Securing a Legacy Advantech Data Acquisition Card for an Industrial Automation Program

Customer Profile

A global systems integrator supporting industrial automation and process control deployments. Their solutions are used in manufacturing environments where real-time data acquisition and control reliability are essential.

The Challenge

The customer required the Advantech PCI-1757UP, a 24-channel TTL digital I/O low-profile card used for data logging and control functions in a legacy system.

However, sourcing this component presented multiple challenges:

• The part had gone obsolete a few years ago, with no ongoing production

• No availability through authorized or standard procurement channels

• Open market supply was limited and inconsistent

• High risk of non-functional or improperly handled units

• The system architecture depended on this exact PCI interface—no direct substitute available

• Redesigning the system would involve software, hardware, and validation overhead

For the customer, ensuring functional integrity and compatibility was non-negotiable.

Why the Component Is Critical

The PCI-1757UP plays a key role in:

• Industrial data acquisition systems

• Machine control and automation

• Real-time signal monitoring

• Interface between sensors, controllers, and software systems

In this application, it was responsible for reliable digital input/output communication, making it central to system operation. Any deviation in functionality could disrupt the entire control process.

The Product

Advantech PCI-1757UP – 24ch TTL Digital I/O Card

• 24-channel TTL digital I/O

• Low-profile PCI form factor

• Designed for industrial data acquisition & control

• Widely used in legacy automation platforms

Its compatibility with older system architectures makes it critical for long-life industrial deployments.

Maketronics’ Role: Sourcing with Certified Testing Assurance

Maketronics leveraged its global sourcing network to secure:

• New & original PCI-1757UP cards

• Inventory aligned with the customer’s technical requirements

Given the critical nature of functionality, all units were tested at a certified independent laboratory as per AS6171 standards, including:

✔ X-ray inspection for internal integrity

✔ Functional testing to verify operational performance

✔ Visual inspection to confirm condition and handling

Only units that passed all validation checks were approved for delivery.

Results Delivered

• Customer received fully tested, new & original units

• Guaranteed functionality for immediate deployment

• No redesign or system revalidation required

• Project timelines maintained without disruption

Key Takeaway

For complex assemblies like data acquisition cards, functionality matters as much as authenticity. Maketronics combines global sourcing expertise with AS6171-compliant testing to ensure that even hard-to-find system-level components perform exactly as expected.

When legacy systems depend on precision hardware, Maketronics ensures continuity without compromise.