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API-GPIB(98/PC)NT

Windows NT support for GPIB Cards
  • Manufacturer Contec
  • Category: IEEE (GPIB) Cards
  • API‑GPIB(98/PC)NT is a Windows NT–compatible driver library designed to enable IEEE‑488 (GPIB) communication for CONTEC’s range of GPIB interface boards. It provides a standardized API for developing measurement and control applications under Windows NT environments, supporting both master and slave modes, and offering full IEEE‑488.2 compliance. The driver integrates seamlessly with CONTEC’s hardware and software ecosystem, including the API‑PAC(W32) unified driver library and LabVIEW‑compliant GPIB drivers.
- Windows NT Compatibility:
Specifically developed to provide GPIB communication support for Windows NT Workstation 4.0 (SP3 or later), ensuring stable operation in industrial and laboratory automation systems.

- IEEE‑488 / IEEE‑488.2 Compliance:
Fully compliant with IEEE‑488 and IEEE‑488.2 standards, enabling reliable communication with a wide range of GPIB instruments.

- Multi‑Board Control:
Supports up to four GPIB boards simultaneously, allowing multiple instrument interfaces within a single system.

- Flexible Operation Modes:
Software‑configurable Master Mode and Slave Mode operation, selectable through the configuration utility.

- Advanced Data Transfer Mechanisms:
Supports Bus Master, DMA, and FIFO functions for high‑speed and efficient data transfer between host and instruments.

- 3‑Line Handshaking:
Implements standard three‑line handshaking for reliable data exchange between devices operating at different transfer rates.

- Signal Monitoring and Analysis:
Provides access to GPIB control lines such as IFC (Interface Clear) and SRQ (Service Request).
Includes a GPIB Analyzer utility for monitoring data and signal flow on the bus.

- Diagnostic and Configuration Utilities:
Bundled setup and diagnostic tools allow users to configure IEEE‑488.2 parameters, verify board operation, and troubleshoot communication issues.

- Integration with CONTEC API‑PAC(W32):
Compatible with CONTEC’s unified API‑PAC driver library, enabling consistent programming interfaces across analog, digital, counter, and communication modules.

- LabVIEW and Visual Studio Support:
Compatible with National Instruments LabVIEW and Microsoft Visual Basic/C++ environments through the API‑PAC and API‑GPLV(W32) frameworks.

Country of origin: Japan

Comprehensive Product Summary: CONTEC API‑GPIB(98/PC)NT




### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: API‑GPIB(98/PC)NT
Article Number: API‑GPIB(98/PC)NT
Series: API‑PAC (Win32 API Function Library Series)
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd.
Product Category: GPIB Communication Driver Software
Primary Function: Windows NT support software for CONTEC GPIB communication boards and cards

Description:
API‑GPIB(98/PC)NT is a Windows NT–compatible driver library designed to enable IEEE‑488 (GPIB) communication for CONTEC’s range of GPIB interface boards. It provides a standardized API for developing measurement and control applications under Windows NT environments, supporting both master and slave modes, and offering full IEEE‑488.2 compliance. The driver integrates seamlessly with CONTEC’s hardware and software ecosystem, including the API‑PAC(W32) unified driver library and LabVIEW‑compliant GPIB drivers.




### 2. Key Features

- Windows NT Compatibility:
Specifically developed to provide GPIB communication support for Windows NT Workstation 4.0 (SP3 or later), ensuring stable operation in industrial and laboratory automation systems.

- IEEE‑488 / IEEE‑488.2 Compliance:
Fully compliant with IEEE‑488 and IEEE‑488.2 standards, enabling reliable communication with a wide range of GPIB instruments.

- Multi‑Board Control:
Supports up to four GPIB boards simultaneously, allowing multiple instrument interfaces within a single system.

- Flexible Operation Modes:
Software‑configurable Master Mode and Slave Mode operation, selectable through the configuration utility.

- Advanced Data Transfer Mechanisms:
Supports Bus Master, DMA, and FIFO functions for high‑speed and efficient data transfer between host and instruments.

- 3‑Line Handshaking:
Implements standard three‑line handshaking for reliable data exchange between devices operating at different transfer rates.

- Signal Monitoring and Analysis:
Provides access to GPIB control lines such as IFC (Interface Clear) and SRQ (Service Request).
Includes a GPIB Analyzer utility for monitoring data and signal flow on the bus.

- Diagnostic and Configuration Utilities:
Bundled setup and diagnostic tools allow users to configure IEEE‑488.2 parameters, verify board operation, and troubleshoot communication issues.

- Integration with CONTEC API‑PAC(W32):
Compatible with CONTEC’s unified API‑PAC driver library, enabling consistent programming interfaces across analog, digital, counter, and communication modules.

- LabVIEW and Visual Studio Support:
Compatible with National Instruments LabVIEW and Microsoft Visual Basic/C++ environments through the API‑PAC and API‑GPLV(W32) frameworks.




### 3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|------------------|
| Supported OS | Windows NT Workstation 4.0 (SP3 or later), Windows 2000, Windows 98, Windows 95, Windows Me, Windows XP |
| Compliance | IEEE‑488, IEEE‑488.2 |
| Maximum Boards | 4 |
| Transfer Modes | Bus Master, DMA, FIFO |
| Handshake Method | 3‑line handshaking |
| Supported Functions | Master/Slave mode selection, interrupt level configuration, signal monitoring |
| Supported Boards | GP‑IB(PC), GP‑IB(PC)F, GP‑IB(PC)L, GP‑IB(PCI), GP‑IB(PCI)F, GP‑IB(PCI)FL, GP‑IB(LPCI)F, GP‑IB(CPCI)F, GP‑IB(CB)F, GP‑IB(PM) |
| Interface Type | ISA, PCI, CompactPCI, PC Card |
| Bus Standard | IEEE‑488 parallel bus |
| Data Width | 8‑bit parallel |
| Communication Rate | Dependent on board model and bus configuration (typically up to 1 MB/s) |
| Utility Software | Configuration utility (IEEE‑488.2 parameter setup), Diagnostic utility, GPIB Analyzer |
| Library Type | Win32 API (DLL) |
| Programming Interface | C/C++ function calls, Visual Basic API, LabVIEW VI interface |
| Documentation | Online help, sample programs, and diagnostic reports |




### 4. Functionality

Operational Overview:
API‑GPIB(98/PC)NT acts as a middleware layer between Windows NT applications and CONTEC’s GPIB hardware. It exposes a set of Win32 API functions that allow developers to send, receive, and control IEEE‑488 bus signals programmatically. The driver manages low‑level bus timing, handshaking, and interrupt handling, freeing the user from hardware‑specific details.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Automated test and measurement systems
- Laboratory instrumentation control
- Data acquisition from oscilloscopes, multimeters, and signal generators
- Industrial process monitoring and calibration systems
- Integration with LabVIEW‑based measurement frameworks

Compatibility:
- Works with CONTEC GPIB boards across ISA, PCI, CompactPCI, and PC Card interfaces.
- Compatible with CONTEC’s API‑PAC(W32) unified driver library and API‑GPLV(W32) LabVIEW driver.
- Not compatible with National Instruments GPIB drivers or other vendor‑specific libraries.
- Cannot be executed simultaneously with API‑GPIB(98/PC)W95 on the same hardware.




### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Software Components:
- API‑GPIB(98/PC)NT Driver Library (DLL): Core Win32 API function library for GPIB communication.
- Configuration Utility: GUI tool for setting IEEE‑488.2 parameters, board address, and interrupt levels.
- Diagnostic Utility: Performs hardware checks and verifies communication integrity.
- GPIB Analyzer: Monitors bus traffic, control lines, and signal states.
- Sample Programs: Example source code in C/C++ and Visual Basic demonstrating API usage.
- Documentation: Help files and reference manuals for API functions.

Optional Add‑Ons:
- API‑PAC(W32): Unified driver library for multi‑device integration.
- API‑GPLV(W32): LabVIEW‑compliant GPIB driver for graphical programming environments.
- COM‑DRV(W32): Serial communication driver for mixed‑protocol systems.
- VI‑DAQ: LabVIEW‑compliant VI library for analog/digital I/O integration.

Connectors and Interfaces:
- Standard IEEE‑488 24‑pin connector (hardware dependent).
- PCI/ISA/PC Card interface connectors for host integration.




### 6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- IBM PC/AT‑compatible computer
- Windows NT Workstation 4.0 (SP3 or later) or compatible OS
- Available ISA, PCI, or PC Card slot for GPIB board installation
- Administrative privileges for driver installation

Installation Procedure:
1. Install the physical GPIB board into the appropriate slot.
2. Run the API‑PAC Setup Program to install the driver library and utilities.
3. Select the corresponding CONTEC board model during setup.
4. Configure IEEE‑488.2 parameters (address, mode, interrupt level) using the configuration utility.
5. Verify operation using the diagnostic utility and GPIB Analyzer.
6. Integrate the API functions into application code via DLL linkage.

Configuration Options:
- Master/Slave mode selection
- Interrupt level assignment
- DMA channel configuration
- Bus address and timeout settings

Mounting Options:
Dependent on the hardware board type (PCI, ISA, CompactPCI, or PC Card). The software automatically detects installed boards via the API‑TOOL Configuration utility (Ver. 4.10 or later).




### 7. Performance & Capabilities

- Board Control Capacity: Up to 4 boards per system.
- Data Throughput: Optimized via DMA and FIFO buffering for high‑speed transfers.
- Bus Reliability: 3‑line handshaking ensures synchronization between devices with differing data rates.
- Interrupt Handling: Supports multiple interrupt conditions for efficient event‑driven communication.
- Signal Monitoring: Real‑time observation of IFC, SRQ, and other control lines.
- Diagnostic Feedback: Built‑in analyzer and test routines provide immediate feedback on bus status.
- Efficiency: Designed for low CPU overhead and stable operation under multitasking Windows NT environments.
- Limitations:
- Not compatible with National Instruments GPIB drivers.
- Cannot coexist with API‑GPIB(98/PC)W95 on the same hardware.
- Limited to Windows NT/2000/98/95 platforms (legacy support).




### 8. Standards & Compliance

- IEEE‑488 (GPIB) Standard: Fully compliant with the General Purpose Interface Bus specification.
- IEEE‑488.2 Protocol Compliance: Supports standardized command sets and device communication protocols.
- Windows Hardware Compatibility: Verified operation under Windows NT Workstation 4.0 (SP3 or later).
- Software Architecture: Win32 API (DLL) compliant, compatible with Microsoft Visual Studio environments.
- Industry Standards:
- Plug‑and‑Play compliant for supported PCI/CompactPCI boards.
- Compatible with CONTEC’s API‑PAC(W32) unified driver framework.
- Supports event‑driven control and logical device access per CONTEC’s unified API design.




### 9. Additional Information

Warranty & Support:
- Provided under CONTEC’s standard software warranty terms.
- Technical support available through CONTEC’s global portal: [www.contec.com](http://www.contec.com).
- Free software updates and driver upgrades available via the API‑PAC developer site.

Maintenance:
- Periodic updates recommended to maintain compatibility with newer Windows versions.
- Diagnostic utilities assist in verifying driver integrity and hardware status.
- Configuration backups can be exported for system migration.

Software Updates & Downloads:
- Latest versions of API‑GPIB(98/PC)NT and related libraries available at:
[http://www.contec.com/apipac/](http://www.contec.com/apipac/)
- LabVIEW‑compliant GPIB driver (API‑GPLV(W32)) available at:
[http://www.contec.com/gplv/](http://www.contec.com/gplv/)

Integration with Other CONTEC Software:
- API‑PAC(W32): Unified driver library for analog, digital, counter, and communication modules.
- API‑AIO(WDM): High‑performance analog I/O driver.
- API‑DIO(WDM): Digital I/O driver for PCI/USB devices.
- API‑CNT(WDM): Counter input driver.
- API‑SMC(WDM): Motor control driver.
- API‑TIMER(W32): High‑precision timer control library.
- API‑GPIB(LNX): Linux‑compliant GPIB driver for cross‑platform development.

Documentation & Developer Resources:
- Comprehensive API reference manual (function list, syntax, parameters).
- Sample source code for Visual Basic, Visual C++, and LabVIEW.
- Diagnostic and configuration guides.
- Online developer community and technical FAQ.

Product Lifecycle & Legacy Support:
- API‑GPIB(98/PC)NT is part of CONTEC’s legacy driver series for Windows 9x/NT platforms.
- Superseded by API‑GPIB(WDM) and API‑GPLV(W32) for modern Windows environments.
- Continued support provided for existing industrial and laboratory installations.




### Summary

The CONTEC API‑GPIB(98/PC)NT driver is a robust, IEEE‑488.2‑compliant communication library that enables seamless integration of CONTEC’s GPIB interface boards with Windows NT systems. Designed for industrial automation, laboratory instrumentation, and data acquisition applications, it provides developers with a consistent Win32 API for controlling up to four GPIB boards simultaneously. With support for DMA/FIFO data transfer, master/slave configuration, and comprehensive diagnostic utilities, API‑GPIB(98/PC)NT delivers reliable and efficient GPIB communication in demanding measurement and control environments.

Its compatibility with CONTEC’s unified API‑PAC(W32) ecosystem ensures long‑term scalability and integration with analog, digital, counter, and motion control modules, making it a cornerstone component for legacy Windows‑based measurement systems.

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