Comprehensive Product Summary – Contec GP‑IB(PCI)L IEEE‑488 (GPIB) Interface Card

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: GP‑IB(PCI)L
Model Number: GP‑IB(PCI)L
Series: PCI Bus Series – Standard GPIB Interface
Article Number: GP‑IB(PCI)L
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Product Type: PCI IEEE‑488 (GPIB) Interface Card
Bus Type: PCI (32‑bit, 33 MHz, 5 V)
Manufacturer Website: [www.contec.com](https://www.contec.com)

The CONTEC GP‑IB(PCI)L is a standard PCI‑bus interface card designed to connect personal computers to instruments and devices that comply with the IEEE‑488.1 and IEEE‑488.2 General Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB) standards. It provides a reliable, cost‑effective solution for laboratory automation, test and measurement, and industrial control systems requiring communication with GPIB‑enabled instruments.

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### 2. Key Features

- IEEE‑488.1 / IEEE‑488.2 Compliance: Fully conforms to international GPIB standards, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of test and measurement instruments.
- PCI Bus Interface: 32‑bit, 33 MHz PCI interface supporting plug‑and‑play configuration and automatic resource allocation.
- High‑Reliability FPGA Controller: Uses CONTEC’s proprietary FPGA controller compatible with the µPD7210C GPIB controller, ensuring long‑term availability and stable operation.
- Data Transfer Rate: Supports up to 120 Kbytes/sec maximum data transfer speed.
- Signal Logic: Negative logic signaling with TTL‑compatible voltage levels (Low ≤ 0.8 V, High ≥ 2.0 V).
- Interrupt‑Driven Operation: One interrupt request signal (INTA) for efficient CPU utilization.
- GPIB Control Timer: Built‑in precision timer for accurate control and synchronization of GPIB transactions.
- Bus Monitoring: Supports monitoring of key GPIB control lines (IFC, SRQ, ATN) with latch functionality.
- Compact PCI Form Factor: Short‑size PCI board suitable for standard PC/AT compatible systems.
- Software Support: Compatible with CONTEC’s API‑PAC(W32) and ACX‑PAC(W32) driver libraries for Windows; LabVIEW and MATLAB drivers available.
- Ease of Integration: Plug‑and‑play installation with automatic IRQ and I/O address assignment.
- High Noise Immunity: Designed for stable operation in industrial and laboratory environments.
- Long‑Term Supply: FPGA‑based design ensures continued availability without dependence on obsolete controller ICs.

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### 3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|------------------|
| Interface Standard | IEEE‑488.1 / IEEE‑488.2 (GPIB) |
| Number of Channels | 1 channel |
| Data Transfer Speed | 120 Kbytes/sec (maximum) |
| Data Format | 8 parallel data lines, 3 handshake lines |
| Signal Logic | Negative logic (Low ≤ 0.8 V, High ≥ 2.0 V) |
| Controller Chip | CONTEC original FPGA (µPD7210C compatible) |
| Interrupts | 1 interrupt request signal (INTA) |
| I/O Address | Any 32‑byte boundary (automatically assigned) |
| Cable Length Between Devices | ≤ 4 m |
| Total Cable Length | ≤ 20 m |
| Maximum Number of Devices | 15 (including controller) |
| Power Consumption | +5 VDC ± 5 %, 300 mA (max.) |
| Bus Interface | PCI, 32‑bit, 33 MHz, 5 V signaling |
| Board Dimensions | 120.0 (L) × 107.0 (H) 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. 110 g |
| Mounting Orientation | Standard PCI slot (occupies one slot) |

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### 4. Functionality

The GP‑IB(PCI)L serves as a communication interface between a host PC and external GPIB‑compliant instruments such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, signal generators, and power supplies. It enables the PC to act as a GPIB controller, managing data transfer, command execution, and device synchronization.

Operation Principle:
- The board communicates via an 8‑bit parallel data bus with three handshake lines (DAV, NRFD, NDAC) and five management lines (ATN, IFC, REN, SRQ, EOI).
- The FPGA controller interprets IEEE‑488.2 protocol commands, handles bus arbitration, and manages data flow between the PC memory and external devices.
- The card supports both talker and listener modes, allowing bidirectional communication.
- Interrupt‑driven operation minimizes CPU load during data exchange.

Typical Applications:
- Automated test equipment (ATE) systems.
- Laboratory data acquisition and instrument control.
- Production line monitoring and calibration systems.
- Integration with measurement software such as LabVIEW or MATLAB.
- Replacement for legacy ISA‑bus GPIB interfaces in modern PCI‑based PCs.

Compatibility:
- Compatible with IBM PC/AT and compatible computers equipped with PCI slots.
- Supports Windows operating systems (XP, 7, 8, 10, 11) via CONTEC drivers.
- Works with standard GPIB cables and connectors (IEEE‑488 type).

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- GP‑IB(PCI)L interface card.
- Driver software package (ACX‑PAC(W32)BP / API‑PAC(W32)AP).
- User manual and installation guide.

Optional Accessories:
- CN‑GP – GPIB connector adapter (right‑angle adapter for tight spaces).
- PCN‑02 – 2 m double‑shielded GPIB cable.
- PCN‑04 – 4 m double‑shielded GPIB cable.
- Support‑PAC(PC)202 Ver. 2.40 or higher – Extended software support package.
- LabVIEW / MATLAB drivers – For integration with third‑party software environments.

Connector Details:
- 24‑pin ribbon connector (AMP 555139‑1 or equivalent).
- Mates with standard IEEE‑488 cables via CN‑GP adapter.
- Supports daisy‑chain connection of up to 15 devices.

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### 6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- IBM PC/AT or compatible computer with an available PCI slot (32‑bit, 33 MHz).
- Operating system: Windows XP/2000/7/8/10/11 (32‑bit or 64‑bit).
- Minimum 5 VDC @ 300 mA power available from PCI bus.

Installation Procedure:
1. Power off the PC and insert the GP‑IB(PCI)L card into an available PCI slot.
2. Secure the bracket and reconnect power.
3. Windows automatically detects the new hardware (Plug & Play).
4. Install the CONTEC driver package (ACX‑PAC(W32) or API‑PAC(W32)).
5. Connect the CN‑GP adapter and GPIB cable (PCN‑02 or PCN‑04) to the board.
6. Configure device addresses and communication parameters using the provided utility.
7. Verify operation using the diagnostic tool included with the driver package.

Mounting Options:
- Standard PCI bracket for desktop PCs.
- Compatible with industrial PCs and rackmount systems.

Configuration:
- Automatic resource allocation (I/O address and IRQ) via PCI BIOS.
- No manual jumper or DIP switch settings required.
- Supports shared IRQ operation with other PCI devices.

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

- Data Throughput: Up to 120 Kbytes/sec sustained transfer rate.
- Bus Control: Full controller‑in‑charge (CIC) capability for managing multiple GPIB devices.
- Timing Accuracy: Integrated GPIB control timer for precise synchronization.
- Signal Integrity: Negative logic signaling with TTL thresholds ensures reliable communication over standard GPIB cables.
- Device Connectivity: Supports up to 15 devices on a single bus, with a maximum total cable length of 20 m.
- Noise Immunity: Double‑shielded cable support and robust grounding minimize EMI effects.
- Reliability: FPGA‑based controller eliminates dependency on discontinued ICs, ensuring long‑term product availability.
- Limitations:
- Does not include bus master DMA or FIFO memory (unlike GP‑IB(PCI)F).
- Maximum transfer rate limited to 120 Kbytes/sec.
- Designed for standard laboratory and industrial environments (not for extreme temperature or vibration).

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

- IEEE Standards: IEEE‑488.1 and IEEE‑488.2 compliant.
- Electrical Interface: TTL‑compatible negative logic signaling.
- Bus Interface: PCI Local Bus Specification 2.1 compliant.
- Safety & EMC: Designed to meet CE and FCC Class A requirements (industrial environment).
- RoHS Compliance: Manufactured using lead‑free processes and RoHS‑compliant components.
- Quality Assurance: Produced under ISO 9001‑certified quality management system.
- Environmental Standards: Operating temperature 0 – 50 °C, humidity 20 – 90 % RH (non‑condensing).

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### 9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Standard 1‑year manufacturer’s warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
- Extended warranty and maintenance contracts available upon request.

Technical Support:
- Comprehensive online resources, including driver downloads, FAQs, and application notes.
- Email and phone support provided by CONTEC technical service centers worldwide.

Maintenance:
- No periodic calibration required.
- Keep connectors clean and free from dust.
- Use only CONTEC‑approved cables and adapters to maintain signal integrity.

Software Updates:
- Driver and API libraries updated regularly on CONTEC’s website.
- Backward compatibility maintained with previous driver versions.

Related Products:
- GP‑IB(PCI) – High‑speed 1.2 Mbyte/sec model with 1 MB FIFO and bus analyzer.
- GP‑IB(PCI)F / FL – High‑performance 1.5 Mbyte/sec bus‑master models.
- GP‑IB(LPCI)F / FL – Low‑profile PCI versions for compact PCs.
- GP‑IB(CB)F / FL – CardBus (PC Card) versions for laptops.
- GP‑IB(CPCI)F – CompactPCI version for industrial systems.
- RP‑GPIB(FIT)GY – GPIB‑to‑Ethernet media converter for remote control applications.

Software Compatibility:
- API‑PAC(W32): Windows API function library for developing custom applications in C/C++, Visual Basic, or .NET.
- ACX‑PAC(W32): Configuration and diagnostic utility suite.
- LabVIEW Driver: VI library for National Instruments LabVIEW environment.
- MATLAB Driver: API‑GPLV(W32) for integration with MATLAB.
- Linux Support: API‑TOOL driver package for Linux (module‑style device driver and shared library).

Support Utilities:
- Diagnostic program for verifying hardware operation (interrupts, I/O access).
- Bus line monitor for checking IFC, ATN, SRQ, and data line status.
- Sample programs demonstrating GPIB communication routines.

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### Summary

The CONTEC GP‑IB(PCI)L is a robust, cost‑effective PCI‑bus GPIB interface card designed for reliable communication with IEEE‑488‑compliant instruments. It provides all essential GPIB control functions, supports up to 15 devices, and offers a maximum transfer rate of 120 Kbytes/sec. Its FPGA‑based controller ensures long‑term availability and stable operation, while plug‑and‑play PCI installation simplifies integration into modern PCs. With comprehensive driver support for Windows, LabVIEW, and MATLAB, the GP‑IB(PCI)L is ideally suited for laboratory automation, production testing, and industrial measurement systems requiring dependable GPIB connectivity.