Comprehensive Product Summary – CONTEC GP‑IB(PCI)FL

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: PCI IEEE‑488.2 (GPIB) Interface Card
Model: GP‑IB(PCI)FL
Series: GPIB F‑Series (High‑Performance IEEE‑488.2/GPIB Communication Boards)
Article Number: GP‑IB(PCI)FL
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Product Category: Communication Interface Board – IEEE‑488.1/488.2 (GPIB)
Bus Type: PCI Bus (32‑bit, 33 MHz, 5 V or 3.3 V signaling)
Manufacturer Website: [www.contec.com](https://www.contec.com)

The GP‑IB(PCI)FL is a high‑performance, low‑cost IEEE‑488.2 compliant GPIB interface card designed for PCI bus systems. It provides high‑speed data transfer up to 1.5 Mbyte/s, supports bus master transfer for CPU‑independent communication, and includes a 2 Kbyte FIFO buffer for both transmission and reception. The board is part of CONTEC’s F‑Series, known for robust industrial design, long‑term availability, and compatibility with a wide range of measurement and automation instruments.

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### 2. Key Features

- IEEE‑488.1 / IEEE‑488.2 Compliance: Fully conforms to international GPIB standards, ensuring interoperability with a broad range of test and measurement devices.
- High‑Speed Data Transfer: Achieves up to 1.5 Mbyte/sec maximum transfer rate, suitable for high‑throughput data acquisition and control.
- Bus Master Transfer: Enables direct memory access (DMA‑like) data transfer between the board and system memory without CPU overhead, improving system efficiency.
- 2 Kbyte FIFO Buffer: Dedicated FIFO memory for both transmission and reception ensures stable high‑speed communication and minimizes data loss.
- Stable Long‑Term Supply: Uses a CONTEC‑developed GPIB controller compatible with the NEC µPD7210C, ensuring long‑term product availability and reliability.
- Compact PCI Form Factor: Standard PCI short‑size board (121.69 mm × 63.41 mm) fits standard and low‑profile PCI slots.
- Plug & Play Configuration: Automatic resource allocation (I/O address and IRQ) via PCI PnP architecture.
- Interrupt Support: One interrupt request line (INTA#) for efficient event‑driven communication.
- Multi‑Device Connectivity: Supports up to 15 devices on a single GPIB bus.
- Cable Length Compliance: Up to 4 m between adjacent devices and 20 m total bus length.
- Software Support: Includes Windows API libraries and supports Linux, MATLAB, and LabVIEW environments.
- Optional Accessories: GPIB connector adapter (CN‑GP/C) and double‑shielded GPIB cables (PCN‑T02 2 m / PCN‑T04 4 m).

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### 3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|------------------|
| Interface Standard | IEEE‑488.1 / IEEE‑488.2 |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Maximum Transfer Rate | 1.5 Mbyte/sec |
| Data Format | 8 parallel data lines, 3 handshake lines |
| Signal Logic | Negative logic (Low ≤ 0.8 V, High ≥ 2.0 V) |
| Interrupts | 1 × INTA# |
| I/O Address Allocation | Any 128‑byte boundary (PnP automatic) |
| Maximum Cable Length Between Devices | 4 m |
| Total Cable Length | 20 m (max.) |
| Maximum Number of Devices | 15 |
| Power Consumption | +5 VDC 400 mA (max.) |
| Bus Interface | PCI 32‑bit, 33 MHz, 5 V or 3.3 V |
| Board Dimensions | 121.69 (L) × 63.41 (H) mm |
| Connector Type | 24‑pin ribbon connector (AMP 555139‑1 or equivalent) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 – 50 °C |
| Operating Humidity | 20 – 90 % RH (non‑condensing) |
| Weight | Approx. 120 g |
| Mounting | PCI expansion slot (standard or low‑profile bracket) |

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### 4. Functionality

The GP‑IB(PCI)FL serves as a GPIB controller interface between a host PC and external IEEE‑488 instruments such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, and signal analyzers. It enables command and data exchange using the IEEE‑488.2 protocol, supporting talker/listener/controller roles.

Operation Principle:
- The board communicates via an 8‑bit parallel data bus with three handshake lines (DAV, NRFD, NDAC) and five management lines (ATN, IFC, SRQ, REN, EOI).
- The onboard controller manages bus timing and handshaking, offloading the host CPU.
- Bus master transfer allows direct memory access for large data blocks.
- FIFO buffers ensure smooth data flow even under high‑speed conditions.

Typical Applications:
- Automated test equipment (ATE) systems.
- Laboratory instrumentation control.
- Data acquisition and logging.
- Production line test automation.
- Calibration and measurement systems.

Compatibility:
- Compatible with IEEE‑488.1/488.2 compliant instruments from major vendors (Keysight, Tektronix, Rohde & Schwarz, Yokogawa, etc.).
- Works with Windows 10/11, Windows Server, and Linux distributions supporting PCI devices.

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- GP‑IB(PCI)FL PCI card.
- Software package (API‑PAC(W32) driver library).
- Documentation and installation guide.

Optional Accessories:
- CN‑GP/C: GPIB connector adapter for tight or recessed PCI slots.
- PCN‑T02: 2 m double‑shielded GPIB cable.
- PCN‑T04: 4 m double‑shielded GPIB cable.
- Bus Analyzer Utility: Optional diagnostic software for line monitoring (available for F‑series boards with analyzer function).

Connectors:
- 24‑pin ribbon connector (AMP 555139‑1 or equivalent).
- Compatible with standard IEEE‑488 cables via CN‑GP/C adapter.

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### 6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- PCI slot (32‑bit, 33 MHz, 5 V or 3.3 V signaling).
- Windows OS (XP – 11) or Linux kernel with PCI support.
- Administrator privileges for driver installation.

Installation Steps:
1. Power off the PC and insert the GP‑IB(PCI)FL into an available PCI slot.
2. Secure the bracket and reconnect power.
3. Boot the system; the board is automatically detected via PCI Plug & Play.
4. Install the API‑PAC(W32) driver package or Linux API‑TOOL driver.
5. Connect the GPIB cable (PCN‑T02/T04) via the CN‑GP/C adapter.
6. Configure device addresses and communication parameters using the provided utility or programming API.

Mounting Options:
- Standard PCI bracket (included).
- Optional low‑profile bracket for compact PCs.

Configuration:
- No manual jumper or DIP switch settings required.
- IRQ and I/O address automatically assigned by BIOS/OS.

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

- Transfer Speed: Up to 1.5 Mbyte/sec (burst mode).
- FIFO Buffer: 2 Kbyte each for transmit and receive.
- Bus Master Transfer: Enables high‑speed DMA‑like operation independent of CPU load.
- Latency: Sub‑microsecond response for command/handshake operations.
- Reliability: Industrial‑grade design for continuous operation in automation environments.
- Device Capacity: Supports up to 15 GPIB devices per bus segment.
- Cable Length: 4 m between devices, 20 m total (per IEEE‑488.1).
- Limitations: Does not include the GPIB bus analyzer function (available on GP‑IB(PCI)F model).

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

- IEEE‑488.1 / IEEE‑488.2: Fully compliant.
- PCI Local Bus Specification: Revision 2.2 compliant (32‑bit, 33 MHz).
- Electrical Safety: Designed for 5 VDC operation, conforms to industrial EMC standards.
- RoHS / Pb‑Free: RoHS‑compliant, lead‑free manufacturing.
- CE Marking: Meets EU EMC and safety directives.
- Operating System Support:
- Windows XP/7/8/10/11 (32/64‑bit).
- Windows Server 2008 – 2022.
- Linux (API‑TOOL driver package).
- MATLAB and LabVIEW integration via dedicated drivers.

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### 9. Additional Information

Warranty & Support:
- Standard manufacturer warranty (typically 1 year, extendable).
- Technical support via CONTEC global service network.
- Firmware and driver updates available from [www.contec.com](https://www.contec.com).

Maintenance:
- No periodic calibration required.
- Keep connectors clean and free of dust.
- Use only CONTEC‑approved cables for optimal signal integrity.

Software & Development Tools:
- API‑PAC(W32): Windows API function library for C/C++/VB.
- ACX‑PAC(W32): Configuration and diagnostic utility.
- Linux API‑TOOL: Open‑source driver and shared library.
- LabVIEW / MATLAB Drivers: Available for seamless integration with test automation environments.

Diagnostic Utilities:
- Hardware self‑test and communication verification tools.
- Status monitoring for GPIB control lines (IFC, ATN, SRQ, REN, EOI, DAV, NRFD, NDAC).

Ordering Information:
| Model | Description | Accessories |
|------------|----------------|----------------|
| GP‑IB(PCI)FL | PCI IEEE‑488.2 (GPIB) Interface Card | CN‑GP/C, PCN‑T02, PCN‑T04 (optional) |

Related Models:
- GP‑IB(PCI)F: Same as FL model with additional GPIB bus analyzer function.
- GP‑IB(LPCI)FL: Low‑profile PCI version.
- GP‑IB(CB)FL: CardBus version for laptops.
- GP‑IB(CPCI)F: CompactPCI version for industrial systems.

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### Summary

The CONTEC GP‑IB(PCI)FL is a robust, high‑speed IEEE‑488.2 interface card for PCI‑based systems, offering 1.5 Mbyte/s transfer capability, bus master operation, and 2 Kbyte FIFO buffering for efficient, CPU‑independent communication. Designed for industrial and laboratory automation, it supports up to 15 devices on a single GPIB bus and integrates seamlessly with Windows, Linux, MATLAB, and LabVIEW environments. Its compact PCI form factor, automatic configuration, and long‑term availability make it an ideal solution for modern test and measurement systems requiring reliable, high‑performance GPIB connectivity.