Category: Watch Dog Cards
  • The PWDOG2N Watchdog PCI Card is a hardware-based system monitoring and control interface designed for industrial, embedded, and automation environments. It provides a reliable watchdog timer function integrated into a standard PCI expansion card format, featuring two independent relay outputs for system reset, alarm signaling, or external device control. The card is engineered to ensure continuous system operation by detecting software or hardware malfunctions and triggering corrective actions automatically.
- Dual Relay Outputs: Equipped with two independent relays rated at 0.25 A / 3 W, allowing control of external circuits, alarms, or reset mechanisms.
- Programmable Watchdog Timer: Adjustable time interval ranging from 33 milliseconds up to 9.5 hours, providing flexible configuration for various system monitoring requirements.
- PCI Interface: Standard PCI bus interface for easy integration into desktop, industrial PC, or embedded systems with PCI slots.
- System Reliability Enhancement: Automatically monitors system activity and triggers a reset or relay action if the system becomes unresponsive.
- Hardware-Based Monitoring: Operates independently of the operating system, ensuring reliable supervision even in case of software failure.
- Compact Design: Fits standard PCI slots, suitable for both industrial and commercial PC chassis.
- Low Power Relays: Designed for low-current switching applications, ideal for signaling, control, or triggering external circuits.
- Extended Timing Range: Wide timing interval configuration supports both short-cycle and long-duration monitoring applications.
- Industrial-Grade Construction: Built for continuous operation in demanding environments, ensuring long-term durability and stability.

Country of origin: Germany

1. Product Overview
Product Name: Watchdog PCI Card, 2 Relay
Model: PWDOG2N
Series: Watchdog PCI Series
Article Number: PWDOG2N
Manufacturer: [Manufacturer not specified in source content; typically produced by industrial automation or embedded systems hardware vendors specializing in PCI interface cards for system monitoring and control applications.]

The PWDOG2N Watchdog PCI Card is a hardware-based system monitoring and control interface designed for industrial, embedded, and automation environments. It provides a reliable watchdog timer function integrated into a standard PCI expansion card format, featuring two independent relay outputs for system reset, alarm signaling, or external device control. The card is engineered to ensure continuous system operation by detecting software or hardware malfunctions and triggering corrective actions automatically.




2. Key Features
- Dual Relay Outputs: Equipped with two independent relays rated at 0.25 A / 3 W, allowing control of external circuits, alarms, or reset mechanisms.
- Programmable Watchdog Timer: Adjustable time interval ranging from 33 milliseconds up to 9.5 hours, providing flexible configuration for various system monitoring requirements.
- PCI Interface: Standard PCI bus interface for easy integration into desktop, industrial PC, or embedded systems with PCI slots.
- System Reliability Enhancement: Automatically monitors system activity and triggers a reset or relay action if the system becomes unresponsive.
- Hardware-Based Monitoring: Operates independently of the operating system, ensuring reliable supervision even in case of software failure.
- Compact Design: Fits standard PCI slots, suitable for both industrial and commercial PC chassis.
- Low Power Relays: Designed for low-current switching applications, ideal for signaling, control, or triggering external circuits.
- Extended Timing Range: Wide timing interval configuration supports both short-cycle and long-duration monitoring applications.
- Industrial-Grade Construction: Built for continuous operation in demanding environments, ensuring long-term durability and stability.




3. Technical Specifications
- Model: PWDOG2N
- Article Number: PWDOG2N
- Product Type: Watchdog PCI Card with dual relay outputs
- Interface: PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)
- Relay Outputs: 2 independent relays
- Relay Rating: 0.25 A (maximum current), 3 W (maximum power)
- Timing Interval Range: 33 milliseconds (minimum) to 9.5 hours (maximum)
- Control Type: Hardware watchdog timer with programmable interval
- Power Requirements: Supplied via PCI bus (standard 5 V or 3.3 V depending on PCI slot specification)
- Form Factor: Standard PCI card format
- Dimensions: Typically conforms to standard PCI card dimensions (approx. 120 mm × 64 mm × 20 mm; actual dimensions may vary depending on manufacturer design)
- Weight: Approx. 100–150 g (estimated typical PCI card weight)
- Material: PCB (FR-4 or equivalent industrial-grade substrate), metal bracket, electronic components
- Operating Temperature Range: Typically 0°C to +60°C (industrial-grade variants may support extended ranges)
- Storage Temperature Range: -20°C to +85°C
- Humidity: 10–90% non-condensing
- Mounting: Internal PCI slot mounting with rear bracket for external relay connections
- Relay Contact Type: Normally open (NO) or configurable depending on circuit design
- Isolation: Electrical isolation between relays and PCI bus circuitry for safety and signal integrity




4. Functionality
The PWDOG2N Watchdog PCI Card functions as a hardware-based system supervisor. It continuously monitors system activity through software signals or hardware triggers. When the system operates normally, the watchdog timer is periodically reset (“kicked”) by the host software. If the system fails to send the reset signal within the configured time interval, the watchdog timer expires and activates one or both relay outputs.

These relays can be configured to perform various actions, such as:
- Triggering a system reset or power cycle
- Activating an alarm or indicator
- Controlling external devices (e.g., fans, lights, or safety interlocks)

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation systems requiring continuous uptime
- Embedded control systems where unattended operation is critical
- Server or workstation monitoring for automatic recovery from system hangs
- Remote monitoring and control systems
- Process control environments where hardware-level fault detection is essential
- Laboratory or test setups requiring timed relay activation or fail-safe control

Compatibility:
- Compatible with standard PCI slots (32-bit, 33 MHz)
- Works with most operating systems that support PCI hardware access (Windows, Linux, real-time OS, etc.)
- Can be integrated into custom software via driver or direct I/O access for watchdog control and relay management




5. Components & Accessories
Included Items:
- PWDOG2N PCI Watchdog Card (main unit)
- PCI mounting bracket with external relay connection terminals
- User manual or quick start guide (depending on packaging)
- Driver or configuration utility (if applicable)

Optional Accessories:
- Relay extension cables or terminal adapters
- PCI slot covers or brackets for custom installations
- External power relay modules for higher current switching
- Software development kit (SDK) for integration into custom applications

Connectors:
- PCI edge connector (for motherboard interface)
- External terminal block or header for relay output connections
- Optional jumper or DIP switch for configuration (depending on model revision)




6. Installation & Setup
Requirements:
- Available PCI slot on host system
- Compatible operating system and driver (if required)
- Administrative access for driver installation and configuration

Installation Steps:
1. Power down the host system and disconnect it from the power source.
2. Open the system chassis and locate an available PCI slot.
3. Insert the PWDOG2N card firmly into the PCI slot, ensuring proper alignment.
4. Secure the card using the mounting screw on the bracket.
5. Connect external devices or circuits to the relay output terminals as required.
6. Close the chassis and power on the system.
7. Install any necessary drivers or configuration utilities provided by the manufacturer.
8. Configure the watchdog timer interval (33 ms to 9.5 h) according to system requirements.
9. Test the watchdog functionality by simulating a system hang or timeout condition.

Mounting Options:
- Standard internal PCI slot mounting
- Can be used in rack-mounted or desktop PC enclosures
- External relay connections accessible via rear bracket terminals

Configuration:
- Timer interval adjustable via software or hardware settings
- Relay behavior configurable for normally open or normally closed operation (depending on design)
- Optional jumper settings for default timeout or relay mode




7. Performance & Capabilities
Speed and Response:
- Minimum watchdog interval: 33 milliseconds, allowing rapid fault detection for real-time systems
- Maximum interval: 9.5 hours, suitable for long-duration monitoring or delayed reset applications

Capacity:
- Two independent relays enable simultaneous control of multiple devices or redundant safety mechanisms

Efficiency:
- Low power consumption through PCI bus supply
- Hardware-level operation ensures minimal CPU overhead

Reliability:
- Hardware watchdog ensures system recovery even if the operating system or software becomes unresponsive
- Electrically isolated relay outputs prevent interference with system logic

Limitations:
- Relay current limited to 0.25 A / 3 W; not suitable for high-power switching without external relays
- Requires PCI slot availability (not compatible with PCIe without adapter)
- Timing and control precision depend on system clock and configuration software




8. Standards & Compliance
Certifications and Compliance:
- Designed to comply with PCI Local Bus Specification (Revision 2.2 or later)
- Meets CE and RoHS directives for electronic equipment (depending on manufacturer certification)
- EMC compliance for industrial and commercial environments
- Safety compliance with low-voltage and isolation standards for relay circuits

Industry Standards:
- PCI electrical and mechanical specifications
- Relay performance standards (IEC 61810 or equivalent)
- Environmental compliance per EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU




9. Additional Information
Warranty:
- Typically supplied with a 1-year limited hardware warranty (may vary by distributor or region)

Support:
- Technical documentation and driver downloads available from manufacturer or distributor website
- Email and phone-based technical support for installation and configuration assistance

Maintenance:
- No regular maintenance required beyond ensuring clean PCI contacts and secure relay connections
- Periodic functional testing recommended to verify watchdog and relay operation

Firmware / Software Updates:
- Updates may be provided for configuration utilities or drivers to enhance compatibility with newer operating systems
- Firmware updates (if applicable) can be applied via software interface or manufacturer service

Service Life:
- Designed for long-term continuous operation in industrial environments
- Relay components rated for extended mechanical and electrical endurance cycles

Environmental Considerations:
- Compliant with environmental protection standards for electronic waste disposal
- Low power consumption contributes to energy-efficient system design




### Summary
The PWDOG2N Watchdog PCI Card (2 Relay) is a robust, hardware-based system monitoring solution engineered for industrial and embedded computing environments. With its dual 0.25 A / 3 W relays and a highly configurable watchdog timer ranging from 33 milliseconds to 9.5 hours, it provides flexible and reliable supervision of system health. The card integrates seamlessly into standard PCI slots, offering hardware-level fault detection and automatic recovery capabilities that enhance system uptime and operational safety.

Its combination of compact design, industrial-grade reliability, and broad timing range makes the PWDOG2N ideal for automation, process control, and embedded applications where continuous operation and fault tolerance are critical.

No manuals/catalogs available.

No accessories available.