Comprehensive Product Summary – Contec GP‑IB(PCI) IEEE‑488.2 Interface Card with Analyzer

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: GP‑IB(PCI)
Model: GP‑IB(PCI)
Series: PCI Bus Series – Communication Boards (IEEE‑488/GPIB Interface)
Article Number: GP‑IB(PCI)
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Product Category: Industrial Automation / Measurement and Control Interface Board
Product Type: PCI IEEE‑488 (GPIB) Interface Card with Bus Analyzer Function

The Contec GP‑IB(PCI) is a high‑performance IEEE‑488.1/488.2 compliant interface card designed for PCI bus systems. It provides a robust and high‑speed communication link between a PC and external GPIB‑compatible instruments such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, signal generators, and other laboratory or production test equipment. The board integrates a 1 MB FIFO memory buffer and supports a maximum data transfer rate of 1.2 MB/s. It also includes a built‑in GPIB bus analyzer function for monitoring and diagnosing bus activity.

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### 2. Key Features

- IEEE‑488.1 / IEEE‑488.2 Compliance: Fully conforms to both IEEE‑488.1 hardware and IEEE‑488.2 protocol standards, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of GPIB instruments.
- High‑Speed Data Transfer: Achieves up to 1.2 Mbyte/sec maximum transfer rate, enabling rapid data acquisition and control.
- Large FIFO Buffer: Equipped with 1 Mbyte on‑board FIFO memory for efficient data transmission and reception, minimizing CPU load and improving throughput.
- Bus Analyzer Function: Integrated GPIB bus analyzer allows real‑time monitoring of all GPIB signal lines (data and control), facilitating debugging and system verification.
- Multiple Board Support: Up to four GP‑IB(PCI) boards can be installed in a single system, each independently addressable.
- Interrupt Handling: Utilizes one interrupt request line (INTA#) for efficient system integration.
- Plug & Play PCI Configuration: Automatic resource allocation (I/O address and IRQ) via PCI Plug & Play architecture—no manual jumper settings required.
- Compact PCI Form Factor: Short‑size PCI board (122 mm × 107 mm × 19 mm) suitable for standard PC/AT compatible systems.
- High Reliability: Designed for industrial and laboratory environments, with stable long‑term component availability and robust electrical design.
- Software Support: Compatible with CONTEC’s API‑PAC(W32) and ACX‑PAC(W32) driver libraries for Windows, and LabVIEW integration via dedicated drivers.
- Analyzer Utility Software: Provides graphical monitoring of GPIB bus states, line transitions, and data transactions for diagnostic purposes.

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### 3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|-------------------|
| Interface Standard | IEEE‑488.1 / IEEE‑488.2 (GPIB) |
| Number of Channels | 1 channel |
| Maximum Transfer Rate | 1.2 Mbyte/sec |
| Data Format | 8 parallel data lines, 3 handshake lines |
| Signal Logic | Negative logic (Low ≤ 0.8 V, High ≥ 2.0 V) |
| FIFO Memory | 1 Mbyte (for transmission and reception) |
| Interrupt | 1 × INTA# (PCI interrupt) |
| I/O Address Allocation | Any 16‑byte boundary (Plug & Play) |
| Maximum Cable Length Between Devices | 4 m (per segment) |
| Total Cable Length | 20 m (maximum) |
| Maximum Number of Devices | 15 devices (including controller) |
| Power Consumption | +5 VDC ± 5 %, 970 mA (max.) |
| Bus Interface | PCI Local Bus, 32‑bit, 33 MHz, 5 V signaling |
| Board Dimensions (L × H × T) | 122 mm × 107 mm × 19 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 Orientation | Standard PCI slot (short‑size board) |
| Maximum Boards per System | 4 boards |

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### 4. Functionality

The GP‑IB(PCI) functions as a GPIB controller or device interface, enabling a host PC to communicate with IEEE‑488 instruments. It supports all standard GPIB handshaking and control lines (DAV, NRFD, NDAC, IFC, SRQ, REN, EOI, ATN). The board’s internal FIFO memory buffers data transfers, allowing high‑speed block communication without CPU intervention.

Typical Use Cases:
- Automated test systems (ATE) for production and quality control.
- Laboratory data acquisition and instrument control.
- Integration of oscilloscopes, power supplies, and analyzers into PC‑based measurement systems.
- Research and development environments requiring synchronized multi‑instrument communication.

Compatibility:
- Works with any IEEE‑488.1/488.2 compliant device.
- Compatible with Windows operating systems via CONTEC’s driver suite.
- Supports integration with LabVIEW, MATLAB, and custom applications using API‑PAC(W32) libraries.

Analyzer Function:
The built‑in bus analyzer monitors all GPIB lines, capturing signal transitions and data states. This feature assists in diagnosing communication errors, verifying timing, and analyzing protocol behavior during operation.

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- GP‑IB(PCI) interface board
- Driver and utility software (API‑PAC(W32), ACX‑PAC(W32))
- Documentation and installation guide

Optional Accessories:
- GPIB Cables:
- PCN‑02: 2 m double‑shielded IEEE‑488 cable
- PCN‑04: 4 m double‑shielded IEEE‑488 cable
- GPIB Connector Adapter:
- CN‑GP: Right‑angle adapter for tight installation spaces or when adjacent boards obstruct cable connection.
- Software Options:
- LabVIEW Driver for National Instruments environments
- MATLAB Interface (API‑GPLV(W32))
- Linux API‑TOOL Driver (module‑style device driver and shared library)

Connectors:
- 24‑pin ribbon connector (AMP 555139‑1 or equivalent) for GPIB cable connection.
- Standard IEEE‑488 cable interface supporting daisy‑chain connection of up to 15 devices.

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### 6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- IBM PC/AT or compatible computer with available PCI slot (32‑bit, 33 MHz, 5 V).
- Windows XP/2000/NT/Me/98 or later (driver dependent).
- Minimum 1 MB free disk space for driver installation.

Installation Procedure:
1. Power off the PC and insert the GP‑IB(PCI) board into an available PCI slot.
2. Secure the bracket and reconnect power.
3. Windows Plug & Play automatically detects the board and assigns resources.
4. Install the API‑PAC(W32) or ACX‑PAC(W32) driver package.
5. Connect the GPIB cable (PCN‑02/04) to the board’s connector.
6. Use the included configuration utility to verify communication and assign GPIB addresses.

Mounting Options:
- Standard PCI bracket for desktop or industrial PCs.
- Compatible with bus extension units if additional slots are required.

Configuration:
- Automatic IRQ and I/O address assignment via PCI BIOS.
- Supports shared interrupt levels (IRQ sharing) among multiple PCI boards.
- Up to four GP‑IB(PCI) boards can coexist in one system for multi‑bus control.

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

- Transfer Speed: Up to 1.2 MB/s (IEEE‑488.2 protocol).
- FIFO Buffering: 1 MB on‑board memory ensures continuous data flow without CPU wait states.
- Bus Analyzer: Real‑time monitoring of all GPIB lines for debugging and performance verification.
- Multi‑Board Operation: Supports up to four boards per system, each independently addressable.
- Interrupt Efficiency: Single INTA# interrupt line minimizes system resource usage.
- Reliability: Industrial‑grade design with stable operation under continuous load.
- Limitations:
- Total cable length limited to 20 m (per IEEE‑488 standard).
- Maximum of 15 devices per bus (including controller).
- Requires 5 V PCI slot (not compatible with 3.3 V‑only systems).

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

- IEEE Standards: IEEE‑488.1 (hardware), IEEE‑488.2 (protocol).
- Electrical Compliance: PCI Local Bus Specification 2.1 (32‑bit, 33 MHz, 5 V).
- Safety & EMC: Designed for industrial environments; conforms to CE and FCC Class A requirements (when installed in compliant systems).
- Software Standards:
- Windows API‑TOOL (Win32API‑based DLL interface).
- LabVIEW VI‑DAQ compatibility.
- MATLAB API‑GPLV(W32) support.
- Linux API‑TOOL driver (open‑source module).
- Environmental Compliance: RoHS‑compliant (lead‑free manufacturing).

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### 9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Standard manufacturer warranty (typically one year) covering defects in materials and workmanship.

Technical Support:
- Comprehensive support via CONTEC’s global website (www.contec.com).
- Downloadable drivers, manuals, and software updates.
- Example programs and API documentation included.

Maintenance:
- No periodic maintenance required.
- Keep connectors clean and free from dust.
- Use shielded GPIB cables to minimize noise and maintain signal integrity.

Software Updates:
- Latest driver versions (API‑PAC(W32), ACX‑PAC(W32)) available for download.
- Diagnostic utilities and analyzer software periodically updated for new OS compatibility.

Related Products:
- GP‑IB(PCI)L: Low‑cost version with 120 Kbyte/sec transfer rate and timer function.
- GP‑IB(PCI)F / FL: High‑performance F‑series models with 1.5 MB/s transfer rate, bus master DMA, and 2 Kbyte FIFO.
- GP‑IB(LPCI)F / FL: Low‑profile PCI variants for compact systems.
- GP‑IB(CPCI)F: CompactPCI version for industrial rack systems.
- GP‑IB(CB)F / FL: CardBus (PC Card) versions for portable applications.
- RP‑GPIB(FIT)GY: GPIB‑to‑Ethernet media converter for remote instrument control.

Support Software Overview:
- API‑PAC(W32): Function library for developing custom applications in C/C++ or Visual Basic.
- ACX‑PAC(W32): Configuration and diagnostic utility suite.
- LabVIEW Driver: VI library for direct integration with National Instruments LabVIEW.
- MATLAB Interface: API‑GPLV(W32) for MATLAB data acquisition and control.
- Linux API‑TOOL: Open‑source driver and shared library for Linux environments.

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### Summary

The Contec GP‑IB(PCI) is a robust, high‑speed IEEE‑488.2 interface card engineered for industrial and laboratory automation systems requiring reliable GPIB communication. With its 1 MB FIFO buffer, 1.2 MB/s transfer capability, and integrated bus analyzer, it provides both performance and diagnostic functionality in a compact PCI form factor. The board’s compliance with IEEE‑488.1/488.2 standards ensures interoperability with a wide range of instruments, while its comprehensive software support—including Windows, LabVIEW, MATLAB, and Linux drivers—makes it suitable for diverse development environments. Designed for long‑term availability and stable operation, the GP‑IB(PCI) remains a dependable solution for high‑speed instrument control and data acquisition in professional measurement and automation applications.