1. Product Overview

Product Name: GP‑IB(PC)L
Model: GP‑IB(PC)L
Series: AT IEEE‑488 (GPIB) Interface Card
Article Number: GP‑IB(PC)L
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Product Category: Industrial Automation / Measurement and Control – GPIB Communication Interface Boards

The CONTEC GP‑IB(PC)L is an AT‑bus (ISA) IEEE‑488.1/IEEE‑488.2 compliant interface card designed to provide a high‑performance GPIB (General Purpose Interface Bus) communication link between a personal computer and external measurement or control instruments. It is part of CONTEC’s long‑standing GPIB product family, which includes PCI, PCI Express, CompactPCI, CardBus, and USB variants. The GP‑IB(PC)L model specifically targets legacy AT‑bus systems requiring reliable, deterministic GPIB communication with moderate data throughput and full IEEE‑488 protocol compatibility.

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2. Key Features

- IEEE‑488.1 / IEEE‑488.2 Compliance: Fully conforms to the IEEE‑488 standards, ensuring interoperability with a wide range of laboratory and industrial instruments.
- DMA‑Based High‑Speed Transfer: Supports Direct Memory Access (DMA) data transfer mode with a maximum throughput of 400 Kbyte/sec, minimizing CPU load and improving data exchange efficiency.
- CONTEC Original FPGA Controller: Incorporates a CONTEC‑developed FPGA controller compatible with the NEC µPD7210C GPIB controller, providing stable operation and long‑term component availability.
- Flexible Interrupt and DMA Channel Selection: Software‑selectable interrupt request (INTA) and DMA channels (CH1–CH3) allow flexible system configuration and resource allocation.
- Comprehensive Bus Compatibility: Designed for AT‑bus (ISA) architecture, suitable for integration into industrial PCs and legacy control systems.
- Robust Electrical Interface: Implements negative logic signaling (< 0.8 V low, > 2.0 V high) across 8 parallel data lines and 3 handshake lines, ensuring reliable communication even in electrically noisy environments.
- Multiple Device Connectivity: Supports up to 15 GPIB devices on a single bus, with a total cable length of up to 20 m (4 m maximum between controller and first device).
- Compact Form Factor: Board dimensions of 163.0 mm (L) × 107.0 mm (H) allow installation in standard AT‑bus slots.
- Low Power Consumption: Operates at 5 V DC / 350 mA, minimizing system power requirements.
- Comprehensive Software Support: Compatible with CONTEC’s API‑PAC(W32) driver package for Windows, providing Win32 API‑based DLL functions for application development.
- Optional Accessories: Compatible with CONTEC’s double‑shielded GPIB cables (PCN‑T02, PCN‑T04) and CN‑GP/C connector adapter for noise‑resistant installations.
- CE Marking: Conforms to European safety and EMC standards for industrial electronic equipment.

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3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|-------------------|
| Interface Type | IEEE‑488.1 / IEEE‑488.2 (GPIB) |
| Number of Channels | 1 channel |
| Transfer Speed (Max.) | 400 Kbyte/sec (DMA mode) |
| Data Type | 8 parallel data lines, 3 handshake lines |
| Signal Logic | Negative logic: Low ≤ 0.8 V, High ≥ 2.0 V |
| DMA Channels | CH1 – CH3 (software selectable) |
| Interrupts | 1 interrupt request signal (INTA, software selectable) |
| Controller Chip | CONTEC original FPGA (µPD7210C compatible) |
| I/O Address | Any 32‑byte boundary |
| Maximum Wiring Distance | 4 m (controller to first device) |
| Total Cable Length | 20 m (maximum) |
| Maximum Connectable Devices | 15 devices |
| Power Consumption | 5 V DC ± 5 %, 350 mA (max.) |
| Bus Type | AT Bus (ISA) |
| Board Dimensions | 163.0 mm (L) × 107.0 mm (H) |
| Connector Type | 24‑pin ribbon connector, AMP 555139‑2 or equivalent |
| Software Support | API‑PAC(W32) for Windows |
| Optional Accessories | CN‑GP/C connector adapter, PCN‑T02 (2 m) / PCN‑T04 (4 m) GPIB cables |
| Compliance | CE marking (EMC and safety) |

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4. Functionality

The GP‑IB(PC)L functions as a GPIB controller interface card that enables a PC to communicate with IEEE‑488‑compliant instruments such as oscilloscopes, signal generators, multimeters, and data acquisition systems. It operates as a system controller or talker/listener device, managing data transfers and bus control signals according to IEEE‑488.2 protocol.

Operation Principle:
- The onboard FPGA controller handles GPIB protocol timing, handshake, and data line management.
- In DMA mode, data is transferred directly between system memory and the GPIB interface, achieving up to 400 Kbyte/sec throughput without CPU intervention.
- The card supports interrupt‑driven communication, allowing efficient event handling and synchronization with external devices.
- The API‑PAC(W32) software library provides high‑level function calls for initializing the board, sending/receiving data, and managing bus control lines (ATN, IFC, SRQ, REN, EOI, etc.).

Use Cases and Applications:
- Automated test equipment (ATE) systems in manufacturing and calibration environments.
- Laboratory instrumentation control for data acquisition and measurement automation.
- Integration into legacy industrial PCs requiring ISA‑bus connectivity.
- Replacement or upgrade of older GPIB controllers in existing test setups.

Compatibility:
- Compatible with IEEE‑488.1 and IEEE‑488.2 instruments from major manufacturers (Keysight, Tektronix, Yokogawa, etc.).
- Works with CONTEC’s API‑PAC(W32) driver under Windows operating systems.
- Supports up to 15 devices on a single GPIB bus segment.

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Components:
- GP‑IB(PC)L interface card (AT‑bus form factor)
- Documentation and driver software (API‑PAC(W32))

Optional Accessories:
- CN‑GP/C GPIB Connector Adapter: Provides enhanced noise immunity when connecting to extension slots or adjacent boards; recommended for high‑EMI environments.
- PCN‑T02 (2 m) / PCN‑T04 (4 m) GPIB Cables: Double‑shielded, high‑reliability cables designed for low signal loss and high electrical resistance.
- API‑PAC(W32) Software Package: License‑free driver and development library for Windows, enabling direct control via Win32 API functions.

Connector Details:
- 24‑pin ribbon connector (AMP 555139‑2 or equivalent)
- Supports standard IEEE‑488 pin assignments for data, handshake, and control lines.

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6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- PC with available AT‑bus (ISA) expansion slot.
- +5 V DC power supply from the system bus.
- Windows operating system compatible with API‑PAC(W32) drivers.

Installation Procedure:
1. Power off the PC and insert the GP‑IB(PC)L card into an available ISA slot.
2. Secure the card using the bracket screw to ensure mechanical stability.
3. Connect the GPIB cable (PCN‑T02 or PCN‑T04) to the 24‑pin connector.
4. Install the API‑PAC(W32) driver software from CONTEC’s website or included media.
5. Configure the I/O address, interrupt, and DMA channel via software settings (no jumpers required).
6. Verify operation using the included diagnostic utility to test interrupt and I/O access functionality.

Mounting Options:
- Standard AT‑bus slot mounting.
- Optional CN‑GP/C adapter for improved mechanical and electrical stability in noisy environments.

Configuration:
- Software‑selectable DMA and interrupt channels.
- Adjustable I/O address mapping on 32‑byte boundaries.
- Supports both controller and listener/talker modes.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Data Transfer Rate: Up to 400 Kbyte/sec in DMA mode, suitable for moderate‑speed data acquisition and control tasks.
- Bus Control: Full support for IEEE‑488 control lines (ATN, IFC, SRQ, REN, EOI, DAV, NRFD, NDAC).
- Device Connectivity: Up to 15 devices per bus, total cable length up to 20 m.
- Electrical Characteristics: Negative logic signaling ensures robust communication; TTL‑compatible voltage levels.
- CPU Load Reduction: DMA transfer minimizes CPU overhead, improving system responsiveness.
- Reliability: FPGA‑based controller ensures consistent timing and long‑term component availability.
- Limitations: As an ISA‑bus device, it is intended for legacy systems; not compatible with modern PCI/PCIe architectures without an ISA bridge.

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8. Standards & Compliance

- IEEE‑488.1 / IEEE‑488.2: Full compliance with GPIB electrical and protocol standards.
- CE Marking: Conforms to European EMC and safety directives for industrial electronic equipment.
- RoHS / Pb‑Free: Manufactured in accordance with CONTEC’s environmental standards (lead‑free production).
- Electrical Safety: Designed for 5 V DC operation with internal protection against overcurrent and signal interference.
- Software Standards: API‑PAC(W32) conforms to Windows Win32 API conventions, ensuring compatibility with standard development environments.

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9. Additional Information

Warranty & Support:
- Backed by CONTEC’s standard industrial product warranty (typically one year, extendable depending on region).
- Long‑term availability guaranteed through CONTEC’s in‑house FPGA controller design, ensuring continuity of supply for industrial users.
- Technical support and driver updates available via CONTEC’s global portal (www.contec.com).

Maintenance:
- No periodic maintenance required beyond standard dust removal and connector inspection.
- Firmware and driver updates provided through CONTEC’s support site.

Software Updates & Compatibility:
- API‑PAC(W32) driver updates ensure continued compatibility with newer Windows versions.
- Example programs and documentation available for rapid application development.

Environmental Conditions:
- Designed for operation in typical industrial and laboratory environments.
- Recommended ambient temperature: 0 – 50 °C; relative humidity: 10 – 90 % (non‑condensing).

Product Line Context:
The GP‑IB(PC)L belongs to CONTEC’s comprehensive GPIB communication lineup, which includes:
- High‑Performance F Series (1.5 Mbyte/sec): PCI, PCI Express, CompactPCI, CardBus, and USB models with bus master transfer and analyzer functions.
- Standard Series (1.2 Mbyte/sec and 120 Kbyte/sec): PCI and ISA models for general‑purpose applications.
- Media Converter Series: RP‑GPIB(FIT)GY for GPIB‑to‑Ethernet conversion.

This broad lineup ensures compatibility across multiple bus architectures, allowing users to select the optimal interface for their system requirements.

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Summary

The CONTEC GP‑IB(PC)L is a robust, industrial‑grade AT‑bus (ISA) GPIB interface card designed for reliable communication with IEEE‑488 instruments. Featuring DMA‑based data transfer up to 400 Kbyte/sec, a CONTEC‑developed FPGA controller, and comprehensive software support via the API‑PAC(W32) library, it provides a stable and efficient solution for legacy PC‑based measurement and control systems. Its compact design, low power consumption, and CE‑compliant construction make it ideal for long‑term deployment in laboratory automation, production testing, and industrial instrumentation environments. Optional shielded cables and connector adapters further enhance performance and noise immunity, ensuring dependable operation in demanding applications.