1. Product Overview
Product Name: IEEE-488 Cable, High Quality
Model: ACL-IEEE488-4m
Series: ACL IEEE-488 Series
Article Number: ACL-IEEE488-4m
Manufacturer: ACL (Advanced Connection Lines)

The ACL-IEEE488-4m is a high-quality, heavy-duty IEEE-488 cable designed for reliable data communication between instruments and controllers in laboratory, industrial, and test environments. This cable is part of ACL’s precision interconnect product line, engineered to meet the demanding requirements of GPIB (General Purpose Interface Bus) systems. With a total length of 4 meters, it provides optimal reach for connecting multiple instruments while maintaining signal integrity and mechanical durability. The cable features robust double-sided metal connectors that ensure secure connections, long service life, and superior shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI).

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2. Key Features
- High-Quality IEEE-488 (GPIB) Cable: Designed for use in instrumentation and automation systems requiring IEEE-488 standard connectivity.
- Length: 4 meters (13.12 feet), providing flexibility in equipment layout without compromising signal quality.
- Heavy-Duty Construction: Built with industrial-grade materials for durability in laboratory and production environments.
- Double-Sided Metal Connectors: Precision-machined connectors with full metal shells for enhanced mechanical strength and EMI shielding.
- Reliable Signal Transmission: Optimized impedance and shielding minimize crosstalk and signal degradation across the full cable length.
- Stackable Connector Design: IEEE-488 standard connectors allow daisy-chaining of multiple instruments on the same bus.
- Secure Locking Mechanism: Screw or latch-type retention ensures stable connections even under vibration or frequent handling.
- Backward Compatibility: Fully compatible with legacy and modern GPIB instruments from major manufacturers such as Keysight, Tektronix, Rohde & Schwarz, and National Instruments.
- Plug-and-Play Operation: No configuration required; supports automatic device recognition in compliant systems.
- Industrial and Laboratory Grade: Suitable for precision measurement, automated test equipment (ATE), and data acquisition systems.

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3. Technical Specifications
- Cable Type: IEEE-488 / GPIB (General Purpose Interface Bus)
- Length: 4 meters (±0.05 m tolerance)
- Connectors:
- Type: 24-pin IEEE-488 standard connectors (Amphenol-style)
- Material: Full metal shell, nickel-plated for corrosion resistance
- Gender: Double-sided (male/female) for daisy-chain capability
- Contact Material: Gold-plated copper alloy contacts for low contact resistance
- Cable Construction:
- Conductor Material: Tinned copper
- Conductor Gauge: 24 AWG (typical)
- Insulation: High-grade PVC or equivalent dielectric
- Shielding: Multi-layer braided and foil shielding for EMI/RFI protection
- Outer Jacket: Flexible, abrasion-resistant PVC jacket
- Color: Standard black or dark gray industrial finish
- Electrical Characteristics:
- Characteristic Impedance: 78 ± 5 Ω
- Maximum Voltage Rating: 300 V RMS
- Signal Propagation Delay: < 5 ns/m
- Crosstalk Attenuation: > 40 dB at 1 MHz
- Mechanical Characteristics:
- Minimum Bend Radius: 10 × cable diameter
- Operating Temperature Range: -20 °C to +80 °C
- Weight: Approximately 0.45–0.6 kg (depending on connector type)
- Compliance: Conforms to IEEE-488.1 and IEEE-488.2 standards

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4. Functionality
The ACL-IEEE488-4m cable serves as a communication link between GPIB-compatible instruments and controllers, enabling data exchange and command control in automated test setups. It transmits digital signals according to the IEEE-488 protocol, supporting multi-device bus configurations.

How It Works:
Each connector provides 24 contacts arranged to carry data, control, and handshake signals. The cable allows up to 15 devices to be connected in parallel on a single bus, with total cable length not exceeding 20 meters as per IEEE-488 specifications. The double-sided connector design enables daisy-chaining, where one connector plugs into an instrument and the other connects to the next device in the chain.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Automated Test Equipment (ATE) systems
- Laboratory instrumentation interconnects
- Data acquisition and control systems
- Calibration and measurement setups
- Industrial process monitoring and control
- Research and development environments requiring synchronized instrument communication

Compatibility:
Fully compatible with all IEEE-488/GPIB-compliant devices, including instruments from:
- Keysight (Agilent, HP)
- Tektronix
- Rohde & Schwarz
- National Instruments
- Fluke
- Keithley Instruments
- Yokogawa
- And other manufacturers adhering to IEEE-488 standards

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5. Components & Accessories
Included Items:
- 1 × ACL-IEEE488-4m cable with double-sided metal connectors
- Protective connector caps (optional, depending on packaging)
- Product identification label with model and serial number

Optional Accessories:
- Cable management clips or ties
- GPIB-to-USB or GPIB-to-Ethernet adapters for modern interface integration
- Replacement connector screws or retention hardware
- Cable extension couplers (for total bus length within IEEE-488 limits)

Connectors:
Each end of the cable features a 24-pin IEEE-488 connector with a metal housing. The connectors are mechanically stackable, allowing multiple cables to be connected in parallel to a single instrument port. The metal shell provides both mechanical protection and electrical shielding, ensuring stable performance in electrically noisy environments.

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6. Installation & Setup
Requirements:
- Compatible GPIB/IEEE-488 ports on instruments and controllers
- Adequate clearance for connector stacking and cable routing
- Compliance with IEEE-488 bus length and device count limitations

Mounting Options:
The cable is flexible and can be routed through cable trays, racks, or benchtop setups. The connectors include captive screws or latch mechanisms for secure attachment to instrument ports.

Configuration:
No software configuration is required for the cable itself. Once connected, the GPIB controller automatically detects connected devices through standard IEEE-488 addressing. For optimal performance, ensure that total cable length and number of connected devices comply with IEEE-488.1 recommendations (maximum 15 devices, total cable length ≤ 20 m).

Installation Steps:
1. Power off all instruments before connecting or disconnecting cables.
2. Attach one connector to the GPIB controller port.
3. Connect the other end to the first instrument in the chain.
4. If additional instruments are used, daisy-chain subsequent cables using the secondary connector on each device.
5. Secure connectors using the provided screws or latches.
6. Power on the system and verify device recognition through the controller software.

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7. Performance & Capabilities
Speed and Data Transfer:
The ACL-IEEE488-4m cable supports standard IEEE-488 data transfer rates up to 1 MB/s (typical), depending on system configuration and device capabilities. The cable’s impedance control and shielding ensure minimal signal distortion, enabling reliable high-speed communication across the 4-meter length.

Capacity:
Supports up to 15 devices on a single bus, consistent with IEEE-488 specifications. The cable’s double-sided connectors facilitate easy expansion of the bus network.

Efficiency:
Optimized conductor geometry and shielding reduce signal reflections and noise coupling, maintaining data integrity even in electrically noisy environments.

Limitations:
- Total bus length should not exceed 20 meters.
- Excessive bending or mechanical stress may degrade performance.
- Not intended for outdoor or high-moisture environments unless additional protection is provided.

Reliability:
The heavy-duty metal connectors and robust cable jacket ensure long-term durability under frequent connection cycles. The gold-plated contacts resist oxidation and maintain low contact resistance over time.

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8. Standards & Compliance
- IEEE-488.1: Electrical and mechanical interface standard for GPIB systems.
- IEEE-488.2: Defines communication protocols and command structures for instrument interoperability.
- RoHS Compliance: Manufactured using materials compliant with Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directives.
- REACH Compliance: Meets European Union REACH regulations for chemical safety.
- EMC Shielding: Designed to minimize electromagnetic emissions and susceptibility.
- Quality Assurance: Produced under ISO 9001-certified manufacturing processes.

These compliance standards ensure that the ACL-IEEE488-4m cable meets international requirements for safety, reliability, and environmental responsibility.

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9. Additional Information
Warranty:
Typically covered by a 12- to 24-month manufacturer’s warranty against defects in materials and workmanship (exact duration may vary by region or distributor).

Support:
Technical support available through ACL’s authorized distributors and service partners. Documentation includes product datasheets, installation guides, and compatibility lists.

Maintenance:
- Periodically inspect connectors for dust or oxidation.
- Clean contacts with approved electronic contact cleaner if necessary.
- Avoid excessive bending or pulling on the cable.
- Store in a dry, temperature-controlled environment when not in use.

Updates and Replacements:
The ACL-IEEE488-4m is part of a modular product line that includes cables of various lengths (e.g., 1 m, 2 m, 4 m, 8 m). Replacement cables and accessories are available to maintain system compatibility and performance.

Environmental Considerations:
The cable is designed for long service life, reducing waste and replacement frequency. Materials are recyclable where facilities exist.

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Summary
The ACL-IEEE488-4m is a premium-grade, 4-meter IEEE-488 (GPIB) cable engineered for precision instrument communication in laboratory and industrial environments. Its heavy-duty double-sided metal connectors, robust shielding, and compliance with IEEE-488.1/488.2 standards ensure reliable, interference-free data transmission. Ideal for automated test systems, data acquisition setups, and multi-instrument configurations, this cable delivers consistent performance, mechanical durability, and long-term reliability.

With its combination of electrical precision, mechanical strength, and universal compatibility, the ACL-IEEE488-4m represents a dependable interconnect solution for professionals requiring stable and high-quality GPIB connectivity.