Key Technical Specifications

• Product Model: ACO/DCO-8(98)
• Manufacturer: CONTEC
• System Type: Hybrid PLC-VLC Receiver
• Modulation Support: ACO-OFDM, DCO-OFDM
• Noise Suppression: Nonlinear Clipping (Blanking)
• Key Feature: High Extinction Ratio Handling
• Power Profile: Low Power Consumption Design
• Form Factor: Compact Industrial Board
• Application Domain: Industrial Automation, Medical
• Signal Processing: Pulse Noise Identification & Zero-Clipping

 

Product Introduction

CONTEC ACO/DCO-8(98) is a specialized receiver module for hybrid Power Line Communication and Visible Light Communication systems. It handles ACO-OFDM and DCO-OFDM modulation schemes to ensure data compatibility between electrical and optical channels.This card uses nonlinear blanking to identify and clip pulse noise samples to zero, which improves signal integrity in noisy industrial environments. Unlike standard clipping, this method preserves more signal energy while suppressing interference. It’s a niche component, so verify your system’s exact modulation requirements before ordering.

Installation & Configuration Guide

Preparation (10 min)
Confirm the ACO/DCO-8(98) matches your system’s modulation scheme. Check the CONTEC manual for specific jumper settings. Ensure the PLC-VLC controller is powered down.Removal (5–10 min)
Disconnect all optical and electrical cables. Remove mounting screws. Gently pull the module straight out. Inspect the backplane connector for bent pins or debris.Installation (10 min)
Align the ACO/DCO-8(98) with the slot guides. Press firmly until fully seated. Secure with mounting screws. Reconnect cables, ensuring optical fibers are not bent beyond their minimum radius.Power-On & Test (10 min)
Restore power. Check the module status LED. Run the CONTEC diagnostic utility to verify signal reception. Monitor the SNR output to confirm the blanking algorithm is active.

 

Troubleshooting Quick Reference

• No Signal Output: Check optical fiber connection. Verify the ACO/DCO-8(98) is fully seated. Measure 5V supply at the module.
• High Error Rate: Inspect for EMI near the optical receiver. Verify the blanking threshold is set correctly in software. Check for damaged fiber.
• Module Not Detected: Reseat the card. Check backplane slot for damage. Verify firmware version matches the module revision.
• Intermittent Connection: Tighten all mounting screws. Vibration can cause poor contact. Check for thermal expansion issues.
• LED Status Abnormal: Consult the CONTEC LED code table. Solid red usually indicates hardware fault. Blinking may indicate boot failure.

Dimensions, Mounting & Wiring Notes

• Dimensions: Compact form factor (Check CONTEC datasheet for exact H×W×D)
• Mounting: Standard industrial board mounting with screws
• Wiring: Optical input requires clean fiber ends. Electrical connections must be shielded. Avoid routing power cables parallel to signal lines.

 

FAQ

What does the (98) in ACO/DCO-8(98) mean?
It’s likely a revision or configuration code. CONTEC uses these to denote specific firmware or hardware variants. Always match the full string, including the suffix.Can I use this for standard PLC without VLC?
No. This module is designed specifically for the hybrid PLC-VLC architecture. It expects optical input and processes ACO/DCO-OFDM signals. Using it in a pure PLC system won’t work.I’m getting noise even with blanking enabled.
Check your optical source. If the LED driver has high ripple, the blanking threshold might be too low. Adjust the threshold in the CONTEC config tool. Also, verify the fiber isn’t micro-bent.Is this module hot-swappable?
Don’t risk it. The ACO/DCO-8(98) handles sensitive optical signals. Power down the system before swapping. It takes two minutes. Not worth frying the backplane.How do I know if it’s been tested?
We verify the blanking function and SNR output on a test bench. You’ll get a report showing the noise suppression performance. If you need raw test data, ask before ordering.What’s the lead time if out of stock?
CONTEC modules can be hard to source. If we’re out, expect 2-4 weeks for procurement. We’ll give you a firm date upfront. No guessing.Does this replace older ACO/DCO-8 models?
Check the CONTEC compatibility matrix. The (98) suffix might indicate a pinout or firmware change. Don’t assume drop-in compatibility. Send us your old module’s label for verification.