Comprehensive Product Summary – CONTEC GP‑IB(CB)FL CardBus GPIB Interface Card (IEEE‑488.2)

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: GP‑IB(CB)FL
Model Number: GP‑IB(CB)FL
Series: High‑Performance F Series (GPIB F Series)
Article Number: GP‑IB(CB)FL
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Product Type: CardBus IEEE‑488 (GPIB) Interface Card compliant with IEEE‑488.1 and IEEE‑488.2 standards
Bus Type: PC Card Standard CardBus (Type II, 32‑bit)
Category: Communication Interface / GPIB Bus Master Card
Intended Use: High‑speed data communication and control between PCs and IEEE‑488‑compliant instruments such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, analyzers, and other laboratory or industrial measurement devices.

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### 2. Key Features

- IEEE‑488.1 / IEEE‑488.2 Compliance: Fully conforms to the international GPIB communication standards, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of test and measurement instruments.
- High‑Speed Data Transfer: Achieves a maximum transfer rate of 1.5 Mbyte/sec, enabling rapid data acquisition and control in demanding test environments.
- Bus Master Transfer: Supports bus master DMA operation, allowing large data blocks to be transferred directly between the PC and the card without CPU overhead, improving system efficiency.
- Dual 2 Kbyte FIFO Buffers: Independent 2 Kbyte transmit and receive FIFO memory buffers provide smooth, high‑speed data throughput for both small and large data sets.
- Compact CardBus Form Factor: Designed as a PC Card Type II device for notebook or embedded systems requiring portable GPIB connectivity.
- High Reliability: Employs a CONTEC‑developed high‑speed GPIB controller (µPD7210‑compatible FPGA) ensuring long‑term product availability and stable operation.
- Precision Timing: Integrated high‑precision application timer for accurate time monitoring and synchronization under Windows environments.
- Diagnostic Utility: Supplied with a hardware diagnostic program for verifying interrupts, I/O access, and basic communication with external devices.
- Software Support: Includes API‑PAC(W32) driver library for Windows and API‑GPLV(W32) for LabVIEW integration. Compatible with Visual C++, Visual Basic, Delphi, C++ Builder, and .NET languages.
- Optional Accessories: GPIB cables (PCN‑T02 2 m / PCN‑T04 4 m) and connector adapter (CN‑GP/C) for flexible installation.
- Lightweight and Portable: Approximate weight 40 g (250 g including cable), ideal for mobile measurement systems.

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### 3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|------------------|
| Interface Standard | IEEE‑488.1 / IEEE‑488.2 (GPIB) |
| Number of Channels | 1 channel |
| Transfer Rate | 1.5 Mbyte/sec (maximum) |
| Data Format | 8‑bit parallel, 3‑wire handshake |
| Signal Logic | Negative logic; Low ≤ 0.8 V, High ≥ 2.0 V |
| FIFO Memory | 2 Kbyte transmit + 2 Kbyte receive |
| Bus Master DMA | Supported, 32‑bit transfer width, 80 Mbyte/sec (max.) |
| Scatter/Gather Function | 64 Mbyte per channel |
| Interrupts | 1 level (INTA) |
| I/O Address Range | Any 128‑byte boundary |
| Cable Length Between Devices | ≤ 4 m |
| Total Cable Length | ≤ 20 m |
| Maximum Connected Devices | 15 devices |
| Power Supply | +5 V DC (from CardBus) |
| Power Consumption | 400 mA (max.) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 – 50 °C |
| Operating Humidity | 10 – 90 % RH (non‑condensing) |
| Bus Type | PC Card Standard CardBus (Type II, 32‑bit) |
| Dimensions | 85.6 (L) × 58.4 (W) × 17.0 (H) mm (approx.) |
| Weight | 40 g (card only), 250 g including cable |
| Cable Length (Included) | 2.0 m (CB‑GPIB cable) |
| Connector Type | 24‑pin Ribbon Connector RC40‑24RR [HIROSE] or equivalent |
| Analyzer Buffer (F model only) | 64 K data points (control + DIO1–8) – not included in FL model |
| Compliance | IEEE‑488.1 / 488.2, PC Card Standard CardBus Type II |
| Cooling | Passive / natural air cooling |
| Enclosure Material | Aluminum alloy / ABS composite housing |

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### 4. Functionality

Operating Principle:
The GP‑IB(CB)FL functions as a GPIB controller interface between a host computer and IEEE‑488‑compliant instruments. It transmits and receives 8‑bit parallel data using a 3‑wire handshake protocol (DAV, NRFD, NDAC). The card’s internal FIFO buffers and bus master DMA engine handle data flow autonomously, minimizing CPU load and ensuring deterministic timing.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Automated test equipment (ATE) and measurement systems.
- Data acquisition from oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and digital multimeters.
- Instrument control in laboratory automation and production testing.
- Portable or field‑based measurement setups using notebook PCs.
- Integration into embedded control systems requiring IEEE‑488 communication.

Compatibility:
- Compatible with all IEEE‑488.1/488.2 instruments.
- Works with Windows XP, Server 2003, 2000, Me, 98 (SE) via API‑PAC(W32).
- Supports LabVIEW through API‑GPLV(W32) driver.
- Usable with Visual C++, Visual Basic, Delphi, C++ Builder, and .NET languages.

Communication Modes:
- Controller‑in‑Charge (CIC) or Talker/Listener modes.
- Supports serial poll, parallel poll, and SPAS event handling (in F model).
- FIFO‑based asynchronous data transfer for high‑speed throughput.

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- GP‑IB(CB)FL CardBus GPIB Interface Card × 1
- Connection Cable (CB‑GPIB, 2 m) × 1
- PC Card Attachment Bracket (CARD‑AT1) × 1 set
- CD‑ROM (API‑PAC(W32) Driver Library and User’s Guide) × 1
- Quick Start Guide × 1

Optional Accessories:
- GPIB Cables: PCN‑T02 (2 m), PCN‑T04 (4 m) – double‑shielded, high‑reliability IEEE‑488 cables.
- GPIB Connector Adapter: CN‑GP/C – angled adapter for tight installation spaces or high‑noise environments.
- Replacement Cable: CB‑GPIB (2 m) for field service use.

Connectors:
- 24‑pin Ribbon Connector (RC40‑24RR [HIROSE] or equivalent).
- Standard IEEE‑488 24‑pin plug on cable end for instrument connection.

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### 6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- PC or notebook with PC Card Standard CardBus (Type II) slot.
- Windows operating system (98 SE through XP / Server 2003).
- Available +5 V DC power from CardBus interface.

Installation Procedure:
1. Power off the PC and insert the GP‑IB(CB)FL into the CardBus slot.
2. Connect the supplied CB‑GPIB cable to the card’s 24‑pin connector.
3. Attach the GPIB cable (PCN‑T02 or PCN‑T04) to the instrument network.
4. Power on the PC and install the API‑PAC(W32) driver from the CD‑ROM or download the latest version from CONTEC’s website.
5. Verify device recognition in Windows Device Manager and run the diagnostic utility to confirm operation.

Configuration:
- I/O address and interrupt level (INTA) are automatically assigned by the CardBus Plug & Play system.
- No manual switch or jumper settings required.
- Supports multiple board installations (up to four simultaneous cards).

Mounting Options:
- Direct insertion into CardBus slot (Type II).
- Optional CARD‑AT1 attachment for mechanical stability in portable systems.

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

- Maximum Transfer Speed: 1.5 Mbyte/sec (typical sustained rate 1.2 Mbyte/sec).
- Bus Master Throughput: Up to 80 Mbyte/sec internal DMA transfer rate.
- FIFO Buffering: 2 Kbyte each for transmit and receive channels.
- Latency: Low CPU latency due to autonomous DMA engine.
- Timing Accuracy: High‑precision timer for microsecond‑level event measurement.
- Reliability: Designed for continuous operation in industrial and laboratory environments.
- Limitations: Analyzer function not available on FL model (use GP‑IB(CB)F for bus analysis requirements).

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

- IEEE‑488.1 / IEEE‑488.2: Electrical and protocol compliance for GPIB communication.
- PC Card Standard CardBus (Type II): 32‑bit bus architecture compliant with PCMCIA 2.1 and JEIDA 4.2.
- Electrical Safety: Operates within +5 V DC ± 5 % limits.
- EMC and Noise Resistance: Double‑shielded cables recommended for high‑noise environments.
- RoHS / Pb‑Free Compliance: Designated as Pb‑free product in CONTEC catalog (Pbfree mark).
- Operating System Support: Windows XP, Server 2003, 2000, Me, 98 (SE).
- Software Certification: API‑PAC(W32) and API‑GPLV(W32) verified for LabVIEW compatibility.

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### 9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Standard manufacturer’s warranty (typically one year from purchase date).
- Covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.

Technical Support:
- Online resources and driver downloads available at [www.contec.com](https://www.contec.com).
- Email and phone support for installation and application development.
- Diagnostic utilities included for hardware verification.

Maintenance:
- No periodic maintenance required.
- Keep connectors clean and avoid excessive mechanical stress on cables.
- Firmware updates provided through driver package revisions.

Software Updates:
- Latest API‑PAC(W32) and API‑GPLV(W32) versions available for download.
- Backward compatible with previous CONTEC GPIB hardware.

Ordering Information:
| Model | Description | Included Items |
|------------|----------------|--------------------|
| GP‑IB(CB)FL | CardBus GPIB Interface Card (IEEE‑488.2) – Low‑cost F Series | Card, 2 m Cable, Driver CD, Guide |
| PCN‑T02 | GPIB Cable (2 m, Double Shielded) | Optional |
| PCN‑T04 | GPIB Cable (4 m, Double Shielded) | Optional |
| CN‑GP/C | GPIB Connector Adapter (angled type) | Optional |

Related Models:
- GP‑IB(CB)F: Same form factor with bus analyzer function.
- GP‑IB(PCI)F / FL: PCI bus versions with identical performance.
- GP‑IB(LPCI)F / FL: Low‑profile PCI variants.
- GP‑IB(CPCI)F: CompactPCI version for industrial racks.

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### Summary

The CONTEC GP‑IB(CB)FL is a high‑performance CardBus GPIB interface card designed for portable and embedded measurement systems requiring IEEE‑488.2 communication. It delivers 1.5 Mbyte/sec transfer speed through bus master DMA, features dual 2 Kbyte FIFO buffers, and provides robust Windows and LabVIEW driver support. Its compact Type II CardBus design, low power consumption (5 V 400 mA), and broad compatibility make it ideal for engineers and researchers who need reliable, high‑speed instrument control in mobile or space‑constrained environments.

With CONTEC’s proven FPGA‑based GPIB controller, long‑term availability, and comprehensive software ecosystem, the GP‑IB(CB)FL represents a stable, industrial‑grade solution for modern test and measurement automation.