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AX5488

IEEE-488 (GPIB) ISA Interface Card
  • Manufacturer Axiom
  • Category: IEEE (GPIB) Cards
  • The Axiom AX5488 is a high-performance IEEE-488 (GPIB) interface card designed for integration into ISA-based computer systems. It provides a robust and reliable communication link between a host PC and a wide range of GPIB-compatible instruments, such as oscilloscopes, signal generators, multimeters, and other laboratory or industrial measurement devices. The AX5488 adheres to the IEEE-488.1 standard, ensuring full compatibility with existing GPIB instrumentation and software environments.
- IEEE-488 (GPIB) Compliance: Fully compliant with the IEEE-488.1 standard, ensuring interoperability with a wide range of GPIB instruments and controllers.
- High-Speed Data Transfer: Supports data transfer rates exceeding 300 kByte/s, enabling rapid communication between the host system and connected devices.
- NEC µPD7210 Controller: Utilizes the proven NEC µPD7210 GPIB controller chip for stable and efficient bus management.
- ISA Bus Interface: Designed for standard ISA bus architecture, compatible with legacy and industrial PC systems.
- DMA and Interrupt Support: Configurable for DMA channels 1–3 and IRQ lines 2–7, allowing flexible system integration and optimized performance.
- Comprehensive Software Support: Includes drivers and libraries for BASIC, C, Pascal, and Windows environments, simplifying software development and integration.
- Compact Form Factor: Physical dimensions of 127 mm × 107 mm allow installation in standard ISA slots without occupying excessive space.
- Multi-Device Connectivity: Supports up to 15 devices on a single GPIB bus, consistent with IEEE-488 specifications.
- Firmware Command Set: Provides 21 firmware-level commands for efficient control and communication management.
- Industrial Reliability: Built with high-quality components for long-term stability in laboratory, manufacturing, and automation environments.

Country of origin: Taiwan R.O.C.

Customs tariff number: 8473 3020 000

1. Product Overview
Product Name: IEEE-488 (GPIB) ISA Interface Card
Model: AX5488
Series: AX5000 Series (Industrial Communication Interfaces)
Article Number: AX5488
Manufacturer: Axiom

The Axiom AX5488 is a high-performance IEEE-488 (GPIB) interface card designed for integration into ISA-based computer systems. It provides a robust and reliable communication link between a host PC and a wide range of GPIB-compatible instruments, such as oscilloscopes, signal generators, multimeters, and other laboratory or industrial measurement devices. The AX5488 adheres to the IEEE-488.1 standard, ensuring full compatibility with existing GPIB instrumentation and software environments. Engineered with the NEC µPD7210 GPIB controller chip, the card delivers efficient data transfer rates exceeding 300 kByte/s, making it suitable for demanding test and measurement applications.




2. Key Features
- IEEE-488 (GPIB) Compliance: Fully compliant with the IEEE-488.1 standard, ensuring interoperability with a wide range of GPIB instruments and controllers.
- High-Speed Data Transfer: Supports data transfer rates exceeding 300 kByte/s, enabling rapid communication between the host system and connected devices.
- NEC µPD7210 Controller: Utilizes the proven NEC µPD7210 GPIB controller chip for stable and efficient bus management.
- ISA Bus Interface: Designed for standard ISA bus architecture, compatible with legacy and industrial PC systems.
- DMA and Interrupt Support: Configurable for DMA channels 1–3 and IRQ lines 2–7, allowing flexible system integration and optimized performance.
- Comprehensive Software Support: Includes drivers and libraries for BASIC, C, Pascal, and Windows environments, simplifying software development and integration.
- Compact Form Factor: Physical dimensions of 127 mm × 107 mm allow installation in standard ISA slots without occupying excessive space.
- Multi-Device Connectivity: Supports up to 15 devices on a single GPIB bus, consistent with IEEE-488 specifications.
- Firmware Command Set: Provides 21 firmware-level commands for efficient control and communication management.
- Industrial Reliability: Built with high-quality components for long-term stability in laboratory, manufacturing, and automation environments.




3. Technical Specifications
- Interface Standard: IEEE-488.1 (GPIB)
- Controller Chip: NEC µPD7210
- Bus Type: ISA (Industry Standard Architecture)
- Data Transfer Rate: >300 kByte/s (typical)
- DMA Channels: Selectable DMA 1, 2, or 3
- Interrupt Lines: Selectable IRQ 2–7
- Firmware Commands: 21 supported commands
- Physical Dimensions: 127 mm (W) × 107 mm (H)
- Weight: Approximately 150–200 g (typical, depending on configuration)
- Connector Type: Standard 24-pin IEEE-488 female connector (GPIB port)
- Power Requirements: Supplied via ISA bus (standard 5 V DC, typical consumption <1 W)
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to +50°C (typical industrial range)
- Storage Temperature: -20°C to +70°C
- Relative Humidity: 10%–90% non-condensing
- Material: Multi-layer PCB with gold-plated edge connector and reinforced fiberglass substrate
- Compliance: IEEE-488.1 electrical and mechanical specifications




4. Functionality
The AX5488 functions as a bridge between a host computer’s ISA bus and the IEEE-488 (GPIB) instrumentation bus. It enables the computer to act as a GPIB controller, listener, or talker, depending on the configuration and software control. The NEC µPD7210 controller chip manages the low-level GPIB protocol, including handshaking, addressing, and data transfer sequences, while the host software issues high-level commands through the provided driver interface.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Automated test equipment (ATE) systems
- Laboratory instrumentation control and data acquisition
- Industrial process monitoring and control
- Calibration and measurement systems
- Research and development environments requiring multi-instrument coordination

Compatibility:
- Compatible with standard IEEE-488.1 instruments from major manufacturers (e.g., Agilent/Keysight, Tektronix, Fluke, Rohde & Schwarz, etc.)
- Supported on ISA-based PCs running DOS, Windows, or compatible operating systems
- Software libraries provided for BASIC, C, Pascal, and Windows environments ensure broad programming compatibility




5. Components & Accessories
Included Items:
- AX5488 IEEE-488 (GPIB) ISA Interface Card
- Software driver package (BASIC, C, Pascal, Windows drivers)
- User manual and installation guide
- Configuration utility for IRQ/DMA selection

Optional Accessories:
- GPIB cables (24-pin IEEE-488 standard)
- GPIB terminators and extenders
- Rack-mount or panel-mount brackets (for industrial enclosures)
- Additional software development kits (SDKs) for advanced integration

Connectors:
- One 24-pin IEEE-488 female connector (standard GPIB port)
- ISA edge connector for system bus interface




6. Installation & Setup
System Requirements:
- PC with available ISA slot
- Compatible operating system (DOS, Windows, or equivalent)
- Basic knowledge of IRQ and DMA configuration

Installation Procedure:
1. Power off the host PC and remove the cover.
2. Insert the AX5488 card into an available ISA slot, ensuring proper alignment of the edge connector.
3. Secure the card with the mounting screw.
4. Configure the desired DMA channel (1–3) and IRQ line (2–7) using onboard jumpers or DIP switches.
5. Reassemble the PC and power it on.
6. Install the provided software drivers and verify device recognition.
7. Connect the GPIB cable to the 24-pin connector and attach the desired instruments.
8. Use the configuration utility or programming libraries to initialize communication.

Mounting Options:
- Standard internal ISA slot mounting
- Optional external bracket or industrial chassis integration

Configuration:
- Hardware configuration via jumpers for IRQ/DMA selection
- Software configuration through driver utilities and initialization routines




7. Performance & Capabilities
The AX5488 delivers high-speed, low-latency communication between the host system and connected GPIB instruments. With a data throughput exceeding 300 kByte/s, it supports rapid data acquisition and command execution in complex test setups. The NEC µPD7210 controller ensures efficient bus arbitration and protocol handling, minimizing CPU overhead.

Performance Highlights:
- Data Rate: >300 kByte/s sustained transfer
- Bus Roles: Controller, Talker, Listener
- Device Capacity: Up to 15 devices per GPIB bus
- DMA Operation: Reduces CPU load during high-volume data transfers
- Interrupt Handling: Configurable IRQ lines for responsive event-driven communication
- Latency: Optimized for minimal command-response delay
- Reliability: Stable operation under continuous load in industrial environments

Limitations:
- Requires ISA slot (not compatible with modern PCI/PCIe-only systems)
- Limited to IEEE-488.1 (does not include IEEE-488.2 advanced protocol features)
- Data rate constrained by ISA bus bandwidth and system configuration




8. Standards & Compliance
- IEEE-488.1 Compliance: Fully conforms to the IEEE-488.1 standard for electrical, mechanical, and protocol specifications.
- Electrical Safety: Designed to meet standard PC interface voltage and current limits.
- EMC Compliance: Meets typical industrial electromagnetic compatibility requirements for ISA-based devices.
- Software Compatibility: Drivers conform to standard programming interfaces for GPIB communication.
- Industry Standards: Compatible with SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) when used with compliant instruments.




9. Additional Information
Warranty:
- Standard manufacturer’s warranty (typically 12 months from date of purchase) covering defects in materials and workmanship.

Technical Support:
- Provided by Axiom through email and online resources.
- Includes driver updates, documentation, and troubleshooting guides.

Maintenance:
- Minimal maintenance required; periodic inspection of connectors and cables recommended.
- Keep card and connectors free from dust and contaminants.

Firmware & Software Updates:
- Firmware embedded in NEC µPD7210 controller; not user-upgradable.
- Software drivers periodically updated by Axiom for compatibility with newer operating systems.

Serviceability:
- Field-replaceable via standard ISA slot removal and reinstallation.
- Diagnostic utilities available for verifying communication integrity.

Documentation:
- Comprehensive user manual with installation, configuration, and programming instructions.
- Example code provided for BASIC, C, and Pascal environments.




Summary
The Axiom AX5488 IEEE-488 (GPIB) ISA Interface Card is a robust, high-speed communication interface designed for connecting ISA-based PCs to IEEE-488.1-compliant instruments. Featuring the NEC µPD7210 controller, it supports data transfer rates exceeding 300 kByte/s and offers flexible configuration through selectable DMA channels and IRQ lines. With broad software support and proven reliability, the AX5488 is ideal for laboratory automation, industrial measurement, and test system integration. Its compact design, comprehensive driver package, and adherence to IEEE-488.1 standards make it a dependable solution for legacy and industrial computing environments requiring precise and efficient GPIB communication.

No manuals/catalogs available.