Comprehensive Product Summary – CONTEC GPIB-FL-LPE PCIe Low Profile IEEE-488.2 (GPIB) Interface Card

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: PCIe Low Profile IEEE-488.2 (GPIB) Interface Card
Model: GPIB-FL-LPE
Series: GPIB-F / GPIB-FL Series
Article Number: GPIB-FL-LPE
Manufacturer: CONTEC CO., LTD.
Version: Ver.1.11 (also available as Ver.1.10)
Product Type: PCI Express (PCIe) bus-compatible GPIB interface board
Form Factor: Low Profile PCI Express card (standard bracket included for full-height slots)
Country of Origin: Japan

The CONTEC GPIB-FL-LPE is a high-speed, low-profile PCI Express interface card designed for IEEE-488.1 and IEEE-488.2 compliant GPIB communications. It enables PCs to control and communicate with GPIB-compatible instruments such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and signal generators. The card supports bus master operation for efficient data transfer and is optimized for industrial, laboratory, and automated test environments.

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### 2. Key Features

- IEEE-488.1 / IEEE-488.2 Compliance:
Fully conforms to both IEEE-488.1 and IEEE-488.2 standards, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of GPIB instruments.

- High-Speed Data Transfer:
Achieves up to 1.5 MByte/sec maximum transfer rate, supporting high-throughput data acquisition and control.

- Bus Master Operation:
Enables direct memory access (DMA) transfers between the board and system memory without CPU overhead, improving system efficiency.

- Dual 2Kbyte FIFO Buffers:
Independent 2Kbyte send and receive buffers allow smooth, high-speed data flow and minimize latency during communication.

- SPAS Event Function:
Supports the SPAS (Serial Poll Active State) event, enhancing flexibility in serial polling and system control.

- High-Precision Internal Timer:
Integrated timer allows accurate time monitoring and synchronization under Windows environments.

- Long-Term Availability:
Utilizes CONTEC’s proprietary high-speed GPIB controller (µPD7210 register compatible), ensuring product longevity and stable supply.

- Diagnostic Utility:
Includes a diagnostic program for verifying hardware operation, interrupts, I/O addresses, and performing communication tests.

- Low Profile and Standard Slot Support:
Ships with a low-profile bracket pre-installed and includes a standard bracket for full-height PCIe slots.

- Software Development Support:
Compatible with CONTEC’s API-PAC(W32) driver library, supporting Win32 API-based programming languages and LabVIEW integration.

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### 3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|-------------------|
| Bus Interface | PCI Express Base Specification Rev. 1.0a, x1 lane |
| GPIB Standards | IEEE-488.1, IEEE-488.2 |
| Transfer Format | 8-bit parallel, 3-wire handshake |
| Max Transfer Rate | 1.5 MByte/sec |
| Data Buffers | 2Kbyte send, 2Kbyte receive |
| Bus Master DMA Channels | 2 channels |
| Transfer Bus Width | 32-bit |
| Max DMA Transfer Length | 8 PCI words |
| DMA Transfer Rate | 80 MByte/sec |
| Scatter/Gather Function | 64 MByte/channel |
| Signal Logic Levels | L ≤ 0.8V, H ≥ 2.0V (negative logic) |
| Cable Length (per device) | ≤ 4 m |
| Total Cable Length | ≤ 20 m |
| Max Connected Devices | 15 |
| I/O Address | Any 128-byte boundary |
| Interrupts | 1 level (IntA) |
| Power Consumption | 3.3VDC, 600mA (max) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 – 50°C |
| Operating Humidity | 10 – 90% RH (non-condensing) |
| Dimensions (L × H) | 121.69 mm × 67.90 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 80 g |
| Connector Type | 24-pin Micro Ribbon (AMP 5555139-1 or equivalent) |
| Certifications | CE, VCCI, RoHS compliant |

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### 4. Functionality

The GPIB-FL-LPE functions as a PCIe-based GPIB controller, enabling communication between a host PC and up to 15 GPIB instruments. It supports both controller (master) and device (slave) modes, allowing flexible integration into automated test systems.

Primary Functions:
- Master/Slave Operation: Configurable via software; can send IFC (Interface Clear) and control REN (Remote Enable) lines.
- Data Communication: Supports IEEE-488 standard handshaking and data transfer with optional EOI (End or Identify) signaling.
- Polling Functions: Implements serial and parallel polling, SRQ (Service Request) handling, and status byte management.
- Address Configuration: GPIB address (primary 0–30) set via software property page.
- FIFO Communication: On-board FIFO memory ensures high-speed, CPU-independent data exchange.
- Line Monitoring: Reads all control lines (IFC, ATN, SRQ, REN, EOI, DAV, NRFD, NDAC) and data lines (DIO1–DIO8).
- Analyzer Function (GPIB-F-LPE only): Captures and analyzes up to 64K data points of GPIB signal transitions for debugging and diagnostics.

Typical Applications:
- Automated test equipment (ATE)
- Laboratory instrumentation control
- Data acquisition systems
- Industrial measurement and control
- Research and development environments

Compatibility:
- Compatible with Windows (XP, 2000, Server 2003) and Linux distributions (RedHat, TurboLinux, etc.)
- Supports programming in Visual C++, Visual Basic, C#, Delphi, C++Builder, and LabVIEW.

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
1. GPIB-FL-LPE board (1 unit)
2. First Step Guide (1 copy)
3. Driver Software Disk [API-PAC(W32)] (1 CD-ROM)
4. GPIB Connector Adapter [CN-GP/C] (1 unit)
5. Standard-sized bracket (1 unit)
6. Serial number label
7. Product Registration Card & Warranty Certificate

Optional Accessories:
- GPIB Cable (2m): PCN-T02
- GPIB Cable (4m): PCN-T04
- GPIB Connector Adapter: CN-GP/C (included standard, available separately if needed)

Connector Pinout (CN1):
- Data Lines: DIO1–DIO8
- Handshake Lines: DAV, NRFD, NDAC
- Management Lines: IFC, SRQ, ATN, REN, EOI
- Ground Lines: Multiple GND pins for signal integrity

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### 6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- Available PCI Express x1 slot (supports x4/x8/x16 mechanically)
- Compatible operating system (Windows or Linux)
- Administrative privileges for driver installation

Installation Steps:
1. Software Installation:
Install the API-PAC(W32) driver library before inserting the hardware.
2. Hardware Preparation:
Replace the low-profile bracket with the standard bracket if required.
3. Board ID Setting:
Set unique Board ID (0–Fh) using rotary switch SW1 when multiple boards are installed.
4. Hardware Installation:
Power off PC, insert the board into a PCIe slot, and secure the bracket.
5. Driver Configuration:
Use Windows Device Manager to assign device name and configure driver parameters.
6. Diagnostic Verification:
Run the bundled diagnostic program to verify communication and hardware integrity.

Connector Installation Notes:
- Use the CN-GP/C adapter if the GPIB cable interferes with the PC chassis.
- Ensure all devices are powered on before initiating communication.
- Avoid hot-plugging or disconnecting cables during operation.

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

- Data Throughput: Up to 1.5 MB/s GPIB transfer rate
- DMA Transfer Rate: Up to 80 MB/s via PCIe bus master
- FIFO Buffers: 2Kbyte send and receive buffers for continuous data flow
- Analyzer Memory (GPIB-F-LPE): 64K data points (control + DIO1–8)
- Bus Master Efficiency: Offloads CPU by handling data transfers autonomously
- Latency: Reduced through hardware FIFO and DMA
- Device Capacity: Supports up to 15 GPIB instruments per bus
- Cable Length Limitations: 4 m between devices, 20 m total per system
- Environmental Tolerance: Operates reliably from 0°C to 50°C, 10–90% RH

Limitations:
- Analyzer function not available on GPIB-FL-LPE (only on GPIB-F-LPE)
- Does not support legacy Windows 95/98/NT systems
- Requires external GPIB cables compliant with IEEE-488 standards

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

- Electrical & Interface Standards:
IEEE-488.1, IEEE-488.2 (GPIB communication standards)
PCI Express Base Specification Rev. 1.0a

- Environmental & Safety Compliance:
- RoHS: Restriction of Hazardous Substances compliant
- CE Mark: Conforms to European safety and EMC directives
- VCCI: Certified for electromagnetic compatibility in Japan

- Functional Interface Codes (per IEEE-488.2):
SH1, AH1, T6, L4, TE0, LE0, SR1, RL1, DC1, DT1, PP1, C1–C4, C26
(Supports source/acceptor handshakes, service requests, remote/local control, and system controller functions.)

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### 9. Additional Information

Warranty:
Limited three-year warranty from the date of purchase. Covers defects in materials and workmanship. Excludes damage from misuse, modification, or improper installation.

Technical Support:
- Websites:
- Japanese: [http://www.contec.co.jp/](http://www.contec.co.jp/)
- English: [http://www.contec.com/](http://www.contec.com/)
- Chinese: [http://www.contec.com.cn/](http://www.contec.com.cn/)
- Support Services:
- Driver and firmware updates
- Sample programs and API documentation
- Technical manuals and troubleshooting guides

Maintenance & Handling:
- Avoid static discharge and physical shock during installation.
- Clean edge connectors with industrial alcohol if contaminated.
- Store in anti-static packaging at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight.

Software Updates & Downloads:
- API-PAC(W32): [http://www.contec.com/apipac/](http://www.contec.com/apipac/)
- API-GPLV(W32): [http://www.contec.com/gplv/](http://www.contec.com/gplv/)
- Linux Drivers (API-GPIB(LNX)): Available on the same site.

Driver Libraries:
- API-PAC(W32): Win32 API DLL library for C/C++/VB/.NET development
- API-GPLV(W32): LabVIEW-compatible driver (NI-488.2 function equivalent)
- API-GPIB(LNX): Linux shared library and kernel module for GPIB control

Sample Programs:
- Demonstrate master/slave communication, polling, and instrument control.
- Include examples for multimeters, voltage sources, and oscilloscopes.
- Stored in installation directories under `Program Files\CONTEC\API-PAC(W32)`.

Analyzer Utility (GPIB-F-LPE only):
- Captures and visualizes GPIB line transitions.
- Supports trigger conditions, CSV data export, and graphical waveform display.

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### Summary

The CONTEC GPIB-FL-LPE is a robust, high-performance PCI Express GPIB interface card engineered for precision instrument control and data acquisition. With full IEEE-488.2 compliance, high-speed DMA transfers, and dual FIFO buffering, it delivers reliable communication for demanding test and measurement applications. Its low-profile design ensures compatibility with compact PCs, while the included software suite provides comprehensive development and diagnostic tools for Windows and Linux environments. Certified to CE, VCCI, and RoHS standards, the GPIB-FL-LPE offers industrial-grade reliability, long-term availability, and flexible integration into modern automated systems.